Moneys Tight

[valnar]

Without knowing what your reasons are, I'll walk you through my thought process.

That Savage .308 is already your long-range-precision-scoped rifle gig, so you don't need another. Cross off the AR-10, PTR91 and FAL. The M1A can stay because you enjoy it for the irons.

Both the AR-15 and AK47 fill in a nitch between your .22 and .308. Both cheaper to shoot than a .308 and a lot of fun.

So I'd choose between an M1A, AR15 or AK. If you check out both the AR and AK, you might fall into one of "those" camps immediately and rule one out. Then you'll be between the M1A and {AR,AK}. Two choices.


All that being said, If you can't decide on the ballistic merits of each platform, then use other factors. Do you like something easy to field strip? Easy to clean? Is accuracy the most important for THIS purchase? Is it going to double as a fictitious SHTF/Zombie/TEOTWAWKI gun? etc.

 

[OARNGESI]

if moneys thight i would stay away from with your 223 or 7.62x39 choices

 

[Telekinesis]

I hope I eventually have the finances to say "well, looks like money's gonna be tight this year, I guess I have to settle for that budget $2,000 DSA FAL... I feel I'm practically joining the proletariat class!"

I'm kinda split between the FAL and the M1A. If you're looking for a general duty rifle, I'd go FAL, DSA has some nice 16-18" barreled carbines. But if you want something that you can shoot more accurately at longer range, the M1A is probably a better choice. The FALs are very reliable and combat accurate, but they aren't tack drivers at long range. (That said, 500 yard shots on a silhouette shouldn't be a problem for a FAL). The M1A also has more traditional ergos if that appeals to you.

if the stock is not perm welded open it's considered an sbr. mine collapses, back on topic can we get back to the original guys question... you might also consider a ruger 10/22...

Southernsorrow, first of all, please put all your thoughts into one post. You come across as more than a little ADHD when you have 4 posts in 5 minutes each containing one sentence each.

I love how you criticize us for getting off topic, and then move the thread further off topic. In what state is a .22 legal for deer? And I wouldn't really call it a capable defensive round.
And if your MP5 .22 has a 16" barrel and is still considered a SBR, I'm calling BS until I see your Form 4 (feel free to black out personal info though). In a strange spirit of rationality, the ATF measures OAL with stocks extended, not collapsed. And there's no way in hell a MP5 is a bulpup...

 

[Girodin]

the mp5.22 and similar have the legal barrel length but are bullpupped so they seem shorter than they are

What??? No.

f the stock is not perm welded open it's considered an sbr.

No you are totally wrong again.

thought the ps90 is way the other direction from the low money part :-x

It is less than a number of DSA FALs, AR-10s, and M1As. It also is the price of certain DD ARs.

 

[BCRider]

I'd say that if money is tight then the last thing you need is another ammo dispenser which is expensive to feed.

Instead I'd suggest you spend the spare money on a reloading setup so you can reload .308 for cheaper.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

"Well, when money's tight I tend to prefer more practical things. A Mauser in 7x57 or a Winchester 94 in .30-30. Both would be much easier on the pocket than any of those"
+1

I would love an M1A, so of your list, that's my choice... But this isnt about me:

Get a 270 Win or a 30-30: availability cheap effective an the 270 in various loads will stay well in a competition if you do your part.

+1 on the 338 Win Mag... Oh yah, this isn't about me...

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

My choice isn't on your list. Instead of a heavier AR-10 (I own one in 7mm.08) get an AR 15 in 6.8spcII. People seem to forget they have other calibers in the AR 15 now and can be had for under $1000 (Just ordered one from Rock River Arms). The 6.8 has more than enough "umph" for deer and has a very nice selection of bullets for deer sized game. Would make a nice "back up" for the deer woods as long as your state allows for Semi Auto use. MUCH better choice than the .223 for deer. Also, you can, later on down the road when funds permit, add another upper from the many caliber choices offered in the AR 15 platform for pretty cheap.

 

[ugaarguy]

I do hunt in northern wisconsin woods so I'm thinking a shorter barrel would be nice. I wouldn't give a second thought to using the .223 for deer, its all about shot placement. Here in Wisconsin we don't have a limit on what size magazine we use, not saying im going to take a beta mag out in the deer woods. That might look kind of crazy.

My choice isn't on your list. Instead of a heavier AR-10 (I own one in 7mm.08) get an AR 15 in 6.8spcII. People seem to forget they have other calibers in the AR 15 now and can be had for under $1000 (Just ordered one from Rock River Arms). The 6.8 has more than enough "umph" for deer and has a very nice selection of bullets for deer sized game. Would make a nice "back up" for the deer woods as long as your state allows for Semi Auto use. MUCH better choice than the .223 for deer. Also, you can, later on down the road when funds permit, add another upper from the many caliber choices offered in the AR 15 platform for pretty cheap.

In addition to 6.8 SPC II, Alexander Arms dropped their trademark on 6.5 Grendel, and it's now a SAAMI cartridge. AAC also got the .300-.221 SAAMI certified as the .300 BLK. I personally like the .300 BLK because it uses standard AR mags & followers, but any of those three would be more than adequate for deer at the shorter ranges of hunting in thick woods. I'm also not opposed to .223 for deer with proper bullet selection, and the proper shot placement any ethical hunter will practice anyway. That's my added fluff to the thoughts already expressed.

I really agree with FFIL's advice to not ignore the alternate AR-15 calibers that are now pretty widely available, and keep in mind how easy a caliber switch is with an upper & magazine swap. It sounds like you want an AR anyway, but get what you want. Any of the options in the poll will easily fill the roles you laid out in the OP.

Last, since you want a dual role rifle and seem to like DD ARs already, have you looked at DD's hunting AR focused brand Ambush Firearms?

 

[captain awesome]

my first choice wasn't on the list;

FNH FNAR

 

[68wj]

Last, since you want a dual role rifle and seem to like DD ARs already, have you looked at DD's hunting AR focused brand Ambush Firearms?

I handled a few recently and really like them. Great trigger and quality build components. Also, this can be had from a THR member: http://bisonarmory.com/18-6-8-spc-recon-rifle/

 

[Aiko492]

You already have a .308 rifle, going with the AR platform would be a nice addition to what you have. You listed my two favorite AR's-Daniel Defense and BCM, both a tops for quality and the companies have very good service.

 

[Welding Rod]

If money is tight I would get an AR and shoot cheap 223 ammo. Although I wouldn't try to take big game with it. I'd save the bolt gun for the game and the semi-auto for shooting.

 

[Smith357]

A lever action rifle .44 magnum, plenty of punch for deer, fairly cheap more so if you reload, more than enough rounds for social work.