Hello

snewbie · 08-04-2005, 10:10 PM

Hello, I hope this the right place to post this. I have just recently become interested in firearms, so excuse me for knowing very little. I have read some and have considered buying the following:

1 AR-7 survival gun. I have only seen an armson make for $169.
I want it for backpacking, etc where I might want something for rabbit hunting and last ditch self defense.
2 SKS (russian made) A SHTF(reddawn?) weopon that is relatively cheap ($200?)and a lot of gun for the money. Can double up for short range hunting.
3 M1A/M14 The best battle rifle/SHTF gun (arguably). Doubles up as a great hunting rifle for short-long ranges. Beyond my immediate price range, but something I will eventually want assuming I can still buy one when I have the money($1500).

What do you think? If there are any equal alternatives for the same role/price range, let me know.

Thanks

Uncle Red · 08-04-2005, 11:48 PM

Hello there!! Welcome!! You are in the right place. I've held(fondeled) an AR7, but never had the chance to shoot one. They seem like a nice little gun.

SKS would also be a good choice. Check local laws first befor hunting with an autoloader. However, if you remove the gas rod(looks like a piston)and it in effect makes it a straight pull bolt action. The 7.62x39mm rnd is roughly on par with the .30-30. And I would keep you shots under 200 yards.

As for the M1a...I want one to. And like you, I haven't the cash.

Once again, Welcome.

-UR

Big Dog · 08-05-2005, 04:47 AM

Welcome to G&G! You came to the right place.

The AR7 has a checkered history - some folks like them, some don't. The earlier ones, especially those made by Charter Arms, have functional issues. The best is the current one produced by Henry. They did some improvements, and make a better, more reliable magazine (source of many problems).
Henry has seveal options, the original black, the silver and even a camo rifle. They include a place for an extra magzine in the buttstock too, which the earlier ones didn't.
They can be finicky on ammo, so test it for what it likes before taking it hiking.

I have three SKS rifles now - I like 'em! I find the Yugo M59/66 to be the most accurate, but some folks don't like the extra length and weight with the grenade launcher. The Russian, Chinese and Romanian are lighter and handier.

Let us know what you get!

Apollyon67 · 08-05-2005, 09:02 PM

Welcome to the forum Snewbie, enjoy the knowledge that flows through the threads. I love my Henry AR7, and its always a good thing to have a decent autoloader if you have a penchant for one. I too would love to have an M1a.

mswestfall · 08-05-2005, 09:14 PM

I don't have much of a right welcoming you because I'm pretty new too, but Welcome!

Have you considered buying a rifle, a pistol and a shotgun.

No matter what you decide I want to hear and see pictures too! Best of luck.

SPOCAHP ANAR · 08-05-2005, 10:15 PM

welcome mswestfall and snewbie

SKS is argualby one of the best semi's for the money.

Now let me introduce you to my friend the C&R..............

Dallas · 08-06-2005, 12:35 AM

Welcome to both of you. The SKS is a great little rifle for the money. Watchout of NRAJOE, he'll try to talk you into a AK.

snewbie · 08-06-2005, 03:02 PM

Well, I went ahead and bought myself a "like new" Yugo SKS m59/66 for $150.
Now at least I have something. It is totally packed in grease. The guy at the shop showed me how to field strip it and what to clean, etc, but a diagram/online/paper source to go by would help. Do you guys have any suggestions?

I have also considered a service grade M1 Garand as an alternative to the M1A for 1/3 the price of an M1A from http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1garand.htm
The only thing that makes me hesitate is the difficulty in mounting a scope on it.

Thank you all very much for the kind replies.

Big Dog · 08-06-2005, 04:37 PM

For all things SKS, here's The Best website:

http://www.simonov.net/

It'll give you servicing tips, history, dating (on some models), and lots of other info.

The M1A is on my 'want list' too - but too many others have priority.

Oxford · 08-06-2005, 08:37 PM

snewbie...To answer your question on which gun to get...that's nearly an impossible question to answer by someone except yourself. As I see it, the answer(s) depends upon several things:

Use of gun:What will it be used for? Target shooting? Hunting...if so, for what and at what distances usually? Personal defense? Concealed Carry Weapon? and other uses.

Weight of gun:Is that important to you? How far will it be carried?

Cost of gun:What can you afford? Do you want your guns to be new or used? What will it resell for? Will it hold it's resale value?

My answer...start slow, buy what you can afford now, develop a long range plan of purchase for your next guns, study what the needs are for hunting...or target shooting...or whatever else you plan to use your gun(s) for.

But...my guess is that you'll find that after you jump in with your first purchase you'll immediatly start planning on the next gun you want and the end will never get in sight. Just look at DANA's buying pattern, a member on G&G who has more guns than probably dozens of members here combined...and he's still buying more guns.

So, have fun, jump in, and good shooting.

