Non Military Semi-Auto Rifles

[Ohio Gun Guy]

What makes are there that are non-military (Not Ak, SKS, AR, M1, M14, Etc.) semi-auto rifles (Intermediat or full power, not a carbine shooting 9mm 10mm, or 45)? Sometimes I run into a fairly plain winchester or remington semi-auto hunting rifle, but I really dont know much about them as far as reliability, accuracy, etc. I have heard of the Ruger Mini 14 and it has mixed results, tending toward the bad side of things. Otherwise, what semi-auto commercially (Non military) produced guns are out there. BONUS points if it's domestically produced, and "in common use." Price is always important. What is out there available, or in current production?

Secondary question, why are some centerfire guns tube fed? Isn't that a terrible idea? Any actual occurances of the cartridges misfiring when loading, or on recoil?

Nothing against the SKS, AK, AR, etc. Just curious what the options are if, well, you know.....

 

[Acera]

Well you could check out these Browning BARs.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=002B&catalog_=B



As far as the Mini-14, that is kinda a baby M1A/M-14 style rifle. It's not the most accurate of semi's, and hi capacity magazines are pricey.

 

[Acera]

Of course if you want something other than a Browning, try a Benelli.

http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/r1rifle.tpl

 

[Acera]

If you are still interested, a little known gun company called........let me think about this one.......................Remington has some stuff you might be interested in.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_750_woodsmaster.asp

 

[Acera]

While they might be reducing their influence on the gun market, don't count out Winchester........I'm sure you have heard of them.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=531&type_id=008&cat=016C








Kudos to both Winchester and Browning for including MSRP on thier web pages. At least you have a ball park figure to work from.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

1. Remington 750 (or 7400 or 742)

2. Browning BAR

3. Benelli R1

4. Winchester SXR

What am I forgetting?

There are also many many other "non-military", "commercially-produced" guns out there (per your specifications), but patterned after AR15s, AR10s, AK47s, M14s, FALs, G3s, etc., etc. These are JUST AS (100% as much as) "non-military" and "commercially-produced" as the Ruger Mini 14/30 is, or for that matter, as the Rem 750, Browning BAR, etc., are. So I don't understand the exact nature of, and the reason for, the distinction you're trying to make. The Mini-14 is patterned after the M14 - a military rifle (only smaller), just as DPMS's AR-10 type is patterned after the M16/M4 - a military rifle (only larger). So a Mini-14 is no less (or more) of a "military rifle" than a DPMS AR-10 type is, for example.

If you want a rifle in "common use", as you say, then you'll go with one of the many, many, MANY different variations of AR15 type rifles, as these are extraordinarily popular and ubiquitous now in the United States in the common man's hands. These are certainly produced commercially (to make money by selling to the mass/civilians), and they're not military (if they were, they'd be purchased by the .mil, or would HAVE BEEN purchased by the .mil at some time in the past, AND they'd be select fire or at least have 3 round burst - they do not, and are NOT "military" rifles).

why are some centerfire guns tube fed?

Because it's a good idea, in order to store more rounds than an internal box mag can, and around the same amount as a detachable box mag without the severe ergonomic disadvantages of the detachable box mag.

Isn't that a terrible idea?

See answer to previous question.

Any actual occurances of the cartridges misfiring when loading

No.

or on recoil?

There have been volumes written on this but I don't believe anyone has any hard evidence that it's ever happened. At a minimum, it's certainly *extraordinarily* rare. But it doesn't happen mainly because people (as they should) take steps to make sure it doesn't happen, but using flat-nosed bullets.

Otherwise, what semi-auto commercially (Non military) produced guns are out there.

 

[Tarvis]

Hi cap Ruger Mini-14 mags are expensive, but not aftermarket ones, although reliability can be hit and miss. There is also the Mini 30. Other than that and the BAR, I believe Remington makes a semi auto deer rifle, but I can't remember.

Why do you want a non-military style rifle? If you are wanting to get one before you can't anymore, that is one thing (assuming you need/want one), but I don't know if I'd call it a good investment.

 

[Acera]

Secondary question, why are some centerfire guns tube fed? Isn't that a terrible idea? Any actual occurances of the cartridges misfiring when loading, or on recoil?

Those have been around for a long time. With the proper bullet there is a very minimal risk. If you look at today's litigious society, with everyone looking to sue over the least thing, the gun makers make a remarkably safe product. If it was not safe for the operator, it would have passed into history long time ago.

I have heard of the Ruger Mini 14 and it has mixed results,

There is a lot written on this board about those. I am sure on any given day you can find people on both sides of argument, as with most guns on here. If you like the look and feel, the particular characteristics and nuances are to you liking, consider one for purchase.


As far as "in common use" none of these are from exotic makers and are not hard to get. I think you will find that most hunters prefer something different. But that does not mean that they are not suited to their job.

In regards to the pricing, well it's late and you will have to check the ads on Gunbroker, AuctionArms, and some of the dealer websites to get those.

I am sure there are probably a few I don't remember out there, not included in the above posts. Hopefully some other members will have some input on those.







I hope this helped.

 

[ridata]

Why do you want a non-military style rifle?

I can't answer for the OP, but for me it might be nice to have a list for the future. The latest revision of the AWB that 'they' are trying to pass bans all weapons originally designed for or (IIRC) in use by LEO/.gov.

 

[ArmedBear]

Kel-Tec SU-16 series, AR mags, designed during the last ban, even legal in California

Just bought brand new factory 20's for my Mini-14 for $30 apiece -- not great but not as bad as they once were)

Beretta CX4 series

Volquartsen Evolution

 

[ants]

When my dear old Dad got arthritis in his fingers but still wanted to hunt deer, we got him a Remington autoloader. Bolt action and lever action were too hard on his fingers, but loading a box magazine and releasing the Remington bolt are easy for him.

 

[alaskanativeson]

I have a stainless Ruger Mini-30 I'm very happy with. Decent cartridge, good accuracy (with open sights I can keep 20 rounds within 3 inches at 100 yards) and flawless reliability thus far.