[Slick]

Let's say I have about $600 or $800 to spend on rifle(s). Should I:
1 - Get an AR
or
2 - Get a cheap semi-auto plinker (SKS/Saiga/AK) AND bolt action .308

Any thoughts???

[Robert inOregon]

one nice used AR and the rest in ammo.

[AK103K]

Buy two AK's and still get some mags and ammo. :)

[Art Eatman]

Since I'm hunting-oriented, I'd go for Option #2. Given my other druthers, I'd get a .22 rimfire instead of an SKS-type critter. :)

Art

[Triad]

What are you planning to use this purchase for?

[yzguy]

I was pondering the same thing a few months ago....

here were my thoughts:
I wanted something fairly accurate for plinking (not that I am a sharp shooter or anything), but also liked the idea of a semi auto that I could put a lot of rounds through (see how fast I could empty a 30 round mag :) ), so I was thinking AR. It could do both...

Then I started thinking that my rapid fire fun, would be eating into my accurate barrel life.... so my next thoughts were SAR-1 (~$300 Romanian ak clone) for the rapid fire playing (and still accurate enough to hit a pie plate at 100 yards without a problem) then a .308 bolt action Savage (~400), with both still come in around the price of a decent AR but end up with a shooter I don't have to worry about functioning, or wearing out the barrel, and a more accurate longer range tack driver (hopefully a tack driver that is, trying it out today at lunch).

Those prices sounded good but I had to add on a bunch of stuff....
ak:
Kobra red dot sight $130 (on the way)
new stock ($50)
2 cases of ammo ($200)
Red Star Arms trigger group ($85)
Red Star Arms retainer plate ($10)
recoil buffer ($15)
soft case ($25)
more mags ($35)

Savage:
Choate sniper stock (on the way $170)
Bushnell Elite 3200 scope $250
Harris bi pod $50
ammo $60
soft case $25
flip up scope covers ($15)
bases and rings (part of a package deal, don't remember $$)
misc cleaning stuff ($60)


so all in all, I probably have about $875 in the SAR-1 and $1115 in the Savage (but that is including ammo and a bunch of small stuff)... damn I did not realize I spent so much!! :what:

I did it a little at a time and it was not as painful...

[six 4 sure]

Well if it was for me, I'd look for a nice used Winchester Mod 70 in .308. That should be in the $350-$450 range. Get a box or two of shells (try to get the dealer to throw a box into the deal), then put the rest of the money into a scope. Typically if you're nice to the dealer, they will bore site the scope free of charge.

If I was making a suggestion to someone else, I'd say buy a Ruger 10/22. Should be able to get a nice one for $175 or less. Buy a lever-action (Marlin or Winchester) in .357, new ones are around $400. That's $575 total. Spend the rest on ammo.

If your budget is $800 I also consider adding a nice used 30-30. It's been my experience that you get better deals when you buy more than one gun. You might be able to pick up all three for $700 and have money left over to buy ammo. There isn't much that those three rounds can't do. These are 3 of the most popular rounds, ammo can be easily found for all three, and usually at a reasonable price.

Six

[jacks308]

I too would go for a .308 bolt and a very reliable .22 they got a lot of things going for them . A wide variety of inexpensive ammo is the biggest reason . Good ammo availability is another reason , ya wanted to shoot these right ;)

The next $800 bucks can go for more ammo :D

Jack

[s&w 24]

It all depends on what there for and what you have. If you don't have a good solid centerfire rifle get one good one if you want a SLR ask yourself when and under what conditions you will be using the rifle.

[Slick]

I have a good semi-auto 22, and I have a short range blaster (M44 Carbine :D ). I also have a bolt .22 magnum, and a .22 survival rifle. What I don't have is an accurate centerfire rifle, or a larger caliber semi-auto.
I want something to be able to shoot accurately at least to 200 yards, maybe 300. I also want a fun semi that could double as a SD rifle (yea, like I'll ever need it, but hey...).
I'm leaning toward the .308 bolt (Savage) for the longer range stuff, and don't know if I really need the semi or not, but it'd be fun. A lot of guys tell me the AR will serve both purposes.
I do like them, and wonder how much longer we'll be able to buy them at all! I don't know, that's why I'm looking for help!! I'm pretty confused right now, but I've got a little time before I can put the $$ together anyway.
So fire away with any more suggestions! I appreciate all the help so far.
Slick

[Phantom Warrior]

Just a thought on the accurate, bolt-action rifle. I picked up a Remington 700 ADL in .308 for $400 last fall. Whlie I haven't had a great deal of opportunity to use it except for hunting last fall I've been very pleased with it. It dropped my deer (7-point buck) with one shot at roughly 170 yards. And the Remington 700 action has a good reputation. My 2*10^-2...

[Slick]

Actually, the Rem 700 is in the running, as is the Win 70 and the Savage.
They're all nice rifles, IMHO.
Glad to hear you like your 700.

[dude]

...........everybody needs a nice threaed/milled SKS
fun, reliable and cheap
hell, the only ammo that is cheaper is .22!

A nice .308 bolt gun to go along with it is a good idea. No scope for me as mine is a Styer Mauser.

[Snowdog]

Gov't philosophy:

Why buy only one, when you can buy two for twice the price!

[s&w 24]

If your going to get a 308 bolt then I would say go for a 308 SRL first because some of the surplus build-up's are coming to an end.
If you won't reload for the SLR look at a CETME me friends have em and like em, If you will reload by a cheapo FAL and if it don't work the guy's and gal's at L1A1.com can get you set just right.

[Cableman]

Do you want one nice rifle or two ****ty ones...I would take the one nice one.

[Watch-Six]

Unless you plan on hunting big game, get the AR. Watch-Six

[Peetmoss]

I would say Go for the AR they might not be available next year. You can buy the two havles of an AR for around 700 for a RRA. Get a couple of mags and some ammo and still be under 8 beans.

That is unless you want to hunt big game. Then get the 308 and a plinker.

I however am not taking a chance on the assualt weapons ban. Bolt rifels will have to come later for me.