General use Rifle

[Double Vision]

I'm a fan of 7.62x39 caliber. Get a Mini-Thirty AND a Saiga and you could have some fun.

 

[Kal52]

I just thought of something, and maybe its lame whatever but remington made a little pump action .223 that used AR mags, it was on the 7600 platform.

I havent shot one, held one once, thought it would be fun, but other than that NO EXPERIENCE with them. A pump gun may work well, and you wont have brass whipping past her face at mach 2 LOL.

Im not sure but they may have them with wood furniture etc. the one I saw was basically a synthetic stocked 870 that shot .223 LOL

maybe some folks that know more can pipe in, would make a fun vermin thumper.

 

[CaliCoastie]

If you found a Marlin in 357 for 400 our less I would run there to get it, high demand for those right now especially with the current quality control (our pack there of) from Marlin.

 

[pseudonymity]

Any reason to just have one rifle? If you are going to use it to plink and hunt, I can see sharing it while plinking, but while hunting?

You do not say whether your girlfriend is a shooter now or not, but if she is not, why not buy a left handed bolt in .22lr for her and a SKS for you? Or even a right handed .22lr for you also - you can probably buy two new .22lr plinkers with wood furniture and a decent SKS or used lever action for less than the Vepr.

 

[wickedsprint]

I'm enjoying the discussion and appreciate all the input!

Maybe I should have said that I do have a tube fed Marlin xt-22 for plinking, and my GF has a Model 60. So I do have something for uber heap plinking, but I want to get a centerfire that I can practice with at longer ranges than a .22 and become proficient with using cheap ammo.

I understand that an AR fits that criteria fairly well, but I just have a thing for more traditional rifles. I'm sure there are plenty of guys here that understand obsessing over Mausers, Garands, and lever actions. The history and nostalgia gives those kinds of firearms a lot of 2nd type of cool in my book. My GF doesn't really care either way. I totally respect anyone who likes an AR, but I'd take an AK over one and definitely a more traditional rifle like those mentioned above. I'm sure I'm not the only one that just likes a beautiful looking traditional rifle...

This is a general use rifle question, so there I am open to advice on caliber preference between .223 and x39... Yeah I know I just asked for WWIII to start. From what I've heard and studied in ballistics tables is that the x39 is far more versatile even with less types of loads available. I absolutely have no need to be shooting beyond 200 yards, so the ballistic advantages in that range seem to firmly give the x39 an advantage. I know this isn't really an AR vs AK debate since I could get an AR in x39, but as I said they just don't do it for me, AKs don't really do it either.

I considered an SKS, but the weight is too much for my GF. Otherwise that is a great suggestion

Rossi 92 or Marlin 1894c prior 2005 both sound good to me. A good point was made that you do save some $$$ not having to mess with magazines. Both of our .22s are tube fed for simplicity and cost, so I am already thinking along those lines. Is there a dramatic quality difference between the two? If I found a used Marlin for not much more than the price of a new Rossi I would assume that's the best choice.

That Taurus/Rossi circuit judge is a sweet looking gun! I know that kinda deviates from my "traditional" criteria, but the simplicity of the design is what I find appealing, kinda like the simplicity of my other preferred action types. I just wish they had a .38/.357 model, that would be perfect! At 4lbs that would make one handy little plinker/HD/hunting rifle no? And my GF wants a semiauto more than a lever (me too by a small margin). I can't think of a simpler way to have make a semiauto rifle, I totally dig that whole concept. But what are your opinions of the calibers offered? I don't know much about them.

I understand your fixation. I've had it too. Ive got a .375 CZ itch that will have to be scratched before I leave this rock.

I'm a fairly late comer to the AR scene. I used to hate ARs until I started training with them and realized how versatile they are...but I understand if they're not your cup of tea (yet).

 

[NifoOtiBoy]

OP, it's fine if you don't want an AR, but it's not fine to discount them for the reasons you mentioned, which are incorrect and demonstrate a lack of experience with any of the firearm types mentioned. No offense -- we were all there once too. In fact, I would be willing to say that when we were in your shoes, most of us didn't listen to those with more experience either, and had to learn all this stuff on our own! I know I sure fit that description.

