Bit of a conundrum.

[ATBackPackin]

I'll start by saying that I am really itching to get a new rifle. I do not hunt and have no intentions of hunting, unless I was forced to do so in order to eat.

That being said, I really like the AR-15 with a 7.62 upper. Cheap to shoot and I believe it has better ballistics than 5.56. People might as why don't you just get an Ak? I like the AR platform better.

The real problem is that I have an complete infatuation with a Win 94 most likely in 30-30. Since I do not hunt and the price difference in the two ammunitions is astronomical.

I'll leave it at that and see what you people can come with?
Your experiences. your training and anything else.

At this time I can't get both. If I could it wouldn't be a conundrum.

Thanks
Shawn

 

[yeti]

You are between a rock and a hard place ain't cha?

The Winchesters are never going to cost less than they do today, never, ever again.

 

[FTSESQ]

Best of both worlds... Get the 94/ marlin in 357 MAG (you can shoot 38 spl too). Seriously though, I would stay away from the AR in 7.62 (you mean 7.62x39, not 308 right?). I say this because the taper of the 7.62 AK round requires a more curved magazine than an AR allows for, thus reliability for this round in an AR is spotty at best. Just look at the curve of an AR mag verses that of an AK mag.

 

[ms6852]

Get the lever action. You will regret not buying this rifle. Nostalgia makes us long for the past. This is a nice little rifle that is fun to shoot. If you get it in 35 remington it may offer you more protection in your hikes.

 

[steven58]

Get the AR in 5.56 NATO and a .22 rimfire conversion kit.

5.56 has way better accuracy, flatter trajectory, better ammo choices, and longer effective range than 7.62 com bloc. It also allows you to use the rimfire converter for fun practice at both indoor and outdoor ranges.

Also, there are many optics with BDC reticles (ACOGs etc.) that are calibrated for 5.56 not so for 7.62.

My rimfire converter paid for itself the first time I took my teen son and 2 of his friends to the range!

 

[ScottyPotty]

The Winchesters are never going to cost less than they do today, never, ever again.

This.....


the AR in 7.62x39 are not very good/reliable

 

[steven58]

Since you are not a hunter would you consider a .22 LR lever action?

You can go heirloom expensive with Marlin, Winchester or Browning or cheap fun with Henry or one of the Brazilian or Italian knock offs. This could save you a heap of ammo cost and allow use of any range.

 

[kimberkid]

Maybe I can help you out here ... I just finished a 7.62x39 AR last week. There are several companies making them now including S&W but I enjoy building my own ... total cost was about $900 but I could have cut some corners to trim that back, less expensive lower receiver, standard trigger and guard that came in the parts kit, etc... then I could have built it for about $675

​

Parts list:
Bushy striped lower
Bushy marked A3 stock (I suspect its a Tapco made for Bushmaster)
DPMS LPK
RRA 2stage trigger
Magpul P/G
Magpul Trigger Guard
Model1 Sales upper

The RRA 2stage trigger preformed flawlessly as did the rest of the gun. Extraction and ejection was positive and It may sound odd, but I really liked the slightly heavier recoil of the 762x39, and the fact that it was more controllable than 308 even in rapid fire (which is probably no suprise to anyone)

My only complaint ... I need a sight post that is about 1/16" taller as I had to aim at the ground about 2 feet in front of the target board in order to hit the target . I was able to get 4-5" groups, easily staying on an 8.5x11" sheet of paper once I fund my point of aim. Because of the sighting problems I didn't shoot for group size as I was shooting at 100 yards ...

I hope to get out to shoot it a bit this afternoon and am going to put a scope on it and try some different ammo too.

 

[Welding Rod]

I'd get the AR but in 5.56. Now is a great time to buy.

Then I would consider a Marlin lever .357, or get a 30-30 and start reloading.