Mr.Caliber
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Hey I am kind pf new to centerfire rifles and would like a centerfire caliber that i can shoot alot at the range within a resonible price.
Thanks,
Mr.Caliber
Thanks,
Mr.Caliber
Cheap Caliber
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C-grunt
Member
Id say .223.
Yep 223 is still pretty reasonable.....I am considering a cheap AR just because of this....please don't tell anyone I am considering a little girl gun though 
or go 7.62x39.....an SKS and 1000 rounds should still be doable for $200 - $300 or so.
or go 7.62x39.....an SKS and 1000 rounds should still be doable for $200 - $300 or so.
Smokey Joe
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Well, I know what's in your future...
Mr. Caliber--You're going to be getting into reloading. You just haven't realized it yet. Many of us here @ THR stand ready to help you when the truth dawns.
Tell ya what: With cheap milsurp ammo, you get about what you pay for. But go ahead, get an SKS or a Mosin or some such. Mebbe a Mauser M-48. Everybody's gotta start somewhere. The Swiss K-31's are really nice rifles, I hear, accurate, too--but their ammo is pricey.
Warning: Suggest you consider ANY non-U. S. made milsurp ammo as corrosive until proven otherwise. No biggie, just clean yr bore IMMEDIATELY after shooting, with hot soapy water, then clean the firearm as usual.
Enjoy. And remember, the journey is part of the destination.
Mr. Caliber--You're going to be getting into reloading. You just haven't realized it yet. Many of us here @ THR stand ready to help you when the truth dawns.
Tell ya what: With cheap milsurp ammo, you get about what you pay for. But go ahead, get an SKS or a Mosin or some such. Mebbe a Mauser M-48. Everybody's gotta start somewhere. The Swiss K-31's are really nice rifles, I hear, accurate, too--but their ammo is pricey.
Warning: Suggest you consider ANY non-U. S. made milsurp ammo as corrosive until proven otherwise. No biggie, just clean yr bore IMMEDIATELY after shooting, with hot soapy water, then clean the firearm as usual.
Enjoy. And remember, the journey is part of the destination.
Mr.Caliber
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But but but NOOOOO
Not reloading its SOOO confusing and it seems like buying powder for 20 bucks then buying bullets then buying primers, wouldent that add up to more than what i pay for cheap ammo just to shoot at the range??
Not reloading its SOOO confusing and it seems like buying powder for 20 bucks then buying bullets then buying primers, wouldent that add up to more than what i pay for cheap ammo just to shoot at the range??RevolvingCylinder
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You get a full pound for that $20 which can be used for many rounds. Primers are CHEAP. Bullets can be cheap. It's the startup costs that get you. But it pays off in no time.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
The Mosin Nagant ($80 - $95) shoots 7.62X54R ammo at around $3 a box of 20.
The AK-47 ($350 and up) shoots several rounds but the 7.62X39 can be had for $3.15 a box of 20
Old German Mausers are relatively cheap and shoot 8X57 rounds at $3 a box of 20
.223 can be shot out of a lot of inexpensive rifles like some of the AK-47 Variants that are out and you can get .223 (5.56X45mm NATO) for around $3.99 a box of 20
5.45X39 ammo is getting a lot cheaper and is going for as low as the 7.62X39 stuff. The newer AK-74 are shooting that.
Of course you can buy this ammo in bulk and save even more.
There is a lot of fun stuff out there that you don't have to break the bank to shoot!!
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
Center-Fire Rifles
Well, since everybody else here is talking actual RIFLE calibres, why not mix it up a bit.
Have you considered 9mm from a carbine?
There are some nicely priced 9mm carbines, and a couple of "more money than sense" carbines.
Kel-tec makes a 9mm carbine (Sub2000).
Ruger makes one (PC9).
Hi Point makes one (995C).
Beretta makes the CX4 Storm series, but it's pricey.
Marlin used to make the Camp 9 (if you find one, buy it).
Calico makes one (though I've never handled one).
. . . and there are others.
Now, why would I mess up a perfectly good rifle thread with pistol calibre carbines?
Just this: I don't know of a rifle calibre above .22 that costs less than the 9mm cartridge.
Whereas a .223 round will cost about 24 or 25 cents for inexpensive stuff, the 9mm will cost about 14 or 15 cents.
Of course you're kind of limited in your effective range. The 9mm will acquit itself well at 50 yards, and deliver good punch and decent accuracy at 100, but you won't be taking any deer with it.
