[David]

Other than a .22 rifle, I am interested in buying my first rifle.

I would like to use it for possible home defense and target shooting.

Considering such factors as quality, price, availability of good pre-ban magazines, etc., do you have any suggestions.

I am thinking about an AR-15 or a Mini-14, or ???

However, I am open to any and all ideas.

:D :D :D

Thanks...

[goon]

Maybe an SKS?
Nothing against an AR-15, but they aren't cheap and neither are the accessories for it.
Many Mini-14 owners have reported less than ideal accuracy and you also have to pay alot for reliable pre-ban magazines.

The SKS is known to be reliable, and you can get one for around $250.
Ammo is about $85 for 1000 rounds.
You don't have to worry about buying spare mags, just get some stripper clips for it and you will be good to go.

If not, maybe an AK varient?
They are about as reliable as a hammer and nearly as tough.
They shoot the same ammo as an SKS, so the cost of feeding it isn't too bad.
Hi-cap mags are cheap and plentiful.
They are not match guns, but the accuracy is adequate for plinking and defensive purposes.
Depending on what you want, you can get a decent one for about $300
My milled AK cost about $500 new.

The only thing is, where do you live?
If you live in a populated area or apartment building, the risk of overpenetration would really be too great to use a full power round like 223 or 7.62x39.
In that case, I would try to find a good little lever action .357 rifle.
Trust me when I tell you that you would still be well armed with a levergun.

[David]

Thanks for the great ideas.

To clarify, I an NOT looking for a "target shooting" rifle, but rather a "plinking" rifle and a possible home defense firearm.

I do NOT live in a highly populated area with apartment buildings.

Please keep your suggestions coming.

Thanks...

[Art Eatman]

One of the AK variants or a Mini would serve your needs. So would the leverguns in pistol cartridge chamberings. A GI Carbine would be another reasonable selection.

IMO, almost any firearm will suffice for home defense. Some are better than others, of course, but it's more the common sense and skill level of the user than the weapon itself.

I suggest going to a gunstore with a broad selection, or to a gunshow. "Feel and fondle" until you hear that little voice crying softly, "Take me home with you."

:), Art

[Andrew Wyatt]

consider a stock number4 mk1.

[SodaPop]

One of the AK variants or a Mini would serve your needs.

Do a search in the 'rifle' forum and look into getting a Saiga rifle. They truly are the best semi-auto for the money.

I have an AR, SKS, Mini 14 and FAL in my home and I prefer my Mini 14 for target shooting.

1)Saiga 7.62x39 or .223 you can get them for about $200.
2) used Mini 14 for $375 or less. Get PMI mags (you can get them for $35 if you look around).
3)SAR I or II (buyer beware some of them are poop).
4)Yugo SKS.

[Legionnaire]

Mini-14 is a great plinker, and some can be fairly accurate. They are very reliable. Biggest problem is that it's hard to find good magazines for them, other than the factory five-rounders. I had one for a couple of years, but it never lit my fire. Sold it and bought an AR.

But for plinking and home defense, I really like the Marlin 1894P. It's a carbine length lever action in .44mag/spl. Load her up with .44 mag JSPs and she's dandy for deer. With .44 specials, an excellent home defense gun. Far less expensive than even the least cost AR variant, and very fun to shoot.

[sanchezero]

"Feel and fondle" until you hear that little voice crying softly, "Take me home with you."

Uh, that might not be the best idea...

Maybe I'm easy, but alotta sticks seem to whisper sweet nothings to me.

[BusMaster007]

Tell us more.
Do you have a .22? Do you want a .22? Rifle or handgun?
Do you want the .22 to operate like the larger rifle you are considering?
Will you be hunting with the centerfire rifle?
I'd like to make some suggestions based on your answers, but, I need more to go on.

:D

[David]

YES -- I do have a .22 rifle and don't want another

NO -- will not be used for hunting

YES -- possible home defense

YES -- plinking

thanks...

[BusMaster007]

A Ruger 10/22 and Mini-14 would go well together.

[David]

I more thing:

I Shoot LEFT-HANDED -- will that make a difference in my rifle selection?

[six 4 sure]

My suggestion would also be a AK varient. Ammo can be found cheap if you buy in bulk over the net. I think you can still get a 1000 rounds for under $100 delivered. Hi-cap mags are still available for around $10-$15 if you shop around. Buy the way, the best prices I've found on any mags is at the equipment exchange at www.ar15.com

six

[Badger Arms]

An AK variant like the SAR-1. Getting a gun that fires 7.62x39 is an asset for home defense and also from an economic side. Cheap ammo, cheap magazines, easy to maintain, and effective as a Home Defense gun.

