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24

Should I do it?!?

submitted by TheRealBuddha to Guns 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:21:31 ago (+25/-1)     (Guns)

I have the chance to buy an M2 Browning (Ma Deuce) with a bunch of belts and some ammo for $15k.

The price is solid, but do I really need an M2?

On one hand, it'd fit nicely in the collection.

On the other hand, it's expensive to feed and remarkably pointless in the real world.

The only reason I'd really buy it is that we have a private machine gun shoot with the benefits going to DAV (and disabled vets shoot free). It's pretty much a charity that costs us money to put on. I literally have no other (realistic) use for it.

Yes, I already own other classed firearms.


70 comments block


[ - ] Tbneer967 16 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:31:29 ago (+16/-0)

Yes you need it for anti aircraft

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 5 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:32:51 ago (+5/-0)

That's a valid point!

[ - ] PotatoWhisperer2 5 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:56:24 ago (+5/-0)

I'd say yes, so long as you aren't in debt, the money isn't a problem, and you've already otherwise prepped the more important things.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:05:15 ago (+3/-0)

Oh, I have all the things... I can go 'off grid' and remain there for a long time. I will eventually run out of staples like flour and sugar, but I don't even rely on mains electricity. For the past four years I've generated more power than I use. There was a tipping point where I'd still need mains power after a while, but I'm pretty good now - assuming the sun still shines and the wind still blows.

Amusingly, I wouldn't call myself a 'prepper'. I just live in a very remote area and like to have things on hand in case I need them.

[ - ] TheNoticing 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:26:56 ago (+2/-1)

Remove sugar unless you're giving it to other people.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:35:21 ago (+3/-0)

Nah... Sugar is fine.

Excessive sugar is not.

I'm probably one of the healthiest people on this site, even at my old age.

[ - ] TheNoticing 0 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 16:27:10 ago (+0/-0)

Sugar is cancer.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 0 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 16:35:20 ago (+0/-0)

Then you're gonna die 'cause a ton of what you eat contains sugar in one form or another.

Also, no... No, it's not. If it was, we'd all be dead from cancer.

[ - ] TheNoticing 0 points 1 weekApr 24, 2024 07:37:50 ago (+0/-0)

Big difference between the sugar created as an additive and the sugar created by the body.

[ - ] PotatoWhisperer2 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 00:18:24 ago (+1/-0)

For the past four years I've generated more power than I use. There was a tipping point where I'd still need mains power after a while, but I'm pretty good now - assuming the sun still shines and the wind still blows.

Nice. I'm building a small 2kw solar system right now. Next month is the inverter and some wiring and I'll have 2 panels up. After that is a PV combiner box and a new PV controller able to handle the 2kw.

Then it's just adding panels and batteries until I run out of garage roof space. Probably keep the batteries inside the house though to keep them from freezing temps.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 10:27:51 ago (+1/-0)

Make sure you properly vent your battery storage room, especially if you're using lead-acid batteries.

If you go with stuff like the Li-Ion Power Wall, that's not as important.

When charging, lead-acid batteries off gas a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen at a ratio that's potentially explosive. They do not off gas while discharging, AFAIK.

I have solar and two wind turbines. The solar covers the SE side of the roof and then there's an array of panels that track the sun's height automatically. They aren't that fancy, they track height only on a single axis. I have rows of batteries in a special room in the basement, which is also where the control panels are. I do have a few li-ion packs that are being tested for viability. I'm likely to invest in battery packs out of wrecked electric vehicles, or even some that have lost some capacity and been replaced. Their energy density is the reason why. They'll also last longer than the lead-acid batteries.

[ - ] PotatoWhisperer2 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 11:28:49 ago (+1/-0)

Using LiFePo4 batteries, which have a huge lifetime, DoD of 0%, but can't charge when under 0c. I keep the basement at 40f(water pipes) and vented for radon gas reasons, so it's a good spot for those batteries.

I'm going with premade batteries as I'd rather spend most of my project time this summer scraping 100 years worth of paint off the house and re-painting it. That and I don't want to mess around with BMSs.

Wind turbines sound cool but would be utterly useless here. We get some really strong wind storms for a couple months of the year, but it dies out and we just get heat/cold the rest of the year.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 13:10:06 ago (+1/-0)

I had all of mine professionally installed, which helps a great deal. They do a yearly (coming up soon) inspection and let me know how things are going. If I notice a fault, I can call them. I even have a combined web portal that displays all the information I'll need.