It's a decent close range ranch gun or personal defense weapon, and cheap at the range (can even be shot at indoor ranges). And, naturally, most of the pistol-calibre carbines can be had in .40 and .45 cal.
If the 24-25 cent per round cost is okay, then .223 is certainly a viable round. No deer, but it will ruin a coyote's afternoon. Good out to 300 yards (more, if you get good glass).
Wait, wait! That's clearly not enough confusion!
I left out the .357 lever-action carbine! You can shoot .38 special out of those for not a whole lot more (20 cents/round) than 9mm. And the .357 round will flat knock down varmints of all sizes, deer, bison, even elk and bear. (Just remember to clean the throat/chamber after shooting a bunch of .38 special -- the crud build-up can make the longer .357 case feed poorly.)
I see your eyes beginning to glaze over.
I guess I won't mention the .44 mag and .45 LC carbines.
Well, since everybody else here is talking actual RIFLE calibres, why not mix it up a bit.
Have you considered 9mm from a carbine?
There are some nicely priced 9mm carbines, and a couple of "more money than sense" carbines.
Kel-tec makes a 9mm carbine (Sub2000).
Ruger makes one (PC9).
Hi Point makes one (995C).
Beretta makes the CX4 Storm series, but it's pricey.
Marlin used to make the Camp 9 (if you find one, buy it).
Calico makes one (though I've never handled one).
. . . and there are others.
Now, why would I mess up a perfectly good rifle thread with pistol calibre carbines?
Just this: I don't know of a rifle calibre above .22 that costs less than the 9mm cartridge.
Whereas a .223 round will cost about 24 or 25 cents for inexpensive stuff, the 9mm will cost about 14 or 15 cents.
Of course you're kind of limited in your effective range. The 9mm will acquit itself well at 50 yards, and deliver good punch and decent accuracy at 100, but you won't be taking any deer with it.
It's a decent close range ranch gun or personal defense weapon, and cheap at the range (can even be shot at indoor ranges). And, naturally, most of the pistol-calibre carbines can be had in .40 and .45 cal.
If the 24-25 cent per round cost is okay, then .223 is certainly a viable round. No deer, but it will ruin a coyote's afternoon. Good out to 300 yards (more, if you get good glass).
Wait, wait! That's clearly not enough confusion!
I left out the .357 lever-action carbine! You can shoot .38 special out of those for not a whole lot more (20 cents/round) than 9mm. And the .357 round will flat knock down varmints of all sizes, deer, bison, even elk and bear. (Just remember to clean the throat/chamber after shooting a bunch of .38 special -- the crud build-up can make the longer .357 case feed poorly.)
I see your eyes beginning to glaze over.
I guess I won't mention the .44 mag and .45 LC carbines.
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Mr.Caliber
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Where do u get that kind of ammo that cheap archangelcd? very intrested if i can find stuff like that and intrested in the old war rifles anyway like the mauser so please help.
toecutter
Member
I really like the suggestion of a pistol caliber rifle. Pistol calibers are almost perpetually cheaper than rifle calibers.
From what I've been hearing and seeing, there is currently some severe shortages of .223 and 7.62x39. Most of the prices I've seen here in the southwest is about 5.50-7.00/box for .223 and 5.00/box for 7.62. I don't know what happened, I remember just a few years ago when 7.62 was 1.99/box. Apparently it's more volatile than gas prices.
Depending on what you're looking for, you may consider a .38/357 lever gun, these are really really fun, and when shooting .38 loads it's cheap. This is also a really easy caliber to reload.
The 9mm/.40S&W PCR (pistol caliber rifle) are a lot of fun to shoot, and with 100 rounds of 9mm going for about $15 and no sign of shortages this would be a _GREAT_ choice.
If you're looking for flexibility, perhaps get an AR-15, and then get a 9mm and .223 upper. (two for the price of 1.5)
It's really hard to compete with the russian import guns. Due to the difficulty in finding 7.62x39 I would probably go with a mosin in 7.62x54R. It is still fairly common. 8mm ammo is still out there, but it's getting rather more expensive than it was. Olympic is making the stuff which sells for about $8/box.
Hope all that helps!
From what I've been hearing and seeing, there is currently some severe shortages of .223 and 7.62x39. Most of the prices I've seen here in the southwest is about 5.50-7.00/box for .223 and 5.00/box for 7.62. I don't know what happened, I remember just a few years ago when 7.62 was 1.99/box. Apparently it's more volatile than gas prices.
