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Choices to be made on defense rifles, need help. Not typical N00B question I hope :)

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kb308

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OK friends; here is my situation:

I currently own a Windham Weaponry WW-15, which I love... I also have a SLR-106FR Bulgarian AK in 5.56x45. I love the commonality of ammo. I also have an AR stripped lower receiver.

HOWEVER: I recently put a CZ Scorpion EVO 3 on layaway at a funshop where I have a very good rapport. My issue is that I am thinking that the way the nation/world is going, it may behoove me to get another Modern Sporting Rifle instead of the previously mentioned CZ. I briefly spoke with one of the owners of the place,
and let him know that while I realize they're M.O. is that once on layaway, always on layaway. However.. This man and myself go way back, and he says, "come in early tomorrow,
we'll transfer what you had on the CZ and we'll turn it over to something you'd prefer. I think the reason he did this is that he is in agreement with me. I greatly thanked him!

My thoughts are this: WASR-10(with Greatly Enhanced Wood over previous models), RAS-47, I've decided against the I.O. models, or an affordable AR15. Maybe even a newer model Mini-14?

Your thoughts guys??? (Helmet on, flame retardant suit on).... ;)
 
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If you think you'd prefer multiple AR or AK style rifles, and you already have a stripped lower, the logical choice would be to complete that lower while AR's are dirt cheap right now. Have you thought about making it into something different from your WW, maybe a long range SPR? One reason I prefer AR's is simply because the supply of rifles, parts, mags, and ammo are domestic sources and cannot be blocked by a trade sanction.
 
Get an AR. The prices on ARs are so affordable right now it makes sense. May I recommend the excellent value found in the $800-900 Colt 6720 or 6920.
 
As a purely defensive rifle?
Any of those named will perform more than adequately, as will the weapons you already own.

It might make sense to get a weapon in another caliber since you can never tell what might become "unobtainium" in the future.

For both logistic and capability reasons (7.62x39 isn't going to give you any huge power gains over .223), I'd recommend you look at "modern sporting" rifles in .308/7.62x51.
 
You could always sbr the CZ and have a carbine in a very common pistol caliber which would be more compact than either the AR or the CZ. Or use a fixed muzzle extension to bring the barrel length to 16" and avoid the tax stamp.
However if you are sure you don't want the CZ I would say get a reasonably priced AK in 7.62 so that you don't run into problems with 223 availability.
 
HammsBeer said:
If you think you'd prefer multiple AR or AK style rifles, and you already have a stripped lower, the logical choice would be to complete that lower while AR's are dirt cheap right now. Have you thought about making it into something different from your WW, maybe a long range SPR? One reason I prefer AR's is simply because the supply of rifles, parts, mags, and ammo are domestic sources and cannot be blocked by a trade sanction.
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I have thought about the "Mk12" style rifle for a while now. The build with my stripped lower will be a bit in the future however. I am hoping to grab something from the shop complete at this point. Good advice though!
 
Put that stripped lower to work. You've already got 5.56x45 covered in two rifles, so I'm going to suggest a .300 BO AR build.

Or keep that lower on the back burner and pick up an AK in 7.62x39.

I've got a stripped lower and a few miscellaneous AR parts set aside for a new 5.56 build, but I've got an itch for a 7.62 AK. Looking at the Zastava PAP right now. On sale at a gun shop on the other side of town for under $550.
 