There were a couple other misconceptions in your posts... for one, .30-30 is not very expensive. Around here, you can get it from Academy for less than $0.50/round, for good reloadable brass-cased stuff (Monarch brand). Even if you don't have Academy stores near you, Monarch brand stuff is just re-packaged Prvi Partizan, which you can get online for about that same price if you look. It's not as cheap as .223 and 7.62x39, but it is every bit as cheap as .308.

Now I will say that if ammo price is that much of a concern, you probably wouldn't want to go with anything in 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel, as I suggested above. They are more like $0.75/round at the cheapest. So if that is the case, maybe the AR isn't your best option, since .223 isn't really ideal for hunting.

If you've narrowed it down to 7.62x39, I would go with an AK or SKS. They are more reliable than a Mini 30, no less accurate, and tend to be cheaper. One great option is a Saiga, which is an AK that comes in a "sporting" configuration for about $350, but can be converted back to AK configuration with a little work.

Also, 7.62x39s are not very hard recoiling. It is a little more so than a .223, but that isn't saying much. Besides, small women can easily handle much more powerful rifles like M1As and Garands with a little instruction in proper shooting position. As a marksmanship instructor, I teach them to do it all the time. Hell, a couple weekends ago we had a pretty little thing who couldn't have been much more than 120 lbs. come to one of our rifle clinics who had never fired a gun before in her life. By the end of the day she was getting solid hits with my M1A, and loving every minute of it! Take your girl to an Appleseed... you will both benefit greatly from it. www.appleseedinfo.org

Yes I am very inexperienced, guilty as charged. I'm trying to learn all I can on here but I can't really change that I prefer more traditional rifle over tacticool. I'll start taking a harder look into ARs. I dare say I think it's not a crime to prefer a 7.62x39 over a .223 or .308. I think I'm rather unlikely to ever practice shooting out to 500 yards so I don't see where those rounds have much advantage over a 7.62x39 at short ranges with what I'm planning on using a rifle for: mostly plinking and HD/DH. An AR in x39 does sound appealing to me, but so far I'm having trouble finding a decent price for one.

I would LOVE an M1A, but cost is more prohibitive than alternatives. I also would like a gentler cartridge to shoot, more relaxing that way IMHO. If they made an M1A in 7.62x39 commie... desecration I know, sounds nice to me though.

And the 30-30 sounds like a fine cartridge, except that it is 2x or 3x more expensive than .223 and x39... which for me IS expensive. Being able to put 2x the ammo out of a rifle for the same $$$ sounds good to me. Maybe if I get into reloading that would be a better option, but I don't know much about reloading... and that would be a different thread I think.

I'm impressed that a 120lbs girl you instructed fired a M1A... my GF complained about firing a 6lbs .22 rifle! She does need to work on her stance though... but shes a bit strong headed to stop doing something that just feels comfortable. An appleseed instructor just might just be the thing for her..... and me..... Anyway..... I don't think even I would want to take a 10lbs rifle hunting and it would certainly be hard to use inside a home for defense. As I said though, I do love those Garand type rifles... just gorgeous IMO.

I've also entertained an AK as you suggested, and the VEPR, which is quite a bit more than just an AK... but I just cant really warm up to them. I'll give it some more thought and try to test some out some more.

 

[NifoOtiBoy]

Arsenal SGL-21s are selling these days for around if not MORE than the price of the K-var Vepr Pioneer... and an Arsenal doesn't have a RPK receiver and a thicker barrel. I know its heavy and costs x2 a Rossi lever in .38/.357, and a good bit more than a cheapie AK, and its more expensive than a Ruger Mini... but doesn't that look like some good value at $825 FFL transfer not included?

 

[Usagi]

Food for thought:

The concept of an AK being "more reliable" than an AR has its roots in the Vietnam war. The problems the M16 had back then are not present today, except in some off-brand manufacturers.

