Looking for a rifle

[Eagle]

So all this talk of guns has galvinized me into posting this, which I have been think about for a while. I currently own a Glock 9mm pistol, and am thinking of buying a rifle of some sort. I'm a Navy vet, I'm familiar with the M16, I'va also fired the M14, but not much. I like the accuracy of the M14, but it is a bit big, plus while I'm of average height, I'm kind of scrawny (5'10, 145lbs), so the recoil is tough. That said as is, I don't have the greatest aim lol.

I'm looking for something that won't break the bank to aquire, or to shoot (both in maintaining and ammo). Something that will be relatively easy to maintain. Something with decent power but not to much kick (I'm thinking 5.56 or 7.62). Something that I can make mods and upgrades too (just like an Automag ). Magazine fed, and can be upgraded to full auto if I ever decide to get a permit for such.

The M16 I never had a problem with reliabilty in my Navy days, but heard horror stories. Kalishnakovs on the other hand I've heard are VERY reliable, but not real accurate. Price wise I know nothing of.

Any suggestions?

[teufelhunden]

I think you more or less just described an AK

[grEnAlEins]

See my thread about my new toys. My 5.56x45 (.223 Rem) AK variant is mighty fine in all aspects. 7.63x39 and I think 5.45x39 is slightly cheaper ammo wise. You cannot go wrong aith an AK. You can always upgrade the barrel for more accuracy should you feel you need it. There are a few places in the good ole USA that make some nicer barrels from what I hear. It is simple to maintain and a very flexible platform. You have endless different upgrade paths.

An AR-15 type firearm might also suite you well, as you mentioned. They can get somewhat pricey though. The biggest thing is make sure you like it and are comfortable and confident with it, whatever it may be.

Good luck

[maxama10]

Well the way I see it is you have these choices


Assault rifle type

or

Battle rifle





Probably the top choices of each are

AR platform
or an
AK platform

You can probably buy an AK and an SKS for the same price you'd buy a AR

those would both shoot the 7.62x39 so you could share the same ammo between the guns

The AR is also a nice choice though with TONS of customizations



or you could buy a Ruger Mini 14 which isn't bad... (shoots .223 aka 5.56NATO like an AR)



Battle rifle type

I'd say either an
FN FAL or a franken FAL
or an
M1A (civilian version of an M14)
these both shoot the 7.62 NATO




Also if you want a cheap bolt action you could pick up a Mosin Naget rifle for I think likely less than 100$




Edit: after thinking on it... I'd go an SKS or an AK

cheaper to shoot these days, cheap to buy, reliable and rugged

[grEnAlEins]

Did you really use some of those terms??

Actually, AKs and ARs both come in several calibers today. You can get .223 AKs, 7.62x39 ARs, 12Ga. AKs, 7.62NATO (.308Win) AKs and ARs, just to name a few. You can basically pick the design and caliber you like best and be able to find it with relative ease today.

You could also consider a CETME or H&K G3/91. I shot a G3 and am in love!! A G3 is not likely to be cheap, but I have seen CETME rifles go for reasonable prices. Ammo is somewhat expensive though.

I was actually coming back here to suggest a FAL, but it appears that I have been beaten to it. You could look into an M1 Garand or Carbine (30-06 and 30 Carbine respectively). They tend to pricey sometimes but I have seen a few go for relatively cheap over the past month or so. The Carbine goes for less than the Garand usually.

If you like the look and feel of the SKS try to get one with removable magazines or one that has been modified to accept AK mags if it is legal in your state. That would likely be the most economical bet.

Also, don't count on the full auto thing. It is highly illegal to own or possess an auto manufactured after 1986. New manufacture is prohibited, unless it is for law enforcement or military. Modifying to fully auto will land you in prison if you get caught.

Again good luck, and let us know what you get!

[maxama10]

Did you really use some of those terms??

Actually, AKs and ARs both come in several calibers today. You can get .223 AKs, 7.62x39 ARs, 12Ga. AKs, 7.62NATO (.308Win) AKs and ARs, just to name a few. You can basically pick the design and caliber you like best and be able to find it with relative ease today.

You could also consider a CETME or H&K G3/91. I shot a G3 and am in love!! A G3 is not likely to be cheap, but I have seen CETME rifles go for reasonable prices. Ammo is somewhat expensive though.

I was actually coming back here to suggest a FAL, but it appears that I have been beaten to it. You could look into an M1 Garand or Carbine (30-06 and 30 Carbine respectively). They tend to pricey sometimes but I have seen a few go for relatively cheap over the past month or so. The Carbine goes for less than the Garand usually.

If you like the look and feel of the SKS try to get one with removable magazines or one that has been modified to accept AK mags if it is legal in your state. That would likely be the most economical bet.