Lefties and the AK.... NO PROBLEM. The gun ejects the brass far from the shooter's face even when that face is on the right side of the stock.

[AV1611]

I'd personally stay away from an AR for your first real rifle. They are more expensive and finicky than other rifle systems. A quality AR will cost you at least $700. And that's getting a good deal.

You can opt for a SAR1, or 2 for around $350. Ammo is under $100/1,000 rds shipped. Reliable rifles. Another AK style option would be a MAK 90 for $400 or so. They are better made than the SAR series rifles and have fantastic triggers right out of the box.

Another inexpensive rifle system would be the SKS. You can get a used Norinco (Chinese) for around $200 in excellent condition. Like new in box Yugoslavian 59/66 SKS' can be had for $150. I have one. Beautiful craftsmanship. All metal parts are either forged or milled. No stampings.

If you want something less "military" looking you could go for a good lever action. Marlin and Winchester make rifles in .357, .44 Mag, 45 Colt, and 30-30 + some really big straight cased moose killers. Pistol ammo is cheap compared to rifle ammo with the exception of the above mentioned AK ammo in 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 and 22 long rifle.

Enjoy your new rifle!


AV1611 out...

[benEzra]

I'd go with a mini-14 ranch rifle or a SAR. (Note that it IS legal to put a pistol-grip stock, such as the Choate "E2" style, on the mini, as long as you don't have a flash hider, etc. on it also.) My first centerfire rifle was a mini-14 ranch rifle. They are easy to scope (they come with rings), but can be used with the standard iron sights. With the rear sight folded down, the ranch rifle is also very fast on target inside 40 yards (just put that big front sight COM). 40-gr JHP's or VMAX offer far less penetration of walls than handgun rounds.

On the other hand, the AK variants are cheaper and are lots of fun.

[BowStreetRunner]

i vote sks!
easy to learn and lots of parts and cheap ammo
but then again...those saiga AK clones are very appealing
BSR

[Edward429451]

All of those suggested would do for your requirements.

Ammo may or may not be a consideration, depending on if you reload or not. If its in the budget, I suggest an AR (complete rifle), mags & ammo is everywhere, Accuracy is there right out of the box, and everybody and thier mother makes parts and works on them nowadays.

Then later you can get an AK or variant, which is even cheaper and can be gotten on the downhill slope of aquirements...

Just my .02

[762x51]

SAR-1 or a Saiga. Hard to beat them for dollar to fun ratio. The Saiga can always be converted to a standard AK too.

[David4516]

Another vote for a good lever gun. I like the Winchester Model 94, but the Marlins are suposed to be pretty good to. A brand new Lever gun will be cheaper than a used semi-auto...

If you really really want a semi-auto, how about an M1 Carbine? Same look and feel as the Mini 14, but it has more "history", and (I'm sure I'll get flamed for this one) I think it shoots a better round for close range defense...

[Kaylee]

given your requirements... another vote for a good-quality AR. Last I saw, AIM was selling the 20" HBAR A2s for around 699, the flattops a little more -- I'd splurge and get the latter.

My main reason is 'cause while you're plinking with a good AR, you KNOW if you're missing it's you, not the gun.

-K

[jercamp45]

And it is a classic military rifle. Inexpensive as are mags and ammo and spare parts. Ultra reliable, a few bells and whistles available(www.krebscustomguns.com), does not kick alot, with Corbon or Federal SP/HP ammo....devestating for home defense. I am sure it would be a decent bush rifle too(5 round mags).
That is my vote!
Jercamp45

[Andrew Wyatt]

WIth all due reapect, the AK series is a horrible choice for a beginner because of the horrible sights.


Were I you, I'd get something that had reciever mounted aperature sights.

[45R]

M1A :)

[benEzra]

WIth all due reapect, the AK series is a horrible choice for a beginner because of the horrible sights.
I agree the standard SAR sights leave a lot to be desired. (Replacement rear sight is the first thing I'm going to do to mine.) You can pick up a replacement aperture sight blade for $20-$30, and I've seen dust-cover-mounted aperture sights for the AK, though they don't appeal to me. Or you could shell out another $75 or so and get a side scope mount and scope.

You can also get two SAR's with Kobra sights for the price of an AR, which is cool.:)

[jercamp45]

Then Krebbs custom is the way to go!!! Send them tour dust cover, operating rod and $65 bucks, you'll get back a nice AK...might order the enhanced safety at the same time for easier manipulation by the shooting hand!
But we all have our choices...I made mine,,,your turn!
Jercamp45