Guns...

Ok, here is the deal: My dad had a bunch of extra ammunition that needed shooting. So we both took the afternoon off of work yesterday and went to a local shooting range. It's the first time he's been shooting in about 10 years. We were there for an hour and a half or so, and managed to shoot off 1000 rounds or so between his Winchester pump .22, and his Ruger 10/.22, as well as another 20 rounds or so through his 7.62 Deer Rifle. I capped off the day by shelling out to shoot the ranges .50 Cal Barrett M82 a couple of times. That was an experience.

Anyway, the point it that I forgot how much fun shooting can be, even though it's only been since the Fall that I last went. Which brings me to my latest goal for this year: I want to buy my own gun. Every time I go, I'm either borrowing from my Dad, or from my roommates. While they don't mind, I think I want to have my own.

So, now the analysis begins. What do I want? Well, most of the time, I'm just going to be plinking in the mountains or at a range, so I want something that doesn't cost too much for ammo and isn't real heavy. The answer: .22 Cal! Ya, it's not big, but that's not what I'm going for... I need economy.

The next question that I haven't answered yet is whether I want a rifle, or a pistol. Both have trade offs. A rifle would be more accurate, and I love my dad's Ruger 10/.22. Reliable, and accessories are cheap. However, I would have to buy a strong box or lockable case to put it in while I'm living away from home, and wouldn't be able to pack it when I get a concealed carry permit. A pistol on the other hand, I could keep in the safe that I already have, and I could carry it with my permit. However, I'd have no accuracy at distance.

I'm leaning towards a pistol, as it is the one type of gun the my dad doesn't have. I can still borrow his rifles and shotgun if I ever want them, and I'll still have access to my pistol and its benefits...

So, now what kind of pistol? I could a normal semi-auto design like a P22 or such, or I could get a revolver. I was at Sportsman's Warehouse today, and they had a Taurus .22LR revolver that I really liked. It's available with a 4", or 6" barrel. Both versions are all Stainless Steel and hold ten rounds. Both are also double action, so I could still put out all ten shots in a short amount of time, just like a P22. Combine all that with the fact that revolvers are just so easy to maintain, and I'm really tempted.

There are benefits to a P22 though. You can get extra mags, which lowers the amount of time that you have to spend in between bursts... though I might be able to get extra drums for the revolver too... I'd have to check on that. The P22 is also a bit more compact and easier to conceal should I desire to. I can also get extended mags for the pistol that hold more than ten rounds, where that will never be an option with the revolver.

So, now you have my case. Looks like I've talked myself into a .22 pistol. I just need to decide if it will be a P22 or a revolver. Of course, there is cost to consider. Any of the options that I've just discussed will end up running me between $300 and $400. While I did just make that much working this week, I still have to pay for tuition this fall. We'll just have to see how this summer (and my Birthday...) work out.