That might not be what you're after. I didn't DIY this project and don't regret that choice at all.

I like to tell people that I'm not some sort of smelly hippie. I just like modern conveniences. Where I live, power outages are frequent events. It's not unusual to average an outage every month. When there's serious damage, as we had this year - along with massive and deadly weather events - I at least had power.

Mains power wasn't restored for 8 days where I live (during the December storm).

I also have a full-house generator backup system but that never gets used. The diesel (kerosene) is still cycled because I use an oil boiler for heat and hot water.

My 'big' project for this summer is going to be adding a heat pump hot water heater. I've got the energy to spare, so it should work just fine. Even during the major outage, I had no real need to conserve energy. The house (and it's a huge house) remained at full-blast the entire time. The only 'crisis' was that my internet was out, both cellular and satellite. Ol' Mother Nature beat the hell out of my satellite dish because I had triple digit wind speeds throwing things about.

[ - ] PotatoWhisperer2 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 16:11:58 ago (+1/-0)

Mains power wasn't restored for 8 days where I live (during the December storm).


Lol, holy shit! I think we lost power once some years ago for an agonizing 90 minutes. Some old pole went down during a storm and linemen were already pre-positioned for the storm. Great dudes.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 16:33:52 ago (+1/-0)

I live in a very rural area, so we're the last to get restored.

Also, this storm was a 'hundred year storm', with most of Maine being without power and massive (deadly) flooding. We were then nailed with two other major weather events, complete with massive flooding, but those stayed south of me for the most part.

The nearest large town (7500 or so people) was 18' below water on Main Street. It was pretty devastating and some areas will take years to fully recover. Roads and bridges were destroyed. Some folks were swept away in the flood waters. It was pretty impressive.

Most folks here have a generator. I have a couple of those too, but I don't ever need them. My 'whole house' generator runs off the same fuel I use for my boiler. I have a legal 5000 gallon in-ground tank. So, even if things go pear shaped for a while I am okay.

Welcome to the remote areas of Maine! I wouldn't change it for the world. I can, quite literally, live anywhere I want. I have a few bucks and a Ph.D., so any country will accept me as a citizen. I have not just the expanse of the US, I have much of the world that would welcome me. I pick here. I don't regret a damned thing.

Also, some folks were without mains power for a couple of weeks - only to get hammered twice more during a weird weather system. Within 6 weeks we had 3 massive storms with high winds and torrential rain.

[ - ] TheNoticing 0 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 16:27:45 ago (+0/-0)

There's some cool videos on mini hydro systems.

[ - ] drstrangergov 4 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:51:11 ago (+4/-0)

You'll shoot everybody's eye out with that, kid.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:59:20 ago (+1/-0)

Damned right, I will!

I told 'em that I'd let them know by Friday and that they could come see me tomorrow for 10% down just to hold it for me while I make a firm decision.

[ - ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey 4 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:25:05 ago (+4/-0)

I think you’ve answered your own question. If you can buy in that class, then buy everything you can. If money is not the issue, then what is the issue?
You have my blessing.⚡️⚡️

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:35:31 ago (+1/-0)

Yeah, I own an M15 and an M60 - which is confusing. It's not the M60 you're thinking of but is a Chinese designation (in the paperwork) for an AK-47 from the Vietnam war. I've also owned a few grenades but those have all been played with except maybe a couple of stun grenades (flash bangs).

I dunno if I really need an M2 - but I do have an HMMWV with the mount points and turret. I just bought that back in January.

[ - ] bobdole9 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:07:59 ago (+3/-0)

GET IT.

Can always go hog hunting...

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:08:56 ago (+1/-0)

Alas, we don't have wild boars here.

I'd tell you my boar hunting story but you wouldn't believe it.

[ - ] AmazingFlightLizard 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:18:23 ago (+3/-0)

If not wild boars, then just kill pigs.

The infringey kind.

[ - ] bobdole9 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:12:37 ago (+2/-0)

Buy the gun, then make a post about your boar hunt. Con77 and Zyklonbeekeeper are the only regular storytellers here.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:35:49 ago (+1/-0)

LOL I think I shared the story on old Voat, a long time ago.

[ - ] ItsOk2bArian 3 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 02:09:49 ago (+3/-0)

Having a Fed shredder levels the playing field in a worse case scenario

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 10:07:39 ago (+1/-0)

I'm probably not going to buy it but I did just give them a deposit to hold it until Friday.

