Which rifle for absolutely nothing?

444

January 23, 2003, 12:29 AM

If I was going to buy a rifle for no good reason (and I have) I can think of a couple that I would buy if I had everything else.

1) Repo civil war rifle, probably a Springfield.

2) A Flintlock

3) Pistol caliber carbine

4) A K31 Schmit Rubin

5) A Finn M39

6) A Sharps .45-120-550

7) Or possibly another AR15. I love ARs, I shoot ARs more than all my other guns combined and I do it for none of the reasons you mentioned. I do it because I enjoy it; nothing more. It would be especially without good reason because I already have six of them.

HSMITH

January 23, 2003, 12:40 AM

Mike, how about a Winchester 88 in 284 Winchester? Make it a carbine too. Why? Why not? Your macho buddies will learn a thing or two about heeding warnings as long as you don't put a big pad on it:D :D , It will kill anything that needs killing in the lower 48 very well and is just a cool rifle. It was my first centerfire (where is the "blushing" smilie?) but I love her to this day. Never has it shot better than 1" at 100 yards, but seems to eat any garbage you can construct and stay inside of 2" at 100 yards. Run 5500 rounds through her in 3 years and see what you grab when something needs shot the first time!!!

The way I see it there are a lot of rifles that are bettr for one thing or another, but this one does all of it pretty well. I guess it goes back to that "guy with one gun" story.....

PUMC_TomG

January 23, 2003, 12:52 AM

Just to have???

Well I'd have to go with something in the 20mm range... or maybe a Barrett Light Fifty...

rugerfreak

January 23, 2003, 01:00 AM

Browning Semi-Auto .22---admired them for years ever since my dad brought one home when I was a kid. Just always seemed too pricey---maybe I'll go looking this weekend.

Wildalaska

January 23, 2003, 01:20 AM

Martini Henry

WildzuluAlaska

WilderBill

January 23, 2003, 01:49 AM

Mauser 71/84.
Not really good for anything except being a curiosity, but it should do a fine job of that!

MJRW

January 23, 2003, 02:02 AM

Breach load 7.62x39. I can't think of any use for that.

Skunkabilly

January 23, 2003, 02:02 AM

An M1A with chromed barrel and custom carbon fiber stock!

Detritus

January 23, 2003, 02:22 AM

you mean "just 'cause i WANT one"

let's see,
a repro Sharps 1874 long range in 45/70

a P17 Enfeild and a 1903A3 both refurbed by Miltech.....

that's all that come to mind right this min. :D

Mr Bill

January 23, 2003, 02:51 AM

HSMITH,
I'm just GREEN :rolleyes: with envy. That's the one that I don't have. Have one of each 88 but that one. And the price on 'em just keeps going up and up. One nib recently sold for $2500.

Just because, hmmm, it's a toss up between either a DuBiel or SAKO 75 SS in 416 Rem Mag. or an M1A NM. Very tough decision. :confused:
Bill

T.Stahl

January 23, 2003, 06:47 AM

A muzzle-loading German Jäger-rifle in .54.

I think Oleg has one or at least pictures of one.

Art Eatman

January 23, 2003, 07:11 AM

Well, a Barret looks like a good Fun Toy. The only drawbacks are noise, recoil, dust and cost. Outside of that, it's great...

Hmmm. An old Sharps or a Trapdoor sounds about right. Set up a target at 1,000 yards, shoot, light a cigarette, pop a top, and then watch the bullet hit.

Oh. BTDT.

:D, Art

ojibweindian

January 23, 2003, 07:20 AM

A percussion Hawkins .54. Would love something that makes a loud, stinky noise and throws a big chunk of lead out the end!:D

Sodbuster

January 23, 2003, 08:33 AM

Savage 99 in .243, or the Winchester 88 as already mentioned in .308. If I had too much money, a Winchester 1886. I need a lever-action for no particular reason.

Joe Demko

January 23, 2003, 08:41 AM

A reduced size, fully functional replica of a double-barreled express rifle chambered for .30-30. I'd want the barrels regulated to have the smae POI at 50 yards. I'd enjoy shooting the silly thing enormously.

