1st semi-auto rifle?

[Creek]

I'm thinking about buying a semi-auto rifle (never owned anything but handguns and a .22 rifle) but I don't even know where to start. ]I'd be mainly using it for recreational plinking but defense and survival are always good. I've looked at cheap SKS's and AK's but I've heard some horror stories involving them. I liked the Ruger Mini 14 but that's getting expensive enough that I might as well go crazy and buy a Bushmaster m4. I don't have a lot of cash but I'd rather drop a grand on something I could keep for the rest of my life than buy something I'll want to trade out after a couple years. I figure I could be happy tinkering with an m4 for a long time

What would you buy if you wanted a do-it-all dependable semi-auto rifle and had about a grand to spend but every penny of that grand was precious to you?

Thanks for your input!

[Recon 173]

Stay away from the mini-14. I've owned three of them and gotten away from them because they aren't as good as they should be. With all three of my mini-14s they would not hold a steady point of impact. As I shot them they would get hot and the point of impact would slowly climb up the target. If I were you, I would consider going with a decent AK type rifle. One that has a chrome lined barrel and an underfolder stock. A good AK is a lot more dependable than a mini-14. If you decide to not get either a mini-14 or an AK then think about an SKS, an M-1 carbine or a Saiga. There are a lot better survival rifles out there than the mini-14s.

[stalebiscuit]

first semi-auto rifle

either a 10/22 or if you want fire-power, an sks for sure, an ak is a good investment to but everyone needs an sks

sks, sks, sks, i cant stress it enough

[oldjarhead]

Originally Posted by Recon 173

Stay away from the mini-14. I've owned three of them and gotten away from them because they aren't as good as they should be... If I were you, I would consider going with a decent AK type rifle. One that has a chrome lined barrel and an underfolder stock. A good AK is a lot more dependable than a mini-14. If you decide to not get either a mini-14 or an AK then think about an SKS, an M-1 carbine or a Saiga. There are a lot better survival rifles out there than the mini-14s.

Recon, You hit the nail on the head on this one...stay away from the Mini-30 as well. It seems the only decent semi-auto Ruger can put out is the 10/22. Don't rule out the M1 Garand; short on ammo capacity but is accurate, reliable, and packs a good punch. Armalite AR-10 would be nice but you'd be approaching a K$.

[Sins-of-Mosin]

Any quality AK will last longer then you and I've never heard any horror stories about them. A SKS is good too but some can be picky on what you feed it. Getting detachable mags working with a SKS can also be a pain. I suggest you just use stripper clips, you'll reload faster anyway.

An AR will cost at least twice as much and more expensive ammo and more picky about it too. A Garand would be awesome but expensive ammo.

If you looking for a real cheap plinker but with some cred, take a look at the Hi-Point 9mm carbine. Cheap to feed, accurate out of the box, low recoil, and short length.

[oldjarhead]

Originally Posted by Sins-of-Mosin

An AR will cost at least twice as much and more expensive ammo and more picky about it too. A Garand would be awesome but expensive ammo.

If you looking for a real cheap plinker but with some cred, take a look at the Hi-Point 9mm carbine. Cheap to feed, accurate out of the box, low recoil, and short length.

Garand ammo is pretty reasonable from the CMP, as is the Aguila .30 Carbine ammo.
I had an AK but just didn't like the feel of it. Had no problems with it though.
9mm is not really considered an all purpose survival cartridge; just doesn't have enough oompf to take down game. The smallest I'd consider would be .30 Carbine.

[FS00008]

Why exactly are you looking for a Semi-Auto? I can think of at least one fine Bolt-Action rifle that would work fine for most survival situations and would have relatively cheap ammunition.


Specifically I would say a good quality Mosin-Nagant bolt-action. It fires a 7.62x54RMM cartridge and you can find surplus ammunition pretty cheaply. I don't know where you're living, but where I am, you'd be hard-pressed to find one (good-quality shooter that is) for more than $150, and it's more often than not around $90 for a good M44.

[Big Dog]

For simplicity, reliability and a good plinker, I'd go with an SKS.
If you want to tinker and accessorize, then the MForgery is the best option.
A better-grade AK would be the best of both worlds.

[Sins-of-Mosin]

Originally Posted by oldjarhead

9mm is not really considered an all purpose survival cartridge; just doesn't have enough oompf to take down game.

Maybe so but your going to find 9mm in good quantities in any store that sells ammo. But that's like crazy zombie situations.

[JMcDonald]

Hi-Point Firearms: Carbines

No further questions.

[Rem 742 30-06]

Originally Posted by JMcDonald

Hi-Point Firearms: Carbines

No further questions.

UHH yeah i think there are like why?