Ox :right:

snewbie · 08-06-2005, 10:19 PM

TY Oxford. I guess I'll give you guys a little more background on myself. I play paintball. I answer a lot of questions for new paintballers on paintball forums who ask questions similar to what I have been asking. I often answer their questions in a very similar way.
Thanks

And TY Big Dog for the great link...very helpfull

I cant wait to shoot my new(to me) SKS! one shot at a time!

jerry · 08-07-2005, 07:02 AM

welcome.
don't ask me anything about shotguns because I know nothing

Big Dog · 08-07-2005, 08:46 AM

You'll quickly learn the answer to one of the stupidest questions an anti-gun nut can ask us:
"Why do you need so many guns? You don't need more than one!"

It's the same reason a good golfer has a bag of clubs to choose from. The right tool for the right job. And then there's the historical interest, the active competitions (your paintballing could come in really handy in the 'combat' oriented comps!), the technical interest, hunting or just plinking fun.
I try to buy guns of many different types. Some make their choices more particular, for specific interests.
Reading the forums, you'll quickly pick up on those that are better, and meet your needs, versus those of lesser quality or that don't meet your needs.
Again, welcome to the best gun forum site on the Information Highway!

I would urge you to also join at least one good Pro-Gun Rights organization - even if you don't get 'active', they'll keep you informed of the egregious activities of the Antis.
NRA, GOA (Gun Owners of America), JPFO (Jews For the Preservation of Firearms Ownership - and you don't have to be Jewish to join!), and any good local groups where you live.

Troy · 08-07-2005, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry

welcome.
don't ask me anything about shotguns because I know nothing

crackpot!

jerry · 08-08-2005, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troy

crackpot!

Hack!

DANA · 08-08-2005, 04:18 PM

Just BUY BUY BUY BUY. I think you know what I am saying. Welcome.

DANA

Troy · 08-08-2005, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry

Hack!

LMAO!

jerry · 08-08-2005, 09:27 PM

Me too friend,

snewbie · 08-08-2005, 10:25 PM

I was "working" today and had some extra time, so I went to the shop where I bought my SKS and looked around some more, then I went to a gun range where I will be shooting my new baby. I already want about 5 different guns. I think I might have the fever.

Oxford · 08-08-2005, 11:10 PM

That's a good sign. Do you have a twitch in your right trigger finger, too. That's a definite way to tell if you're hooked. :right:

08-04-2005, 10:10 PM	#1
snewbie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6	Hello Hello, I hope this the right place to post this. I have just recently become interested in firearms, so excuse me for knowing very little. I have read some and have considered buying the following: 1 AR-7 survival gun. I have only seen an armson make for $169. I want it for backpacking, etc where I might want something for rabbit hunting and last ditch self defense. 2 SKS (russian made) A SHTF(reddawn?) weopon that is relatively cheap ($200?)and a lot of gun for the money. Can double up for short range hunting. 3 M1A/M14 The best battle rifle/SHTF gun (arguably). Doubles up as a great hunting rifle for short-long ranges. Beyond my immediate price range, but something I will eventually want assuming I can still buy one when I have the money($1500). What do you think? If there are any equal alternatives for the same role/price range, let me know. Thanks

08-04-2005, 11:48 PM	#2
Uncle Red Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 547	Hello there!! Welcome!! You are in the right place. I've held(fondeled) an AR7, but never had the chance to shoot one. They seem like a nice little gun. SKS would also be a good choice. Check local laws first befor hunting with an autoloader. However, if you remove the gas rod(looks like a piston)and it in effect makes it a straight pull bolt action. The 7.62x39mm rnd is roughly on par with the .30-30. And I would keep you shots under 200 yards. As for the M1a...I want one to. And like you, I haven't the cash. Once again, Welcome. -UR __________________ "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed"--Amendment II, Bill of Rights "He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."--Thomas Paine "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." - Jesus, Luke 22:36

08-05-2005, 04:47 AM	#3
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,214	Welcome to G&G! You came to the right place. The AR7 has a checkered history - some folks like them, some don't. The earlier ones, especially those made by Charter Arms, have functional issues. The best is the current one produced by Henry. They did some improvements, and make a better, more reliable magazine (source of many problems). Henry has seveal options, the original black, the silver and even a camo rifle. They include a place for an extra magzine in the buttstock too, which the earlier ones didn't. They can be finicky on ammo, so test it for what it likes before taking it hiking. I have three SKS rifles now - I like 'em! I find the Yugo M59/66 to be the most accurate, but some folks don't like the extra length and weight with the grenade launcher. The Russian, Chinese and Romanian are lighter and handier. Let us know what you get! __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

08-05-2005, 09:02 PM	#4
Apollyon67 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 2,235 Images: 17	Welcome to the forum Snewbie, enjoy the knowledge that flows through the threads. I love my Henry AR7, and its always a good thing to have a decent autoloader if you have a penchant for one. I too would love to have an M1a. __________________ "To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish." Ben Franklin Last edited by Apollyon67; 08-05-2005 at 09:04 PM.

