What New Rifle?

[fragout]

A std model M1A, Scout, and Socom 16 weigh less than an M1 Garand, and around the same as an AR10. A National Match/Super Match is a whole other animal in terms of weight and intended purpose.

A used M1A will in most cases retain it's value from what I have seen, and SAI's warranty travels with the rifle, so it would be covered ifn;s there is issues with a specific rifle.

One thing to consider is the costs of ammunition involved. 7.62x39mm and 5.56mm cost less as compared to most others.

If the cost of 7.62x51mm is too much for you to enjoy your rifle, look at others chambered for the 2 calibers mentioned above, although reloading your own may help in this department.

On the flip side, I do not see the costs of getting into an M1A, AR10, etc.....getting any less in the future either. M1 Garands will eventually dry up, and with it...go up in costs as well.

Besides...... thats what a 10-22 is good for in terms of ammunition costs.

11B

 

[cthulhufan]

The PSL sure is a hoot, but you've already got 54R covered with your Mosin(s).

I purchased a new Marlin 336 stainless 30-30 a few months back and it is now my second favorite gun next to my CZ-452 Lux. Narry a factory round through her, been loading those Hornady FTX rounds up. Very fun rifle. Very practical rifle. Worth a look.

 

[Hocka Louis]

AR's are very common today, u r right. And a well made bargain can be had inexpensively, relatively.

But the point I really wanted to make? They are neat and fun to shoot.

Gehr

 

[nyc71]

M1A Scout Squad arrived yesterday, a Marlin 336 30-30 & a Henry 22lr are on the way. The AK just happen to be in stock when I got the M1a so I brought her home too.


"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"- Benjamin Franklin

 

[cthulhufan]

God bless America, the M1A is a fine rifle. I can't wait to get mine.

 

[JackCrow]

As the proud owner of a Manlicher-Schoenauer (.243) I'll throw a vote in for one.
An elegant, beautifully engineered rifle that is a joy to shoot.

In second place I would nominate the M1 Garand, another great rifle that is revered for good reasons. Can't go wrong with the M1.

Whatever you decide good luck and enjoy the journey.

Cheers!

 

[Old krow]

My vote is for the AR15 if you do not have one. You should be able to find one at a good price. Ammo is relatively cheap, it's common, and there is large after market for parts.

It isn't my favorite choice of your list, but I think that it is a decent time to buy one. But then again, it's a good time to buy any of them.

 

[CZguy]

If seeing that doesn't get your interest, then you probably should just buy an AR.

 

[fragout]

Nice looking M1 CZguy

11B

 

[cthulhufan]

Absolutely gorgeous, CZGuy.

I'm sorry, to the original poster, I think you had two grand to spend and I was trying to side track you on a $600 dollar Marlin. Looking at that M1, I can tell you where I'd spend my money.

I hope you enjoy whatever you end up with. What a fun problem to have.

EDIT: What wood is the forestock/buttstock made of on that M1? What do you technically call that anyway on a two or three piece stock? The main stock? Did you use oil for the finish? Looks a lot like linseed oil but with a bit more satin or perhaps age.

 

[Erik M]

I voted for the AR15 because a high grade one would be easy to procure, but if you are able to purchase a CMP Garand I don't think you'll regret it.

 

[CZguy]

EDIT: What wood is the forestock/buttstock made of on that M1? What do you technically call that anyway on a two or three piece stock? The main stock? Did you use oil for the finish? Looks a lot like linseed oil but with a bit more satin or perhaps age.

That is a CMP birch stock, with about five coats of hand rubbed BLO. This rifle was a service grade Springfield armory from the CMP. It was made in 1955 and it took me two years, but it's all correct now with all SA parts, except the stock, which I don't mind one bit.

To me there is just something particularly satisfying about shooting an M1 at 600 yards with iron sights, and getting good hits.

Don't get me wrong I like ARs also, there's just something about shooting an M1, that really appeals to me.

 

[CZguy]

Mannlicher-Schoenauer in 6.5 MS

This is high up on my list of dream rifles, but It's just not in the budget right now.

But I can dream.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

Mannlicher for the cool looks factor.

 

[Cosmoline]

Lots of food for thought here. Thanks!

 

[CZguy]

Lots of food for thought here. Thanks!

When you decide lets us know.

Ah heck, give us a hint..........which way are you leaning.

 

[Rshooter]

I voted for the Garand, a great rifle. An AR would be second on my list.

 

[amflyer]

Cosmoline, if your are remotely interested in the Ruger scout and have a budget of 2K, why not pick up the real thing. Steyr scout, Leupold IER scope and Talley rings. If you look around, you can get all three for the 2K.

 

[amflyer]

Or for a bit more, you can have the complete setup for $400 bucks over budget. One of 300 too:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233390553

 

[ForumSurfer]

Ah heck, give us a hint..........which way are you leaning.

Inquiring minds want to know...

I am currently wallowing in my own indecisiveness, so I want to see someone make a decision.

I'm trying to decide on buying myself and the boys a round of 22 lever guns and a single six or just buying a lever in 30-30 (or 357/38) along with a blackhawk in 357. I've got single action and lever action fever since my collection of shooters is lacking those items currently. It doesn't help that they are replaying young guns over and over on TV....

 

[Cosmoline]

At this point I'm seriously thinking about just flat-out getting whatever the poll says. I can see merits to all of the above and more. So based on the poll it will either be an M1 or an AR. I might include M1A in the M1 category.

AMflyer--I'm inclined to agree with you, but that's a bit over the budget at this point.

 

[ghostwn]

The M1 Garand was good for its day. Mighty fine rifle. The weapon that seems to follow you to civilain life is the weapon your taught to shoot in the military. So for me, its was the AR, and now its a piston AR.

 

[JoeMal]

AR and a .22, spend the rest on ammo

 

[mr.trooper]

Nothing says 'class' like a Manlicher.

 

[Cosmoline]

Looks like a dead heat between the Garand and the AR. I've decided to go rifle shopping Friday so we'll see what's up then.