IndianaBoy
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 1,551
Zombie certified.
Does anyone else Not own a semi-automatic battle rifle?
- Thread starter scotjute
- Start date
- Status
justin 561
Member
Pretty much my thinking of it.
dmazur
Member
In a weak moment, I bought a Garand. The US Navy used them for training, as recently as the 70's, so for me it was "boot camp nostalgia".
I shoot it occasionally. It would have to be called "plinking", even though it's .30-06, as it isn't competition and I'm probably not going to use it for hunting.
Do I feel the need to fill my basement with mil-surp .30-06? Nah. I reload, and I just have to be careful to load "compatible" rounds for the Garand.
Even though it's a replica (7,xxx,xxx serial number), I don't think I'd sell it. It's a lot of fun.
I doubt it would ever be an effective homeland defense weapon. I'm not sure the concept is valid, regardless of what rifle you own. ("Red Dawn" was a movie...)
So, IMO, get one if it's fun. Shoot it occasionally, rather than trying to set the stock on fire each range session.
I shoot it occasionally. It would have to be called "plinking", even though it's .30-06, as it isn't competition and I'm probably not going to use it for hunting.
Do I feel the need to fill my basement with mil-surp .30-06? Nah. I reload, and I just have to be careful to load "compatible" rounds for the Garand.
Even though it's a replica (7,xxx,xxx serial number), I don't think I'd sell it. It's a lot of fun.
I doubt it would ever be an effective homeland defense weapon. I'm not sure the concept is valid, regardless of what rifle you own. ("Red Dawn" was a movie...)
So, IMO, get one if it's fun. Shoot it occasionally, rather than trying to set the stock on fire each range session.
marksman13
Member
All of my rifles are bolt actions other than a Nylon 66 and a Remington 550-1. Had an SKS for about a month, but didn't like it. I would love to own a M1A and an AR-15, but I don't have the cash laying around.
mr.trooper
Member
I own an Assault rifle, but no battle rifles.
Personally, I think the concept is bit dated. In the modern environment, i don't see rifles like an M-14 or PTR-91 doing anything that a high-powered bolt gun couldn't do just as well.
If this was the 1950s and we were facing off against cold war Russia then sure...but that just didn't happen.
*EDIT*
You said you have 3 bolt actions? FALs are availible in 308, 243, 260, and 7mm-08. if one of them is 30-06, then the Garand or FN-49 fit the bill. that covers all of the popular hunting rounds in the US as far as i know.
Personally, I think the concept is bit dated. In the modern environment, i don't see rifles like an M-14 or PTR-91 doing anything that a high-powered bolt gun couldn't do just as well.
If this was the 1950s and we were facing off against cold war Russia then sure...but that just didn't happen.
*EDIT*
You said you have 3 bolt actions? FALs are availible in 308, 243, 260, and 7mm-08. if one of them is 30-06, then the Garand or FN-49 fit the bill. that covers all of the popular hunting rounds in the US as far as i know.
MMCSRET
Member
I do not own a semi-auto rifle of any kind. never felt the need for one, had a 10-22 for one shooting session, it went to market, will never own another aluminum receiver rifle of any caliber again.
TCB in TN
Member
In the past I have owned several different semi auto "battle rifles" and have nothing against them, they are great fun, typically much more accurate than the uninformed would think, and I really enjoyed both owning and shooting them. That said I don't own one a the current time having traded each for something that I felt was of more worth. At this point in my life with my boys taking up so much of my firearms time and budget I do not see myself getting back into the market for one. That said if I do it will be an AK variant of some sort. I personally loved the Colt I had, but IMHO for buying a battle rifle on a budget the AK platform is the best bang for the buck.
Battle rifle.....
The issue of defending against a corrupt government is unlikely. However, consider when (NOT if) oil/fuel gets short to the point of people getting cold and hungry and desperate. When the roaming gangs start to leave the cities to prey on us poor, self-sufficient rural folk, well, all I can say is have something close by that you can handle rapidly and efficiently - as well as your wife/kids/etc. Picture the old frontiersman under attack in his cabin. ((paranoia only slightly exaggerated!!))
The issue of defending against a corrupt government is unlikely. However, consider when (NOT if) oil/fuel gets short to the point of people getting cold and hungry and desperate. When the roaming gangs start to leave the cities to prey on us poor, self-sufficient rural folk, well, all I can say is have something close by that you can handle rapidly and efficiently - as well as your wife/kids/etc. Picture the old frontiersman under attack in his cabin. ((paranoia only slightly exaggerated!!))
Shawnee
member
"The issue of defending against a corrupt government is unlikely."
Storming into someone's home and kidnapping hundreds of Texas children away from their parents and holding them hostage sure sounds like a potential "corrupt government" nominee to me.
Storming into someone's home and kidnapping hundreds of Texas children away from their parents and holding them hostage sure sounds like a potential "corrupt government" nominee to me.
Ignition Override
Member
All of my guns are surplus Russian-design or US military-style carbines.
To be frank, if they have irons sights and no junk/gimmicks added to them, they can be a practical short-range defensive/fun plinking rifle.
Many just do not care much for strictly civilian-style weapons, except the very old Savage .22 (to save plinking money) or a Ruger10/22.
