[WalHam]

I'm looking to buy a semi-auto rifle with a scope on it, and I was just wondering if you guys could give me some suggestions as to which rifles and what size ammo are worth looking into.

Thanks for your help. :)

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Pretty vague requirements----military style or hunting rifle????

[Art Eatman]

First off, whatcha gonna use it for?

Next: You looking at para-military, or conventional hunting style?

Last: Do you have much background in shooting?

:), Art

[WalHam]

The requirements are pretty vague, because I don't have much experience with rifles. I have plenty of experience with handguns and shotguns. What's the difference between para-military or hunting style rifles? I've hunted for many years but I gave that up a few years ago. So, it most likely won't be used for hunting. I would be inclined to say that I'm leaning towards military-style.

[Smoke]

Asked again: "What do you want to do with it"?

[WalHam]

Thanks for your help. :rolleyes:

[Jack19]

Walham, the people asking you questions about what you want to accomplish with your rifle are trying to help you.

If you want a rifle to take small game at moderate distances their recommendation is going to be much different than if yout want to defend your home out to 1000 yards.

So again, what do you want to do with your rifle?

[WalHam]

Jack, thanks for explaining that. I was starting to feel as if I was being interogated. :scrutiny:

Initially, I just want the rifle for long range practice. I'm not sure whether that would come under the hunting rifle category of military style. What is the difference?

I doubt I will need it to defend my home, since I live in a city, and my handgun or shotgun should be sufficient. But then again, in this day and age who knows!

Anyone's help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks. :D

[Jack19]

Okay, now we're cooking with gas.

Now, tell us your definition of long range, how far away do you want to be able to hit your target? Are you sensitive to recoil? This makes a difference in the caliber someone might recommend.
How much money do you want to spend?

People here are a helpful bunch, your answers will help them recommend this:

http://www.ruger.com/rbm.gif

Or this:

http://www.precisionarms.com/Images/50bmg.gif

Or something in between. :D

[WilderBill]

If in doubt the M1A should cover most bases fairly well.
Big enough to reach out there a ways, not so big that recoil will be a major factor, reasonably accurate, capable of home defense or putting meat on the table.
The M1 Garand is another option in the same general catagory.
Want smaller and/or cheaper? SKS.

[Art Eatman]

Para-Military are the non-selective-fire look-alikes of such as the "real" FALs, G3s, AK-47s, M16s and suchlike. P-Ms are semi-auto, and are mostly chambered for .308, 7.62x39 or .223.

This ammo is the least expensive for "just plinking" and general practice. Accurate target-quality ammo is also commercially available; it just costs more, is all.

You can get bolt-action rifles chambered for the same cartridges. In general, bolt-action rifles will shoot more accurately. They are more of a dual-purpose rifles, for either target or hunting.

There are the sporting variety of semi-autos, such as the Remington 740/7400 series. Browning makes an excellent version. You can find the old Winchester Model 100s in good-used condition; they're quality rifles.

I suggest browsing around various gunstores, just looking and "tire-kicking". Travel off to a gunshow or two. Feel and fondle and then think about it a bit. The money goes out much faster than it comes in, right? And they ain't gonna quit making all this stuff.

"Shotgun News" lists gunshows by state and month. You can find them on the Web.

The manufacturers all have websites. Find them and bookmark them; you can compare somewhat just from their pictures.

Art

[WalHam]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your detailed explanation of the different types of rifles.

Jack, I would say that the distance would probably be under 500 yards. I can handle a harder recoil, but would prefer a lighter one. That's not to say that I'm closed minded to the harder ones. I would like to spend less than $500, if possible, but might be able to swing a couple hundred more.

Thanks again for everyones help.

[cheygriz]

If you live in the city, get an AR-15 from Colt or Bushmaster. Preferably with a 16 inch barrel.

They're fun, cheap to shoot, easy to use, reliable and one of the best self defense weapons ever made. Virtually no recoil!

An excellent second choice, under $400, would be a SAR-2. This is a copy of the Russian AK-74. Light, utterly reliable, effective, cheap ammo, and lots of cheap, high quality 30 round magazines around for under $10. Again, virtually no rercoil!

The SAR-1, a copy of the Russian AK-47 would also be an excellent choice for the same reasons. Manageable recoil.

[Smoke]

Ok.

How about this....It sounds like you may have little experience with a long gun.

I'd recommend a nice .223 Bolt action. Cheap to shoot. Accurate. Easy to operate. Good learning curve. Good for plinking, hunting, targets at moderate distances.

I'd suggest a Savage if you are indeed just starting out. They are not the best guns but they are the best BARGAIN out there. (my $.02) You also might want to find one with a barrel in excess of 24" (26") preferably if you do intend to shoot out to 500yrds. Thats pushing a .223 (there is always a 22-250 but it cost more to shoot, unless you reload....but I digress)

When you become comfortable with that gun, and are proficient with it. You might want to look into an autoloader, or a larger caliber. Or just a higher end Bolt gun.

[six 4 sure]

My suggestions FWIW. If you're talking less than 500 yards (minute of coyote accurate?) I'd say anAR15 would be a pretty good choice, but you're starting to push your budjet a bit.

One of the Chinese M14's will also fit in the price range and get the job done, but they can be difficult to find and come with their own unique problems. Check out www.battlerifles.com and do a search for polytech and Norinco for more information.

You may also want to consider a FAL. You'll need to do a little research to make sure you buy a good one. Check out www.falfiles.com for more info.

At the higher end of the picture is the M1A or the Browning Safari. These are $1000+ guns, so they may be out of the picture.

For the money, I'd suggest a bolt gun. For your price range I think you'll get a more accurate rifle, and you'll be able to spend more on the scope, which most would agree, is very important.

Hope this helps.

Six