I'd suggest he should do some thinking about WHY and for WHAT purpose he wants a gun(s).
CCW (defense), high-power rifle competition, and big game hunting are a few examples of different uses that require significantly different guns.
Some guns are pretty purpose specific. Others have more general utility. But all are a study in tradeoffs.
I understand he's currently excited (he should be!). If I were his friend, I'd try to direct that excitement towards some reading and research for now.
Mel Tappan's book, "Survival Guns" is a good read IF you can find a copy. It's a bit dated, but the principles are still good.
Information on the web is hit or miss depending on the source.
Suggested process:
1. Determine why/purpose/mission/use.
2. Select a cartridge to do the job.
3. Specify a launch platform for the cartridge in terms of action, weight, capacity, and physical dimensions.
4. Only then select the actual gun based on these specifications and cost.
All of the above will require that he acquire some knowledge and/or have a knowledgeable friend that can help guide him through the process. It will also help immunize him a bit to the marketing hype.
Enjoy. It's fun to have a friend who's newly turned on to the gun thing.
CCW (defense), high-power rifle competition, and big game hunting are a few examples of different uses that require significantly different guns.
Some guns are pretty purpose specific. Others have more general utility. But all are a study in tradeoffs.
I understand he's currently excited (he should be!). If I were his friend, I'd try to direct that excitement towards some reading and research for now.
Mel Tappan's book, "Survival Guns" is a good read IF you can find a copy. It's a bit dated, but the principles are still good.
Information on the web is hit or miss depending on the source.
Suggested process:
1. Determine why/purpose/mission/use.
2. Select a cartridge to do the job.
3. Specify a launch platform for the cartridge in terms of action, weight, capacity, and physical dimensions.
4. Only then select the actual gun based on these specifications and cost.
All of the above will require that he acquire some knowledge and/or have a knowledgeable friend that can help guide him through the process. It will also help immunize him a bit to the marketing hype.
Enjoy. It's fun to have a friend who's newly turned on to the gun thing.