NewShooter78

January 23, 2003, 08:46 AM

Full-auto MaDuce! Or a mini gun Predator (the movie) style.

Marko Kloos

January 23, 2003, 08:47 AM

There are a few rifles I want "just because", without needing them for a specific role.

--A Martini-Henry. (Thanks a lot, Tam! :p )

--A Sharps in .45-110.

--An 1888 Commission Rifle.

Lee F

January 23, 2003, 09:13 AM

Just because I can!

Old lever actions in 25-20 or 32-20!

A flintlock squirrel rifle in 32 or 36 caliber 70" long!

Any tricked out 22 LR longgun with high cap magazines!

HSMITH

January 23, 2003, 09:35 AM

Yeah Mr. Bill, mine is the only one I have ever seen or heard of anyone having, most are rifles. I have been offered a LOT of money for it, but not really interested in selling it.

I gave $400 for it with 14 rounds left in the original box of shells back in 85 or so.......

Citadel99

January 23, 2003, 10:36 AM

One of the old squeeze guns. I just think they're cool as can be.

Mark

cratz2

January 23, 2003, 10:38 AM

99% condition Savage 99 in 250-3000
Any Weatherby rifle with a nice figured wood stock
A Ruger No 1 with a really nice stock
One of those BFR revolvers in 45-70
H&K P7M8 hard chromed by Tripp

Or my current Holy Grail, a 99% Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 with no iron sights with a nicely figured stock in 257 Roberts Ackley Improved for about $600. Or the same in 6.5x55.

Let me know when you guys find one. :D

griz

January 23, 2003, 11:25 AM

The last one that I bought was a 17 rimfire barrel for a contender carbine. I figure it counts because I have no earthly idea why I need it when I have a 22LR and a 22WMR.

On my wish list is a Winchester low wall in either 44 or 45 cal. They sure look good.

Mike Irwin

January 23, 2003, 11:29 AM

I really think of all the rifles I'd love to have, a, I'd like one of the few Winchester Model 70s made in .300 Savage...

4v50 Gary

January 23, 2003, 11:37 AM

M1903A4 Springfield. Nostalgia.

Soap

January 23, 2003, 12:15 PM

Spencer Carbine

uglymofo

January 23, 2003, 12:15 PM

SA M1A Super Match
Belgian FN FAL
AR 10
Galil ARM .308
Shiloh Sharps 45-70
AIS 308

gburner

January 23, 2003, 01:38 PM

Pre WW II Thompson Sub Gun...The original gangsta' gat.

1890's Winchester pump shotty.

Winchester 'Yellow Boy'

Webley .455 Revolver

Dr.Rob

January 23, 2003, 05:11 PM

No particular reason other than it's neat??

Full stocked mannlicher carbine in 22 hornet.

Colt Lightning Rifle in .45, (or replica in .44 mag)

Working copy of my Grandpa Collins Kentucky Squirrel Rifle (its an 1820's vintage rifle converted to percussion in the 1860's, its 5 feet long, wieghs a ton and its an odd-ball 25 caliber thing. No longer in working order.

One of those Pedersoli double rifles in 45-70.

St. Gunner

January 23, 2003, 07:02 PM

A German 98 having the metal work done by J Belk, nice tooled bolt handle, engraving of a boar on the bottom metal, short barrel maybe 22" in .35whelen topped with a compact leupold compact with a 2x power setting or so, in some Tally rings. I don't know who I would have do the stock work, but it would be a piece of dark walnut with some decent grain in it.

On the 88, the guy I hunt with all the time bought one new when he was a young man(55 now), I think in 1968 or so(i'm not certain) in .308, actually him and his dad bought one each. It has a Lyman 4x on it from about the same time. It has been carried in a truck for all these years and killed hundreds of hogs. It isn't the prettiest piece of firearm anymore but it still kills stuff just as dead.

The 88 in .308 would be my second choice, with one of those old Lyman scopes on it.

Hey you folks don't tell anyone it isn't a Barret, might ruin my reputation.

