[fabsroman]

Okay, I read through all the replies and your additional posts Bri Bri, and I will start with this suggestion. Save for your daughter's college first and foremost. If you think it is cool to see her hoisting a bow now, wait until you get to see her hoisting a diploma. Both my dad and I almost broke down crying when I got mine.

Next, since it doesn't seem as though you NEED a slug gun or a muzzleloader right now, I say wait until you have the funds to buy something nice, and then buy something nice. I have an AR-10 and AR-15 lower sitting here waiting to be built because I am still working on finishing a bike that will take another couple grand to finish. Sure, I could finish building both AR's, but that would put college funding in doubt this year. Once I have both 529 plans funded for 2009, I'll start finishing the AR's.

Responsibility first, toys second. If this economy teaches us anything, it has to be that.

Throughout law school I refrained from buying a new gun, while a law school friend of mine was taking out loans to buy an SBE and new clay guns. Those loans had to be paid when he graduated. Me, I bought my SBE when I graduated and I still use it to this day, 11 years later. I could stand to upgrade my bow and muzzleloader, but I don't use them enough to justify it.

If your daughter doesn't go to college, then you will have plenty of money to play with in 13 years.