[Slick]

Help! Tough decision ahead! :confused:

I've been looking at three different inexpensive rifles, and wonder which is the most reliable and accurate. Also, how does the particular cartridge each fires compare to the others (.308 vs. 7.62X39) regarding shootability. I've never fired either caliber. I've shot my .303 British, .223, and a buddy's 30-06, but no .308 or 7.62.
The three rifles are:

SKS (Mostly Norinco around here, nice and cheap but that's what worries me)
CETME by Century Arms - Like this one best
Saiga rifles

I just want to be able to have FUN at the range, and be fairly accurate at the same time. My Ruger Mini-14 was no fun because I never knew where rounds 3 and 4 would go. A 2" group @ 100 yds will make me happy. Any chance of that happening here?
Any comments or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kurt

[telewinz]

I'll say it first before anyone else, all the guns you mentioned are pretty good no matter their price (Norinco) but what I don't understand is why the FAL is not at the top of your list. They can be gotten for under $600 now (provided you hand inspect before purchase) but that price and the supply can't last forever. Good Luck

[Slick]

The FAL is a sort of dream of mine, but they've always been WAY too expensive. As it is, even now, there is a big difference between $300 and $600. I suppose I could just wait longer... but I've never been much good at that. What are the advantages the FAL would offer over, say, the CETME? Please enlighten me! If it's that dramatic a difference, I'll keep saving (but with a wife and three kids, each dollar is awfully tough to come by!)
Also, does a Century Arms FAL count, surely you can't get an FN FAL for that price?
I'm new to serious rifle shooting, and at this point not too great at it, but I'm trying to figure it out. I don't expect to shoot in competition or anything, but I would like from my rifles what I demand from my handguns, reliability and accuracy. Of course, I do shell it out for the pistols... hmmmm
Thanks again,
Kurt

[gun-fucious]

30-06 is 10 rounds of fun per range trip
308 is 100 rounds of fun per range trip
223 is 1000 rounds of fun per range trip

[Slick]

gun-fucious,
That's a good point, but what .223 semi auto is in the same price range? I think Saiga makes one, but I kind of like a pistol grip. Anything I'm missing? I'd love an AR, but a spare $700-800 ain't gonna happen! Then again, at that price I'd rather have an FAL!!!
Thanks,
Kurt

[Dave R]

Slick: people will tell you the primary advantage of the FAL is that there are many more in circulation, and availability of accessories and parts is better. AFAIk, that's true.

I shopped the CETME vs. the FAL pretty hard. The local gun store had several samples of each in stock. I chose the CETME. I liked the balance better. I liked the wood stock and forearm better.

The two shoot very similar. The CETME has less recoil. It has a very efficient muzzle brake, and the roller-locking action absorbs a lot of recoil. The CETME is probably the softest-shooting .308 (7.62 NATO)rifle available. Accuracy is similar, from my limited experience with the FAL. I get 2" at 100 yards with my CETME, with the iron sights and surplus ammo. I find it easy to shoot the CETME accurately, because I like the way it balances.

I have never shot a Saiga, but have handled a few. The reports on them from AK-47.net are pretty good, especially in accuracy. They look like a great rifle, and if I had it to do over, I would consider the Saiga strongly. Their downside is the proprietary 8-shot mag which is pretty expensive. Both FAL and CETME use cheap 20-round mags.

You can't go wrong with any of them. The FAL is prolly the safest choice, but I'm happy with my CEMTE, and wish for a Saiga now and then.

[Slick]

Stupid question:
Why does the envelope beside this thread on the Rifle Country page have a black dot on it?????????
Just curious,
Kurt

[noklue3]

Slick:
The dot means YOU have a posting on that thread.

Art

[762x51]

That's a good point, but what .223 semi auto is in the same price range?

Romanian SAR-3 AK. It's about 300 bucks, mags are fairly cheap, it's fun to shoot.

[Slick]

You know, I've tried to talk myself into an AK style rifle, but I just don't like the look of them. :( I don't like the "humped" appearance along the topline, and I'm not real fond of their sights. I'd really like a rear peep sight!
I suppose I can keep on saving and just get an AR, that was the original plan, but I thought a .308 or 7.62 might be nicer...

No more comments on the original question???

Thanks again,

Slick

[JHill]

Slick,

Do the Cetme!! I am also looking to get one as soon as I replenish my rifle fund. Where else can you get a 7.62 MBR that you can accessorize, stock up, and shoot for so little $$?

Aim surplus has 1Krds of Port? for $139.50 delivered.
Tapco has G3 alloy mags for $3ea.
You can put a scope and/or a bipod on the rifle.
Stainless receivers are the same price as stamped at certain places.
5rd mags are available--you can hunt anything in the US with it.
Many are 1-2MOA with iron sights.

[Ebbtide]

Slick,

I recently went through the same debate, just looking for a "fun" auto loader (mostly to break up the seriousness I have when I shoot my pistols).

After having an SKS some years ago (and a couple more since) I really did not get the excitement I was looking for from the assult rifle design and the winmpy (relatively speaking) 7.62x39. So, I figured I needed a full sized battle rifle.

I shopped the FAL and the Cetme and for my budget I felt the trade off (FAL vs. Cetme) was worth saving the few bucks.

What I got from Century, actually from a gun show as I ws willing to pay a few extra bucks to at least see it before I bought it, was what I think is a pretty darn good rifle. I have not shot it, but from a visual inspection I think the fit and finishes are at least on par with most Siaga and the recent SKS.

Hope this helps, and check out www.Gunboards.com for lots of cetme info (there is a whole section devoted to it).

Regards,

ehenz