I Need a Battle Rifle !!!

[hankdatank1362]

Long story short, I wound up with a $945 store credit at my local gun shop. It can be applied to special orders, which I like, because almost all of their firearms are ridiculously (very very ridiculously) overpriced. I figure I won't get screwed as bad on a special order.

I would either like some kind of battle rifle, like a modern FAL or G3/CETME in .308 (7.62x51 NATO) or an AK in 7.62x39. If I get the AK, I should have enough money left over for a nice snubby (I've been eyeballing the Charter Arms Bulldog Pug in .44 Special) and some tacticool gear for the AK.

But I recently have been thinking hard about a G3 or CETME. Do you guys think I can get one, shipped and transferred, for that amount ($945) ? I'm not willing to spend another dime of money in this store other than the store credit I already have.

BTW... the store has a H&K G3 semi-auto fixed stock for sale already.... for $3400 !!!! Is that ridiculous or am I crazy? It's right next to the H&K MP5 semi-auto knockoff with the 16" barrel for $3800!!!! (Now you know why I'm not willing to put another dime of money into this guy's hand than I already have.)

So if you guys think a CETME/G3, or even a FAL is doable on this budget, shipped and transferred, please let me know, and any links to dealers with rifles (in stock only, I found a G3 for $799.95 out of stock) would be greatly appreciated!

(Mods, I apologize for posting in General Discussion, as this should probably be in Rifles, but I need quick responses, as I'm supposed to go back down there with my Dad tomorrow, who's pissed that his only son got screwed out of hard-earned money)

 

[cslinger]

If you like the HK format then I HIGHLY recommend the PTR-91. Should fall right in your price range. I have handled and shot several real HKs and several PTRs and the PTRs have better welds and IMO better fit and finish then the HKs.

Another favorite that you can probably swing in some version or another is the FAL. Basically one side of the globe had AKs the other had FALs and that about says it all.

Believe it or not, she is very soft shooting.

Chris

 

[zinj]

http://www.ptr91.com/

H&K G3 clone. MSRP is $1140, the real world price might be closer to your $945.

 

[Mortech]

A Cetme is doable ( I own one) , but a FAL is much prefered (had one but hard financial times forced sale) . I believe if your a member of FNFAL.COM Dsarms will get you a special price on a FAL ordered from them . My friend manage to buy a para-model FAL for $750 a couple of months ago . A local store in FedWay had Dsarms for about $950 .

 

[CNYCacher]

I am going to go out on a limb here and assume that you spent a good deal of money on an item that needed to be returned, and the store said "Store credit only."

Is that correct?

If so, did you pay for the original purchase with a credit card?

 

[MHBushmaster]

I would pass on the G3 or a CETME or even a FAL due to current state of affairs for 7.62x51 ammo. You really are in a crap shoot for 7.62 NATO ammo right now, and commerical .308 is not the same, it is way more expensive, and along the lines of it not being the same as 7.62 NATO-it should not be fired out of CETME's for sure and probably wise to pass on G3's as well with hot commercial. FALs have the adjustable gas system, so you can make it work, but the price will kill you buying Winchester .308 commerical ammo.
The AK is a route you could explore more easily, and have money left over for a decent pile of ammo and mags which are a necessity when you own an AK.
An AR is going to drain your in store credit, especially if you are buying a built rifle from the big 3, Colt, Bushmaster or Armalite (don't think RRA or Stag are sub par, I own RRA and stag and they are just as good as the others).
Or you can go the M1 Garand route, surplus M2 ball is plentiful and cheap, and nothing says BATTLE RIFLE like the 8 roars of .30-'06 followed by the "ping".
Its your call, these are just my experiences with owning and operating all the above rifles in my personal collection over the years...YMMV

 

[BADUNAME13]

I'd look for a M1A standard... you can find them for ~$1,000 if you hunt.

2/3nd choice FAL -TOTALLY doable.

2/3rd AK. I'd get a Arsonal

I would not get a HK...

 

[hankdatank1362]

No, I was an idiot and paid cash.

 

[Geronimo45]

I think most FALs are higher than that... but I've never looked closely. I'd probably go with an AK+mall ninja gear, meself.

Any interest in an M1 Carbine, Garand? The semi-auto Tommy Guns go for about that much, too - if you're interested... though it ain't exactly a battle rifle.

 

[hankdatank1362]

BTW, I forgot to mention, I don't want an AR type rifle, either in .223 or .308 ... that's what got me into this mess in the first place.

 

[BigO01]

Go with a new Saiga , you can get them in 16 and 21 inch barrels and as they are brand new weapons they are chambered for the 308 winchester not the 7.62x51 so it is safe to shoot factory rounds . These can be had for $300-400 .

As far as ammo goes , start reloading for it to save money .

 

[CNYCacher]

paid cash

Bummer. I know a few magic words for getting your money back when a major credit card is involved.

Here's some that sometimes work when cash is involved:
"Implied warranty of fitness"

Basically, unless you bought the item with a warning that it was being sold "AS IS" or something similar, US Law recognizes an implied warranty that the item should be suitable for it's intended purpose. If the item was truly defective, you are entitled to a refund, and "store credit" doesn't cut it.

Wikipedia on Implied Warranties

Implied Warranty of Fitness as it apppears in US law

If you were truly mistreated, I would rather see you get your money back.

 

[RooK]

Go with a new Saiga , you can get them in 16 and 21 inch barrels and as they are brand new weapons they are chambered for the 308 winchester not the 7.62x51 so it is safe to shoot factory rounds . These can be had for $300-400 .

My early import (EAA) is marked 7.62x51, but it shoots both. I also got it for less than $300 at the time. Nothing by high praise from me.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I'm partial to the PTR91 as well. You can get a 22 conversion kit for it as well.

 

[collateral]

I'd suggest the Saiga in .308 or 7.62x39. It'll be a new firearm, from what I have seen, they are pretty accurate, not too expensive, and no real complaints.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

The .308 Saigas are a great value. Take a look at those.

 

[chris in va]

My friend has an Arsenal AK. Amazing piece of machinery. We've put a couple cases through it, not one issue. Now that $%@# red dot thing he bought that hangs off the side, that's a different story.

I think he paid about $700 for it.

Scarf up all the AK mags you can get, I have a feeling they'll be in high demand soon.

 

[jpcolt76]

You cant go wrong with a PTR 91, Saiga or DSA. You may be able to find a Garand for that price too. Look at SVT40's and Romanian PSL's also because they shoot cheap high performance ammo. 7.62 x 54R is hard to beat right now.

 

[Glockfan.45]

BTW... the store has a H&K G3 semi-auto fixed stock for sale already.... for $3400 !!!! Is that ridiculous or am I crazy?

No that is ridiculous. I sold my AR10 due to the current 7.62 situation. The ammo just isnt there or insanely priced when you can find it. Unless you reload I would stay clear of any rifle in 7.62x51 right now. If you think you might want to go with the AK platform may I suggest the AK74? 5.45x39 is available and very cheap right now. The ballistics of the 5.45 round seem to be superior to the 7.62x39 as well. I have been thinking of getting one to take advantage of the cheap ammo.