Jguy101
Member
I was thinking for a while about getting an SKS or Saiga for my first centerfire rifle, but I've decided to just save up and make my first semiauto the rifle I really want: an STG-556. In the meantime, though, I'd like a an inexpensive and relatively low-recoil utility rifle that I can reload for easily; i.e., probably not a Saiga or SKS (both throw brass pretty far, and the Saiga has its case-identifying features for the Russian market in some calibers that might make reloading unsafe). So, I'm thinking of going with a low-cost bolt-action in a short-action caliber that I could put some Nikon or Vortex glass on and call things good for a little informal target shooting or social work if necessary. What rifles and cartridge should I look at? Stevens 200 in .223? Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08 for a bit more oomph?