You Snooze, You Lose - Stock up on magazines

[ZenDog]

I got this in an email this morning -- Something to think about regarding obtaining weapons, especially for those who are just beginning acquiring their weapons. Seems to make some sense, given the current political climate.

And, honestly, I like anything that offers a good reason for me to go out and buy more weapons.

------------------------------

"You Snooze, You Lose ...Remember the $150 Glock magazines I spoke of? Stock up on magazines...." by Gabe Suarez

These last few weeks I have been inundated with emails and calls about what people should buy. The concern, and it is not an unwarranted concern, is that if they don't equip themselves now, they may never be able to buy the weapons they want. Looking at the political upheaval taking place, I can't disagree with them.

I remember the buying frenzy in California in 1989. I bought the last Springfield M1A in stock at the now defunct B&B Gun Sales for a whopping $599. That was all I could afford but I knew that I either bought it then or I was not going to get another chance. As it happened, I was right.

I also recall high capacity Glock 17 magazines selling for $150 as recently as four years ago prior to the sunset of the Assault Weapons Ban under GW Bush. If I was to give any advice at all it would be this. Buy whatever you think you will want now. If you need to sell your plasma screen TV, or your cool Rolex watch, or even go to the limit on your credit card to do it, then I would say that you do it. You may be able to get another plasma and another watch, and you will pay off your debts, but whether you will be able to find another AR-15 or another Glock pistol is not certain. So buy it now; even at today's rapidly inflating prices. If you snooze, well...you know the rest.

So the next question is what should you buy?

I will list this in levels, as not everyone can go out and drop a couple of house payments on guns and ammo. Besides, some readers may already have some of these levels already taken care of.

Level 1: Everyone needs a pistol. And by pistol I mean a full-size, semi-automatic fighting handgun. Revolvers may be cool for some readers, but you can buy them anywhere - even in Mexico. You may not be able to say the same about a Glock four years from now. The handgun is what most readers will be familiar with. Additionally, the handgun is important because of its utility and concealability. It can be carried and worn every waking moment and can go everywhere you go.

I would look at something like a Glock, SIG, or Springfield XD. Even the S&W M&P pistol. Buy something modern and as good as you can afford. Used service pistols will also be just fine. And having three 9mm Glocks is better than having one super-cool competition pistol in a super-cool caliber. Moreover, I would make sure you have several magazines for it. I would say five magazines are an absolute minimum, and more is better. In the event of anti-magazine legislation in the future, magazines may be worth more than gold. Remember the $150 Glock magazines I spoke of? Stock up on magazines.

The caliber should be something in common use like 9mm, 40 S&W, or 45.ACP. Avoid special calibers that would be difficult to find. For example, the 357 Sig may be a wonderful round with fantastic ballistics, but I will bet you won't find as many pistols or boxes of ammo for that as you will 9mm. Remember, if you can't find it easily, everywhere, choose a different caliber.

Ammo quantity? Be sure you have at least 1000 rounds of good self-defense ammo for your pistols. Don't scrimp here. Look at any self-defense ammo from Winchester, Remington, Corbon, etc. Training ammo is next, but make sure you have the best stuff to load in your pistol for defensive uses. Training ammo depends on how much you want to train. As an absolute minimum, I like to keep ammo available for a monthly training session of 200 rounds. And I can do with less if needed. One year's worth of training ammo would be would be 2400 rounds. Four years worth would be approximately 10,000 rounds. Yes you can do with less, but ammo, like magazines, will never be cheaper than it is today.

Level 2: Next to a pistol, I believe every American should have a rifle. What rifle you pick will be determined by where you live, what you can afford, and what type of freedom you enjoy. Again, just like the pistol, I think it will be a long time before the "sportsman's" Remington 700 deer gun will be in short supply. The same goes for the "Lever Gun". I would look at what may be in short supply now.

