I'm having a hard time deciding on what to get as my first rifle. Which do you suggest I look at based on what I will be using it for? I will use it for plinking, target shooting at range, hunting (biggest game being deer, but that's not 100%), and HD. What will be the most reliable, fun to shoot, and cheapest to shoot?
-Marlin 1894
-Marlin 336
-Mossberg 100ATR (any other bolt action hunting rifle)
-Saiga
-Military Surplus?
I say Saiga 7.62x39, here's why:
Plinking: Out of your choices, this will fire the cheapest centerfire ammo (except maybe the milsurp, but the milsurp is a no-go for other reasons read below). 7.62x39 is still relatively cheap compared to the others. And it also doesn't have shoulder-killing recoil.
Target shooting: The Saiga will not be the most accurate for target shooting, however, the Saiga is going to be pretty accurate (within 3moa), and that will beat out a few of your choices and tie a some others. You'll see that I'm often bashing the Saiga nuts on this forum for making insane 1moa claims. But, on the other hand, for it's 2-4moa (depending on ammo and rifle) accuracy, it is excellent. Very excellent. To be honest, when I am at the range, I see most of the rifles and actions that are suppose to be tack-drivers shooting groups equal to or larger than what I'm doing on an autoloader. Morale of the story? It will be good enough till you get better. Second morale of the story? Everyone's lever/milsurp that does 1 moa on the internet is really doing 3moa at the range at best. Because if everyone could be sub-moa shooters with iron sights at 100 or further, they'd be NRA Highpower champions in reality, but instead, they are internet paper-group shrinkers. Like in architecture, there's a scale. 3" = 1"
Hunting: It will serve well for this. Accurate enough and powerful enough for hunting. 7.62x39 is a lot like .30-30 and is no sloutch. This rifle can get utterly filthy out in the field and not fail you.
Home Defense: Here is where it clearly surpasses all the other choices. It is an autoloader - which gives it a huge advantage over the rest. That is first and foremost and plain and simple. It is also handier. Based on the AK action, it will be very reliable and robust. Definitely something you can depend on.
It is also the cheapest (exception milsurp). And cheapest to feed (exception milsurp chambered in 54R).
It best fits all critera without failing in any of them miserably. Not perfect in all categories except for home defense, but pretty good in most of them.
It also comes with a side rail. This allows you to buy a quick-detach side mount to mount optics. The cost of the rifle is low, and the mounts are not expensive. With a decent scope (like a Burris FFII used on Ebay for $130), it will make a formidable rifle. You will save a lot of money to buy ammo and whatever else you want. It also has a nice durable chrome lined barrel and chamber.
What will it not be? It won't be as pretty as some of the other choices.
