General use Rifle

[NifoOtiBoy]

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!

 

[1858remington]

have you thought about the new Henry rifles??

As a lefty, she'd have trouble loading a Marlin, as the load gate is on the right side. The Henry has a gallery rifle style tube and is very easy to load. I have one in 45Colt, its very accurate, and the action is smoother than the Marlin's. They also have a nice brass frame and octagon barrel.

Looking for a gun for lefty's is tough. The semi's you picked are nice, but she might not like the brass flying across her face, as their ejection port will be positioned in front of her nose. Depending on how they eject, they may have to be modified.

Pobably the best gun for a small framed lefty for home defence and varments in a rifle format would be the FN P90. The gun magazine is on the top, and the gun ejects rounds straight down. Its compact, and a bullpup design. Its round gives .223 balistics but at a shorter range.

You could also look at the Taurus/Rossi Judge rifles in 45colt 410 shotgun. Since they are revolvers there's no ejection issues. The 45colt round, is about equal power wise to the 357mag for deer/varment/home defense. You wouls also get the advantage of 410 shot shells which gives you more versatility.

If you were just going to stick with a pistol caliber carbine, I would say to go for the Beretta Storm. It is fully ambidextrious, and can be quickly changed to eject on the right or left. Though not a deer gun, its perfect for home defense, and the ammunition will be cheaper, which means you'll shoot it more.

Another option is the AR platform. These are very adaptable and the top ends can be changed out to many different calibers. Also, for the lefty, they do make left handed top ends. With this platform you could have a left handed top for her, and a right handed one for yourself.

Lastly, if ammo capacity is not an issue, the Thompson Center Encore rifle might fit the bill. Its a single shot, top break rifle, easy for right or left handers. Just by swapping a barrel you can change calibers, and have 20+ calibers to choose from. Everything from pistol calibers to heavy rifle calibers, and black powder.

 

[LAK]

The VEPR or the Mini-30. Either one. The better open sights and lighter weight of the Mini would probably tip the balance for me though.

 

[1858remington]

The problem your gonna have with the ruger and the Vepr are the same you will have with a bolt action. The charging handle is on the wrong side for a lefty. She will have to work the charging handle with her support arm and hold the weight of the gun with her trigger hand. Or she will have to reach over or under the gun to work the action. This could lead to an accidental discharge rather easily.

I have seen mods where a charging handle has been added on the left side of AK's.

Idealy you want a gun that loads and ejects from the top or bottom.
Say like a shotgun,
the Ithica for example, loads and ejects from the bottom.
Or the Norinco 87W lever action, that loads and ejects from the top.

For general purpose a shotgun would meet all your needs (Varment, Deer, & Defense).

Personally, I would say your best bet is to get yourself a gun, and get her one just for her.

 

[Double Vision]

I'm a Mini fan so that would be my recommendation.
My wife shoots left-handed and doesn't seem to have too much trouble with it.
Good luck!

 

[Averageman]

If you'll be passing the rifle between the two of you and you are right handed and she is left handed, I would consider a lever action rifle because between the three you mentioned the Marlin would be the friendliest for both of you to use.
1) Low recoil for your G/F.
2) Relatively low ammo cost as you can shoot .38 or .357.
3) Ambidextrous controls and a simple robust system to work with.
4) If you choose to add a handgun later, you can have like calibers.
As far as Marlin Q/C, you can always find a gently used one and the cost savings could be put in ammo or reloading equipment.
Though your other two choices are fine rifles, I dont think they lend themselves to ambidextrous use between two shooters and there is a bit more felt recoil.
Although ammo may be cheaper, magazines can get expensive, espcially with the Ruger.

 

[MistWolf]

1) Let your girlfriend pick out her own rifle
2) All firearms send hopolaphobes into paroxysms of fear. If you pick one based on what they think, you've already lost. Just get what you want

 

[wickedsprint]

You are WAY over thinking this. Just buy an AR in .308 or 5.56 and put an ambi charging handle on it.

Cheap ammo, low recoil and accurate.

It does not meet your ideal cosmetic requirements but exceeds them functionality wise.

ALL weapons are a compromise.

 

[Sam1911]

A good friend of mine stopped by the range a couple of weeks back with a brand new Rossi R92 -- which is their copy of the Winchester 92 pistol caliber lever-action rifle.

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=157&category=8&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

I have never looked favorably on Rossi firearms before, but this thing was beautiful and very well made. Fantastic bluing, great fit and finish, and the action was slick as any I've felt, out of the box.