[ - ] Clubberlang 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:43:50 ago (+3/-0)*

You're American you should own as many guns as you want. It's a God given right that shall not be infringed.

If you have 15k laying around in dumblefucks economy I'd say by all means. It seems to be going toward a good cause.

I'd recommend putting up dumblefucks head as a target.

I'm sure the vets will appreciate the humor.

[ - ] lord_nougat 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:29:50 ago (+3/-0)

Yes.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:33:15 ago (+2/-0)

It is a good price.

[ - ] HeyJames 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:24:57 ago (+3/-0)

If it's in decent condition I'd say go for it. They're not making any more of them and it's a very historically important firearm. The vets will love it as well. I'm sure with some creative accounting this can be a write off since it's charity use.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 3 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:37:14 ago (+3/-0)

It's not an official charity, so I'm not sure I could use that on my accounting. It's not a registered charity or anything like that. It's just a word-of-mouth private affair with maybe 100 people showing up to make some noise. You pay for the ammo you use and that money all gets given to the DAV.

[ - ] HeyJames 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:58:51 ago (+1/-0)

I see. Letting disabled vets have some fun with it who may not be of the means to afford it otherwise is a reward in and of itself.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:01:16 ago (+2/-0)

Absolutely. It costs us money to have the event but it's worth it.

I've fired this M2 before and it's pretty awesome.

[ - ] Clubberlang 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:48:17 ago (+1/-0)

The vets will love it as well.

👍

[ - ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey 0 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:26:46 ago (+1/-1)

Charities don’t need write offs because they aren’t taxed if categorized properly, but yes.

[ - ] HeyJames 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:57:22 ago (+1/-0)

What I meant was the cost could be used as a charity donation or something. I'm not an expert in tax code though I pay someone for that

[ - ] hylo 2 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 05:25:55 ago (+2/-0)

How else are you going to shoot down the police helicopter?

[ - ] Salacious_Salicylic 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 23:24:28 ago (+2/-0)

It will make you happy, and I imagine it will only increase in value as the dollar becomes more worthless. I'd go for it if you can justify it as an investment and not just a toy.

[ - ] StealthNinjaTaliban 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:47:09 ago (+2/-0)

You should probably get a mortar tube instead

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 0 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:58:19 ago (+0/-0)

I do not own a mortar.

I now kind of want one, even if it only shoots dummy rounds.

[ - ] JosephGoebbels 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:38:30 ago (+2/-0)

Ja.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:43:46 ago (+2/-0)

They've asked me before but they sent me a text asking me again and this time said they need the money.

I don't know what they need the money for. They own a successful business that's going to remain successful for as long as they want it to. (They own an HVAC/plumbing company. They have dozens of employees. They're easily clearing 6 figures a year and probably closer to 7.)

Hmm...

I'm going to send them a reply telling them that I'll let them know by Friday. I'll give them 10% down tomorrow if they hold it for me to make up my mind.

[ - ] JosephGoebbels 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:50:34 ago (+1/-0)

Depends on your finances, but when would you have this opportunity again?

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:00:04 ago (+2/-0)

Oh, I can afford it. I'm still kicking myself for not buying a Tommy Gun for $8k back about a decade ago.

[ - ] JosephGoebbels 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:35:58 ago (+1/-0)

I saw a replica for sale without the stock. They said "muh short barreled rifle, 15 years in prizun!"

[ - ] Clubberlang 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:47:29 ago (+1/-0)

Good ol Chicago typewriter

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 0 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:56:52 ago (+0/-0)

My retarded ass didn't buy it when I had the chance to do so.

The seller had owned it since before the pre-ban days and it was in great shape.

[ - ] Sneezy 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 07:15:58 ago (+1/-0)

I miss mine... you should buy it.

[ - ] JoesLegHair 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 06:35:35 ago (+1/-0)

If you can afford it you need it.

[ - ] Thyhorrorcosmic103 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 03:29:48 ago (+1/-0)

Need? HA!

[ - ] 4thTurning 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 03:22:34 ago (+1/-0)

For 15k you could build a datacenter with a LLM that convinces everyone on social media to buy guns and ammo which would drive up prices and then you could sell and make yourself rich

[ - ] NoRefunds 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 02:40:54 ago (+1/-0)

One of my buddies said he had a lot of fun shooting one of those in Fallujah.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 0 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 10:10:50 ago (+0/-0)

They are an absolute riot to shoot.

