Looking for a low-budget semi-auto rifle (carbine?) for the GF, but bigger than .22.

JMcDonald · 04-05-2008, 10:51 PM

I am looking for something for my 5', 100lb girlfriend. I want it to be small enough and light enough for her to enjoy shooting, but powerful enough that it will help keep her safe should something ever happen when Im not around to use the 12g. So basically, I need something between the simplicity and cost of a .22 plinkster, and the power of a 12g. Maybe in the .3X range, including 9mm?

Id say I could go up to $300ish since her birthday is coming up anyways. I have found some things about the KelTec Sub2000 9mm carbine that I like, and also the Hi-Points seem to be even cheaper (thought I can't find any Hi Point websites or even an online store that has them in stock). Any other recommendations, and specifically where to get them?

toolman · 04-05-2008, 11:16 PM

$$$-wise, I'd say Hi-Point carbine or an SKS with frangible ammo. Another good choice would be a pump 20 or 12 ga. like a Mossberg Maverick, NEF Pardner, Mossberg 500, Rem 870, etc...

meatloaf · 04-05-2008, 11:24 PM

JM welcome to GG, I wouldnt trust a keltec with my life. High point goes bang and its cheap, but its not my style its way to bulky. Check out ruger and berretta pistols both companies have a 9mm model in your price range. Also she can handle a 45 most women are affraid of this caliber but once their fear is gone they can handle it. (speaking on semi autos) My wife is 5' tall and 120 pounds she can shoot my colt 45 all day. Also check rugers revolvers you can pick one up for a little over 300. All these prices are "new" guns. So if you can find a well maintained used gun it might be a better deal. Good luck with your finding and welcome to gun and game.

mitch_mckee · 04-05-2008, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMcDonald

I am looking for something for my 5', 100lb girlfriend. I want it to be small enough and light enough for her to enjoy shooting, but powerful enough that it will help keep her safe should something ever happen when Im not around to use the 12g. So basically, I need something between the simplicity and cost of a .22 plinkster, and the power of a 12g. Maybe in the .3X range, including 9mm?

Id say I could go up to $300ish since her birthday is coming up anyways. I have found some things about the KelTec Sub2000 9mm carbine that I like, and also the Hi-Points seem to be even cheaper (thought I can't find any Hi Point websites or even an online store that has them in stock). Any other recommendations, and specifically where to get them?

My wife really likes her 20 gauge Mossberg pump.

Plenty of power with very manageable recoil. Will beat any pistol caliber shoulder arm,

JMcDonald · 04-05-2008, 11:31 PM

Thanks for the suprisingly fast responses! It definately has to be a rifle both for utilitarian purposes (overall more useful, plus easier to learn on I think) and because she isn't 21 so it isn't legal for her to own a handgun.

So, the Hi Point carbines are pretty good? Do you guys know where to get them? I cant even find a home website for Hi Point, and they seem to be sold out everywhere Ive looked. Her birthday is on the 19th so Ive got about two weeks to find something for her.

PONTIACDM · 04-05-2008, 11:33 PM

+1 on the Ruger revolver. Great quality and accuracy for less. Heres the hi-piont homepage if you still want it. Hi-Point Firearms

TRUE GRIT · 04-05-2008, 11:33 PM

The M1 Carbine would be a good choice, It will be easy for her to handle, and you will have a lot of fun with it too.

toolman · 04-05-2008, 11:43 PM

Where are you located? Most of our members can point you to a local gunshop that carries them.

JMcDonald · 04-05-2008, 11:44 PM

Arent those way more than $300, though? The ones Ive seen were like $600+ it seemed.

GlockMeister · 04-05-2008, 11:50 PM

How dead set are you on it being a rifle? I only ask because you'll have many more choices in that price range in the handgun category? For example, a Bersa .380, or the Pink Lady from Charter Arms... this link here and a picture of it below.
Charter Pink Lady #53830

The price range in rifle is kind of limited unless a used one. IMHO that is..
I mean if you could spend a few more bucks, I'd happily recommend the Beretta CX4 Storm in either 9mm or .40 S&W.. But they isn't no $300 dollars, more like $600-$800..
Here's a picture of one to have an idea, if you haven't seen one yet...

stitchclimber · 04-06-2008, 12:08 AM

Hi-Point Firearms

thats the web site for high point. They have a locate dealer tab on there as well.

JMcDonald · 04-06-2008, 12:13 AM

Thanks for that link. Im going to call around tomorrow to see who has what. From what I can tell finding a Hi-Point for under $300 shouldn't be too hard. Buying from a gun dealer I wouldn't feel so nervous about buying used as I would from a pawn shop.

Thanks guys.

meatloaf · 04-06-2008, 02:48 AM

Ok so you want a rifle. you should check out savage, savage is the true working mans company which means they are good quality and inexspensive. If a highpoint is a must well they go bang. Dont expect to get any resale value for it. Is this going to be soley for her or some for her and mostly for you? Hey dont feel guilty we all buy our wifes/girlfreinds guns for us to use. In my honest opinion save your money one hundred more and you can get an AK47, that is an ideal home defense weapon if you dont want a shotgun and you are on a budget. Save your money and you wont be sorry.

