new to rifles. need help

[Darebear]

I just purchased the last handgun, on my list of handguns to purchase, now im in the market for a semi automatic rifle. Preferably something chambered in 7.62. I have shot both a semi automatic M16/ar15 style rifle and a AK47. I didn't feel as comfortable with the AK47 but I think its because of the superior ergonomics of the other rifle.

This will be for home defense and range use... Can someone who knows rifles inside and out help me pick a first rifle? My cash limit is 1000 to 1200. I really don't want to drop more than that. I would like something easy to accesorize... something I can add a light, adjustable stock and a grip too. I also noticed that while on the range the m16/ar15 had two malfunctions and the ak47 had none. So if American made AR's are more prone to malfunction then I would like to stay away from them.

Thank you... also if I posted this in the wrong place I am sorry.

 

[TonyAngel]

I'm a die hard AR fan, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Although I like the AKs, if find them to be unrefined. The don't shoot as smoothly as a good AR and have a very limited selection of ammo. ARs are also capable of much better accuracy, whether you choose to take advantage of it or not.

If you saw an AR malfunction, it either needed to be lubed, was being fed bad ammo, or had something wrong with it. My AR just keeps on running as long as I lube it every 500 rounds or so.

If you are asking what you should get, I can be very specific, given your listed wants. I'd get a 14.5" (with pinned flash hider) midlength gas carbine from Bravo Company. These rifles shoot very smoothly and will keep on running. I would have listed Spike's Tactical as an alternative, but I don't think that they offer a 14.5". If they do, then it would certainly be an option. I'm not recommending the 14.5" over the 16" simply due to the shorter length of the barrel, but because I think that the 14.5" shoots more smoothly.

 

[Darebear]

I'm a die hard AR fan, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Although I like the AKs, if find them to be unrefined. The don't shoot as smoothly as a good AR and have a very limited selection of ammo. ARs are also capable of much better accuracy, whether you choose to take advantage of it or not.

If you saw an AR malfunction, it either needed to be lubed, was being fed bad ammo, or had something wrong with it. My AR just keeps on running as long as I lube it every 500 rounds or so.

If you are asking what you should get, I can be very specific, given your listed wants. I'd get a 14.5" (with pinned flash hider) midlength gas carbine from Bravo Company. These rifles shoot very smoothly and will keep on running. I would have listed Spike's Tactical as an alternative, but I don't think that they offer a 14.5". If they do, then it would certainly be an option. I'm not recommending the 14.5" over the 16" simply due to the shorter length of the barrel, but because I think that the 14.5" shoots more smoothly.

Thanks. I would have to stick with a 16" barrell. And handloads were being run through the AR... So maybe thats why the malfunction. Would you happens to know off hand how much they cost?

 

[Rshooter]

If it is your first rifle I might suggest an AR in 20 inch rifle form or an M1A if you can find one within your budget. The AR is .223 and the M1A is 7.62x54, where as the AK is 7.62x39.

The M1A will definitely have more recoil but proper hold and handling will go a long way in alleviating recoil.

 

[smurf hunter]

Not to nit-pick, but 7.62 NATO (M1A) is 7.62x51 (or .308)

7.62x54R (rimmed) is Russian, most commonly associated with Mosin Nagant battle rifles.

 

[TonyAngel]

If you're interested in a 16", definitely check out Spike's Tactical. I think they go for around $750 for a basic model, which is pretty nice.

 

[M.C.]

Not to nit-pick, but 7.62 NATO (M1A) is 7.62x51 (or .308)

7.62x54R (rimmed) is Russian, most commonly associated with Mosin Nagant battle rifles.

Too true... both make a big boom though

 

[Grunt Medic TXARNG]

Not to nit-pick, but 7.62 NATO (M1A) is 7.62x51 (or .308)

And also not to be nit-picky, but in the interest of safety, 7.62 NATO and .308 ARE NOT THE SAME - although the two cartridges are dimensionally almost identical, .308 is loaded to significantly higher pressures than 7.62x51. So while it is safe to fire both cartridges from a rifle chambered for .308, it can be dangerous to fire .308 in surplus 7.62 rifles not designed for the higher pressures.

 

[epijunkie67]

In a general sense you'll find that the AK is rougher, tougher, less refined, and less prone to malfunction. It is used world wide by uneducated freedom fighters because it will take a stupid amount of abuse and still function. It is not generally considered a precision instrument.

The AR is a highly accurate top quality weapon. Although reliable, it is not designed to take the levels of abuse the AK can take. Still, it is a fairly rugged and reliable weapon if you do your part. It is known for it's smooth operation and inherent accuracy. Under the kinds of conditions a normal person will subject it to and using quality factory ammo you shouldn't expect any jams or problems.

The AR is very configurable and much more flexible than the AK. If you are even considering getting one I would HIGHLY recommend looking at some of the hundreds of threads here started by people asking about getting or building their first AR.

There is a huge variation in build and parts quality from different companies. With some bargain shopping you can build an entry level AR for around $600-$650 and a decent quality one for around $800-$1000.

Spikes tactical and Bravo company are two names people use a lot for builds because they are considered high quality and a good value for what you get.

Before you just run out and throw down a grand on the first gun that looks ok to you please take some time to look over some of the information on building ARs. There can be a huge difference between two parts that look pretty identical.

Or just buy an AK for half the price and spend the rest on ammo instead. Just realize that your options for after market add-ons is vastly more limited and putting optics on it is more difficult.

 

[Sky]

Hard to beat the bargain bin CMMG $599 or chrome lined for $650.

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?81462-So-you-want-to-buy-an-AR-15-huh

At that price you can still buy optics,ammo, and iron sights if wanted and be finished with a good shooter below your price ceiling. There may be someone who has a gripe with them but everyone I know who owns them are happy. Many good reviews and happy owners. Good CS so you can call and actually speak to someone.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

And also not to be nit-picky, but in the interest of safety, 7.62 NATO and .308 ARE NOT THE SAME - although the two cartridges are dimensionally almost identical, .308 is loaded to significantly higher pressures than 7.62x51. So while it is safe to fire both cartridges from a rifle chambered for .308, it can be dangerous to fire .308 in surplus 7.62 rifles not designed for the higher pressures.

Hmmm.... I thought it was just the opposite. I thought the 7.62 was a higher pressure round than the .308. Like the 5.56 is higher pressure than the .223. I guess I had it backwards. I don't own a gun in either, but may in the future, so I'm interested.

 

[frankenstein406]

Why not a Fal?