Cheap big-gun shooting

[jefnvk]

I am looking for a cheap bigger-bore (NOT a .22, already have) rifle for some fun plinking and setting good habits. THis rifle should have lots of new/surplus military ammo availableand the rifle itself should not cost too much, max ~$200. I have currently narrowed it down to a Mosin variation (like the looks of a big long 91/30), a Czech or Yugo Mauser, or an AK variation (Saiga or WASR-10). Preferably .223, 7.62x(39 or 54), 8mm, maybe 308. Corrosive ammo is not an issue, and accuracy should be about pie-plate size @ 100yd. Any other suggestions are also welcome. Also, what are good prices for these guns bought locally?

 

[Mulliga]

Cheapest centerfire ammo I know of is 7.62x39 (any new Russian production should be reliable and cheap) and possibly the 7.62x54R Czech surplus (~800 rounds for 70-80 bucks).

I'd recommend either a Mosin of some sort, or a Yugo SKS. If you can find a decent WASR-10 below 200 bucks, BUY IT!

If you get it transferred from a place like SOG or AIM, it's usually cheaper. At a gunshop, a Yugo will generally run $120-170 (prices have gone up recently, it seems), and a Mosin might be roughly $80-130. YMMV - all the gun shops around here are seriously overpriced.

 

[Stickjockey]

How about a .308-barreled Garand? Milsurp 7.62x51 is cheap these days.

 

[Dionysusigma]

The Garand isn't, tho

Go for a Mosin 91/30. Cheap, heavy, reliable, both attractive and ugly at the same time...

 

[albanian]

The cheapest centerfire rifle ammo I know of is 8mm. I have seen the 1400 rd cases of Turk ammo for $75! These come in bandolers with stripper clips and a sealed wood and lead/tin ammo crate. Great deal anyway you look at it!

There are several 8mm rifles to choose from. I have three 8mms, a Turk Mauser, a GEW Mauser, and a Yugo M-48A. They are all good guns but from a purely shooting aspect, the Yugo is the best because it has the best trigger and is almost new. You can still get the Yugo Mausers for less than $100. I think that is a pretty good deal on a gun that is like new condition. The Turk is fun to shoot also because it tames the 8mm more than the shorter bbl rifles.

The SKS is another great option that would fit your needs and not kill your shoulder with heavy recoil. Ammo for this gun is can be had for $70-90 for a case of new manufactured non-corrosive Russian ammo. I have not had any problems with Russian ammo in my SKSs. I won't shoot the stuff in some of the other cals (9mm, .380, .45 etc) but 7.62x39 seems just fine.

 

[Eric86GT]

I would go for a 91/30. I picked one up at the Dunham's in Battle Creek last fall for $79. It's my first gun. I went to a few Dunham's before that repeatedly until this one caught my eye. It has a nice finish and the bore is a little dark, but the rifling is good. I've only shot standing or one one knee, but it's pretty accurate. I need to see how she shoots from the bench.

I don't shoot milsurp, because I'm too lazy to clean up after corrosive ammo, and Wolf 148 gr. FMJ is pretty cheap still. Now I'm addicted to Mosins and will be applying for my C&R FFL soon so I can order an M44 or M38 or both.

 

[ocabj]

Czech VZ24 from Empire Arms. $189 out the door (less if East of Miss.) Stock in unissued condition. 100% bluing. Cosmoline already taken care of. Fits your $200 max budget. I bought one a few months ago and it is impressive. I went with Mojo rear sight, but have the B-Square scout mount ready to go once I get the Leupold scout scope.

You can go cheaper of course. 91/30s can be easily had for under $100. There are plenty of Yugo/Bosnian M48A and Czech 98/22 for around $100, but nowhere near the condition as Empire's VZ24s.

A corrosive or non-corrosive, you should always clean a bore after shooting it.

 

[M2HMGHB]

M39 nagant is the most accurate mosin nagant rifle out there. they usually run from 150-300 dollars, you may find one cheaper. I love my Finnish nagant, shoots great fast smooth and everything.

 

[m39fan]

If you did want to go with 7.62x51 (308) like stickjockey suggested, try looking on Gunbroker or Auction Arms for a Ishapore 2A1. I own 2 and will never be without one again!!! Do searches for Ishapore and 308. My last 2A1 was mistakenly listed as a No.1 Mk.III in 308. No such thing exists but it helped me get it for $125.00!!! Expect to pay $175.00 - $250.00 normally depending on condition and location.

HTH,
Mike

 

[Okiecruffler]

If you want big bore, big noise, big flash, nothing beats a M44, and their practically giving them away. And you got that neat pig poker on the end.

 

[DMK]

I'd say either a Mosin-Nagant or Yugo SKS. Both are cheap and shoot cheap ammo.

The Mosin has more kick and surplus ammo can be cheaper, but it's corrosive so you'll need to clean your guns everytime you shoot them. For the price of a SAR1, you can get a sweet M39.

The SKS is more fun IMO because it's a semi-auto and it's less than half the price of an AK.

 

[George S.]

You should be able to get Wolf .223 for around $2.10 to $2.50 per box/20 if you shop around. Should work OK in AR-types or a Mini-14 (more costly rifles but still fun to shoot). No-reloadable and a bit smelly but is fairly accurate ammo.

I have a Mosin 91/30 and I have been able to find Czech silvertip 148 gr ammo for $2.75 box/20. It's a steel case with a lacquer finish and causes some bolt sticking issues but it is very accurate stuff. It's corrosive but a good drenching of Windex with Ammonia on the bolt and through the bore after shooting keeps any corrosion from forming.

My 1931 Izzy Mosin will get me 10" groups at 200yds and about 6" at 100yds. It's a lot of fun to shoot, but invest in a good recoil pad!! Not as big a recoil as an M44 but shooitng about 100 rounds will get you a sore shoulder (and no sense hurting yourself if it will keep you from raising your beer-drinking hand )

 

[jrhead75]

It'd be awfully hard to beat a Czech or Yugo Mauser for price/quality. AIM's got 24/47 Yugos for $109. I got one last month and it's beautiful. The bore is a mirror and headspace is nice and tight. First trip to the range...one 4.5 inch 12 shot group followed by a 5.5 inch 13 shot group, both at 100 yds using 65 year old Greek ammo, which I got from Century for about $45/750 rds. 5 misfires out of 30 isn't good, but bad weather set in before I could shoot enough to get a good sampling of the stuff.

I'll bet that with a load that it likes, that old girl will do MOA or close to it.

 

[GD]

If you want a strong and yet very accurate rifle I would highly recommend a Finnish M39. Wholesale Guns and Ammo is selling these for under $200. Ammo is very cheap and available. You will probably see a few of these rifles at gunshows if you want to check 'em out ahead of time. These rifles represent the very best of the Mosin Nagant line.

 

[OEF_VET]

Heck, if you look around, you might be able to pick up both a Mosin-Nagant and an SKS for around $200.

 

[No4Mk1*]

I don't really have anything to add as from your post, I think you have figured it out.
Mosin-Nagants are great values here-
aztecguns.com

 

[Farnham]

My SKS is a lot of fun, didn't cost much, and the Wolf 7.62X39mm is cheap.