Totally agree.
Until last week I absolutely wanted an AR as well as a shotgun (the same models you have listed).
That was until last week when I tried a Ruger Mk3 at the range and loved it. Now I’m thinking I might consider purchasing either a Mk3 or an Advantage Armes 22lr conversion for my Glock 35.

The other day I went clay shooting at Elm Fork.

I rented a Berretta auto 12 Ga with 2 boxes of ammo for $56. I went to a practice stand where I would push a button and a clay would fly in front of my (no angles). It was my first time, but I had no difficulties in hitting the target almost every time.

Actually It was a little boring.
I’ll do it again, but will ask for an over and under.
Also which variety of clay shooting would you advice (they have so many different variety and I’m getting confused).


At this point, between clay, pistol and rifle shooting, I prefer by far long range rifle shooting.
I shot this target last week with my 308 reloads. It’s a 3.2” group at 500 yards. This is a typical grouping I get with my reloads. There is a lot of studying and tweaking involved before getting this kind of accuracy (and I still have a lot to learn). At this point this is definitely what I enjoy most.

Just a quick update…..3 years later!!! LOL

I’m moving up the food chain…So here’s what I bought since…
- First I got the Colt 6920
- Then I got a nice Anschutz 22LR
- After that I put a Shilen Selected match on my Savage
- My last purchase was an Accuracy International AT.

My next purchase will probably be a S&B PMII to put on my AIAT (right now I'm running a SWFA 5-20)

Oh yeh….Got my scuba diving certificate…..but still don’t have the CHL….I always have a gun in the car (so 90% of the situations are already covered)

Get the damn CHL!!!!!

I've made up my mind. I'm getting the CHL ASAP!

Chl.. And USPSA, if you really want to be good with your firearms. I am an A class limited shooter, and I can tell you that shooting USPSA really opens your eyes to what can be done with a pistol. Also, if you do decide to get serious in USPSA, IDPA, or 3-gun, there will be certain pieces of equipment, reloading gear, or firearms that you'll end up wanting to buy.

Get a TEXAS chl, not out of state. If you get a Texas CHL, you can purchase firearms without the background check in Texas. If you have an out of state CHL, a background check is still required. I don't know why someone living in Texas would want an out of state chl.

I would also suggest another trip to Elm Fork for a round of skeet...Skeet is the easiest of the shotgun sports and will help you build proficiency with a shotgun and targets at various angles other than just straight away.

I did go back to Elm Fork a couple of years ago and tried to shoot at various angles. It was much more difficult than shooting straight and I missed a lot (not much fun). I rented a Berretta 682 (what a fine gun!).
For now I’m more focused on long range shooting. If I go back to skeet/clay (don’t even know the difference), I’ll probably need to take some lessons.


And YES, I’ll get my TEXAS CHL ASAP.

Exactly, I walked out of the gun store in 10 minutes with a new pistol on Saturday. Folks that were there way before me were still waiting

Yes you need to buy another gun. A shotgun is needed.

Now that you have settled in: With the way our government leans, and factoring in inflation, some reasonable inventory of ammo and/or reloading supplies is just common sense. Exactly like having a some basic supplies put up for rough weather or other emergencies.

I can't afford to buy a really big supply, but I do try to buy two boxes each time I shoot one box. I love to shoot, so I don't want to be forced to stop because of panic buying - by people who didn't plan ahead. Ammo is readily available today at prices that are lower than what they will be in the future. At least that is what history shows.

No need to go extreme, just decide what you need based on how much you want to shoot.

Exactly!
Since I posted this thread, I’ve really “settled in”, as you say.
I went through the hardship of the post Sandy Hook with very little ammo inventory. I have now at least 2000 rounds (or equivalent of reloading component) per caliber (22lr, 40 SW, 223/556,308). The idea is to have enough supply for my hobby, without paying premium price during panic buying, and without starting to horde ammo that is going to sit on my shelf for the next 10 years and that could go bad.

Easy answer, buy more guns. Buy more ammo.

Shooting trap is the easiest, for me.

As a law-abiding, morally sound, diligent and responsible citizen and protector of myself, my family, and my constitution; I consider it a duty to lawfully carry a defensive side arm as well as have the ability to use it effectively in a time of crisis.

Clearly, my vote would be for a CHL and the proper armament to diligently use the hardware with proficiency and accuracy.

As far as fun with friends and family; I love shooting clays.

X2.
Been saying this for years including the lean times like during Sandy Hook, etc. You KNOW it's gonna happen again, so PREPARE. Slowly, deliberately, rationally and at your own pace for your situation. Then when the lean times come, you have folks on here going "what's the best way to get started handloading when it's so hard to find equipment and components?"

Never ceases to amaze me.

Panic buying is for the uninformed/unprepared. Plan, and you won't have to panic. There's enough sheep out there, don't be one of them.