Not trying to bust your chops here, but the question was a little vague:
"Would now be an advisable time to buy a military-style weapon, in anticipation of possible restrictions after the election?"
Sure, no reason not to. If you'd been meaning to buy one anyway, and have put it off until now, let this be a good reminder that life is short.
A Ruger 10/22 runs about $175, and mags are around $20 ea. The rifle is not likely to be restricted anytime soon; if anything, mags over 10 rounds will be restricted. Rather than a Ruger, I'd get a
Marlin 60: the tube magazine holds 18 (or the newer ones 14) rounds, and you don't have to buy extra mags because the tube is integral. You can pick 'em up left and right in Austin pawnshops for
$50-75. Maybe same in your area.
Romanian AKs run as low as $300 (check
www.classicarms.us for good prices), and mags are very cheap. If you're worried about a ban, buy an AK and plenty of mil-surp mags.
If price is an issue, and you're willing to put in some elbow grease, check out the
single-stack AK-47s at
www.impactguns.com. They have them for
$219 currently:
http://www.impactguns.com/store/RI1165-N.html
It can be legally converted to take the 30rd magazines, but ask around on THR for more info. If you have a Dunhams sporting-goods store in your area, I hear they might sell them ever cheaper there. $219 + $10 shipping + $20 FFL fee still isn't bad though.
-MV