The Model 92 is so slim, trim, and light that it was a real pleasure to handle.

He had one of the local chain stores (Dick's Sporting Goods, I think) order one for him, and they were having a sale when he went to pick it up, so he got it for $370!

I'd give them a LONG look, considering how perfectly they'd seem to fit your criteria.
- It certainly is light and easy to handle.
- Very traditional.
- Ammo is cheap and plentiful.
- .357 out of a rifle will handle game up to deer at reasonable ranges -- and makes a heck of a self-defense combination.
- Rifle itself is very inexpensive, allowing you to spend more on a few cases of .38 Spc. range ammo to get yourself and your girlfriend practiced up.

 

[Fiv3r]

I'm a lefty, and while I don't like brass shooting across my face, it's not a deal breaker. Also, for me, manipulating a bolt takes WAY more dexterity than yanking back on a charging handle.

I think that if you are really wanting this to be a rifle for both you and your girlfriend, you're correct in going the no bolt route. I've basically given up on the platform, which is a shame. Lots of good used bolt guns out there at good prices that I just can't manipulate that well

I'll have to concur that the Rossis are impressive for what you pay for. I looked at one when I was deciding on a lever gun. I went with the Marlin 336 simply because I have always enjoyed their rifles and was looking at the 30-30 caliber. Still, the Rossi was nice.

Another thing to consider is that if you are dead set on making this a gun that both you and your girlfriend can use easily and aren't TOTALLY against going the AR route, you could get an upper or three based on your needs. A heavier caliber for hunting, and a pair of right and left handed uppers in .223/5.56 for plinking and varmints. I have a left handed AR, and I love it. You can also get wood furniture for it. However, 2 extra uppers and a stock is going to put your $$$ way up there.

 

[SimplyChad]

the lever action 357 pistol or rifle. Deer varmints (2 or 4 legged) plinking perfect

 

[History.Doc]

All good choices. For your purposes you might want to look at a marlin 336, and as already suggested, take a look at Henry. Those mini 30s have quite a bark; you may want to take that into consideration as well.

 

[NifoOtiBoy]

Wow thank you everyone for your input, highly appreciated.

I'm taking a look at the Rossi 92 in .357 since that does fit the bill pretty nicely. Great suggestion.
The Circuit Judge is an appealing rifle, certainly quite unique and handy. Prohibitive ammo cost makes it less desirable though. Good suggestion.
I'm still looking at the Ruger Mini's, I like the design and the calibers.

Any more opinions between these three for a cost-conscious buyer?

 

[MrDig]

First and foremost Welcome to THR
The down side to the Marlin is this, Quality Control since Marlin was bought out by the same company that owns Remington has dropped drastically. I am uncertain about Customer Service after the sale, but if the QC problem is correct, then Customer Service must be swamped, and deteriorating as well.
If you can find a used 1894c made prior to 2008 you will be happier than if you buy New In Box. If you can find one minus the Cross Bolt Safety you will be even happier according to some, I never saw a problem with the one I own that has the safety installed.
I have limited experience with the other two rifles but Would choose the Ruger if you can find one in stock, (everywhere I look the seem to be out of stock.) I would choose the Ruger based on my experience with their other Firearms, Quality and Durability.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Price-wise I would think the Rossi is a better choice than the Ruger, and a far far better than the Vepr. The Rossi is certainly more lefty friendly. Marlins can be had in other calibers with the curved pistol grip.

Detachable magazine fed rifles are certainly easier to load and unload, but the price of the Vepr I don't think it does much more than the Mini does.

If you just want a plinking/defense rifle primarity A/O has an M1 carbine for around the same price as the Ruger, but its really light, feels more like a 22. Might be easier to manipulate. They are lousy as hunting rifles as there just isn't a wide variety of hunting ammo available.

 

[tdstout]

If you were leaning towards the 7.62 round, but like a lever action, why not go for a lever action in 30-30? More umph than a pistol caliber. If I'm wrong somebody will come around to correct me, but I'm pretty sure it is almost identical to the 7.62 ballistic wise.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

If you'll be passing the rifle between the two of you and you are right handed and she is left handed, I would consider a lever action rifle because between the three you mentioned the Marlin would be the friendliest for both of you to use.
1) Low recoil for your G/F.
2) Relatively low ammo cost as you can shoot .38 or .357.
3) Ambidextrous controls and a simple robust system to work with.
4) If you choose to add a handgun later, you can have like calibers.
As far as Marlin Q/C, you can always find a gently used one and the cost savings could be put in ammo or reloading equipment.
Though your other two choices are fine rifles, I dont think they lend themselves to ambidextrous use between two shooters and there is a bit more felt recoil.
Although ammo may be cheaper, magazines can get expensive, espcially with the Ruger.

