Need help with purchasing first firearm

[Faris]

I just recently turned 18, and am itching to run out and excercise my second amendment right by getting a rifle (more specifically, a semi-auto rifle). I'm heading out west to the grand state of Iowa, away from the "gun control" wasteland of Massachusetts and have most of my legal issues worked out.

I'm a student on a very limited income, so I'm trying to keep the initial weapon purchase under $400-500 dollars. While I'm a huge fan of the AR-15 type rifles, they tend to be just too expensive right now, and I've heard some chatter that they aren't good choices for first rifles. Right now, I'm toying between the AKM-type weapons (either the 7.62 or the 5.45), due to their price, availibility, reliability and the fact that millions of people through history have chosen AK...my problem is that I cannot find any information on the internet (and very little in books) on the pro's and con's between these two rifles. I understand that the faster and lighter 5.45 tends to be more accurate over longer ranges, and makes a substantially bigger hole due to tumbling effect, but that the 7.62 packs more of a punch with it's bulk.

What I'm getting at is what is everyones opinion on the differences in these rifles and their calibers. If you have a suggestion for a great performing semi-auto within my price range, then by all means, suggest it with some basic information and/or links...but I'm primarily trying to decide between the two Klashnikovs.

 

[AKAMac]

Welcome Faris,
What shooting experience do you have?
Have you thought about a rim-fire as a first purchase?
Mac

 

[BobCat]

A .22 rimfire, like a Marlin Model 60 or a Ruger 10/22, would provide you with hours of inexpensive fun and allow you to learn good technique without acquiring a flinch.

For an inexpensive semi-auto rifle, you might check out e.g. AIM Surplus for an SKS. They are around $140 plus shipping and FFL fees on your end; the ammo can be bought relatively cheaply, and you can learn to reload if you buy brass cased (not steel cased, which used to be quite cheap and plentiful).

With that said, an AR-15 is not a bad first rifle, and you can use a stock one in Highpower competition until you have some dough for a freee-float tube, two-stage trigger, and so forth. Yes, it is more costly and an SKS or AK-style, but even so.... well, I like them better.

Keep the CMP (http://www.odcmp.com) in the back of your mind; if you like rifles, you will want a Garand.

Some people will tell you to get a lever gun, and they are right. Others will tell you to get a bolt gun and go hunting, and they are right too. I'm sure I've forgotten something - but the people who tell you to get one of those, they're right too. Still, the SKS is cheap and rugged and meets the original criteria you posted.

I hope this helps; I got confused early on, when I was trying to tell you to get the Marlin because it would be fun, cheap to shoot, accurate, and teach you technique. Hang in there and listen to what everyone else tells you before you go make up your own mind.

Regards,
Andrew

 

[hub]

well if its you first rifle i say you need to get a .22. ruger 10/22 or marlin 60. if you want a 7.62x39 also i say try to find a pretty nice sks. you could buy both on that budget and still have left over for ammo. also there is a lot of aftermarket parts for sks, stocks, 30rd mags, ect.

 

[hub]

wow bobcat beat me to it. anyway there is tons of websites you can check out for info. one that has alot of old military rifles, www.classicarms.us i never bought anything there but they have a pretty good website and you can get a good idea of some prices. im sure some others will post some good links for you to check out.

 

[Lupinus]

I second...third...whatever we are at now lol.....getting a .22 for your first rifle.

Go with a marlin 60 if oyu want tube fed, 795 if you want detachable magazine. 10/22 is more expensive and less accurate out of the box, but if you want to play gunsmith it is the best option as the avalible aftermarket parts are pretty much limitless.

 

[MachIVshooter]

My first autoloading centerfire was a stainless/synthetic Mini-14 that I paid $475 for NIB. Still have it. While you won't be winning any matches with one of these (unless you send it to Accuracy Systems, Inc. along with about $800), they are a good little rifle. Mini's are comparable to AK's and SKS' accuracy wise and, in my experience, every bit as reliable as an AK. One consideration in current times is ammo; 7.62x39 has been in short supply the last year or so, and what is available is at least as expensive as .223.

An AR would be a better choice, but you won't find AR's at Mini-14 prices.

 

[Anthony T.]

I'd say to take a basic firearms safety course first. I'ts not good to just pick up a firearm, knowing nothing about it. 22 is a good choice, just till you get used to handling firearms.

 

[Faris]

Well, the only firearms I've fired have been some bolt-action .22's, as well as .410 and 12 gauges. I originally thought the .22 were something hot, until I got the power of the 12 gauge--> which kinda leads me to desire something a bit "heftier" than a .22...not that I'm bashing .22's, its just I want to get some experience with a military-grade caliber, with a tad more kick to it.

