Starting a rifle collection

[CrazyFeet]

Ok I am just starting my rifle collection. I have a glock 9mm, a keltec sub2k, a 12 gauge mossberg and a marlin .22

Now I want some rifles. I need some advice and ideas on where to start and what to get. I know this is mainly a personal choice but with so many options and factors to consider it is difficult to make a decision.

Most of my rifles will be range use only. Most shots will be limited to 100 yards. I like optics and iron sights. I need my rifles to be reliable.

Right now I am thinking about AR's, AK's and mil surplus rifles.

I am looking for ideas on where to start, what is cheap to shoot, what is cheap now but will be expensive later (ammo and/or rifle) what might not be available at all down the road... etc. or anything else you would like to say.

Thanks

 

[3pairs12]

ruger 10/22
AR 15
AK 47
Rem 700 in .308
you shol also have a lever gun
M1 garand
those would be good start.

 

[H2O MAN]

An AR, AK and M14 type rifle should all be high on your list.

 

[kamagong]

Get a Garand and as much ammo as you can afford.

 

[kennyboy]

For cheap, but fun, go with the 10/22 (about $150 for the basic model) in .22LR. For coolness, fun, and accuracy at less than 100 yds, go with an AR (usually $800-1200 depending on model). ARs are quality assault rifles.
If you want a bolt-action centerfire rifle, it is all personal preference. There are so many choices ranging in price from $300 to several thousands of dollars. However, a Remington 700 or Winchester 70 are quality, yet reasonably priced choices. Caliber is preference-based, but .223 is probably on of the cheapest calibers while .243, .270, .308, and .30-06 are all veratile, accurate, and fairly inexpensive choices. Best of luck on your ambitions.

 

[Cosmoline]

Here's my advice based on the current market, to give you a fully rounded collection:

CMP Garand (if you can find one)
Swiss K31
Finnish Mosin-Nagant
Winchester 94 (pre USRAC, pre 64)
Marlin 94 (their carbine)
Ruger No. 1
Standard Remchester/savage hunting rifle w/ scope
CZ safari rifle in a magnum cartridge
CZ 452 ZKM .22 LR (with irons!)

 

[Bearhands]

22LR Bolt action (VERY cheap to shoot and more fun than any other caliber)

30-30 Winchester/Marlin lever action(cheap to shoot)

30-06 mauser action (cheap to shoot)

6.5X55 Swede (not so cheap to shoot, but a great shooter)
Scope any of the above or NOT

 

[jdc1244]

Now I want some rifles.

Who doesn’t.

I’d suggest you apply for your C&R collector’s license – a 03 FFL to make getting some of the classics easier.

An AK is a must. I’d prioritize the K31 and a Yugo or Russian SKS.

 

[stubbicatt]

Typically the goals of collecting are a bit different from shooting. Before buying any guns, maybe read a few books on firearms collecting and get some ideas first?

 

[CrazyFeet]

WOW Great posts. I am very thankful!

I said collection.. but my collection will be used as often as possible to shoot not really looking at them as investments.

Please share any other ideas or thoughts you may have this thread really has helped me out.

btw its birthday time for me so I am very interested in purchasing some of these very soon.

Thanks again!

 

[woad_yurt]

For the 100 yards you mentioned, get yourself an SKS, preferably a Chinese one. I have 2 and they are my favorite shooters. Reliable, fairly cheap to shoot, and, most of all, trouble-free. And, get yourself a C&R license! No transfer fees!

 

[ohioarmedneutrality]

.22 is the least expensive way to go at the moment. Beyond that:

Getting an SKS or AK is always good. 7.62x39 is going up but still not outrageous.

I have a K-31 and recommend them as a super accurate rifle, but the ammo is getting more expensive.

Mosin Nagant 91/30, 38 or 44 is probably the best rifle vs. price out there right now. Surplus 7.62x54r still not bad pricewise.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Ignition Override]

Crazy Feet:

'Roger' the Mosin Nagant:

The ammo is so low-priced (300 rounds for $50!) that I decided to not only buy a Mosin Nagant rifle, but bought both the 91/30 and 44. My second box of 300 Bulgarian (note: 7.62x54R, not 39) rounds came in several days ago. The only slight catch is to keep a bottle of Windex and squirt it down the barrel after shooting, due to well-known corrosive primers in Russia etc from 1952 and before. Is that a tiny trade-off for simply the best value anywhere?
You can hunt with it-a guy in Alaska killed an adult bear with two bullets. It seems to be the bolt-action equivalent of an AK, but of course more accurate and powerful.
Much cheaper than any .223 or M-1 carbine. Many people highly recommend the SKS for the smaller Russian rounds.

Would suggest ClassicArms Inc, in North Carolina for Mosins etc.
All are refurbished and they have very satisfied customers.

By the way, how much are prices for Russian or Yugo 7.62x39 ammo going up? Fewer percentage for each store's inbound shipment than for US ammo?
A good local gunstore began charging about $25 for .30 Carbine several weeks ago but Bass Pro had several for about $21 four weeks ago.

 

[rangerruck]

fist off, a Mosin Nagant, plentiful , cheap, hard hitting, shoots fireballs out at evening time, ammo is still relatively cheap, and they come basically in 3 models, the old long boys, the m44's- have a bayonet attached, the m38- just the shorty rifle itself, this is my fave.
if you do get an old milsurp, either stay away from the old milsurp ammo, which is corrosive, or get it, but make sure you clean with a ammonia type cleaner as well, to cut out the salty crap which will be left in your bbl.