By "rifle" I am not referring to a sporting firearm, I am referring to a self-defense fighting weapon. Some might want to call it an assault rifle, and that is not a bad name. I would pick a fighting rifle first. I would look at an AR-15, FAL, M1A or an AK-47 first. These will be much more costly than the pistol, but remember ... this may be your last chance. Any of these are good, and as usual, price may be a good indication of quality.

Again, don't say, "I will get one someday". "Today" is someday.

There are other choices of course. The old M1 Carbine is experiencing a rebirth and it is a fine weapon that is often overlooked due to its historical appearance. Similarly, the always affordable Simonov SKS carbine is also a great choice. And folks who live in areas where any of these would not be allowed can get a Ruger Mini-14. Even the non-martialized Saiga rifles will work fine here, and at a very affordable price. The point is to get something, and get it now.

Along with the rifle, I would buy as many magazines as you can afford. You will want to keep at least five for your personal use, but if you get more you can store them as a speculative investment if nothing else. As an example, AR/M16 magazines and AK-47 magazines are selling now for between $10 and $35.

I would look at the ammo requirements next. The same rule applies. 1000 rounds of good defensive ammo with additional training ammo added on as affordable.

Level 3: Seek training in the use of the weapons you have bought. It may be a while before training is unavailable, but don't think elimination of gun training schools has not been considered.

Follow the same line of thinking and get trained up in pistol first, and then with rifle. Seek to get through basic level training with each weapon first. So it would make more sense to attend basic level schools in pistol and in rifle than to attend basic, intermediate and advanced levels with a pistol and ignore the rifle.

You can attend a great training session for probably less then the cost of the weapon you bought. Most two day sessions go for $400 or less. Additionally, if that is not possible for you, at least do some self-training via the available DVDs on the market, and some well directed and consistent range training on your own.

My intent here is not to frighten anyone, but simply to convince you that putting off equipping yourself may lead to you not being able to equip yourself at all. Remember ... if you snooze, you lose.

****

Gabe Suarez is the CEO of Suarez International, USA

www.suarezinternational.com

www.warriortalk.com

www.onesourcetactical.com

[Guest Revelator]

Some good stuff to take from this, but it has a slight touch of tin foil-hattery to it. I wouldn't go out and put myself in debt to finance a major guns, ammo and magazines purchase. The world did not end in 1994 when the federal weapons ban went in to effect, and it won't if another comes around. It would suck, but life will go on. I don't think it's worth maxing out one's credit card.

I guess it all depends on what you're comfortable with. Over the last year and a half I have slowly, methodically stockpiled a modest firearms and accessories cache that I personally am comfortable with. I'm sure it would pale in comparison to others', but it's just fine for me. Ammo is the main thing I'm worried about--you're always going to need more of that. Looking back, I kind of wish I'd bought a lever rifle instead of a semi-auto Saiga that requires a magazine. I hate buying $40 mags. I have not done any panic buying. I've been patient, looked for good deals, and saved money for future planned purchases.

But it's definitely a good idea to get it while it's there. Just this morning I bought three high-capacity magazines--two for my Beretta and one for the Saiga.

[Guest db99wj]

Since my AR is ordered and paid for, my future purchases is some extra magazines for the XD and the AR and ammo. I have decided, everytime I am at walmart or somewhere else, I will pick up a box of 5.56/.223 and save a little for some more .40. I already have some of that, not personal defense ammo, but practice ammo. (It is more affordable and beats an empty gun and me going "bang, bang")

Might purchase a .22 conversion for the AR at some point.

Edited January 23, 2009 by db99wj

[The Average Joe]

Purpose of this email aside, it just makes good sense.

If you're banking your mad money for a pistol/rifle/ammo.....don't go buy a boat.

Stay the course.

Like the man said, "Some day is today".

I'll add, "and yesterday".

[Punisher84]

I've thought about putting a bit more on the cards myself, but like Patrick I've got a decent cache right now. I will buy more mags and ammo, but that is something that can come out of the regular paycheck money.

