For all of us broke guys (I mean frugal shooters)

[Aaryq]

Howdy Folks,
What would THR Say would be the top 10 rifles and the top 10 pistols that go bang every time but at the same time won't break the bank with the price of the gun or the ammo?

 

[cherryriver]

I don't think I'd carry on for ten models, but here's what I've found:
Ruger .22s- a Mark I autopistol and a 10/22 rifle.
For a centerfire pistol, a (heaven help me) Taurus 92. 9mm is the cheapest centerfire to shoot if you can get to Wal-Mart. My stupid, cheap 92 is rugged and super-reliable. I use it to chew up second-rate ammo, but it won't break or choke anyway. Dangdest thing.
For a shotgun, a Mossberg 500 is a steal. Simple, cheap, versatile, won't break. Barrels are cheap, too, so you can have a bunch of different guns if you need them. Plus, it can be taken down far enough (if you dismount the buttstock and magazine) to fit inside a motorcycle saddlebag.
For a centerfire rifle, well, a Lee-Enfield No. 4. For a hundred thirty bucks, a barrel of laughs. You might do with an Ishapore model in 7.62 NATO, for a few bucks more. I've never had more fun with a rifle, and you can actually shoot the thing kinda fast if you try.
Bill

 

[coloradokevin]

I'll add a couple here:

Rifles:

SKS (still pretty cheap, last time I looked. Mine is a Norinco, and has not skipped a beat in the roughly ten years I've had it -- thousands of rounds)

AK-47 (These also always go bang, for slightly more $, a bit more sex appeal, and detachable magazines)

8mm Mauser (in a bolt action category)... I love mine, and found it for only $100 in new condition four or five years ago!

 

[Werewolf]

Best pistol with most bang for the buck is hands down the CZ-75B...

 

[Specop_007]

None. If it has moving parts, it has a chance of failure.

That said, if you were going to drop me in the ass end of nowhere with no cleaning supplies and I got to choose my firearms....

Most of the S&W and Ruger revolvers. It doesnt get much more foolproof then those. If semi auto, I'd probably just go with a Glock. Nothing pretty, nothing fancy but its a very reliable design.

For full sized most of the Comblock stuff in semi auto. Again, AK's and SKS's are not pretty or fancy but they sure go bang when you need them too. Most any bolt action I would feel comfortable with.

 

[Claude Clay]

rifle rimfire--ruger 10-22 & cz 452
cf rifle--sks & mosin
shotty--win 20 or mossberg 12 pump
pistol--cz 52 (with 9mm bbl also)
revolver 22lr single-six; cf--s&w 65 or 66

 

[Itegorm]

Here are some of what I think should go on the list.
Rifles;
Mosin Nagant 91/30, m44, or any of the other various incarnations of it.
SKS pretty reliable and reasonably accurate, simple functioning.
NEA Handirifle Not pretty in most cases but pretty reliable and widley available.

Shotguns;
Remington 870
Mossberg 500
NEA/H&R single shots

Handguns;
Most any Ruger revolver.
CZ 75 in any of it's forms

 

[doc2rn]

Mosin 44 as Itergorm said picked one up for $69 and bought Bulgarian Light ball for $35/ 300rd from Weideners before they ran out. Get good ear protection if you go this route.
Best .22 rifle Marlin Model 60, got mine from a pawn shop for $79 and a 550 Federal bulk pack gave 4 guys the time of their adult years today at the range, (golfing is a hoot when done with a .22)
Ruger MK I or II goes bang everytime and cleaning isn't that bad after reading the manual on line.
CZ 75B 9mm has to be the best choice for center fire that is still affordable.

 

[Jguy101]

For rifles, definitely the Saiga; I think I'd add the Marlin 336 to the list too, as they tend to run for pretty good prices around here. Ruger 10/22 as well.

Handguns: Stoeger Cougar.

 

[brighamr]

hi-point
xd
glock
ak
sks
mauser

All are relatively cheap, and reliable if taken care of.

 

[FieroCDSP]

M&P pistols- often sold for less than a Glock or XD, though in the same price range
Stoeger Cougar pistols- A Beretta at half the price. Figure $329-$360 OTD
Taurus Revolvers-When you can't drop the cash for a Smith, or even a Ruger, the Taurus will do the job.

Mosin Nagant riflles- Incredible deal right now (I have two) "Have fought against themselves and won every time."
SKS rifles (average about $169-$240 for better than shooter grade)
Saigas-An AK with better accuracy, and less expensive. (I've seen them range from $239 to $400, depending on model and availiability.)

You're like me in that you want to have a "collection" but don't have much cash. Layaway is your friend. Also, try putting ten bucks aside every week so when you see a deal, you can grab the cash and at least take the sting out of it.
I know the Dunham's in my town carries guns, so I'll chech their printed fliers ever few weeks to see if they have any great deals. I picked up a 91/30 Mosin for $59 because I happened to check their flier on a whim. I knew what I was looking for in the gun, so I was able to get one in nice condition by passing on three others with bad bores. So check around for the deals.

 

[bogie]

Get a good bolt action rifle, and concentrate on technique and accuracy and making ONE shot count... If you just want a lot of loud noise, go to Tennessee and buy firecrackers.

 

[El Tejon]

Ruger 22/45. I take it every range trip.

$200 for a .22 that runs like a sewing machine=great deal.

 

[chris in va]

Single shot rifles. Can be had in any caliber, makes you slow down and not waste ammo.

Mosin. Feeding it is still reasonable, even after the price doubled. Last time I checked a typical Mosin goes for ~$100 or so.

22's are hot right now. I find myself shooting the CZ Kadet more than anything at this point.