Which rifle should I buy?

[Chevelle SS]

I am trying to decide how to spend some leftover graduation money. I'm trying to decide what rifle I want. My price range can go up to around 1,000 but I'd prefer to stay around 500 if possible. I know some of the guns on the poll can go for more than 1,000 but I'm just looking for an opinion on what I should buy. Thanks

 

[meanmrmustard]

I am trying to decide how to spend some leftover graduation money. I'm trying to decide what rifle I want. My price range can go up to around 1,000 but I'd prefer to stay around 500 if possible. I know some of the guns on the poll can go for more than 1,000 but I'm just looking for an opinion on what I should buy. Thanks

First off, congrats on graduating...whatever it is you've graduated from.
Secondly, what will said rifle be used for? What is its purpose?

 

[Chevelle SS]

I graduated High School. Mostly it will be used as a range toy, maybe a bit of close range deer hunting(Less than 150 yards).

 

[lefteyedom]

Buy the rifle that puts the biggest smile on your face.

 

[Chevelle SS]

But how do I know that? I haven't shot all of the guns on the list.

 

[Chevelle SS]

I also would like to hear your reasons for voting for a certain rifle. I'm trying to get more info and insight from other shooters so I can make a wise and informed purchase.

 

[Girodin]

What AR are you looking at? My vote changes based on the AR in question. If you are going to get a PSA, Colt, BCM or the like I'd pick the AR.

ARs are fun and very versatile guns. You can then get other uppers that make it even more versatile, everything from a .22LR plinker to a 458 SOCOM hammer.

Since you want a range toy I'd skip the .308s.

 

[Chevelle SS]

Some sort of flat top AR so I can either run a red dot, scope, or some iron sights. Probably a 20'' barrel but I'm not entirely sure.

 

[Gato Montés]

Glock

 

[Chevelle SS]

I can't legally buy a handgun from a dealer yet. (I'm 19)

 

[Markus]

I voted Arsenal Ak. 7.62x39 will definitely take a deer at 150 and it's definitely a super fun range toy.

 

[murdoc rose]

I really hope the glock post was a joke.

 

[9thchild]

A M14 clone carbine chambered in 7.62? Count me in for a Mini-Thirty with your budget range.

 

[benzy2]

Save the money.

It sounds like you're buying a rifle just to buy it with no purpose or use. If you can't narrow it down between that list I would save the money until one option calls a bit more to you. It's also a time in life when $1000 can come in quite handy. If you do spend $1000 on a rifle, are you going to be able to afford ammo to shoot it much? Remember, even inexpensive .223 is going to run you $300+/1000 and some of the options will be at least double that to feed. There isn't much fun in a "fun" rifle that you can't afford to shoot often.

 

[Chevelle SS]

I like the HK91 and the VZ-58 the best. I was actually going to buy a VZ-58 from J&G sales yesterday but when I went to order it, it wasn't on sale anymore. Also this was some money that I had put aside for a gun purchase so I'm not just blowing my money on a whim. I'm just trying to get some opinions on a few options. I already have a Czech 98K so I understand ammo costs($16.00 for a box of 20 8mm at my local Cabelas) but I'm starting to get into reloading with a good friend of mine.

 

[Chevelle SS]

I'm thinking I should just stick with the VZ-58 because that was what I originally wanted. Also not such a hard hit, thus leaving more money for ammo

 

[Chevelle SS]

I thought I should also add some of the rifles I already own:
Czech 98K
Norinco SKS
Remington 700 30.06(I only use this for hunting though, not fun)

 

[Tim the student]

+1 to whatever will give you the biggest smile.

But... have you thought about an M1 and some reloading stuff?

 

[Red Tornado]

Do you not have a 22? If not, that's what you should be after.

I voted Mini 14 but I'd change that to the Mini 30 if you're going to be hunting with it.
RT

 

[Chevelle SS]

In referring to the m1 are you talking about the garand or an m14 style gun?
I have 1 22 rifle and 2 22 handguns(bought in a private sale)

 

[Tim the student]

^^ Yep, I'd think about a .22 too. You will be able to afford to shoot it when you may not have much cash.

 

[Tim the student]

M1 Garand. Check out the CMP, if you are unfamiliar with them.

 

[Inebriated]

If you want a range toy that can take deer, a Mini 30 or AK (Arsenal being preferable to WASR, but both work) would be my recommendation. 7.62x39 is cheap, and effective on deer. It is very close to .30-30, which is pretty much "the" deer rifle".

And congratulations on graduating!

 

[dprice3844444]

get a colt 6920 or 6940 before the politicians try to outlaw new purchase

 

[JHenry]

i was in a similar situation a couple years back but my budget was around $800, wanted to get a nice AK. Hit up the local gun shows and eventually found a milled mak 90, its super nice but it was also sitting on a table with a Vz-58(D-Technik) and i gotta say those are really interesting guns. Much much lighter than my milled mak 90 but i think it actually comes in lighter than the stamped variants. If it wouldve had the correct stock and pistol grip instead of the skeletonized thumbhole stock it wouldve been tough to choose.

If i had to do it all over i might go with the vz 58