[chaim]

OK, just for fun, which of these would you consider a better fun gun. Just blasting, minute of pie plate, taking out a new shooter, easy handling, etc. Considering it isn't meant for anything serious price would be important.

-Mini-14
-SKS
-AK
-lever rifle
-.22lr semi like a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 60

I have an SKS, 2 .22lr semiautos and a Winchester 94 in 30-30. My favorite rifle is the 30-30. I did get to shoot a Mini-14 and it was a lot of fun but there is just something to the lever rifle. I think I'd like it even more if I had one in a revolver caliber. My SKS is a lot of fun, but not very reliable ,edit: small mistake here, I meant it isn't very accurate, (I know, minute of pie plate, but mine actually has a problem and barely hits paper at pistol ranges- maybe if I had an accurate example my view may be different, though I doubt if it would superceed the Winchester). My Marlin would be a close second (the Ruger is ok).

So which is your pick?


Edit:

How could I forget to include:
-M1 Carbine

I rented one once and it was incredibly fun. I could almost see it beating out the lever gun with more experience with it.

Edit again:

Man I don't believe I did this. I said my SKS isn't very reliable. It is very reliable, it isn't accurate (though you could probably tell from context what I meant).

[Hkmp5sd]

Of the ones listed, the Mini-14 followed by the M1 Carbine. (With the exception of the Marlin, I have all the rest. :) )

[cratz2]

Well, I might be tempted to say an AK variant, just for the capability of ripping off 100 rounds as quick as you can but that's not really me. Every shooter should be able to do that a couple times but it's helpful in very few instances.

I'd say a lever gun in 30-30 is pretty fun and very utilitarian. Covers plenty of bases, kicks enough to let you know something's happening and you get to work the lever making you somehow more involved. I usually find that most rookie shooters get a kick out of shooting lever guns more than other sorts, possibly excepting said quick bursts with an AK or AR.

First time shooter? Should be a non semi-auto 2LR. Without a doubt. Longer it takes to get to that second shot, the better the first shot will be. ;)

[JG]

AK for me......extremely fun to shoot, very reliable, reasonably accurate, user friendly, easy to takedown, cheap hicap mags (in 7.62 and 5.45), cheap ammo.

Post ban AKs range from $260-$1,200 give or take (for a custom AK).

[3 gun]

My pick from the list is the M1 Carbine. The only downside for me is the cheap surplus ammo is starting to dry up. Still with new S&B running about $9/50 it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I also find it a great center fire rifle to start new shooters, cool nickname (Warbaby), light recoil, great history (mine's USGI). Chicks dig it!

What could be more fun?

A close second would be the 22's. They really don't fit-in with the rest of your list and would be my first pick in many cases. First time shooters, limited ranges, need for lower noise levels, etc.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

SAR-1

Mags and ammo are cheap and readily available.

[762x51]

Either an AK or a 10/22. Hard to beat either for good cheap fun.

[Tamara]

10/22 (although they will be a lot more fun when we can get 25-round magazines for less than the GDP of Burma again. :mad: )

[MrAcheson]

Don't own one and not on the list, but...

What about a NEF Handi-Rifle? Cheap, simple and easy. New barrels to shoot new calibers are also cheap. Its light and easy handling and easy to teach. Plus a single shot emphasizes accuracy. :)

From your list I'd go with a .22 or a pistol caliber lever. Maybe a .22 lever for the best of both worlds. Seriously .357 mags approach .30-30 and .38 sp is cheap if your gun can shoot both.

[JohnBT]

I'd pick a .22, but a reliable, accurate one. ;) JT

[firestar]

I have owned or fired all of those except the SKS which I am getting two of any day in the mail. Out of the ones I have shot, I think the Ruger Mini-14 was the most fun. I don't know why but it felt like I could hit what I was aiming at fast, very natural.

[Schuey2002]

Ruger 10/22..:D
[Fortunately I stocked up on full-caps before the '94 ban kicked into affect.] :D

[six 4 sure]

For me it's a toss up between a lever-gun and a .22 semi. Which could explain why I like my Win 9422 so much. Close to the best of both worlds. It's real fun to load up with shorts. Feels like you're shooting forever before you're empty.

Six