NifoOtiBoy
Member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2012
- Messages
- 10
Hello! Brand new to THR and looking for some good advice on a general use rifle. I have already put a very considerable amount of time looking into this, but I am interested to hear some experienced opinions. So without further ado...
I want a rifle primarily for plinking, but I want it to be capably serviceable in both hunting (varmint/deer) and SD as well. I have a girlfriend (soon to be fiancee and later to be wife) who is left handed so I have eliminated bolt action rifles from the running and only looking at ambidextrous platforms. She is also small framed, so I am not looking for anything .308 or larger. I'm considering 7.62x39 and .357/.38 in either semi-auto or lever action. Both calibers chosen for versatility, affordability, and recoil. Weight is an issue as my GF is small, but there is always supported positions... I'll take any advice on the weight issue. And cost is an issue, I want cheap ammo but I'm willing to save up more $$$ for a quality rifle.
I am a bit of a traditionalist, plastic doesn't do it for me, and I don't care for the tactical mall ninja look period. I want wood and steel that put cheap ammo downrange. And I'm looking for more of a traditional sporting look since I think it is more attractive and its less likely to scare the <deleted> out of some hoplophobe.
My top three contenders are:
Marlin 1894c in .357:
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/1894centerfire/1894C.asp
I know Remington screwed Marlin rifles so I won't get one unless they straighten things out. I find them very attractive, I like the traditional repeating action, and the nostalgia behind their history. But, I'm not a fan of straight stocks, ergos just throw me off. I do especially like the weight and not having to bother with magazines. Ammo expense makes it a bit less desirable than a 7.62x39 though.
Weight 6lbs
Circa $550
Ruger Mini 30 7.62x39:
http://www.ruger.com/products/miniThirty/models.html
I've heard the newer Mini's have good accuracy, I like the weight, action-type, appearance, and handiness, not liking the price so much on the gun or the magazines, and I've heard they don't do so well with Wolf or other cheap ammo. Not liking the plastic stocks though. Easy optics mounting a big plus for longer plinking, and it comes with peep sights already installed.
Weight 6.75lbs
Circa $680
K-VAR Vepr Pioneer in 7.62x39:
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17825&cat=443&page=1
Ok so maybe this one is more about how it just turns me on... but you have to admit that is one fine looking rifle. I like the durability that a rifle like this would offer, RPK receiver in a friendly sporting configuration. But my GF would have issues with the weight unless she shot supported, I don't mind a heavier rifle so much. Not a fan of expensive mags and the rifle costing a bit more, but it can shoot any 7.62x39 I'd throw in it like Wolf and that is a big plus for me. I do know getting anything better than the RPK sights pre-installed will be a PITA.
Weight 8.5lbs
Circa $829
I'm leaning towards the VEPR at this point, for an extra $200 it appears a much more valuable rifle than the Mini-30, and I don't want a Marlin 1894c if its shoddily made by Remington. Well there you have it, I'm interested in any and all recommendations between the three based on the criteria I've made, and I'm open to any suggestions beyond these rifles. Any other lever actions or semi-autos that would fill my criteria are welcomed.
Cheers to you all!
I want a rifle primarily for plinking, but I want it to be capably serviceable in both hunting (varmint/deer) and SD as well. I have a girlfriend (soon to be fiancee and later to be wife) who is left handed so I have eliminated bolt action rifles from the running and only looking at ambidextrous platforms. She is also small framed, so I am not looking for anything .308 or larger. I'm considering 7.62x39 and .357/.38 in either semi-auto or lever action. Both calibers chosen for versatility, affordability, and recoil. Weight is an issue as my GF is small, but there is always supported positions... I'll take any advice on the weight issue. And cost is an issue, I want cheap ammo but I'm willing to save up more $$$ for a quality rifle.
I am a bit of a traditionalist, plastic doesn't do it for me, and I don't care for the tactical mall ninja look period. I want wood and steel that put cheap ammo downrange. And I'm looking for more of a traditional sporting look since I think it is more attractive and its less likely to scare the <deleted> out of some hoplophobe.
My top three contenders are:
Marlin 1894c in .357:
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/1894centerfire/1894C.asp
I know Remington screwed Marlin rifles so I won't get one unless they straighten things out. I find them very attractive, I like the traditional repeating action, and the nostalgia behind their history. But, I'm not a fan of straight stocks, ergos just throw me off. I do especially like the weight and not having to bother with magazines. Ammo expense makes it a bit less desirable than a 7.62x39 though.
Weight 6lbs
Circa $550
Ruger Mini 30 7.62x39:
http://www.ruger.com/products/miniThirty/models.html
I've heard the newer Mini's have good accuracy, I like the weight, action-type, appearance, and handiness, not liking the price so much on the gun or the magazines, and I've heard they don't do so well with Wolf or other cheap ammo. Not liking the plastic stocks though. Easy optics mounting a big plus for longer plinking, and it comes with peep sights already installed.
Weight 6.75lbs
Circa $680
K-VAR Vepr Pioneer in 7.62x39:
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17825&cat=443&page=1
Ok so maybe this one is more about how it just turns me on... but you have to admit that is one fine looking rifle. I like the durability that a rifle like this would offer, RPK receiver in a friendly sporting configuration. But my GF would have issues with the weight unless she shot supported, I don't mind a heavier rifle so much. Not a fan of expensive mags and the rifle costing a bit more, but it can shoot any 7.62x39 I'd throw in it like Wolf and that is a big plus for me. I do know getting anything better than the RPK sights pre-installed will be a PITA.
Weight 8.5lbs
Circa $829
I'm leaning towards the VEPR at this point, for an extra $200 it appears a much more valuable rifle than the Mini-30, and I don't want a Marlin 1894c if its shoddily made by Remington. Well there you have it, I'm interested in any and all recommendations between the three based on the criteria I've made, and I'm open to any suggestions beyond these rifles. Any other lever actions or semi-autos that would fill my criteria are welcomed.
Cheers to you all!
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