This is my general thoughts. Having said that, I'd encourage you to consider a 30-30. It is ballistic ally the same as the AK round plus you can be reduced recoil rounds from Remington for the 30-30'that truly feel like you are shooting a 223 round. I wouldn't have believed it till I tried it. I personally wouldn't hunt with a 357 magnum round though many others do. If ammo costs are too much for the 30-30 then the mini30 IMO is the next best choice based on your listen

 

[tech30528]

There is also an upper for the AR platform for the 5.7. Top rail magazine, ejects thru the mag well. You can even put a blank mag in it to catch your brass.

I'm not a big fan of the AR platform, I'd probably go lever action 22 WMR depending on how much you plan to shoot and what you are hunting. Looking at a few on GB in the $400 range.

 

[Driftertank]

I don't really see the issue with the charging/bolt handle location on the semiautos for lefties. Think about the FAL, with its charging handle on the left side. Do you hear righties complaining about it?
Many people actually prefer using their off-hand to charge a weapon, so i don't think that should rule out the semi's in any way. The ejection, maybe. If you're deadset on having your girlfriend use your rifle, have her handle one. Have her hold it comfortably and look for anywhere moving parts may interfere. Dunno about the mini-30 specifically, but most Garand-action rifles i've seen eject more straight up and forward, than to the side. Don't think it'd be a huge issue. If i'm wrong, please correct me.

As far as versatility and cost-effectiveness for all the purposes you're looking for, the 7.62x39 is hard to beat. It's ballistics are virtually the same as the classic .30-30, but i've never seen .30-30 for $5/20.

My vote is probably Mini 30.

 

[mortablunt]

Out of all your choices, I support the VEPR the most. There are cheaper 7.62x39 AK's out there, and there is the SKS, which is lighter and cheaper and more accurate. Kalashnikovs, SKS's, and most Russian small arms eject pretty much straight out to the right and the port is normally far enough forward with using the stock to make it lefty safe. AK ergonomics aren't too bad either for left handers.

Have you looked at a 5.45x39 AK? It's got almost no felt recoil and the ammo is currently cheap.

Just how small and dainty is your lady anyhow? If 4'9" Vietnamese peasant girls could use Mosin-Nagant M44's, then she can probably handle just about any gun. It's a matter of proper technique and being willing to deal with the recoil.

Look at the Hi-Point pistol caliber carbines as well. You'd probably love one. Take a serious look at the Beretta Cx4 Storm, AR-15, and M1 Carbine.

 

[rio nueces]

SKS.
No plastic. The round you want. Extremely reliable if left in original configuration. Inexpensive. No mags to buy. Not much kick. Easy to field strip and clean. Many have chrome-lined bores.
Not too scary looking, if bayonet, take it off. If you hunt, mag can be blocked easy to 5 rounds, and 5 round mags are available too.

Possible downside... difficult to scope, although good drill and tap side mounts are available.

 

[jogar80]

AK47

 

[XM855]

I know you said no plastic, but I really feels like you're asking for an AR to me. My AR is my main deer rifle, more than enough power, but very lightweight and easy/fun to shoot. With the adjustable stock, low recoil, and countless ambidextrous options, it is ideal for a small framed lefty such as your girlfriend. It also doesn't hurt that you can cus an AR down to 7lbs if you're willing to give up some muzzle velocity. I feel like a .223 is extremely versatile if loaded for the purpose at hand, and cheap bulk .223 is probably one of the easiest calibers to locate. An AR would probably have as much synthetics as that Mini-30, but you could always swap out for wooden furniture if it really bothers you that much.

 

[History.Doc]

Wow thank you everyone for your input, highly appreciated.

I'm taking a look at the Rossi 92 in .357 since that does fit the bill pretty nicely. Great suggestion.
The Circuit Judge is an appealing rifle, certainly quite unique and handy. Prohibitive ammo cost makes it less desirable though. Good suggestion.
I'm still looking at the Ruger Mini's, I like the design and the calibers.

Any more opinions between these three for a cost-conscious buyer?

Try to borrow a mini 30 before you buy one-- they aren't for everyone. Loud with lots of muzzle blast and not super accurate but they do have their uses. Reconsider a used marlin also?

 

[bubba15301]

get a .22 for plinking and target shooting - and pick a centerfire that suits your requirements and budget