Yeah, everyone keeps mentioning the SKS, although I've heard a lot of negative things about it, even more than what most people say about the AK's. It's been said that if you want the worst of the "bad" Russian rifles, you go for the SKS, but I'm not too sure myself (but as mentioned before, I have seen a lot of accessories cheap).

I'll start sniffing around the links provided, and wander some more. I've been looking at the CMP, but I'm not really a member of any of the applicable clubs, but to be fair there aren't many in my area yet.

 

[Black Knight]

Welcome Faris. Since you have ruled out .22's how about a Ruger Mini-14?
It is the same caliber as the AR-15 family. They are popular so they should not be to expensive. You might also look for a used one instead of a new one. There are also many accessories for them. Good luck on your search.

 

[ugaarguy]

Faris the SKS is a nice rifle for the money. The SKS and AK-47 may not be the prettiest rifles ever built, built they're rugged and reliable - and they go bang every time. The Yugo surplus rifles currently on the market are actually quite nice rifles based on the ones I've handled. If you can live without a semi auto the Mosin-Nagant, Mauser, and Enfield rifles that are currently available are also excellent choices.

 

[Travis McGee]

Remember, the rifle isn't the end cost, the rifle plus ammo is. So I'd suggest a .22LR such as the Ruger 10/22. Then you'll be able to afford to shoot enough ammo to become a great shooter. OTOH, if you just have to have a center fire semi auto, I'd suggest an SKS.

 

[FrogClan]

If you don't want a .22 (yes, I did read your post! ) then I second the recommendation for an SKS. Around here a Yugo model can be had for about $100 - $150. Clean all the cosmoline out of the innards, clean all the grease out of the wood, stain it (optional) and put some stock oil on it and you have an affordable gun, shooting a decent cartridge, that you can expect to fire every time you pull the trigger no matter how rough you treat it.

After you have a few thousand rounds through it, and have had a chance to look at other guns on the ranges you are using, you'll have a better idea of what you want for your next gun... sell that SKS to somebody else for $150 and go shopping.

 

[Faris]

Actually, I've been looking and the Mini-14's tend to be almost as expensive as an AR, unless I'm looking in the wrong places.

ugaarguy, I don't know about you but I think the AK and the SKS are nice looking firearms...but then again I spend enough time looking at any gun at it will eventually look good (except for the Steyr AUG, that thing is just ugly). I've actually gotten quite attatched to the AK, if you haven't noticed.

...and can't I just get a .22 conversion for most rifles I'm considering? I know for the AK its only about an extra $200 or so. Does anyone know if the .22 conversions are worth it or good?

EDIT: Thanks for the idea, Frog, I'll keep it mind. I know the dealer at the range I'll be going to, so I'll probably have a nice long talk once I get there (what people use what, ideas, etc.).

 

[ugaarguy]

ugaarguy, I don't know about you but I think the AK and the SKS are nice looking firearms...but then again I spend enough time looking at any gun at it will eventually look good (except for the Steyr AUG, that thing is just ugly). I've actually gotten quite attatched to the AK, if you haven't noticed.

I like the SKS and AK too - I guess beauty is relative. Put an AK next to a Hi-point carbine and the AK is the pretty rifle. But, put that AK next to a walnut stocked Win. Model 70 and the M70 is the pretty rifle. I like the SKS and AK just fine; they have a rugged beauty to them.

 

[wingnutx]

5.45 is not too common of ammo, as far as I have noticed.

7.62x39 practically grows on trees.

 

[Zen21Tao]

Ok, here is my suggestion. Buy a Ruger 10/22 to develop good technique and spend the rest on an AR15 lower receiver and lower parts kit. AR15 lowers are incredibly easy to build. Then save up until you can afford a decent upper half. You'll be much happier in the long run with your AR than if you settle for something else now.

If you don't want to build the lower youself you can buy a completed one for $235-$300:
http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm
http://store.stagarms.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=32&osCsid=ea2fad1371bd4cc7ca3692ac600f437f

 

[akodo]

Why spend $200 for a .22LR conversion kit when you can spend $100 for a .22LR rifle?

 

[Majic]

As a "student on a very limited income" you need to consider the price of .22lr ammo vs 7.62x39 ammo. Semi-autos tend to go thru a lot of ammo in a very short time period. To afford to shoot centerfires like that you must purchase your ammo in bulk quantities.