Also, don't count on the full auto thing. It is highly illegal to own or possess an auto manufactured after 1986. New manufacture is prohibited, unless it is for law enforcement or military. Modifying to fully auto will land you in prison if you get caught.




Again good luck, and let us know what you get!

Lol what, battle rifle?

Franken FAL?



As far as the M1 Garand goes though.... idk nice rifles but...

For the same price (roughly) you can get a franken FAL which would give you up to 30 round clips rather than 8

and

you could say that your FAL is the "right hand of the free world"


Oh how I would like a G3 though

[grEnAlEins]

Lol what, battle rifle?

As far as the M1 Garand goes though.... idk nice rifles but...

Oh how I would like a G3 though

Yes, and assault rifle. Assault rifles have a selector switch and are illegal. Battle rifles are for battle. Cool rifles are for responsible, reasonable, and respectable individuals

But nothing. It is a kick-arse, take no nonsense, BAMF piece of machinery. If you can afford one and find it suitable, then go for it. I agree that there are better options for some things, but between the historical value, power, and overall awesomeness, it should be considered.

They are orgasmic, aren't they. Too expensive for me right now; though, I can probably afford a CETME, which is close in design, but not near as good quality.

[maxama10]

Yes, and assault rifle. Assault rifles have a selector switch and are illegal. Battle rifles are for battle. Cool rifles are for responsible, reasonable, and respectable individuals

But nothing. It is a kick-arse, take no nonsense, BAMF piece of machinery. If you can afford one and find it suitable, then go for it. I agree that there are better options for some things, but between the historical value, power, and overall awesomeness, it should be considered.

They are orgasmic, aren't they. Too expensive for me right now; though, I can probably afford a CETME, which is close in design, but not near as good quality.

Okay... based off of assault and battle rifles



No doubt the M1 Garand is a BAMF piece of machinery and has its place in history. If thats all you want it for then no problem, however... if shtf I'd take a FAL over an M1 and an M1A over a FAL any day!

however maybe not everyone is looking for a shtf rifle

[grEnAlEins]

however maybe not everyone is looking for a shtf rifle

I already got one with another one or two on the way

Also, the Garand still has it's place as an OH NOES! button. It cannot shoot as many rounds as quickly as others, but there is an intimidation factor.

Eagle, the bottom line is this. Shoot every type you can. Buy what suits you no matter what it is. I would rather see you end up with something you like over something I like. I would rather see you buy something that you are capable of using well instead of something that you are not so handy with, even if it is well capable in the eyes/hands of others. It doesn't matter if it is a cheap Nagant or a tricked out G3. If you like and are proficient with it, you cannot go wrong. Again, I'd recommend an SKS with removable mags, AK, AR, CETME, or FAL based on your post. But look into the M1 if you like them or anything else you can find within your budget. Should you find that what you get is not ideal, it is a great excuse to go shopping again

[LegumeOfTerror]

there is no licence involved for automatic weapons, and its illegal to modify a semi-auto weapon to select fire. you have to buy a machine gun that exsisted and was registered before 1985, and your going to spend a minimum of $3000.

i have both an AR and a AK, and i can tell you the AR-15 is a better weapon.

i built this for $640:

[Army]

AR15 is what you want. All else (according to what you said about recoil management) will be too much.

AK's have always been over rated with BS stories from people that have never fired one. AR15/M16 has always been driven by rumors and innuendo by people that never bother to know their history.

The lower receiver is the only FFL required part to buy, as this is the only part that is recognized by the BATFE as a firearm. All other parts or assemblies can be had online or at your local gun store that carries AR pieces and parts. This lets you build it exactly like you want it to be.

Heavy barrel, VERY heavy barrel, lightweight barrel, short (but legal) barrel, regular stock, collapsing stock, rail system, no rails, target trigger, issue trigger, optics/no optics....the variety is tremendous.

Also, there are numerous calibers you can build to, mostly limited by magazine well size and cartridge length, though single shot .50BMG upper assemblies are offered by many makers.

Oh, you are also not limited to black. Google Hello Kitty rifle

[Eagle]

I saw a pink camo AR at a local place today lol.

Anybody have an opinion yay or nay about pistol caliber rifles? I know they won't have as much power, beyond that I don't know much about them. I saw a Baretta that uses .40acp today, and I know the same model comes in 9mm which would be handy from the stand point that I have a 9mm pistol.

Any input?

[LegumeOfTerror]

I saw a pink camo AR at a local place today lol.

Anybody have an opinion yay or nay about pistol caliber rifles? I know they won't have as much power, beyond that I don't know much about them. I saw a Baretta that uses .40acp today, and I know the same model comes in 9mm which would be handy from the stand point that I have a 9mm pistol.

Any input?

i think you meant .40 Smith and Wesson. pistol caliber carbines are fun, but are not very accurate at great distance.

[custar]

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php

The M1A's won't be illegal under the AWB (which I believe was reintroduced as a bill in June).

custar