[mousegunner]

I would only add that your ammo stash need not be "self-defense" ammo. Good old fmj ammo will serve you just as well in a TEOTWAWKI situation. How much is 1000 rounds of hollow point 40S&W? Let's see, at $25 per box of 20, that comes out to: $1,250.00. I don't think I can afford it. But I can get Blazer Brass at $12.97 per 50, which comes to a bit less than $260.

I agree that GLOCKS and other "hi-cap" pistols may be outlawed some time in the next four years. So if you don't have a GLOCK, get one now. Not bad advice.

Edited January 25, 2009 by mousegunner
spelling

[Guest mikedwood]

I would only add that your ammo stash need not be "self-defense" ammo. Good old fmj ammo will serve you just as well in a TEOTWAWKI situation. How much is 1000 rounds of hollow point 40S&W? Let's see, at $25 per box of 20, that comes out to: $1,250.00. I don't think I can afford it. But I can get Blazer Brass at $12.97 per 50, which comes to a bit less than $260.

I agree that GLOCKS and other "hi-cap" pistols may be outlawed some time in the next four years. So if you don't have a GLOCK, get one now. Not bad advice.

I totally agree.

[towerclimber37]

I would only add that your ammo stash need not be "self-defense" ammo. Good old fmj ammo will serve you just as well in a TEOTWAWKI situation. How much is 1000 rounds of hollow point 40S&W? Let's see, at $25 per box of 20, that comes out to: $1,250.00. I don't think I can afford it. But I can get Blazer Brass at $12.97 per 50, which comes to a bit less than $260.

I agree that GLOCKS and other "hi-cap" pistols may be outlawed some time in the next four years. So if you don't have a GLOCK, get one now. Not bad advice.

Excellent point! FMJ makes a hole just like hollow points...albeit not as BIG a hole..but hey..a wound tunnel is a wound tunnel, I always say!

[Guest GUTTERbOY]

Unless you're shooting 9mm, in which case your target will just get mad.

[Guest bkelm18]

Unless you're shooting 9mm, in which case your target will just get mad.

[dralarms]

Unless you're shooting 9mm, in which case your target will just get mad.

But, if you hit the poor soul 3 or 4 times in the head they will still be just as dead.

[Guest GUTTERbOY]

But, if you hit the poor soul 3 or 4 times in the head they will still be just as dead.

Yeah, but if you carry a 1911, your victim will be knocked back by the sheer mystical power of JMB's design. Even if you find someone who can resist that power, all you have to do is put one .45 round in their arm and they'll expire immediately.

[dralarms]

Yeah, but if you carry a 1911, your victim will be knocked back by the sheer mystical power of JMB's design. Even if you find someone who can resist that power, all you have to do is put one .45 round in their arm and they'll expire immediately.

LOL

[J Smith]

Well I did not sell my TV but I did sell a nice watch dirt cheap to fund buying a Ruger Mark lll today.

Never thought I would see the day I would say this but I think I an set on guns and 80% sure on ammo.

[memphismason]

Yeah, but if you carry a 1911, your victim will be knocked back by the sheer mystical power of JMB's design. Even if you find someone who can resist that power, all you have to do is put one .45 round in their arm and they'll expire immediately.

That was awesome!

[Fallguy]

I would only add that your ammo stash need not be "self-defense" ammo. Good old fmj ammo will serve you just as well in a TEOTWAWKI situation. How much is 1000 rounds of hollow point 40S&W? Let's see, at $25 per box of 20, that comes out to: $1,250.00. I don't think I can afford it. But I can get Blazer Brass at $12.97 per 50, which comes to a bit less than $260.

I agree that GLOCKS and other "hi-cap" pistols may be outlawed some time in the next four years. So if you don't have a GLOCK, get one now. Not bad advice.

Only $470 through Georgia Arms...

http://georgia-arms.com/new40smithandwesson155grgolddothollowpointp1000pk.aspx

I have been trying to get a couple of Super High Capacity (29rd) mags for my Glock 32 for a while. No vendor on here seems to have them, have had a WTB post for a while. Glock Store has them, but was trying to find them a bit cheaper than they have them for.

