Currently I have several bolt and semi rimfires (17hmr and 22lr) but the only centerfire rifle is a Ruger M77 in .270. The 270 covers any hunting needs I will ever have but is not exactly a pleasure to shoot at the range. More than anything this will simply be a "fun" gun so I want a semi auto with a little more power and some aftermarket to waste more time/money.
Whatever the gun, the vast majority of rounds put through it will be at a range plinking at targets 100yds or less...I'm definitely not concerned with anything over 200yds. I will probably take some coyotes with it and also deer if it's a 7.62x39. Depending on what I end up with I could also see it being used as a bush/truck/SHTF rifle. I'm on a tight budget and would like to spend around $300 on the gun, maximum of $400. I'll be shopping around at the next gun show and also the LGS so if I stumbled across the right used gun I would also consider it. From the research I've done this basically limits me to a Saiga (223 or 7.62x39) or an SKS. Right now I'm leaning heavily towards the Saiga but can't decide between the 7.62x39 or 223.
I don't reload. Ammo prices seem similar between the two with 223 having an edge in availability. I would end up ordering most of my 7.62x39 online for bulk pricing but could still stop by any local shop and grab a box in a pinch. The 223 shoots flatter (moot point for me), is better suited for varmints/coyotes/etc and has less recoil. I'm a little recoil sensitive rolleyes and hope an intermediate caliber will allow me to gradually become more comfortable with the real high power calibers. Both calibers can legally take deer here but would not feel comfortable using the 223.
Right now the Saiga in 7.62x39 is winning out but I'm still open to suggestions. Seems the 7.62x39 can do anything the 223 can at the ranges I'm interested in but also gives me the option to use it deer hunting and makes a better defensive (but not idea) round vs black bears and wild hogs. Also seems to me that getting an AK variant in 7.62x39 and then an AR in 5.56 later on is just the "right" thing to do. If anyone is still reading this novel I would appreciate any insight between the two calibers or suggestions which way to go in regards to calibers or specific models. I also considered a 9mm carbine (sub2000 or similar) to share ammo with my pistol but decided I wanted something I could also hunt with....not to mention bulk 7.62x39 is barely (if at all) more expensive than 9mm.
Whatever the gun, the vast majority of rounds put through it will be at a range plinking at targets 100yds or less...I'm definitely not concerned with anything over 200yds. I will probably take some coyotes with it and also deer if it's a 7.62x39. Depending on what I end up with I could also see it being used as a bush/truck/SHTF rifle. I'm on a tight budget and would like to spend around $300 on the gun, maximum of $400. I'll be shopping around at the next gun show and also the LGS so if I stumbled across the right used gun I would also consider it. From the research I've done this basically limits me to a Saiga (223 or 7.62x39) or an SKS. Right now I'm leaning heavily towards the Saiga but can't decide between the 7.62x39 or 223.
I don't reload. Ammo prices seem similar between the two with 223 having an edge in availability. I would end up ordering most of my 7.62x39 online for bulk pricing but could still stop by any local shop and grab a box in a pinch. The 223 shoots flatter (moot point for me), is better suited for varmints/coyotes/etc and has less recoil. I'm a little recoil sensitive rolleyes and hope an intermediate caliber will allow me to gradually become more comfortable with the real high power calibers. Both calibers can legally take deer here but would not feel comfortable using the 223.
Right now the Saiga in 7.62x39 is winning out but I'm still open to suggestions. Seems the 7.62x39 can do anything the 223 can at the ranges I'm interested in but also gives me the option to use it deer hunting and makes a better defensive (but not idea) round vs black bears and wild hogs. Also seems to me that getting an AK variant in 7.62x39 and then an AR in 5.56 later on is just the "right" thing to do. If anyone is still reading this novel I would appreciate any insight between the two calibers or suggestions which way to go in regards to calibers or specific models. I also considered a 9mm carbine (sub2000 or similar) to share ammo with my pistol but decided I wanted something I could also hunt with....not to mention bulk 7.62x39 is barely (if at all) more expensive than 9mm.