California Semi-auto rifle

[RKCheung]

Hey Highroaders, I'm getting a $1000 bonus at the end of the month and need some help choosing which semi-auto rifle to get. Please remember that I'm in California and thus AR-style rifles are not available to me (although I do have 30 round AR mags). Also, I am considering a .50 cal since those will be illegal next year.

My priorities are for general plinking and SHTF. I have a shotgun for duck hunting and I don't do any other kind of hunting so caliber is not as much of an issue.

 

[Black Snowman]

My knee-jerk response would be to get the Serbu . . . BUT you could get some of the single shot AR lowers and register them as pistols, 50 BMGs, or both, to put things like the Ferret 50 on later and not be locked into only one choice. This would also give you money left over for something you'd use a bit more. Tough call.

 

[MaceWindu]

Ya can't beat an M1A!!

MaceWindu

 

[BradN]

I have a Mini-14, which I like: fun, cheap to shoot (XM193), and reliable. But remeber M1 Carbines are cal. legal -- own a real piece of history!

 

[RKCheung]

Black,

Yes, getting both a .50 to build later and a rifle I can use now would be ideal. But if I can get a decent quality .50 now, I can always get one of those other rifles later (assuming those don't get restricted).

Mace,

I like the M1A a lot. The only beef I have with them is cost (over $1000) and what I've heard about diminishing QC at Springfield.

 

[rbernie]

For the same cost as the Mini-14, get the SU16 instead - it's arguably a better rifle and will allow you to use your AR magazines in it. Then spend $200 more and get a Norinco SKS as a a companion to the SU16.

That'll leave about $200 left out of your $1000 bonus for ammo for the two (which means LOTS of ammo, if you buy surplus 5.56 and 7.62x39).

 

[pbhome71]

My vote is for a SKS + DPMS Lower.

The SKS won't be cheap forever, so get one. You can get M1A for next year bonus.

 

[RKCheung]

Thanks for the good advice all.

I've noticed that the M1A is getting a lot of votes, but not too many people are posting their reasons for choosing it over the others...

 

[45R]

M1A

I like the M1A over the Mini, SKS and SU16. Its very accurate and 7.62NATO ammo is cheap and you can find lots of surplus. Its a very nice rifle!

 

[pbhome71]

M1A is nice. I have one, a National Match with heavy barrel. There are a lot of things to like it. It looks cools. One solid rifle. Good sight, accurate.

The only cons is its weight. Ammo is very heavy too. I guess it depends on what you want ot do with it. If you want to go to a range, it is nice. However, I won't cary it around a wood, if I dont have to (bad back...

You need to look at the Scout, and SOCOM model too (they are already on my next cool guns list)

 

[MaceWindu]

The only cons is its weight...

Not with this one

I reduced the weight:

Replaced the stock with a synthetic, custom painted
2 inches less barrel
Metal butt plate replaced with a rubber butt pad
Less weight than my full size, a handy carbine.....

M1A Scout..

(My third is currently being built.. )



MaceWindu

 

[RKCheung]

So, is the M1A really that good of a rifle for the price?

I could buy the SU-16, Mini-14, and SKS together all for about the same price (maybe less) than one M1A.

 

[MaceWindu]

Don't confuse quantity with QUALITY..

MaceWindu

 

[BerettaNut92]

Ya can't beat an M1A!!

Well you could but who needs to since things will come loose, chip or fall off it on its own

I'd probably just get the Su-16 since you have the mags....

 

[dave3006]

Mace, who builds your M1A's? Do they have a website?

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

It's between the Springfield or Ruger. If you're considering the Springfield then that means 308 caliber. If you're considering 308, I'd go with Ruger mini-30. The Ruger is less than half the cost of the M1A. Lighter, too.

If you go 30 cal you have more legal hunting options, too.

Go with the stainless ranch model. That means the scope rings are supplied. With the Springfield it's an expensive option.

Plus the ammo is cheaper. Wolf ammo makes 7.62 x 39 for around $4 per
20.

 

[MaceWindu]

Go with the stainless ranch model

Mini-14 Ranch (...on steroids and crack...)





MaceWindu

 

[Drjones]

I'm in commiefornistan too.

Seriously: If you have any desire at all for a .50 BMG, get that or else you will regret it and end up spending a LOT more later when you have to try to buy one from someone already in CA who will probably charge you a lot more than it is worth.

I just started papers on a Serbu yesterday.


You have plenty of time to get other rifles later.....

I'd recommend though, that you get semi-auto pistols now, because due to red davis signing SB 489, all semiauto pistols sold in the state after Jan 1, 2006 will need to have a mag disconnect and chamber loaded indicator.

I think guns currently on the list will be grandfathered, but still.......the clock is ticking on semi-auto pistols in CA......

 

[MaceWindu]

I'd recommend though, that you get semi-auto pistols now, because due to red davis signing SB 489, all semiauto pistols sold in the state after Jan 1, 2006 will need to have a mag disconnect and chamber loaded indicator

I agree, BUT, this is ONLY for NEWLY DESIGNED semi auto's..not current designs..If I am not mistaken...

MaceWindu

 

[RKCheung]

Thanks for all the input folks.

Unfortunately, I'm not any closer to deciding yet.

I hate this state for making me feel like I have to buy something early just because it is going to be banned soon. :banghead:

 

[pbhome71]

If you are somewhere in the Bay Area, you can come try mine out.
- M1A
- SKS
Looking to get SU-16 soon... PM me if interested.

 

[RKCheung]

pbhome,

I'm down in SoCal, but I head up north on occasion to visit friends, so I may just take you up on that offer one of these days. Thanks!

 

[Drjones]

I can't believe only THREE people voted for the Serbu.

Apparently the 1.2 million threads we had about AB 50 were overlooked.


Mark my words, RKCheung:

If you have ANY desire at all for a .50 and don't get it now, you WILL regret it later.

But its your money to do as you like.....

 

[CBX]

I hate this state for making me feel like I have to buy something early just because it is going to be banned soon.

ya i just feel bad for my kids and my grand kids.

 

[RKCheung]

DrJones,

You are probably right. Maybe it is an omen that I am getting a $1000 bonus and the Serbu lower happens to be $1000.

Where (dealer) are you ordering yours from?