[sell33]

Originally Posted by Recon 173

Stay away from the mini-14. I've owned three of them and gotten away from them because they aren't as good as they should be. With all three of my mini-14s they would not hold a steady point of impact. As I shot them they would get hot and the point of impact would slowly climb up the target. If I were you, I would consider going with a decent AK type rifle. One that has a chrome lined barrel and an underfolder stock. A good AK is a lot more dependable than a mini-14. If you decide to not get either a mini-14 or an AK then think about an SKS, an M-1 carbine or a Saiga. There are a lot better survival rifles out there than the mini-14s.

What is so bad about the mini-14?? i loved mine, unfortunately don't have it anymore but wish i did every time i think about it, such as right now. Mine never had a problem. Granted it was not the most accurate gun i owned, but it is not meant to be, that is why they now have a target model. Many law enforcement agencies use these, and i believe the mini-14 to be an extremely reliable gun that would do great for self defense and/or plinking. Mine was really not that unreasonably accurate either. I was very pleased shooting around 2" at 100 yards, sure its not bolt gun accuracy but for the uses described i believe this would work great. I would bet this gun can match most AKs in accuracy and from my experience reliability also. Not sure about the reliability, but i know i never had a single problem. o and i don't think the AK 47 was designed to be accurate either.

[JMcDonald]

Originally Posted by Rem 742 30-06

UHH yeah i think there are like why?

I'm sorry to say, but I honestly have no idea what you are trying to say there...


As far as the HP, it is very reliable, quite accurate to reasonable distances (~75 yards I hear), and the 995 shoots one of the cheapest "acceptable" all-around bullets, which is worth mentioning since he mentions plinking.

Not to mention that since it is his "first rifle," ~$200 out the door from most dealers is probably ALOT more attractive.

OP: If you don't want to "settle" for that Id go with the Mini-14 most likely. Hell, for $1000 you could easily by a very nice semi-auto rifle (mini-14?) with lots of take-down power, and also a good .22 (10/22 probably) that you could plink all day with for not much more than you'd spend on the gas getting to the range.

[FS00008]

I still say Mosin. $100 for a decent bolt-action with a cartridge that can take down most anything and cheap mil-surp ammo.

My main point is... for a semi-auto plinker, get a Ruger 10/22 so you can have 500+ rounds of fun for a little over $10.

For a take-down rifle, get a bolt action Mosin.

[privateer]

Hi Creek, I am ex military and have been involved in the survilalist game since the late 70's.. here is some advice when looking for a survival gun . go spend some time at your local shooting range or club and see if any of the guns catch your attention ,talk with the shooters and listen to what they have to say about the guns thay are useing, ask the if you can take a few shots (always a good idea to offer to pay for the rounds) and see if the gun feels good to you, it's a cheap easy way to window shop. the secret to fighting guns is the best gun in the world is the one you have with you when the poop hits the fan , If you have the knowledge to use you gun and faith in it's operation , you are ahead of the game . in my opinion a good pump shotgun like the remington 870 is a great close quarters fighter and if you need to reach out, spend the extra cash and buy a good ar15. .... oh and goodluck.

[Bravo]

Garand ammo is pretty reasonable from the CMP, as is the Aguila .30 Carbine ammo.

Don't shoot the Garand with .30carbine ammo

I'd recommend a .22 (Remington 597 or Ruger 10/22) as a first semi-auto rifle. If you've been around firearms for awhile, an SKS is a great rifle as well.

[Creek]

Thanks!
I'm thinking now about talking a harder look at the SKS and AK's. I've got a bolt action .22 LR which covers my ultra cheap plinking needs at the moment and while I'll probably end up buying a nice bolt action hunting rifle eventually, right now I think I'm looking for the fun of a semi-auto with some oomph.

As far as the AKs and SKSs, which variants have you guys had good luck with? For AK variants I've looked at the Romanian WASR-10, a nice Yugo AK, the Saiga, and then a significantly more expensive milled reciever Bulgarian AK. Obviously, milled receivers are better than stamped but how much of a difference is there really?

[madcratebuilder]

I see used Bushmaster M-4orgeries going for under $800 with a half dozen mags, Federal ammo is .35 a round in bulk. I see lesser known name AR's going for under $600 new. Check the newest issue of shotgun news.
My second choice would be a Springfield M1A, if you shop around you can find a standard for about a grand.
If you buy quality long guns at the right price, you should always recoup your investment.

[Rem 742 30-06]

Originally Posted by FS00008

I still say Mosin. $100 for a decent bolt-action with a cartridge that can take down most anything and cheap mil-surp ammo.

My main point is... for a semi-auto plinker, get a Ruger 10/22 so you can have 500+ rounds of fun for a little over $10.

For a take-down rifle, get a bolt action Mosin.

Why not just go all out and get a PSL and use the same ammo. Plus it is still semi-auto. Or an M1A or FN-FAL and use .308 bulk ammo

[Muddog]

Originally Posted by stalebiscuit

first semi-auto rifle

either a 10/22 or if you want fire-power, an sks for sure, an ak is a good investment to but everyone needs an sks

sks, sks, sks, i cant stress it enough

+1 to sks, sks, sks