Rifle Shopping Yesterday

[nero45acp]

Yesterday I took my 13yo to the local range/gunshop. I've been planning on buying a new rifle or carbine after the holidays, so after we finished shooting we spent some time looking over some of the range/gunshop's rifle/carbine selection. We looked at the following: (all were NIB)

Colt M4 with collapsible stock and A2 birdcage flash-suppessor. Very nice, but cost was a little steep at $1350, and the fore-grip seemed much fatter/wider than other AR fore-grips I've seen. It just felt too big for my hands.

Bushmaster M4 also with collapsible stock and flash-suppressor. Again, very nice and the fore-grip was noticeably thinner and fit my hand better. (I missed the price on the Bushmaster)

AK-74 (I believe it was Romanian, which I've been warned to avoid) Frankly, it looked cool but I wasn't impressed with it's feel, sights, or trigger. Price was around $450.

Vepr K in .223 and 7.62x39mm (both without muzzle brake) Both seemed very well made, but much too front heavy. Both were around $550

Saiga .223. It just felt kind of cheap, and I didn't like the sights. (I missed the price on the Saiga as well)

Kahr/Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine. I finally got a chance to see one in person and handle it. I must say I was very impressed. Felt/looked well made. Slide/bolt action wasn't too tight or binding like I heard that some were. Trigger was very crisp though a little heavy. Of all the rifle/carbines I checked out, I like the AO M1 the best. But their price was ridiculous at $615. I'm sure I can find one for around $525. Besides I want something with more stopping power than a .30 carbine.

Ruger Ranch Rifle .223 (wood stock/blued). Felt very nice, fit me well. I sincerely hope Ruger does come out with a new heavy barrel version and some higher capacity mags. (The 5 rounders are a joke) I really want a mini-14, but I'm going to wait and see what the new/rumored mini looks like. I can't see buying a rifle that has a history of accuracy problems and such low capacity magazines.

I would have liked to spend more time checking out some of their other rifle/carbines, but my son was hungry and getting a little impatient so we left after looking at the above.

(The only long arm I have now is a Vector Arms full-sized, semi-auto 9mm Uzi with the 16" barrel and a folding stock. It's very well made, accurate,reliable, and fun to shoot. My 13yo loves it.)

nero

 

[Mulliga]

Very nice, but cost was a little steep at $1350

Yeesh. You need a new gun shop, my friend. Or find an FFL who'll do internet transfers.

The stock Colts have the proper M4 "fat" handguards. The stock Bushies do not - they have the CAR-style carbine handguards. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but I regard it as a firm positive for Colt. Besides, you can always change the handguards out later. Most I'd pay for a Colt is about $900, give or take (I think WildAlaska did a group buy on the 6920), and the most I'd pay for a Bushie is $700-$800, give or take (AIM Surplus has 'em for that price).

 

[Kaylee]

For what it's worth, there's scads of Mini mags out there that work just fine. I think the PMIs are supposed to be as good as factory, but heck, the USA mags I had with mine never missed a beat. I'm none to pleased with most Mini's build quality, but it's a beautifully handling little carbine.

(For what it's worth, you can also build up a very functional AR for not too much. I've a J&T/Doublestar upper on a Bushy lower, and it has yet to malfunction *once*. Truth be told if I was looking from scratch, I'd prolly go Rock River these days.. the current ones are better than at least mid-90's era Bushys I think. YMMV. )