My wife and my anniversary is coming up next month. My wife asked what I wanted of course I looked at her like she was asking the dumbest question in the world. Without me saying anything she said "what gun do you want?" She set a price max of 400. ( because the purse she wants is 375) whatever gun I choose will be shot. So my dilemma is what gun I want. I have a 25-06, a .243, a 20 gauge 1100, a heavy barrel kimber .22lr (not something I consider a plinker) and my daughters .22 cricket, and a .38 Taurus ultra-lite.

I can't decide whether I want a rifle or pistol. I don't need another shotgun it wouldn't ever get used. My first thought was a .22 lever action, then .17 hmr lever, then 30-30 lever. Then I started thinking about seeing if I could locate a compact 1911 in .45 and add a little of my cash to her 400.

Any help? I can't decide what to get.

You could have got a RIA 45 for a little over 400 last week. not sure what they are going for today.

You might get a model 60 and a P22 for around that if you want some plinking guns.

I know where I can get a stainless model 60 for 200$.
I had a p22 a few years ago, after my dad had it for awhile he said it started acting up. I sold an ATI Titan compact .45 about 8 months ago I wish I hadn't. I can't decide whether I want a plinker or not.

17hmr is my favorite plinker and gets more use than any gun we own, we have 2 working on #3

The only draw back to the 17 is if you are going to plink much it could get quite a bit more costly than a .22

Problem is my wife is going to buy the gun(s) when she has the money.

I don't have the p22 anymore

What, no .30 caliber in your arsenal? I'd look at the Ruger American in .308 personally. Right in the price range. Never shot one, but I've heard good things about them.

22 lever action will probably set you back more than a 30-30 lever action. You could find a good 30-30 around that price range

I think the 17HMR is a good choice. yes ammo is a little more but you already have a .22.

I have a walther p22 I'm interested in selling/trading. I know your probably looking for something new at this point. But in case it peaks your interest

Everyone needs a full size 1911. Keep it basic, add a little cash, and you're set. Haven't checked to see if the prices are caught up in the recent nonsense. Hopefully not.

check out the puma lever action. 44mag or 454 casull. fun to shoot and will do some damage.

Yeah I am considering a 30-30. Not much interest in a .308. I am considering a .17 and yes I have a 22 but somehow I don't feel comfortable taking that one out to shoot beer cans only use it to hunt with.

Price on your p22? Trade interests?

I like the .17 or a 22 mag.
Taurus 45's are not far from the $400.oo dollar mark.

Depends, what do you enjoy doing? Thinking about a CHL? Then a 1911, a compact Glock or similar wouldn't be a bad idea. May be even an S&W (Taurus?) snub nose revolver. Get a .357 and you can shoot 38's, 38+P's and 357's.

What a deer/hog gun? You can't go wrong with a 30-30. You can get a new Marlin 336 for under $400 (use to be, up until this week anyway).

The new Ruger American rifle can be had for under $400, comes in a variety of calibers and will shoot under MOA (groups under 1" at 100 yds). Then you can add $$ for some optics.

Just a few ideas.

I would say 22/250 in Remington model 700. It's one of my favorite guns I have.

If it was me i would get 17hmr or .40 s&w sd40

Unless you carry her to a gun show with some decent deals on used
weapons, I cannot think of anything that is available in that price range..why not add a couple hundred of yours and you can get a Rem SPS, or Savage in any caliber you'd like and they all pretty much shoot well..Don

17hmr- Savage with the bull barrel

Maybe a S&W MP 22 or the Ruger 22/45 Lite. That's what I'm getting for my b-day, both under $400 and good cheap plinkers.

I would have to ask for a cool lever gun. 30-30s are just cool.

a gun safe?