What to get?

[Jguy101]

Well, I've been wondering what to get as my second gun (even though I've just started saving up), because let's face it: for CHTF, my 10/22 isn't gonna do it. So, I'm considering these guns: the SKS (Yugo 59/66's are most available and cheapest, but they come with lots of Cosmoline, and something the gas valve needs to be replaced), the Saiga, Kel-Tec Sub-2000 (9mm carbine that folds and uses Glock mags), CZ 527 carbine (bolt-action with 18.5" barrel and five-round detachable mag), and an AK clone (from what I've heard, I might want to stay away from the WASR-10).

Any suggestions?

 

[iamkris]

No offense but your choices are all over the map. What do you want it for? Keeping away the hordes? Hunting and survival when the SHTF? A little of both?

Yugo SKS -- spend $149 and you will get one that is unissued. No problems with gas valves. What's wrong with a little cosmo? Real gunnie revel in the stuff. Cheap, fast to reload with stripper clips, plenty of firepower for the average joe against the hordes, will suffice for hunting up to deer

Saiga -- great value, essentially a domesticated AK. Low cap mags though.

Kel-tec -- so-so for defense value except for up close. OK for small game hunting. More of a fun plinker versus a true SHTF arm.

CZ -- probably the most practical as most of us will worry more about survival than fighting the hordes. More expensive than the other choices. If you are getting this, though, why not actually go for a larger caliber?

AK clone -- See above on SKS/Saiga. Best blend of what you've listed if you think you're going to defend your neighborhood. Nothing wrong with WASRs. I've had too and both have been ultimately reliable. It's your money.

 

[goon]

I would also go with the AK or an SKS. The only strike they have against them is the ammo price increase/shortage. The shortage is going away but I think that the days of $79 cases of ammo for them are gone.

I would look for an M-59 Yugo (I think this is the model with out the gas cutoff and grenade launcher) or a Romanian or Chinese SKS or maybe a Russian in "shooter" condition.

Another choice may be a Marlin 336 in 30-30. I would like to have one but a guy can really only justify having so many guns and I am over my limit until I sell a couple.

For an AK they all generally work but I would look for an SAR-1 or some other stamped variant over the WASR. All the newer WASR's I have seen are ugly. They probably still work but I have seen them with bark still on the stock.
I know that the beauty of an AK is in the function but come on...
If you have to go with a WASR look for an older one, handpick one and make sure that everything is straight, that it cycles relatively smoothly, and that mags come in and out without any BS.
Better yet, get an Arsenal AK.
Stamped is lighter than milled but milled feels very solid.

Other considerations ...
The FAL is my favorite and as such it trumps anything else I have ever shot. Power, accuracy, range, cheap mags, and ammo that is available and relatively cheap. Change the loads and you can drop about anything in the lower 48 with one.
I just bought an AR and I shoot it better than I have ever shot any AK. An AK is about as durable as a hammer but I have had three and I don't plan to have a fourth. The AR also uses ammo that is still in service in the US. I can pick up a few boxes for it any time I want for $12 at a local store or even at wallyworld.
They are generally more expensive so one may not fit into your budget.

After you decide what you want I would suggest you post in the classifieds on here and see if anyone has one that they are willing to part with. I have gotten some great guns this way and it costs less than going to a shop.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Yugo SKS and a Mosin Nagant M44 or 91/30.

SKS is a great autoloader and the M/N currently offers very cheap ammo.

Two great rifles and 1000 rounds of ammo for each for significantly less than $500.

Then save up and get an M1 Garand for $500 from the CMP www.odcmp.com

These ARE the "good old days" for rifles. The surplus bolt actions and semi-auto military guns will eventually run out.

 

[silicon wolverine]

You guys left out one oblvious choice. ( i know im gonna get hammered for this one) the mini-14. .223, handy, cops dont look twice when they see one and they are now making a beta-C mag for them. theyre a popular bashing item of late and yes theyre no AR-15 but they half the price and twice as reliable. there is also the SU-16 but i havent had any expiernce with one yet.

SW

 

[rangerruck]

saiga. super accurate for an ak, heck very accurate for anything. Can make your own hi cap mags in about 5 minutes with a dremel. cold hammer forged, chrome lined bbls/parts. calibers :223 308 and 762.39 , if you really search you can find a couple other cals out there , too.

 

[doc tc]

For a good all-around, you should consider the lever action carbine. Most under-rated gun on the planet by some otherwise knowledgeable folks. It should always make the short list in my opinion.

My Marlin, which has been my primary hunting rifle for more than 20 years despite the array of other rifles in my safe, is rock solid, real easy to carry, has a Williams peep with firesight front end and is tamed by a quality recoil pad (which also helps the pull, which without the pad, for me, is a little short).

The lever design has excellent balance and points well, characteristics important to the rifleman who understands and appreciates the meaning of fast and accurate.

Learn how to use it and you'll be well-served as long as you own it. 30-30 is a good round, especially now that the new Hornady Leverevolution bullet (at this point ammo only but we reloaders are all hoping for a bullet to play with) has been released.

If your first gun was a 10-22 then your second should be a lever action carbine.

So what's gonna' be your third, that's what I want to know.

Be safe

My .02$

doc