Also I would like to get me an AK, but with the current political atmoshphere, worried they are going for a bit higher than what they are actually worse. Of couse...probably only going to go up from here...

[Magiccarpetrides]

Unless you're shooting 9mm, in which case your target will just get mad.

Thats why everyone needs a machinegun. At 600-1300rpm's they will be better then mad...if they are not...well...dont shoot a tank with 9mm

[Mike.357]

i guess with ammo i full blown panic buying still, and EBR's and such getting hard to get normal capacity pistol mags are next on the "buy 'em up" list.

I ordered two mags for the XD45 today from Cabelas and yep, you guessed it, backordered. But I did score some JHP ammo for it at a fair price. Well fair considering.

[Guest SUNTZU]

How fair? And I thought two magazines were enough?

[Guest Revelator]

I have recently gotten 500 rounds each of 9mm and 40 s&w hollow points for $200 per order. That's about 40 cents a round. They were Winchester and Speer. These particular ones may not be the top of the line product (I don't expect them to be at that price) but from those manufacturers I'm sure they're good quality.

[Mike.357]

How fair? And I thought two magazines were enough?

about $30 each for 50 round boxes. I am guessing they are not newfangled, high powered, kill you by just seeing them kind of rounds.

But they are .45's so even if one whistles past your ear your head will explode.

Two were enough then, not enough today.

As a side note, if I had bought that gun a week sooner I would be mailing a form to Springfield for two free mags. Bastards ended the deal on those on the 16th.

[Guest Rick O'Shay]

I got this in an email this morning -- Something to think about regarding obtaining weapons, especially for those who are just beginning acquiring their weapons. Seems to make some sense, given the current political climate.

And, honestly, I like anything that offers a good reason for me to go out and buy more weapons.

------------------------------

"You Snooze, You Lose ...Remember the $150 Glock magazines I spoke of? Stock up on magazines...." by Gabe Suarez

These last few weeks I have been inundated with emails and calls about what people should buy. The concern, and it is not an unwarranted concern, is that if they don't equip themselves now, they may never be able to buy the weapons they want. Looking at the political upheaval taking place, I can't disagree with them.

I remember the buying frenzy in California in 1989. I bought the last Springfield M1A in stock at the now defunct B&B Gun Sales for a whopping $599. That was all I could afford but I knew that I either bought it then or I was not going to get another chance. As it happened, I was right.

I also recall high capacity Glock 17 magazines selling for $150 as recently as four years ago prior to the sunset of the Assault Weapons Ban under GW Bush. If I was to give any advice at all it would be this. Buy whatever you think you will want now. If you need to sell your plasma screen TV, or your cool Rolex watch, or even go to the limit on your credit card to do it, then I would say that you do it. You may be able to get another plasma and another watch, and you will pay off your debts, but whether you will be able to find another AR-15 or another Glock pistol is not certain. So buy it now; even at today's rapidly inflating prices. If you snooze, well...you know the rest.

So the next question is what should you buy?

I will list this in levels, as not everyone can go out and drop a couple of house payments on guns and ammo. Besides, some readers may already have some of these levels already taken care of.

Level 1: Everyone needs a pistol. And by pistol I mean a full-size, semi-automatic fighting handgun. Revolvers may be cool for some readers, but you can buy them anywhere - even in Mexico. You may not be able to say the same about a Glock four years from now. The handgun is what most readers will be familiar with. Additionally, the handgun is important because of its utility and concealability. It can be carried and worn every waking moment and can go everywhere you go.

I would look at something like a Glock, SIG, or Springfield XD. Even the S&W M&P pistol. Buy something modern and as good as you can afford. Used service pistols will also be just fine. And having three 9mm Glocks is better than having one super-cool competition pistol in a super-cool caliber. Moreover, I would make sure you have several magazines for it. I would say five magazines are an absolute minimum, and more is better. In the event of anti-magazine legislation in the future, magazines may be worth more than gold. Remember the $150 Glock magazines I spoke of? Stock up on magazines.

