For all the Trump administration’s talk of saving money and increasing “government efficiency,” the president demanded that huge amounts be appropriated in the Republicans’ recent budget bill to fund his mass-deportation program.
In all, $170 billion was set aside to be spent over the next four years for border and immigration enforcement. This total includes $45 billion to create a sprawling detention system (nearly five times the annual budget for the Bureau of Prisons), $30 billion for ICE operations, $46.6 billion for more border wall construction, and, as if that weren’t enough, a new $10 billion border patrol slush fund.
This level of funding is unprecedented. ICE is now the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the country. And that fact raises a question: What exactly are they going to do with all that money?
I’m a former gun salesman, and while I don’t condone pre-emptive violence, I am happy to advise people about the process of purchasing a firearm and selection of a first firearm for hunting, recreation, or self-defense.
The biggest piece of advice for a beginner on a budget is to get something affordable but reliable over something overly fancy and expensive. Put the savings on the firearm into ammo for training. A $400 Canik plus a few thousand rounds of training ammo is more effective at making you a good shooter than a $1500 pistol and a single box of ammo.
I have a $7000 custom precision rifle with a $3500 optic on top. With my years of experience, I can shoot about 1% better than with a $700 rifle/scope combo.
I’m glad you posted this. You are 100% correct. Cheaper, but still quality firearm and a ton of ammo is the best route.
For what its worth, if anyone has any questions about firearms or how to get started, feel free to ask. I was in the Marines for 9 years and one of my jobs was as a rifle and pistol coach. I dont know everything, but I know somthings and I am still an avid shooter and gun owner.