Question: I have been looking into scheduling a rifle purchase. I am already in the process of acquiring a 22lr for fun, most likely semi but haven't made a decision. However, I am always trying to plan things a few steps ahead and was wondering what the consensus was:
Should I go for a lower end production rifle, open sights (bolt in the $300-$600 range, used or new, I know there are some offerings from savage/mossberg/marlin/etc in 270-308 that are readily available in that range) My assumption is any optics would be added later.
OR
similarly priced surplus rifle like the Enfield carbine or a fixed mag SKS (last place I saw was $425)?
Background:
-I live in New Jersey, which means that most "fun" guns are either banned or heavily regulated, meaning finding compliant ones isn't easy. Most common rec rifles have restrictions on pistol/collapsible stock/etc
-I can be persuaded into the ruger mini14 or similar but a black rifle like the AR, even if NJ legal, would likely be frowned up by the wife.
-Multiple rifles would likely be frowned upon by the wife. Two seems to be her current tolerance. I have a collector personality and she likes to limit it.
-I have always shot revolvers and currently have a 357 GP100 4".
-I do not hunt large game but would likely encounter whitetail deer in an emergent situation. Even black bear are unlikely given I live at the shore.
-I am not terribly interested in single shot rifles but am open to suggestions if you know of a readily available NJ legal semi that fires a common caliber.
-The NJ firearms not allowed are listedhere: http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/firearms/062408_title13ch54.pdf
-Please stay within the budget with a consideration that I may have to have it shipped to an FFL for an additional $40 or so in transfer fees.
Should I go for a lower end production rifle, open sights (bolt in the $300-$600 range, used or new, I know there are some offerings from savage/mossberg/marlin/etc in 270-308 that are readily available in that range) My assumption is any optics would be added later.
OR
similarly priced surplus rifle like the Enfield carbine or a fixed mag SKS (last place I saw was $425)?
Background:
-I live in New Jersey, which means that most "fun" guns are either banned or heavily regulated, meaning finding compliant ones isn't easy. Most common rec rifles have restrictions on pistol/collapsible stock/etc
-I can be persuaded into the ruger mini14 or similar but a black rifle like the AR, even if NJ legal, would likely be frowned up by the wife.
-Multiple rifles would likely be frowned upon by the wife. Two seems to be her current tolerance. I have a collector personality and she likes to limit it.
-I have always shot revolvers and currently have a 357 GP100 4".
-I do not hunt large game but would likely encounter whitetail deer in an emergent situation. Even black bear are unlikely given I live at the shore.
-I am not terribly interested in single shot rifles but am open to suggestions if you know of a readily available NJ legal semi that fires a common caliber.
-The NJ firearms not allowed are listedhere: http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/firearms/062408_title13ch54.pdf
-Please stay within the budget with a consideration that I may have to have it shipped to an FFL for an additional $40 or so in transfer fees.