DMK

January 23, 2003, 07:06 PM

If I could afford one, I'd get an Ohio Ordanance SLR (BAR converted to semi auto), just because. I can't think of anything it's good for except expending large quantities of 30.06.

http://www.ohioordnanceworks.com/slr/slr_s.jpg

Heck, for that matter most of my rifles are purchased just because. I figure out excuses, I mean uses for them later! :)

hksw

January 23, 2003, 08:02 PM

Man, that BAR is going to be my next big purchase, if ever I can swing it.

An AR. Great for general plinking around. if you ever decide to actually use it for a specific purpose, just swap out the upper and reconfigure.

goon

January 23, 2003, 10:05 PM

I fear that the next one will be an AK varient of some persuasion. I have outshot them before, but there is still something cool about being able to shoot a rifle so fast that you burn youself on the handguard.
The last one is an Enfield Jungle carbine. I initially had jamming problems, but I think I have that one fixed. It could be used for hunting, but it will probably only ever kill pop cans and clay pigeons.
I am also planning on getting more C&R's, a lever action 357 rifle, and a marlin 22 in the not too distant future.

Maestro

January 23, 2003, 10:08 PM

Get one in a caliber which matches one of your S&W revolvers.A nice lever rifle in .44mag.:)

Zundfolge

January 23, 2003, 10:27 PM

I think an AR15 in .50 Beowulf would be loads of fun :evil:

http://www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf.html

Jackanape

January 23, 2003, 10:34 PM

I can't think of any reason why I want a PTRS in 14.5X114R (not one converted to .50BMG), and yet I do. Strange... I guess I just like Simonov's designs. And what's not to like about an eight foot long, fifty pound rifle?

Schuey2002

January 23, 2003, 10:37 PM

"Which rifle for absolutely nothing?"

Hmmmm,

I'll say a Steyr SSG... I've always wanted one,not for any particular reason either.. :)

Bruce H

January 24, 2003, 07:28 AM

A custom built falling block in 338 Rem ultra mag. Thirty four or thirty six inch tube. As for having a practical purpose, it should be a real long range shooter to qualify for the billion yard bang and clang.

rln

January 24, 2003, 01:28 PM

I'm with Ten Bears,
A nice lever gun in 44 mag.
Maybe the new stainless marlin.

3 gun

January 24, 2003, 06:30 PM

Got: Russian M44. Like to get: Guide Gun in 45-70. Have no use for either, just something to have:)

W.Va.Glassman

January 24, 2003, 06:54 PM

El cheap-o SKS.Burn it up,use it for a parts gun and buy another.:)

Gordon

January 24, 2003, 07:43 PM

Was out shooting my newest score : the pre 64 Win Mod 70 .264 with 10X Unertl Vulture scope I got before Christmas. I packed in 70+ grains of H-870(of which I have a big supply) under 125 Grain Noslers that came with it (and dies too) and got 3435fps ave. at 20' from muzzle. I shot 1.5 inch groups in 20mph wind on gray day itwas already sighted in 2" high at 100 yds. I guess I could hunt something , but I don't know what. It is a little too heavy to carry far at almost 10 pounds.I think it would blow hell out of meat on antelope or deer! I guess I will clean it up and continue loving it. This was my dream gun when I was in college 40 years ago, now I own one.:D

MLC

January 24, 2003, 08:05 PM

http://www.cornerstone-computing.com/scott/weapons/images/g_lahti.jpg http://www.cornerstone-computing.com/scott/weapons/images/g_lahti2.jpg
For that far off whistlepig.

Ron L

January 24, 2003, 08:19 PM

An 1849'ish Enfield Brunswick rifle.

Just because I already have the bayonet to match. It doesn't even have to be functional, a wall-hanger would be fine.

CAP

January 24, 2003, 08:58 PM

MLC, that's sweet.

Storage and transport to the range in the pick-up could be an issue though. :(

38Mike

January 24, 2003, 09:06 PM

M38 Swedish Mauser........Husqvarna mfg.........:cool:

DamnedDirtyApe

January 24, 2003, 10:25 PM

GI M1 Carbine
GI Garand

In five years you'll be able to double your money back on them.

tex_n_cal

January 24, 2003, 10:52 PM

A Holland & Holland Rook rifle...:)

You'll excuse me if I add, a 1911 with a Damascus slide?