Go to your nearest machine gun shoot and play with one.

It's almost as much fun as firing an Mk 19.

[ - ] Rowdybme 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 00:14:13 ago (+1/-0)

I know someone selling one much much cheaper.

[ - ] BushChuck 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 22:57:14 ago (+1/-0)

Yes. Why are you even asking this question?

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 22:20:59 ago (+1/-0)

Actually, after thinking about it, I won't bother with picking this up.

It just doesn't serve any purpose.

That sounds rational.

[ - ] BushChuck 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 22:58:52 ago (+2/-0)

Rationality should not factor into this decision.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 10:19:40 ago (+1/-0)

LOL I gave them the deposit this morning.

I'm telling myself that I don't really need it and all the bad things about it.

[ - ] BushChuck 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 11:05:30 ago (+1/-0)

We both know you made the correct decision.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 1 point 1 weekApr 23, 2024 13:02:40 ago (+1/-0)

I tell myself that I'll decide by Friday.

In reality, I picture myself out at the range dumping hundreds of dollars into steel and paper.

I tell myself that I won't buy it. I tell myself that my mind is made up.

On the other hand, it's a great price. I could flip it and make money without doing a damned thing.

Or, I could keep it and have a hell of a lot of fun with it.

[ - ] AlexanderMorose13 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 22:19:59 ago (+1/-0)

Aside from the fact that it's a historical collection piece, lets consider all the factors and make the best and most informed decision here.

M2s are some of the coolest guns out there, but they're prone to a lot of mechanical issues, including jam and feed errors. During wartime, it was sometimes necessary to get three people to operate the gun, because of being required to tear the gun down and fix the issue if the gun jammed.

Since the gun itself is old, you'll probably have to fork out a lot of cash for repairs or required maintenance if the gun jams, and if it jams early when you're having fun with it, it means that you have a heavy brick to move around unless you have an ex-military friend who can tear it down in front of you.

I'm not even going to bring up the rising ammo costs due to the foolish Ukrainian conflict, but setting that issue aside, if ammo isn't an issue, the gun is totally your call.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 0 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 10:16:46 ago (+0/-0)

You nailed it. It's really mostly pointless. I did give the deposit as promised, but I'm likely to skip this one. It's in great condition but it's old and finicky.

The seller is someone I know quite well. I'll likely just ask them if they'd rather borrow the money.

Though, it is relatively inexpensive. Examples in great condition can go for 10k more than he's asking. I'm not sure what the absolute value will be, but it's unlikely to depreciate.

They are very expensive to feed.

[ - ] TheNoticing 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:25:59 ago (+1/-0)

On the other other hand, the ATF would know you have it.

[ - ] Clubberlang 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:46:21 ago (+2/-0)

Tell the ATF that some undocumented migrants stole it and good luck locating both.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 0 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:37:24 ago (+0/-0)

They already know I have firearms. We're well beyond that stage.

I'm not too worried about the ATF. People in power tend to leave me alone.

[ - ] Kozel 1 point 1 weekApr 22, 2024 20:44:45 ago (+3/-2)

collection

That's all I needed to hear. You don't need it. You're never going to use it. What the fuck are you collecting this shit for. Start a funkopop collection instead. That way you'll have something left after the feds come and take your shit.

collection

If you weren't gay you would call it an ARSENAL. But you called it a collection. So its clear that you're just hoarding shit. You don't fucking need it. Send 15k of your goybucks to the disabled vets, they deserve it for killing goatfuckers in the name of israel.

[ - ] TheRealBuddha [op] 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 21:02:44 ago (+2/-0)

I horde all sorts of awesome things. If the feds come to take it, I'm not gonna take on the US Govt to stop 'em. That'd just be stupid.

(Nor would you, so don't pretend otherwise.)

[ - ] Kozel 2 points 1 weekApr 22, 2024 22:24:08 ago (+2/-0)

come and take it isn't an invitation

Nor would you, so don't pretend otherwise

I don't need to pretend, my life isn't going anywhere. I've nothing to live for.

Your collection will be inherited by niggers.

[ - ] albatrosv15 -1 points 1 weekApr 23, 2024 01:45:05 ago (+0/-1)

it'd fit nicely in the collection.
Since you are such a good military industrial complex slavegoy, i approve. Buy all the shit and do nothing with it.