HGM22 said:
Get an AR. The prices on ARs are so affordable right now it makes sense. May I recommend the excellent value found in the $800-900 Colt 6720 or 6920.
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This is an excellent point, and they do have multiple affordable models there. I do however have the Windham and the stripped lower to be built up later, so I was kind of leaning in the AK direction, but that's not certain yet.
I will tell you guys what has caught my eye. There are several of the RAS-47 rifles for a decent price, and there are also some WASRs that are so much nicer than the older ones, but between the two options, I'd likely choose the RAS-47. That is unless someone has some advice against it.
On the other hand, there is a really nice MAK-90 in there for a good price (about the same as the CZ Scorpion EVO, and I LOVE MAK-90's! They are (to me) the sweetest shooting AK's I've come across for the most part. Don't get me wrong... I really really like my Arsenal of Bulgaria SLR in 5.56, but the MAK's are just fun. There are other options available too, such as the newer Mini-14 and Mini-30 models (flame suit on), but if I'm going to have roughly 4 fun/range/defense rifles, maybe adding a mini to the mix isn't a bad idea. However, I'll probably stick with my gut and choose the RAS-47, MAK90, or one of the AR15's in stock there. Sorry for rambling, I hope some of you kind of get where I'm coming from; I'm a guy who loves to shoot, absolutely loves to collect, I'm quite a pragmatic guy, former military, and am still dabbling in executive protection, I just enjoy these types of weapons.
Anyway, cheers, and please, any more advice is well appreciated! Maybe I'll be nice and post pics :)
 
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My experience of the newer Mini 14 has been so-so. It's not as durable as I hoped, accuracy is meh, and it only runs well on factory magazines which are expensive. It is still fun to blast away with, but forget about doing any acurizing with it.

Only a little experience with the older Wasr's, and quality varied rifle to rifle but seemed to run ok. Another 7.62 to consider would be the Czech VZ58.
 
Get Wasr or if budget allows, a DPMS G2 .308. A 7.5lb AR10 that recoils like an AK. My G2 pretty much makes my other AR's/AK's obsolete. :scrutiny:
 
How much ammo do you have?

If you are overly concerned with future firearm availability, you should be doubly concerned with having enough ammo to use what you have. Besides, you can pick up stripped lowers pretty inexpensively.

I would good a high quality known good AR though. Prices are exceptionally good right now. Colt, BCM, Daniel Defense, Spikes, etc...get something really good while supply is abundant and prices are so nice.
 
My issue is that I am thinking that the way the nation/world is going, it may behoove me to get another Modern Sporting Rifle instead of the previously mentioned CZ.
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The CZ wouldnt make it out of a ban either.
Stock up on magazines and ammo if you are really afraid of a ban coming down the pipe.
 
To me it sounds like you are pretty set for defensive rifles. Here is what I keep handy for eventualities.

IMG_0977_zpsaxafh4yn.jpg

The Remington 870 is a devastating short-range weapon. Mine has a 7 shot extended magazine on it. I also have a 28" barrel for duck hunting. The Glock 21 had a flashlight on the front in case things go bump in the night. I'm planning on a light on the shotgun too. It is highly unlikely that any future regulation will prohibit shotguns. If it does, we will have lots of other issues to deal with.

I have ARs that stay in the vault until it is time to go to the range or varmint hunting. They are good weapons, but it is hard for me to envision a situation where I would need a defensive weapon where I would not rather have the shotgun or the Glock short of a full on zombie apocalypse. YMMV.

To me, buying more modern sporting rifles would be more like an investment, which is a very valid reason to buy.
 
TwoEyedJack said:
I have ARs that stay in the vault until it is time to go to the range or varmint hunting. They are good weapons, but it is hard for me to envision a situation where I would need a defensive weapon where I would not rather have the shotgun or the Glock short of a full on zombie apocalypse. YMMV.

To me, buying more modern sporting rifles would be more like an investment, which is a very valid reason to buy.
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The (vast?) majority of experts or BTDT types will be happy to explain why an AR is most likely a better home defense long gun than a pump shotgun.

Not that there's anything wrong with a 12 gauge (or even 20 gauge) pump if that is what you like and are familiar with and shoot regularly, but an AR type in 5.56 has an awful lot going for it. Side note: That's why, when you see SWAT teams or military entry teams or whatever, they virtually all always have semi auto rifles.
 
Guys, thanks so much for all the excellent advice. I agree with pretty much all of this varied advice, which is why I can hardly decide! Lol-- the point about the CZ not escaping a ban is a good point which I hadn't considered... What are yalls thoughts on Sig brace on it? It could be 1. Super fun and 2. Good up close defense right? Thoughts on RAS 47?
 