That Winchester 94 Centennial which has been hanging in the dealer's shop since 1994. It has the most heavily figured stock I have seen on any Winchester:cool:

A CZ in .416 Rigby:what:

(another) Browning B78. Not no 1885 with a 6 lb non adjustable trigger - a B78:neener:

A Remington 40xb in .220 swift

I guess an FAL, since it's the only pretty assault rifle ever made:evil:

A Contender carbine in .17 Mach IV

A Remington 700 Classic in .221 Fireball. How can you resist a cartridge named, "Fireball";)

Tamara

January 24, 2003, 11:38 PM

Last year I'd have said "an old Schmidt-Rubin, M96/11 or M1911", but I done bought one.

Last month I'd have said "a short-lever Martini-Henry", but I done went and bought one of those, too.

Now I'd say "a flop-top Springfield". :)

Mike Irwin

January 25, 2003, 01:37 PM

A shooting friend of mine just bought a beautiful Trapdoor Springfield. The bluing is pretty much gone, but the stock looks almost new. The cartouches are in probably the best shape I've ever seen.

We're going to shoot it this coming Friday, hopefully.

Art Eatman

January 25, 2003, 02:22 PM

Flop-tops? That's what a buddy of mine called go-go gals...But for Springfields, try:

http://www.armchairgunshow.com/

:), Art

tex_n_cal

January 25, 2003, 02:31 PM

The "flop top" Springfield(love that name:) ) was notoriously weak, but had some practical advantages. Ken Waters pointed out that the design allows extra leverage for closing the breech, in event of oversized or inconsistent cartridges - a common problem in the 1870's.

I suppose I could justify adding one - I do collect single shots, now, don't I?:)

My only concern about having one is, at some point, I will own a Ruger #1 in .45-70. It would be a very, very, bad thing to shoot a Ruger load in a Trapdoor:uhoh:

Ben

January 25, 2003, 07:32 PM

The one on the left........a real money pit. But it is a fun gun, I'll keep it for now.

http://www.ohiorapidfire.com/kf/opie.jpg

dmickey

September 30, 2006, 02:47 PM

Well tex and cal, you must have read my shopping list! :eek: After my gun fund recovers from the current Remington 40XB that I have on order (in .22-250) I plan to order my last one in .220 Swift with the thumbhole stock.

Dennis Mickey @ Littlestown, Pennsylvania

rangerruck

September 30, 2006, 03:02 PM

A t.r. style 405 lever ,or a keltec ar pistol, or a nef sinlge shot, then you can start buying bbls of any caliber just to fit your receiver.

owen

September 30, 2006, 03:05 PM

a Marlin Camp 45

Jackal

September 30, 2006, 03:15 PM

This threads title describes my entire gun collection.

45Guy

September 30, 2006, 03:35 PM

M1 Garand
Sig 226
FNP P-9
Tikka T-3 in .223 with a good scope

Pretty much any handgun under a .44Mag, since I'm not 21 yet.

usmccpl

September 30, 2006, 03:38 PM

How about the four rifle set I just saw.All doubles 375 H&H,416 Rigby,470 Nitro express,and 8 gauge. I will have them too just as soon as I can get $100,000.00.

one shot one kill

rection47

September 30, 2006, 04:13 PM

Id have to get a G3 with full auto capability, or an mp5a4 also with full auto capability.

realistically in my price range? pft i cant afford anything cool so i wont even go there.

Eightball

September 30, 2006, 04:13 PM

Springfield Trapdoor replica in .45-70. Looks sweet, awesome round, you don't have to fiddle with muzzle-loading the thing.

Buy the Uberti version, IIRC it can take modern loads.

MyRoad

September 30, 2006, 04:43 PM

My Marlin 1894C was one I rationalized buying in various ways, but in the end bought it just because I wanted it. Turns out to be my favorite plinker rifle -- can't seem to go to the range without grabbing it. It could be "useful", no doubt, I just don't have any particular use or reason for it, other than putting a smile on my face. Its definitely my favorite "nothing" gun.