08-05-2005, 10:15 PM	#6
SPOCAHP ANAR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SC-upstate Posts: 4,094 Images: 3 Blog Entries: 4	welcome mswestfall and snewbie SKS is argualby one of the best semi's for the money. Now let me introduce you to my friend the C&R.............. __________________ Spocrest Out!..........

08-05-2005, 09:14 PM	#5
mswestfall Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 17	I don't have much of a right welcoming you because I'm pretty new too, but Welcome! Have you considered buying a rifle, a pistol and a shotgun. No matter what you decide I want to hear and see pictures too! Best of luck.

08-06-2005, 12:35 AM	#7
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,595	Welcome to both of you. The SKS is a great little rifle for the money. Watchout of NRAJOE, he'll try to talk you into a AK.

08-06-2005, 03:02 PM	#8
snewbie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6	Well, I went ahead and bought myself a "like new" Yugo SKS m59/66 for $150. Now at least I have something. It is totally packed in grease. The guy at the shop showed me how to field strip it and what to clean, etc, but a diagram/online/paper source to go by would help. Do you guys have any suggestions? I have also considered a service grade M1 Garand as an alternative to the M1A for 1/3 the price of an M1A from http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1garand.htm The only thing that makes me hesitate is the difficulty in mounting a scope on it. Thank you all very much for the kind replies.

08-06-2005, 04:37 PM	#9
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,214	For all things SKS, here's The Best website: http://www.simonov.net/ It'll give you servicing tips, history, dating (on some models), and lots of other info. The M1A is on my 'want list' too - but too many others have priority. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

08-06-2005, 08:37 PM	#10
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 13,023 Blog Entries: 4	snewbie...To answer your question on which gun to get...that's nearly an impossible question to answer by someone except yourself. As I see it, the answer(s) depends upon several things: Use of gun:What will it be used for? Target shooting? Hunting...if so, for what and at what distances usually? Personal defense? Concealed Carry Weapon? and other uses. Weight of gun:Is that important to you? How far will it be carried? Cost of gun:What can you afford? Do you want your guns to be new or used? What will it resell for? Will it hold it's resale value? My answer...start slow, buy what you can afford now, develop a long range plan of purchase for your next guns, study what the needs are for hunting...or target shooting...or whatever else you plan to use your gun(s) for. But...my guess is that you'll find that after you jump in with your first purchase you'll immediatly start planning on the next gun you want and the end will never get in sight. Just look at DANA's buying pattern, a member on G&G who has more guns than probably dozens of members here combined...and he's still buying more guns. So, have fun, jump in, and good shooting. Ox :right: __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".

08-06-2005, 10:19 PM	#11
snewbie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6	TY Oxford. I guess I'll give you guys a little more background on myself. I play paintball. I answer a lot of questions for new paintballers on paintball forums who ask questions similar to what I have been asking. I often answer their questions in a very similar way. Thanks And TY Big Dog for the great link...very helpfull I cant wait to shoot my new(to me) SKS! one shot at a time! Last edited by snewbie; 08-06-2005 at 10:22 PM.

08-07-2005, 07:02 AM	#12
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,882 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	welcome. don't ask me anything about shotguns because I know nothing __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

08-07-2005, 08:46 AM	#13
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,214	You'll quickly learn the answer to one of the stupidest questions an anti-gun nut can ask us: "Why do you need so many guns? You don't need more than one!" It's the same reason a good golfer has a bag of clubs to choose from. The right tool for the right job. And then there's the historical interest, the active competitions (your paintballing could come in really handy in the 'combat' oriented comps!), the technical interest, hunting or just plinking fun. I try to buy guns of many different types. Some make their choices more particular, for specific interests. Reading the forums, you'll quickly pick up on those that are better, and meet your needs, versus those of lesser quality or that don't meet your needs. Again, welcome to the best gun forum site on the Information Highway! I would urge you to also join at least one good Pro-Gun Rights organization - even if you don't get 'active', they'll keep you informed of the egregious activities of the Antis. NRA, GOA (Gun Owners of America), JPFO (Jews For the Preservation of Firearms Ownership - and you don't have to be Jewish to join!), and any good local groups where you live. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

08-08-2005, 04:18 PM	#16
DANA Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: WAITSFIELD VERMONT Posts: 1,595	Just BUY BUY BUY BUY. I think you know what I am saying. Welcome. DANA

08-08-2005, 09:27 PM	#18
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,882 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Me too friend, __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

08-08-2005, 10:25 PM	#19
snewbie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6	I was "working" today and had some extra time, so I went to the shop where I bought my SKS and looked around some more, then I went to a gun range where I will be shooting my new baby. I already want about 5 different guns. I think I might have the fever.

08-08-2005, 11:10 PM	#20
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 13,023 Blog Entries: 4	That's a good sign. Do you have a twitch in your right trigger finger, too. That's a definite way to tell if you're hooked. :right: __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".