The caliber should be something in common use like 9mm, 40 S&W, or 45.ACP. Avoid special calibers that would be difficult to find. For example, the 357 Sig may be a wonderful round with fantastic ballistics, but I will bet you won't find as many pistols or boxes of ammo for that as you will 9mm. Remember, if you can't find it easily, everywhere, choose a different caliber.

Ammo quantity? Be sure you have at least 1000 rounds of good self-defense ammo for your pistols. Don't scrimp here. Look at any self-defense ammo from Winchester, Remington, Corbon, etc. Training ammo is next, but make sure you have the best stuff to load in your pistol for defensive uses. Training ammo depends on how much you want to train. As an absolute minimum, I like to keep ammo available for a monthly training session of 200 rounds. And I can do with less if needed. One year's worth of training ammo would be would be 2400 rounds. Four years worth would be approximately 10,000 rounds. Yes you can do with less, but ammo, like magazines, will never be cheaper than it is today.

Level 2: Next to a pistol, I believe every American should have a rifle. What rifle you pick will be determined by where you live, what you can afford, and what type of freedom you enjoy. Again, just like the pistol, I think it will be a long time before the "sportsman's" Remington 700 deer gun will be in short supply. The same goes for the "Lever Gun". I would look at what may be in short supply now.

By "rifle" I am not referring to a sporting firearm, I am referring to a self-defense fighting weapon. Some might want to call it an assault rifle, and that is not a bad name. I would pick a fighting rifle first. I would look at an AR-15, FAL, M1A or an AK-47 first. These will be much more costly than the pistol, but remember ... this may be your last chance. Any of these are good, and as usual, price may be a good indication of quality.

Again, don't say, "I will get one someday". "Today" is someday.

There are other choices of course. The old M1 Carbine is experiencing a rebirth and it is a fine weapon that is often overlooked due to its historical appearance. Similarly, the always affordable Simonov SKS carbine is also a great choice. And folks who live in areas where any of these would not be allowed can get a Ruger Mini-14. Even the non-martialized Saiga rifles will work fine here, and at a very affordable price. The point is to get something, and get it now.

Along with the rifle, I would buy as many magazines as you can afford. You will want to keep at least five for your personal use, but if you get more you can store them as a speculative investment if nothing else. As an example, AR/M16 magazines and AK-47 magazines are selling now for between $10 and $35.

I would look at the ammo requirements next. The same rule applies. 1000 rounds of good defensive ammo with additional training ammo added on as affordable.

Level 3: Seek training in the use of the weapons you have bought. It may be a while before training is unavailable, but don't think elimination of gun training schools has not been considered.

Follow the same line of thinking and get trained up in pistol first, and then with rifle. Seek to get through basic level training with each weapon first. So it would make more sense to attend basic level schools in pistol and in rifle than to attend basic, intermediate and advanced levels with a pistol and ignore the rifle.

You can attend a great training session for probably less then the cost of the weapon you bought. Most two day sessions go for $400 or less. Additionally, if that is not possible for you, at least do some self-training via the available DVDs on the market, and some well directed and consistent range training on your own.

My intent here is not to frighten anyone, but simply to convince you that putting off equipping yourself may lead to you not being able to equip yourself at all. Remember ... if you snooze, you lose.

****

Gabe Suarez is the CEO of Suarez International, USA

www.suarezinternational.com

www.warriortalk.com

www.onesourcetactical.com

I am a subscriber also...

[Guest Rick O'Shay]

Yeah, but if you carry a 1911, your victim will be knocked back by the sheer mystical power of JMB's design. Even if you find someone who can resist that power, all you have to do is put one .45 round in their arm and they'll expire immediately.

Why the very sight of a brandished 1911 shall scourge the earth of villainy.

At least I feel that way carrying one. I am a believer in Moses' progeny, and carry one daily.