Want a gun with no reason? Check out the hard-chromed Mosin Nagants at Classic Arms... there's no reason and no use for this rifle... but I kind of want one anyway.

http://www.classicarms.us/P1010042.jpg

spooney

September 30, 2006, 05:14 PM

A winchester 94 in .25-20 or mayber a 92 in .44-40 or a sbr trapper model in .38-40 completely useless outside of a homedefense role, but I am guessing it would be kind of nice for that.

Jack19

September 30, 2006, 05:15 PM

No hunting the Balrog or other small game.

Finnish M1939

No shooting for .00000000000000000000025 inch groups at 1 billion trillion meters.

Finnish M1939

No SHTF fighting off hoardes of hottentots...

Finnish M1939. Although, it worked pretty darn well against the Russians.

No SHTF urban combat ops defending Wilkes-Barre from Scranton...

Finnish M1939; although, it worked pretty well for the Finns.

No nothing.

What rifle just because?

Finnish M1939.

Because, you will be happy with a rifle that costs roughly $300. That can hold a decent 'minute of chest' at 200 yards. For which ammunition is DIRT cheap right now, and you can afford to stock up for the time that 7,62x54R becomes like 7,62x39. (Think 2-3X$$ over a few years ago.)

Because, it's just a very well made rifle and parts are VERY inexpensive right now.

http://www.mosinnagant.net/finland/images/m39fullblade_001.jpg

wuchak

September 30, 2006, 05:49 PM

I can't seem to choose just one but I would be happy with any one from this list:
-Kifaru High Country Rambling Rifle in 358 Win
-Wild West Guns Alaskan CoPilot in .457 WWMagnum/45-70 with the optional Kevlar stock, Hard Chrome finish and Scout Scope System.
-Marlin 1894 in 357
-Taurus Thunderbolt .357/38 pump action stainless steel carbine

September 30, 2006, 05:55 PM

I got to use one at the sharp end during my ill spent youth at one time but this #4 is in my hand and I love it. A sweet 1944 BSA #4T.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/bkt040.jpg

Cheers
MJ

selector67

September 30, 2006, 06:18 PM

Mine would be the Israeli Galil Arm, I have always liked that rifle, and an MG 42.:evil:

rustymaggot

September 30, 2006, 06:33 PM

id want a 5 barrel hotchkiss. why? i cant think of a reason in the world besides its really cool. and varmint hunting would definately be a heaping buttload of fun.

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNRussian_37mm_Hotchkiss.htm

TexasRifleman

September 30, 2006, 06:42 PM

If you don't have one already, the Garand is THE "just because" rifle.

Just because it's a Garand
Just because it saved the Free World from the Nazis
Just because it's the coolest looking rifle ever made
Just because EVERYONE should hear that sound from a rifle they own. "PING!"
Just because you can MAIL ORDER one (If CMP has any left)

You need one, Just Because.

Browning Semi-Auto .22---admired them for years ever since my dad brought one home when I was a kid. Just always seemed too pricey---maybe I'll go looking this weekend.

That's my Choice Number 2. My favorite rifle for just screwing around.

Skywarp

September 30, 2006, 06:54 PM

M60E4

M240 SAW

G36K

M2

and

M1

Let's see 'em come get my guns then. It would take an act of congress to allow them to use military to disarm me.can you imagine the sheer idiocy of a dynamic entry against those.Light armored vehicles and people a like would be fodder.

Ah when the revolution happens I'm sure I'll be able to pick up a couple of these.

huntershooter

September 30, 2006, 07:18 PM

'86 Winchester.

HorseSoldier

September 30, 2006, 08:34 PM

Wishlist guns? Hmmm . . . stuff with historical value and such.

FG-42
StG-44
SVT-38 or 40
FN FAL in .280/30
British EM-2 also in .280/30
M1 Garand in .276 Pedersen
M1903 with Pedersen device

Plus a range of other, more obscure options if I really start racking my brain (some of the Soviet potential replacements for the AK down through the years would be fun).

cpileri

September 30, 2006, 10:19 PM

For me, one day just because i will have:

something that uses those 71-rd suomi drums (that is available, moderately priced, and works reliably- unlike everything that has hit the market so far)
and
one of those 72-cal Kodiak expressdouble rifles that Cabelas sells.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0006563210038a&type=product&cmCat=cchart_trd_blk_pwdr_rfl