HammsBeer said:
My experience of the newer Mini 14 has been so-so. It's not as durable as I hoped, accuracy is meh, and it only runs well on factory magazines which are expensive. It is still fun to blast away with, but forget about doing any acurizing with it.
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What is not durable about the Mini 14? And why should you forget about making a mini 14 accurate? I spent a little over 300 bucks and made my mini into a tack driver, but I am not one to gripe about the cost of a rifle, I have seen way more people put way more money into there rifles. Besides, even with out up grades the Mini 14 does make a good little defense rifle, just ask the French, or the San Bernardino PD.
 
What are yalls thoughts on Sig brace on it?
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I'd never use a shoulder braced "pistol" as a self defense tool. In the event you ever had to use it, all an attorney would have to do is claim it was shouldered and you would be stuck in a quagmire of litigation, possibly leading to your criminal prosecution. Maybe I'm too paranoid about it, but with things the way they are going, I dont see the point in taking an unnecessary risk. Weirder things have happened...
 
At the same price an AR is a much better buy. But it sounds like you're an AK so whatever. I thing one of each is a good plan. Other than looks, I don't know that a Mini has any advantage over an AK.
 
What is not durable about the Mini 14? And why should you forget about making a mini 14 accurate?
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Mine had the handguard split, the bolt catch galling, and a chunk broke out of the side of the bolt exposing the firing pin. Had to return to Ruger for repair, who to their credit fixed it free and returned within a week.

As far as accuracy, it's reasonable when cold (slightly bigger groups than the AR's), but after a couple mags the groups double in size. I could spend several hundred $$$ chasing accuracy, but then it would cost more than an AR that holds zero and groups all day long. Mini's are fun and I like them, but there are much better platforms for accuracy potential.
 
To the OP it sounds like you've got your heart set on the RAS 47, and one thing i've learned is people can make suggestions all day long, but if a certain gun just perks your interest you might as well go for it. Best case it's a great gun you love shooting for years to come, worst case it's crap and you sell it recoup most of your losses and move on.
 
If you are worried about "worst case scenarios" or other things we generally dont discuss here... I think id stick with a 223/5.56 like you already have. As a practical matter, its easier to load a single caliber into a bunch of magazines that will fit multiple weapons on hand.
But thats just one aspect. Get what you want!
 
HammsBeer said:
To the OP it sounds like you've got your heart set on the RAS 47, and one thing i've learned is people can make suggestions all day long, but if a certain gun just perks your interest you might as well go for it. Best case it's a great gun you love shooting for years to come, worst case it's crap and you sell it recoup most of your losses and move on.
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I have the RAS47.

Been through a 2 day course with it. Its a great rifle.
 

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Warp said:
The (vast?) majority of experts or BTDT types will be happy to explain why an AR is most likely a better home defense long gun than a pump shotgun.

Not that there's anything wrong with a 12 gauge (or even 20 gauge) pump if that is what you like and are familiar with and shoot regularly, but an AR type in 5.56 has an awful lot going for it. Side note: That's why, when you see SWAT teams or military entry teams or whatever, they virtually all always have semi auto rifles.
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Not to mention the proven over penetration of buckshot.
 
HammsBeer said:
Mine had the handguard split, the bolt catch galling, and a chunk broke out of the side of the bolt exposing the firing pin. Had to return to Ruger for repair, who to their credit fixed it free and returned within a week.

As far as accuracy, it's reasonable when cold (slightly bigger groups than the AR's), but after a couple mags the groups double in size. I could spend several hundred $$$ chasing accuracy, but then it would cost more than an AR that holds zero and groups all day long. Mini's are fun and I like them, but there are much better platforms for accuracy potential.
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Ruger is good about hooking people up. But chasing accuracy for a mini doesn't cost several hundred dollars. I spent 230 bucks for a better barrel on a 500 dollar mini and made a target rifle that holds zero and groups. I think the open bolt action is a great platform to work off of. And if you shop around, sometimes websites will put there Mini mags on sale, I was able to find some on sale at a local gun show for 25 a pop.
 
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