Depending on what you're looking for, you may consider a .38/357 lever gun, these are really really fun, and when shooting .38 loads it's cheap. This is also a really easy caliber to reload.
The 9mm/.40S&W PCR (pistol caliber rifle) are a lot of fun to shoot, and with 100 rounds of 9mm going for about $15 and no sign of shortages this would be a _GREAT_ choice.
If you're looking for flexibility, perhaps get an AR-15, and then get a 9mm and .223 upper. (two for the price of 1.5)
It's really hard to compete with the russian import guns. Due to the difficulty in finding 7.62x39 I would probably go with a mosin in 7.62x54R. It is still fairly common. 8mm ammo is still out there, but it's getting rather more expensive than it was. Olympic is making the stuff which sells for about $8/box.
Hope all that helps!
Mr.Caliber
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What other rifles shoot 7.62x39 besides the ak-47? I dont mind war guns but i really did not want an over seas assult rifle as my first centerfire rifle.
Thanks,
Mr.Caliber
Thanks,
Mr.Caliber
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
9mm for $15/100
Typically that's what Wal*Mart sells.
It's the Winchester "white box" Value Pack, 100 rounds of 9mm FMJ for (currently) under $15.
They also do Winnie White Box .38 special FMJ for $20/100.
They do Remington .223 at just under $5.50/20.
And, for what it's worth, their ammo is made in the USA. There's not much I buy at "Wally World" but the ammo is from here and their prices are often right at the bottom.
Typically that's what Wal*Mart sells.
It's the Winchester "white box" Value Pack, 100 rounds of 9mm FMJ for (currently) under $15.
They also do Winnie White Box .38 special FMJ for $20/100.
They do Remington .223 at just under $5.50/20.
And, for what it's worth, their ammo is made in the USA. There's not much I buy at "Wally World" but the ammo is from here and their prices are often right at the bottom.
mountainclmbr
Member
8mm Mauser is cheap, but most is corrosive. The C&R guns are usually very inexpensive too. I really like the Yugo M48 and M48A. This is a real rifle caliber and has some recoil. The .223 is easier to shoot all day long.
Around here 9mm goes for about $13/100 at Wal-Mart. I was in the same boat wanting a cheap rifle to shoot, and I considered the 9mm carbine (KT Sub2000), but I also wanted a rifle for more power to fill a niche my pistol can't. So I opted to postpone the KT Sub2000 & go for the WASR 10. Now I have a more powerful, longer range weapon, too.
What other rifles shoot 7.62x39 besides the ak-47? I dont mind war guns but i really did not want an over seas assult rifle as my first centerfire rifle.
To take it, just as you just typed it. Then get an SKS, it is not an Assault Rifle. :banghead: Or a bolt action like the M10A1, or CZ 527 in 7.62 x 39.
To take it, just as you just typed it. Then get an SKS, it is not an Assault Rifle. :banghead: Or a bolt action like the M10A1, or CZ 527 in 7.62 x 39.
Diesel man
member
A mosin nagant is a good tack driver try m38 carbine and its cheap around $100 depending on condition.Its a very reliable bolt action rifle with cheap ammo that is almost equivelent to a 30-06 springfield.
270Win
Member
All the recommendations so far have been good ones.
.223 Remington
7.62x39
7.62x51 (.308 Winchester)
7.62x54R
8mm Mauser
9mm Luger/Parabellum/9x19
All quite cheap. Do you have an idea about what kind of platform you want?
If cost is a factor for the rifle also, the cheapest would be a Mosin-Nagant 91/30 or one of the associated carbines (M38 or M44). Rifles are typically under $100, carbines are usually a hair or two over. Rifles recoil less and have less muzzle blast than the carbine, which some translate into being more pleasant to shoot.
SKS is an excellent choice as well; I hardly know a shooter without one.
Any Mauser is a good choice also, cost-wise, but some people don't care for the recoil. It can be stout if the stock doesn't fit you neatly.
The Ruger Mini-14 and Saiga both shoot .223, and can be good low-cost shooters. Saigas also available in .308.
You have a LOT of choices.
.223 Remington
7.62x39
7.62x51 (.308 Winchester)
7.62x54R
8mm Mauser
9mm Luger/Parabellum/9x19
All quite cheap. Do you have an idea about what kind of platform you want?
If cost is a factor for the rifle also, the cheapest would be a Mosin-Nagant 91/30 or one of the associated carbines (M38 or M44). Rifles are typically under $100, carbines are usually a hair or two over. Rifles recoil less and have less muzzle blast than the carbine, which some translate into being more pleasant to shoot.
