With that pandemic windfall? You know, that $1400 Biden Bonus? Let TOD offer a suggestion. Something of lasting value. Something that commemorates the greatest generation this country, this planet has ever seen.
Get yourself an M1 carbine. This is the tool your grandparents, or if you were born in the naughties, your great-grandparents used to conquer fascism and socialism. Real fascism. The kind that really killed real people. If you've ever fired an M1 or even just held one, well you know.
Now you could go out an buy a classic, an M1 that actually saw service in WWII, and there is a legit collector community supporting M1-s. But as a collectible you'd not want to fire it, at least not often, and you may have trouble staying within budget. But it could take place of honor on the wall beneath the flag that graced your forefather's casket.
There are also competitions centered around the M1 and consequently there are current manufacturers, including one tracing back to an original WWII supplier, offering competition and honest replica M1-s. Many of these, from Auto Ordnance and Inland, can be had for well under the BB limit leaving funds for enough ammo to get acquainted with your heritage.
Now if you're willing to add some funds of your own, Springfield Armory offers a fine line of M1A rifles including their M1A Loaded .308 though you may find one of their competition rifles more to your taste should budget allow.
The great thing about all these options is you can get a honest-to-God battle-proven military firearm celebrating the greatest generation in a hands-on way. So if you get one, get yourself some range time and when you get home, pour a stiff one, put on Band of Brothers, toast those who served and sacrificed and shed not a tear for how far we've fallen. You're earning this.
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