Can't make up my mind. . .

[Js56]

Hi everyone, I am new to this website and I came to the forum with a tough question that has been on my mind. I'm 16 and currently only own a shotgun. However, I convinced my parents to let me get a rifle too. My parents told me I could gt a rifle if I dropped the "gun thing" for a while( they want me to stop bugging them about buying another gun.) I am really interested in mosin nagant rifles and like their history. I looked into buying one online and then getting it shipped it to an ffl. After running the numbers on the final cost (rifle, hand pick, shipping, transfer, background check, cleaning supplies, ammo ect.) I figured that I would be spending close to $370 on the famous "$80" gun. I figured I could just save up for a few months working and buy a Remington 700 sps with a little more. Of course then I would have to pay for glass and expensive 308 ammo. I told my parents this and they said they're not worried about the cost. I just want a rifle that I can take to the range that I can plink with and teach me marksmanship and further responsible firearm ownership. I also don't want to get a mosin that is totally inaccurate. Not that big of a deal guys. . . Just want some other people's two cents. . . I can only get one more gun! Thanks,

 

[guyfromohio]

If you're really going to shoot, pay close attention to ammo costs.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

if all you plan to do with it is shoot at a range, why not get something in .22LR? much cheaper ammunition and easy on the shoulder so spending plenty of time on it learning marksmanship is easy.

 

[JustinJ]

I guess it really depends on what type of shooting appeals to you. Of course mom and dad may not go for a military platform but if they do you might really enjoy an SKS. A saiga in .223 might be fun as well and you can just leave it in the original configuration if need be or convert it if possible or when you get older. You may also be very surprised at just how little one can build their own AR15 for. Ammo for all the above is relatively inexpensive.

 

[Js56]

Thanks for the replies- I agree that 22's are great for marksmanship fundamentals, but I still like the historical factor of mosins- I also doubt my parents would let me get a scary self loading or "black" rifle, or at least not yet haha

 

[mberoose]

$370? Jesus, I'd love to see that cost breakdown. Color me skeptical at that figure.

For what it's worth, I love my Mosin, but it's not really a plinker (more of a boom stick) and it won't be nearly as effective at teaching you the things a .22lr can when it comes to marksmanship and overall fundamentals. Get a Marlin 795, or Ruger 10/22 or something. Mosins ain't going anywhere. You simply take your .22 knowledge and scale it up when the time comes for the most part.

My .02¢

 

[Js56]

Just a rough numbers crunch, but here it is:
-mosin nagant round receiver from aim surplus-$80
-"hand pick"-$10
-approximate shipping to ffl-$20
-firearms transfer and nics background check-$37(I know ***)
-2 spam cans that will last a long time-$156
-----non essential-------
Sweets 7.62-$10
30 caliber bore snake-$10
Simple green degreaser-$10
Other cleaning supplies-$40
Knowing you are sending too much on a surplus rifle- priceless

Seriously though If I am shooting corrosive I will need some quality ammonia solvent like sweet's. I will also need the simple green to help get the cosmoline off. Keep in mind this is ALL in. Just what I was coming up with, not exact

 

[mberoose]

I can assure you of one thing, you won't need 800+ rounds off the bat. Even 1 can of 440 would probably last you several, several months.

-scratches head-

......then again, I'm from CT and casual shooting is pretty much nonexistent, it's always a planned, expensive affair. : \

Your mileage may vary.

 

[allaroundhunter]

For your first rifle, and for teaching marksmanship, go with something in .223 Rem.

It is cheaper to practice with, and plenty accurate.


And federal law says that a 16 year old cannot buy a rifle from a dealer with an FFL...

 

[ledheplin]

Well you could always look locally for one. That's what I ended up doing and that way you really know what your getting and you don't have to deal with all of the shipping and background check fees. As for cleaning I stuck with a cheap Cabelas cleaning kit and for the cleaning the overall rifle google some other methods of cleaning up the stock and receiver.

 

[MolleMan]

.223 or 7.62x39 is the cheapest ammo out there right now other than .22lr of course.