196

The sunk cost of guns is what people focus on, but you’re dead on with ammo being the overwhelming cost. When I was really into USPSA pistol competition club matches, my ammo usage was roughly 300 rounds per month @ around 21-27 cents each shot, or $100 per month all in.

Not to say you can’t maintain skills and spend far less, but it’s not a cheap pastime. Expect to spend at least $500 for the bare essentials like a used handgun that only leaves the house for range practice, the cost snowballs quickly.

I would hesitate to give universal advice like “just buy a shotgun” or “Glock 19 with a light” because each use case is different - where do you live, what are you seriously expecting to face as threats, do you just want it for the house, do you have reduced mobility/dexterity, etc