That said, you can build a high-quality AR to YOUR specifications for well under $800. In these parts, used AKs are selling for $700+. This means price is awash. And, by building it, you would know YOUR rifle inside and out. My only suggestion would be a mid length or rifle length gas system.

What you gain is a round that can be shot reliably to 600 yards instead of 300. You also get the opportunity to customize to your wishes.

 

[Agsalaska]

If my two cents are worth anything on this thread.

A lever .357 is a good way to go. The Rossi is a good one, probably the best if you want to go brand new out of the box. 1911 is the fourth or fifth person I have heard say the same thing about them. The best in your price range at least. And an earlier poster said something about a pistol round being a handicap for deer hunting. Out to 100 yards you will do just fine with a .357. Beyond that it will have limitations.

If you get a mini 30 get a newer one. The older ones had accuracy issues. I am surprised that has not been brought up. I like the 7.62x39 as well. An AK or SKS could also be choices but I doubt you will ever see me in the field with an AK hunting deer. By the way, if you have never shot one, the Minis are pretty loud. You might want to shoot one, even if it is a mini14, before you buy.

You also mentioned it would be a SD gun. Either would be fine. You can get really fast with a lever if you practice. But it is probably not a long term solution. If you went the lever way your next step could be a 38 special. Model 10s are under $300. Great revolver, great cartridge that you would be familiar with, and any grownup can easily shoot.


Dont let the AR guys bother you. Its like arguing with a politician. That being said, if you ever get a chance one day to familiarize yourself with an AR, take advantage of it. I am not saying you will like it or not, but it could be worth verifying or overuling you current opinions.


And last, as an FYI, my general purpose gun is a lever action 30-30.

 

[Armed012002]

Trying to find one rifle that fits you and your girlfriend is like trying to find a pair of shoes that you can both wear.

Have her pick out what she wants. Otherwise, it will always be "your gun" and she won't be interested in it. Trust me

Been there, done that.

 

[valnar]

Your original three rifles have two different calibers for two different purposes. You need to answer the caliber question first.

• .38/357 is good for SD/HD and plinking.
• 7.62x39 or .30-30 is good for SD/HD, plinking and hunting (but 30-30 slightly more $$ on the ammo). Of course, that is a bit of a misnomer. Cheap Russian plinking ammo is not an ideal/humane hunting round. Buy some quality 7.62x39 bullets, and the cost is up there like any other centerfire hunting cartridge.

Now, if you add .223 to the mix, it becomes one good for SD/HD, plinking and hunting small woodland creatures. It's not ideal for deer, but is cheap.

Then you have the left-handed preference of your significant other which "weighs" (pun intended) your choices down. I think a used Marlin .30-30 is ideal. A nice wood-blued metal SKS in 7.62x39 is also ideal, but will weigh more than what you want for your GF.

If a compromise must be met, I think the Ruger Mini-14 or Mini-30 would fit the bill. They cost a bit more, but you get a Garand-like-'ish action and traditional wood & blued steel is available on the Mini-14. If you want wood & blue for a 7.62x39, it's back to the SKS or the Vepr you listed.

Now, all that being said, I think you're looking to get two rifles. Time to kill two birds with one stone....or four birds with two stones actually. Buy the lighter, ambidextrous plinking machine for your GF, like a used Marlin 1894c, and get the more powerful 7.62x39 or whatever-gun-you-like for yourself.

 

[mortablunt]

What if you got a 7.62x39 Saiga? That could do it.

 

[NifoOtiBoy]

I reallyappreciate the last few comments. A good point was made that I was trying to get one rifle to fit too many roles and preferences. I think 2 guns will have to be the way to go, a Rossi or Marlin leet in .38/.357 would have fit it all I think, but my GF wants a semiauto and doesn't want a lever gun so much. So I think I'll get us a Mini-14, we both like that one. And eventually I'll grab a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39 or something like that. and having two centerfires would be more fun than just having one anyway!

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I've enjoyed hearing all your advice and opinions. You've all given me a good amount to think about. Take care everyone!