Whether you are shooting for sport or are stocking up just in case, you are probably well aware that guns and ammo aren’t cheap. Not only are they expensive, but so are the ranges you take them to for practice. With a little bit of careful planning, though, you can save money on your guns and ammo. Then you can take your leftover cash and spend it on other hobbies, squirrel it away for future purchases, or upgrade some of your protective gear.
It might seem like a good idea to grab as much ammo as you can, but the truth is, you can save money by only buying what you need. Consider both the cost of ammunition and maintenance. Take note of the different prices you see posted online. If you’re looking for 7.62×38 ammo prices, you will see everything from $0.70/rd for 500 rounds ($349.50) to $1.53/rd for a 50-round box ($76.39). How many rounds do you actually need for a day at the range? You certainly don’t need an entire weekend’s worth. Some of this money could be allocated to targets, food, and fuel for your vehicle.
A gun shop is a great place to get quality guns and ammo, but their prices are firm. At a gun show, pawn shop, or swap meet, you can haggle with sellers, bringing prices down to more affordable costs. It takes years to hone your negotiation skills, but once you have them down, they can save you a lot of money on guns and ammo. Never be afraid to propose your offer, even if it does not work out in the end.
Let’s face it, range memberships can be insanely expensive. High-quality shooting ranges make for great locations to practice your skills, but some folks just can’t afford them. Instead, try to find Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to shoot on. This land is free for individual usage, and you can basically do whatever you want there (within safety guidelines, of course). If that is not an option, hit up a pal who has a lot of farmland or wooded space.
Knowing how and where to look for great deals on ammo is crucial for saving money. Sure, you can haggle with pawn shop owners and sellers at gun shows over ammo prices, but quality can sometimes be questionable. Plus that is not going to make for a steady source of ammo. Check your local brick-and-mortar shops as well as online stores for the best bulk ammo deals. Buying in bulk not only saves money but adds in the convenience factor. You won’t run out as quickly and still have a steady source of ammo to go to when you need to restock.
Gun ownership – and, in particular, shooting for sport – is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. However, you can do yourself a solid and save money by following those few simple tips listed above.
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