.45 o SKS for @ $400?

[USAF_Vet]

I have always wanted an SKS just for grins and would really like a .45 for HD and CC purposes.

the SKS is a fun gun to shoot, and if thats all you want it for, you'll be happy. I do not recommend a .45 Hi Point for CC, they are drastically too big for that and hard to find many holsters to fit it for CC. Having thrown CC into the mix, I can't say the Hi Point will suit your needs.

 

[nathan]

Plus one on the Rock Island .45 . You can use it as CHL as well although a big gun but with the right holster it can be concealable.

 

[epijunkie67]

Going to have a hard time finding a quality .45 suitable for concealed carry for $400. Not impossible mind you, just difficult.

The shotgun can do home defense duty for now so the real question is do you want a rifle or a concealed carry pistol right now?

 

[mgmorden]

I'd get the .45.

IMHO, having owned one for a while, I just don't like the SKS that much. Accuracy is so-so. Scope-mounting options are fairly gimmicky and limited, and most importantly, that danged thing is HEAVY. It might would help if I removed the folding bayonet (but I'm not gonna because then I'm 93% certain I'd misplace it ), but as it is it's just bad. Not just heavy either - I have some other rifles that are just plain heavy, but SKS is heavy AND poorly balanced - it is front-heavy.

Overall, though I know they cost more, I personally see the AR15 as a much MUCH better choice for a semi-auto. When the SKS was $89 (what I paid for mine) and the AR15's were $700+, then it wasn't enough better to care. Now that SKS's have shot up in price though, I just can't see buying one. If I could trade mine for a decent 1911 I would in a heartbeat.

That said, seeing that I did pay $89 for mine, and I'm leaning more and more towards selling it, I guess the recent rise in going price is a good thing .

 

[makarovnik]

Yes the Hi-Point .45 is way too big for CC. Heck even their "compact" 9mm is probably too big for CC. But if you want a good inexpensive carbine for home defense OR plinking a Hi-Point fits the bill.

Now if you want an inexpensive handgun for home defense (not CC) then you can do a lot better, but I paid $150 OTD for my Hi-Point .45 and that sucker is reliable and accurate.

For an inexpensive .45 carry option, what about the Patriot made by Cobra?

I was just making the comment that he could have both (easily) for the price he mentioned especially if bought used and didn't need concealed carry. Both would still be covered by warranty.

If you want super high quality and can afford better then the Hi-Point is probably not for you.

 

[ForumSurfer]

When the SKS was $89 (what I paid for mine) and the AR15's were $700+, then it wasn't enough better to care. Now that SKS's have shot up in price though, I just can't see buying one.

Agreed. A bargain bin, blemished AR can be reliable and below $600. Same thing with an AK pattern rifle. Either of which are better balanced than an sks. You can slap some tech sights on the AK just like on the sks. The sks is the only rifle in my safe that I really don't enjoy shooting. I had two spam cans of ammo when I bought two sks rifles when they were well under $100...I still have a can and 1/2 of ammo. I've been thinking of buying a cheap ak and slapping tech sights on it just to burn up the surplus ammo.

 

[csbassplayer2003]

I own both a .45 (used Sig P220) and an SKS (Norinco) as my home defense items. If you are looking for a .45acp pistol for 400 your options will be pretty limited. My SKS cost me 300, but it alreadyy had a detachable mag conversion and the tapco stock installed. An SKS is as accurate as you are. The only limit is the ballistics of the 7.62x39 round. To put things in perspective, my SKS will deliver 3 times the energy as my .45 will. Even on a glancing hit that will take most people out of the fight. My Sig even used was 550. For 400 bucks id look into a good 9mm. Ruger P95 was 330 new. Ive shot these and hey are worth every dime. Only .45 in the 400 range i see is the FNP 45, and even then thats more towards the 500s. Id go with a p95 for 300-350 and the sks you can get for 200-300 if you shop around. For 500 you can get a good defense pistold and rifle that both shoot inexpensive ammo and are just as effective as your shot placemen.

 

[The Real Wyatt]

Here 'ya go!
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/881/products_id/19897

Ultra-reliable high capacity .45 ... right in your price range and brand new.

 

[jiminhobesound]

SKS or 45

I have a SKS, I have a tactical shotgun and a 9mm subcompact pistol (amongst other pistols and rifles). The SKS is a 50+ yard gun; the tactical shotgun is for home invaders and some hunting and the pistol is my conceaed carry. However, I may use the pistol before i can get to the shotgun for HD. I agree with the folks saying that the SKS is not a good choice for HD. I also agree that the 9mm may be a better choice because of gun cost and cost of practice.

 

[zoom6zoom]

You CAN spend $400 or more on an SKS, but I would only pay that for certain variants or nationalities. It's still possible to get a decent Yugo for around $289.

 

[ms6852]

I have to agree with most here. Get a handgun, pistol or revolver. SKS velocity on the rounds is to high and you will be penetratings alot of homes down the block. My other recommendation would be for a shot gun in a remington 870 or mossberg 500, which can be had for well below $400.