Along with a Mini 14, you might test the SKS, or Saigas (.223/7.62x39/.308), if not the AK-47.
Both basic calibers are among the least expensive ammo, it is easy to find, and can be used in various reliable carbines. Some of us care nothing about fashion, 'tacticool' or looking like an unemployed sniper, shooting expensive holes in a piece of paper..., and dislike the range which was overpriced and over-structured (rivers and swamps are available-wear boots for cottonmouths). Prefer 'country boy' shooting, and gotta be quite honest sometime.
When (not whether) low-octane gasoline hits $6.00/gallon? It might then be too late.
The best combo might be a Ruger 10/22 and an SKS or Saiga in the near future.
To be frank, if they have irons sights and no junk/gimmicks added to them, they can be a practical short-range defensive/fun plinking rifle.
Many just do not care much for strictly civilian-style weapons, except the very old Savage .22 (to save plinking money) or a Ruger10/22.
Along with a Mini 14, you might test the SKS, or Saigas (.223/7.62x39/.308), if not the AK-47.
Both basic calibers are among the least expensive ammo, it is easy to find, and can be used in various reliable carbines. Some of us care nothing about fashion, 'tacticool' or looking like an unemployed sniper, shooting expensive holes in a piece of paper..., and dislike the range which was overpriced and over-structured (rivers and swamps are available-wear boots for cottonmouths). Prefer 'country boy' shooting, and gotta be quite honest sometime.
When (not whether) low-octane gasoline hits $6.00/gallon? It might then be too late.
The best combo might be a Ruger 10/22 and an SKS or Saiga in the near future.
You can find low price deals on SKSs still. I agree with earlier posters that an SKS, Stripper clips, and 1000 rounds is a prudent investment. Its not just about defending your freedom but yourself. I own two SKSs and a converted Saiga AK47. I also have two Mosin Nagants and I might be hard pressed to grab my K31 if the situation called for it. I think its naive after the LA riots and Katrina to think that possession of a good semi auto and some ammo isn't a good investment and prudent to defend your home and family.
I dont have one right now... but as soon as the paperwork is done.. I will.
Infact I am hoping that in about a year from now the paperwork on a fully auto version will be done...
But yes right now only have bolt guns... and do enjoy them immensely.
Infact I am hoping that in about a year from now the paperwork on a fully auto version will be done...
But yes right now only have bolt guns... and do enjoy them immensely.
Hokkmike
Member
My AR sits on the rack too long. It can eat ammo like a teenager through hamburgers. It is a fun rather than practical gun. I guess that's OK once in a while, otherwise it is kind of an extra. Can't use it to hunt in PA.
Ragnar Danneskjold
Member
If you want to fill the void, but not have a lot of work or money in it, get an AK. Someday you may be glad you did. And with the current political winds, methinks we should all buy a few more semi-auto rifles while it's easy to do.
Sgtanderson
Member
Life is too short to not own one of each. Battle Rifles WW1 and WWII or the new stuff--IF IT THROWS HOT LEAD AND COPPER DOWNRANGE AND OPERATES PROPERLY I'LL TAKE IT![GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE BUT HUSBANDS THAT GET HOME EARLY DO]-LARRY THE CABLE GUY
MCgunner
Member
Are there no other hunting calibers? I have a .308, but no .223 (worthless caliber IMHO) or .30-06. When I was thinking bigger than my .257 Roberts, I bought a 7mm rem mag, more of everything than the 06, but not much more recoil and I like 7mm bullets/bore.
I'd say, if you don't want an auto, there's no one to please, but yourself, don't buy one. All this SHTF, homeland security, TEOTWAWKI, crap on boards is all just wishful thinking for those that wanna justify ownership of battle rifles, basically, IMHO. Am I worried I can't survive without an M4?
An accurate bolt gun in an adequate hunting caliber is what brings food home. Firepower is useless in the hands of the civilian. Suppressive fire is something the military uses, fire and maneuver. Try that against a whitetail you need for protein and you go hungry and waste your ammo cache. I've got a few autos I bought cheap just because I wanted 'em and for no other reason. I do not need to justify their purchase with a reason, a use. I have sporterized an SKS just because I wanted to. It makes a fair to middlin' short range deer/hog gun and only set me back 75 bucks for the initial purchase. Scope and all, I ain't got $250 in the thing. I have an Egyptian Hakim 8x57 semi auto battle rifle. It's just a fun range gun and conversation piece, only gave 80 bucks for it. I don't do M4s and other such high end guns, just have no need. I bought my SA military rifles because they were cheap at the time and fun to play with. I ain't worried about the end of time, don't read revelations, don't go to church nor am I a Mormon, don't believe Nostradamus, ain't worried about Mayan 2012 predictions, will cross all bridges as I come to them and, frankly, if I need a weapon, I have 20 long guns and 21 handguns to chose from. I didn't need ANY of 'em to survive Y2K, after all. I don't need no stinkin' M4. Of more importance as to why I don't own one, I just don't WANT one.
So, I take it you're an advocate of pedophilia? Can't start 'em too young?
LJ-MosinFreak-Buck
Member
So far, I don't. But I am getting an AK,
LJ-MosinFreak-Buck
Member
lol. i might even get two to dual wield when the zombies attack.
- Status