Also on the list:
a 50-70 of some sort,
something full-auto,
a 10-22 pistol, not an SBR (OK, its legally not a rifle, but in actual fact a less-than-26-in-OAL-no-stock-whatsoever-but-otherwise-the-exact-same-parts-as-a-10/22, so I put it in this thread)
an AG42 Ljungman in 6.5x55 Swedish,
another something that is so fantastically less than MOA accurate, and reliably so, out to 800+yds; that i can spend the rest of my life trying to outshoot it (i.e. so i will never need to buy another target rifle to practice with)

That's it for now.
C-

edited to add one of those Voere rifles that shoot the caseless ammo, and a case of caseless ammo. C-

MyRoad

September 30, 2006, 10:56 PM

Which rifle for absolutely nothing?
How about this?
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/22/77/57/i227757sq01c.jpg
The .22 Gatling Gun

(Available (http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0034775227757a.shtml) at Cabela's as a kit)

grimjaw

September 30, 2006, 11:12 PM

This one probably isn't legal to hunt with in many places, given the magazine capacity. I know some states don't allow hunting with centerfire rifles. The caliber isn't cheap to shoot, and the ballistics aren't much better than .30-30. But man, it's the Bonnie and Clyde special!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?item=57521844

Police model Remington Model 8, with a 15 round mag.

jm

Anteater1717

September 30, 2006, 11:46 PM

either a parker gun only 50,000:rolleyes:
or a 10/22
or a pc4

easy

October 1, 2006, 01:04 AM

What ever looks good to you and you have the $$ for it.

BobTheTomato

October 2, 2006, 03:11 PM

Not sure if it qualifies as a firearm but:

Flamethrower

Manedwolf

October 2, 2006, 03:21 PM

4) A K31 Schmit Rubin

Hey now, in a SHTF situation, I'd not want to be on the wrong end of that thing at 300 yards! It's a .308 bullet, faster than most bolt-actions due to the straight pull, and incredibly accurate. A Hornady softpoint out of that would make a mess out of a bad guy, for sure. I do consider mine my SHTF long-range.

The martini-henry, yes, that'd be more along the lines of "no real use, just cool", I think.

bluecowdawg

October 2, 2006, 03:22 PM

Thompson .45:D and a BAR

slzy

October 2, 2006, 06:05 PM

sako lever in.243

LkWinnipesaukee

October 2, 2006, 06:49 PM

Pre 64 Winchester 70?

Idk, I'm a noob:)

Spencer

October 2, 2006, 06:55 PM

FN MINIMI (M249 SAW) in .223.

Now that would be a F'n blast.

Nhsport

October 2, 2006, 06:59 PM

So many .22s are just great fun. I enjoy my Anshutz,my 10/22s (4 so far)my Henry Golden Boy lever,My win 69, and the one I shoot the most-my Ceiner rimfire conversion for my ARs.
Another way to go are the old military guns. Ammo of course costs more but most can be reloaded for,some have reasonable or dirt cheep surplus ammo,and lots of them shoot well with cast bullet reloads.I have lots of fun with my springfields,my garand,my m1 carbine and my MN m44 and of course my SKS.
Lever guns are a hoot, I have a couple of Win 94s, both pretty ugly but decent shooters,a 32 win sp and a turdy-turdy (30-30!). both are good cast bullet guns. Somewhere down the line I need to get a marlin full size 45/70 (I want the cowboy model). Don't really know why but I guess that is what you are asking!
Another way to consume gun budget dollars is go the AR route. plain,fancy,crazy varnint,target,whatever,its a disease I tell ya! There is just so much AR "stuff" to be had.
I also have a lot of fun with my trapdoor springfield . The only one I have now is a H&R carbine repro with tang peep sight, this gun is king at the range for a "Here , try this sucker out" type of gun. Never fails to get a bunch of grins going by the folks shooting it. (Got to be a little carefull cause it will thump ya if you hold it wrong or are real small, not a kids gun !) I can see myself with the real deal full sized model also some day.
I guess you can see I get my kicks shooting,some folks seem to enjoy the collecting for value or looks, not for me but its fine if others get their jollys that way!