[realmswalker]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and just wanted to say this place is a GREAT place for info and discussion, glad I found it.


My question is a pretty simple one. I am ever looking to expand my gun collection, which is pretty small only having a 40 baby desert eagle and remington 870.

Now what I want is a semi auto rifle. I live in california, so I am very limited. I already know that I am going to get a 10/22 ruger, But I am looking for something with a little more power and range. basically it will be for shooting for fun, and if in an SHTF scenario, defense.

Because I live in california I cant get an ar15 which is what I really want. my question is what is the closest thing to an ar15 type rifle that I can get legally?

preferably using the same type round as an ar15, 5.56 i think.

My price range is from 500-600. something reliable and that has a good track record. any and all suggestions and advice are welcome.

Thank you.

[Sactown]

Currently, the only 5.56 semi-auto available in Kali is the mini-14. Kel-Tec has their upcoming SU-16 in 5.56. I think, if you can find one and afford it, the HK SL-6 was in 5.56. You could also get one of those AR-15 type rifles that load via stripper clips by unhinging the receiver.

[realmswalker]

I was thinking about a mini 14 but have heard so many problems with the accuracy of these guns.

OK forget the 5.56, lets just say I want a semi auto rifle akin to what an ar15 is. I read something about FAL rifles, what exactly are those? are they good? are they legal in CA? if so where can I get one and for how much? which model is preferrable?

[Sactown]

FAL's are legal in Kali only with the pistol grip removed or with the magazine fixed in place (you 'd have to load it with stripper clips like an SKS). M1A may fit what you're looking for. They are expensive, but Kali doesn't leave you a lot of choices. YOu can also get Yugo SKS rifles pretty cheap these days.

[cheygriz]

Realmswalker,

Some of the 7.62X39 Yugo SKS rifles are Kali-legal. I believe that some of the Saigas are as well. Check on the laws, but the M-1 Garand should be also. All well made guns.

My OPINION only, so no flames please!!!

I would stay away from the Mini-14 like the plague. I've owned three over the years, and I consider them an excellent boat anchor!

[SteyrAUG]

Mini 14, still way better than a SKS. The Mini is not as good as a AR, but it is probably the best you can have in Kali.

Or if you want .308 go with a M1A. FALs are better but not that handy in "no pistol grip" Kali config. The exception being the T48 clone which does not have a detachable magazine and is Kali legal.

Editted to add: there is a company making a Kali legal AR15. You open it like you are gonna clean it and stripper clip a fixed magazine. I forget who makes it though.

[realmswalker]

That would be great if they are making a kali legal ar15, anyone know anything about this?

m1a seems a little expensive for me at 1200 dollars. But I guess I could save for a little while longer and get the better weapon which seems to be the m1a.

[Sactown]

The AR-15 is the FAB-10 and Dalphon is also making an AR lower. Like SteyrAUG said, you break open the gun like you're going to clean it and load with stripper clips. Not exactly a speed load. Saiga and Vepr can't be sold in Kali because the gooberment in Kali banned all AK action rifles (even though the Vepr is based on the RPK receiver its still an AK in Kali). Garands, M1 Carbines, M1A, Mini-14/30, BAR, SKS...I believe these are your centerfire choices in Kali.

you can also buy 1919A4 semi-auto's, but the stores here won't sell you the ammo belts or links (that darn 10rnd limit)

[realmswalker]

OK now I have changed my preference. forget the semi auto.

what I want is a nice bolt action rifle with a magazine .308 caliber

Looking to spend between 500-600. will go as high as 800.

[Smoke]

M1A. Mini 14.

I'm not a fan of the communist block weapons. (Just me...)

[Art Eatman]

Welcome, realmswalker!

There are a couple of threads running on the Mini-14, right now. You might check them out.

It's hard to find a bolt-action .308 which is not reasonably accurate. I suggest trying various makes and models for the fit of the stock, before making any decision. It makes a big difference both in "shootability" and felt or perceived recoil.

Art

[realmswalker]

Thank you Art, but I have heard so many people on this forum say that mini 14 rifles are not that accurate.

And I will take your advice on checking the fit of the stock before I buy.

[Onslaught]

I have heard so many people on this forum say that mini 14 rifles are not that accurate

Mini-14's aren't that accurate compared to an AR, which is what most people are comparing them to. They're not as accurate as an M1A, which is what they closely resemble.

Mini-14's ARE as accurate as any AK I've ever fired, and there are reliable 10 round mags for it. Mini's can also be tuned to be quite accurate, as other threads have mentioned. Having a used Mini-14 tweaked for accuracy would still be in your price range.

But, if you want sub-MOA accuracy, then the Mini-14 ain't it.

If I couldn't have an AR, I'd have a Mini-14. I had a Mini-30 for many years that I absolutely LOVED, until I bought my AR. Then I got bored with it, and sold it to finance other projects.

And as far as bolt-action .308's, I was JUST sitting here thinking about selling mine to buy an FAL receiver and parts kit... If that tells you anything about how much fun they are. http://images.bravenet.com/brpics/smilie/18_crazy.gif