Going for my first rifle or carbine, hopefully within the next 2 weeks. I have come to the point where I am just not sure what I want to get ... pistol caliber carbine (9mm, .40, .45), 223, 308, or even .22 or 17HMR.
I have a few handguns that I trust my life with and in home defense would probably grab one of these first, so the "I want it for home defense" arguement kind of goes right out the window. Besides, I live in an apartment and over penetration would be a huge concern with a rifle.
What do I really want it for? Good question ... Mainly for "plinking" or just fun at the range (I hit the range every Monday morning with my pistols). The range I am a member of has several range areas, from 12 yards out to 200 yards. They do host competitions, though I am not so sure I would be interested in competing ... who knows though, I may change my mind later.
The thought of rapidly unloading 30 rounds into a target at short to medium range is really appealing. Carbine is obviously the way to go here ... even a pistol caliber carbine would be fun here.
The "cool" factor of a rifle would obviously add to the fun (yeah, yeah, I know what you are thinking ... no one admits this, most folks think it. But at least I am honest). I love the look of modern rifles and carbines ... especially the pretty-far-out-of-the-norm look (CX4 and HKs, M4s, etc).
Not really interested in pump/bolt action.
The thought of very well placed single or quick double shots at extended medium range (100-200 yards) is also very appealing - this would probably eliminate the pistol caliber carbines (how accurate could a 9mm be at these ranges with factory "plinking" rounds? ... I could be wrong). This would obviously require me to add a low power scope later (after I became very familiar with the rifle's stock sights, of course).
I am pretty limited in my choices due to my budget ... roughly $600, but read on ...
Items I have considered
Beretta CX4 (9mm variant) - definately has the first two criteria met, but anthing past 50 yards I would think this carbine would disappoint me. This would be well within my budget and factory 9mm ammo is way cheap for range use.
Various AKs/clones : Not real fond of the AK design asthetically speaking, though everything I have read, can be very enjoyable as range rifles. Not real sure on accuracy - so many varying opinions to be found. Several of these are well within my budget and ammo is cheap. 7.62 = shoulder pain??
AR-15s/clones : So many brands and varieties of each ... could definately meet all of my criteria except for my budget. If I went with an AR, I would probably have to piece it together over the next month or two (lower first, then upper, etc), or I would have to put a complete rifle on layaway for over a month if I wanted to end up with something decent that I wouldn't want to "upgrade" or trade in 6 months. Another problem comes in deciding which brand(s), which parts, which "extras", and would I prefer a 16, 20, or 24 inch?
Mini-14 : Again, so many mixed reviews on these rifles, not sure if I would be happy with one of these. Complete rifle with the goodies I would want (dragunov composite stock/bed, etc) would price it a little outta my range I think.
I saw a few HK53 and 91 clones in 223 that got pretty good reviews and I liked these, but it seems they are out of my budget again ($1200-ish).
Anything I have overlooked? Please don't bash me for the "cool" factor thing, at some point or another, I bet you were there once yourself
I have a few handguns that I trust my life with and in home defense would probably grab one of these first, so the "I want it for home defense" arguement kind of goes right out the window. Besides, I live in an apartment and over penetration would be a huge concern with a rifle.
What do I really want it for? Good question ... Mainly for "plinking" or just fun at the range (I hit the range every Monday morning with my pistols). The range I am a member of has several range areas, from 12 yards out to 200 yards. They do host competitions, though I am not so sure I would be interested in competing ... who knows though, I may change my mind later.
The thought of rapidly unloading 30 rounds into a target at short to medium range is really appealing. Carbine is obviously the way to go here ... even a pistol caliber carbine would be fun here.
The "cool" factor of a rifle would obviously add to the fun (yeah, yeah, I know what you are thinking ... no one admits this, most folks think it. But at least I am honest). I love the look of modern rifles and carbines ... especially the pretty-far-out-of-the-norm look (CX4 and HKs, M4s, etc).
Not really interested in pump/bolt action.
The thought of very well placed single or quick double shots at extended medium range (100-200 yards) is also very appealing - this would probably eliminate the pistol caliber carbines (how accurate could a 9mm be at these ranges with factory "plinking" rounds? ... I could be wrong). This would obviously require me to add a low power scope later (after I became very familiar with the rifle's stock sights, of course).
I am pretty limited in my choices due to my budget ... roughly $600, but read on ...
Items I have considered
Beretta CX4 (9mm variant) - definately has the first two criteria met, but anthing past 50 yards I would think this carbine would disappoint me. This would be well within my budget and factory 9mm ammo is way cheap for range use.
Various AKs/clones : Not real fond of the AK design asthetically speaking, though everything I have read, can be very enjoyable as range rifles. Not real sure on accuracy - so many varying opinions to be found. Several of these are well within my budget and ammo is cheap. 7.62 = shoulder pain??
AR-15s/clones : So many brands and varieties of each ... could definately meet all of my criteria except for my budget. If I went with an AR, I would probably have to piece it together over the next month or two (lower first, then upper, etc), or I would have to put a complete rifle on layaway for over a month if I wanted to end up with something decent that I wouldn't want to "upgrade" or trade in 6 months. Another problem comes in deciding which brand(s), which parts, which "extras", and would I prefer a 16, 20, or 24 inch?
Mini-14 : Again, so many mixed reviews on these rifles, not sure if I would be happy with one of these. Complete rifle with the goodies I would want (dragunov composite stock/bed, etc) would price it a little outta my range I think.
I saw a few HK53 and 91 clones in 223 that got pretty good reviews and I liked these, but it seems they are out of my budget again ($1200-ish).
Anything I have overlooked? Please don't bash me for the "cool" factor thing, at some point or another, I bet you were there once yourself