SKS is an excellent choice as well; I hardly know a shooter without one.
Any Mauser is a good choice also, cost-wise, but some people don't care for the recoil. It can be stout if the stock doesn't fit you neatly.
The Ruger Mini-14 and Saiga both shoot .223, and can be good low-cost shooters. Saigas also available in .308.
You have a LOT of choices.
Mr.Caliber
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I want to stay under $250 for the rifle. what could i get for that price?
ArchAngelCD
Member.
MrCaliber,
I get those prices from my local gun dealer. His shop isn't you trpical gun shop. He has a lot of old rifles and ued handguns. He fills the gap left by Dick's and Gander Mountian. Like I said, you can get those prices and better from online dealers. There is a thread on this forum listing MANY sites. (But I can't find it right now) Try these sites, There are others:
http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?tabid=3
http://www.aimsurplus.com/
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/default.asp
http://www.ammunitionstore.com/index.htm
http://www.ammoman.com/index.htm
http://www.the-armory.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/index.html
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=10480
You said you don't think you want a AK-47 as your first rifle and I understand that. Why not take a look at the Mosin Nagant. See it here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=244487
Information here: http://7.62x54r.net/ and here: http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/
Good luck in choosing...
Smokey Joe
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>$250
Mr. Caliber--ANY of the milsurp rifles mentioned can be had for <$250, except for historically significant, "special" models, or rare variants. Most are 'WAY under that price. Well, except the AK-47 and its variants. Those will run you about 3 1/2 bills, ballpark figure.
My personal choice would be an M-48 Mauser, which will set you back some $150 or so. Cheapest, as noted above, would be one of the Mosin-Nagants, or perhaps a Turkish Mauser.
Do not, repeat, DO NOT, buy from Mitchell's Mausers--what they have is ordinary rifles, nicely cleaned up I admit, but then 'way overpriced. For the cheaper "ordinary, non-Mitchell" milsurp, you get to clean a certain amount of cosmoline out of the mechanism, but so what. Elbow grease, hot water, rags, brake cleaner (for the metal parts, not the wood!), kitty litter, and some of your time, are a LOT cheaper than Mitchell's prices.
BTW, referring back to yr earlier comment, reloading looks a lot more complicated than it is. If you want a complete, non-confusing explanation, get and read The ABC's of Reloading put out by Krause Publishing www.krause.com Or get it @ yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, or off the I'net. It is the "standard text" on the subject.
Mr. Caliber--ANY of the milsurp rifles mentioned can be had for <$250, except for historically significant, "special" models, or rare variants. Most are 'WAY under that price. Well, except the AK-47 and its variants. Those will run you about 3 1/2 bills, ballpark figure.
My personal choice would be an M-48 Mauser, which will set you back some $150 or so. Cheapest, as noted above, would be one of the Mosin-Nagants, or perhaps a Turkish Mauser.
Do not, repeat, DO NOT, buy from Mitchell's Mausers--what they have is ordinary rifles, nicely cleaned up I admit, but then 'way overpriced. For the cheaper "ordinary, non-Mitchell" milsurp, you get to clean a certain amount of cosmoline out of the mechanism, but so what. Elbow grease, hot water, rags, brake cleaner (for the metal parts, not the wood!), kitty litter, and some of your time, are a LOT cheaper than Mitchell's prices.
BTW, referring back to yr earlier comment, reloading looks a lot more complicated than it is. If you want a complete, non-confusing explanation, get and read The ABC's of Reloading put out by Krause Publishing www.krause.com Or get it @ yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, or off the I'net. It is the "standard text" on the subject.
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plexreticle
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- Oct 8, 2006
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- 1,240
Most .223 rifles with Mil.Surp. ammo with outshoot most shooters and it's relatively cheap and easy to find.
mrmeval
Member
Interordinance+Aim Surplus=booomy
Interordinance
Mosin Nagant $78.95Rifle+12S&H+$25FFL = $115.95
Comes with cleaning kit and takedown tool.
Aim Surplus
800rd Spam Can of ammo: $69.95+$15 = 84.95
You'll need a spam can opener so might want to make sure it's included, might be extra.
Total 200.90
Interordinance
Mosin Nagant $78.95Rifle+12S&H+$25FFL = $115.95
Comes with cleaning kit and takedown tool.
Aim Surplus
800rd Spam Can of ammo: $69.95+$15 = 84.95
You'll need a spam can opener so might want to make sure it's included, might be extra.
Total 200.90
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