What am I looking for?

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busy_squirrel

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I'd like a rifle, but have little experience (700 rds or less), so I'm not sure what I'm looking for..

I believe the only ones I've ever shot are some bolt-action 22s, a couple of M-16A2s and a chinese SKS. Seems like I was more accurate with the SKS, but was shooting milk jugs at 150 yds with the SKS vs. military qualifying at 50 yards with the M-16.

I have self-assessed poor form as far as timing my shot, muscle fatigue/wiggle, or any of the other "normal" things that anyone with training tries to eliminate.



What I want:
I need something legal in WA.

I definiately(sp?) prefer wooden stocks, not a fan of "assault/military look".

I want a semi-auto. I want something that I can fire faster than I can work a bolt.

I'd prefer more than ten shots in a magazine.

I'm not sure what length I'm looking for, or caliber.



What I want to use it for:
1. 50-700 yard target practice. I know that's quite a variable. Maybe shooting explosive targets from time to time.

2. Determined Zombie looters rushing my house in SHTF situation. So I guess it'd need a bit of power as well as decent mag capacity.



Any thing else you can think of that I should keep in mind when looking for "my first rifle"? Any model/size/ballistic recommendations?
 
Since you want to shoot at 700 yards (a long way off) you will probably want to get something in .308 caliber ,like an M1A .Available with wooden stocks,and has 20 round capacity.Don't know about Washington laws,hear they have a lot of them.
 
I know that with motorcycles, it's hard to get a true multi-purpose model because of the way physics work, different shapes "Do" different tasks better, etc.

Is this the same thing with a good rifle? i.e. a good strong, fast "zombie" killer won't be accurate at distance, etc. Am I asking for two different guns?
 
By your criteria, an M1A is one that probably best fits you. Available with a straight, non-pistol gripped style wood stock, .308 caliber, 20 round magazines.

A CMP Garand is another option, although they only hold 8 rounds, it's 8 rounds of good ol' fashion .30-06 goodness - when you care, send the best.
 
So if I could handle lower capacity (8-10) and shorter range say 500yds, does that open any other options up?

I guess a large magazine is not necessary if it's detachable, or quickly reloadable. I'm not a fan of stripper clips though.
 
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I kinda like the looks of a Saiga .308 or the Springfield Armoury standard M1A.

I'll keep my eye out for a good deal on these while I keep looking. I can find prices for brand new ones, but anyone have any idea what a good deal would be for these two used? Obviously, depends on condition, just wondering about a ballpark figure...
 
My local FFL has standard M1As going for $1300-1500ish NIB.

Used, it depends on USGI parts content and what accessories (if any) are included. I've seen standards around here going for $1000-1200 used.
 
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