Hotled · 04-06-2008, 03:57 AM

If your not dead set on a rifle, I recommend a Saiga .410 Semi-auto Shotgun, and it's within your budget.
Here is one with a short barrel.
GunBroker.com guns: RAA Saiga .410 Semi Auto Shotgun 19 AK style NIB (item: 96433519 ends: Apr-09-08 09

15 PM)

billy · 04-06-2008, 05:14 AM

i would go with the hipoint myself.
cheap
9mm
low recoil
short length of pull (you didnt say how long her arms are)
i have fired them and they do work.
they aint my style but they work just fine.

Hi-Point Carbine 9MM Black

cubbieman · 04-06-2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMcDonald

Thanks for the suprisingly fast responses! It definately has to be a rifle both for utilitarian purposes (overall more useful, plus easier to learn on I think) and because she isn't 21 so it isn't legal for her to own a handgun.

under 21 can't own handgun ammo either. there may be loop holes, I haven't looked into it thoroughly, but check the laws on that before buying a pistol caliber carbine, if that's what you choose

Windwalker · 04-06-2008, 08:47 AM

The 9mm hi point carbine wouold be good but check out the pistol ammo age to buy question. If this is a problem then I would consider a 20 ga. pump shotgun.

sell33 · 04-06-2008, 08:52 AM

Check your local gun shops all of them around here usually have a couple of the hi-point carbines in stock....

JMcDonald · 04-06-2008, 09:44 AM

Thanks everyone.

My GF is only 5' tall and 100lbs, and is proportionally built. Her left arm is fully extended to reach the forearm of my 12g when shouldering it. You can imagine how uncomfortable it would be to hold ~4lbs at full arm's length and then try to concentrate on aiming or something, especially for someone of her size.

Most shops seem to be closed until 10 today, so Ill call then to ask. Im taking her to shoot my 12g and a .22 today, to see how she feels about them. She wants to get into shooting, but I want her to have a gun that she actually likes shooting (because practice makes perfect). On the other end of the scale, it needs to be large enough to get any job done as efficiently as possible (so no .22s). I took the stock off my 12g yesterday and had her "shoulder" it (maybe 4-6" away from her shoulder is where she naturally held it) and she said it was much better because she could get her left arm "under" it to actually support it. Today I am taking her out shooting for the first time. I know she'll at least get to try my 12g and a .22 rifle, which are basically the ends of the spectrum for common home guns.

As far as me using it, this really will be her gun. However, I will admit that I have bought her toys that I use

. Realistically, though, I think it will be handier to have both a 12g and a rifle for different situations, than two shotguns (even if she had a .410).

The plusside of .22s that keeps coming up in my head is that they are cheap to buy and about as cheap to practice with as anything.

JMcDonald · 04-06-2008, 10:19 AM

Oooh! I found a local gun store that carries Hi-Point carbines for under $300! Im going to take the GF there some time this week to check them out.

04-05-2008, 10:51 PM	#1
JMcDonald Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 515	Looking for a low-budget semi-auto rifle (carbine?) for the GF, but bigger than .22. I am looking for something for my 5', 100lb girlfriend. I want it to be small enough and light enough for her to enjoy shooting, but powerful enough that it will help keep her safe should something ever happen when Im not around to use the 12g. So basically, I need something between the simplicity and cost of a .22 plinkster, and the power of a 12g. Maybe in the .3X range, including 9mm? Id say I could go up to $300ish since her birthday is coming up anyways. I have found some things about the KelTec Sub2000 9mm carbine that I like, and also the Hi-Points seem to be even cheaper (thought I can't find any Hi Point websites or even an online store that has them in stock). Any other recommendations, and specifically where to get them? Last edited by JMcDonald; 04-05-2008 at 10:57 PM.

04-05-2008, 11:16 PM	#2
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,562 Blog Entries: 22	$$$-wise, I'd say Hi-Point carbine or an SKS with frangible ammo. Another good choice would be a pump 20 or 12 ga. like a Mossberg Maverick, NEF Pardner, Mossberg 500, Rem 870, etc... __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

04-05-2008, 11:33 PM	#6
PONTIACDM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: OHIO Posts: 616	+1 on the Ruger revolver. Great quality and accuracy for less. Heres the hi-piont homepage if you still want it. Hi-Point Firearms __________________ We are best friends but if zombies are chasing us. I'm kicking you in the leg!!

04-05-2008, 11:43 PM	#8
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,562 Blog Entries: 22	Where are you located? Most of our members can point you to a local gunshop that carries them. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

04-05-2008, 11:50 PM	#10
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,358	How dead set are you on it being a rifle? I only ask because you'll have many more choices in that price range in the handgun category? For example, a Bersa .380, or the Pink Lady from Charter Arms... this link here and a picture of it below. Charter Pink Lady #53830 The price range in rifle is kind of limited unless a used one. IMHO that is.. I mean if you could spend a few more bucks, I'd happily recommend the Beretta CX4 Storm in either 9mm or .40 S&W.. But they isn't no $300 dollars, more like $600-$800.. Here's a picture of one to have an idea, if you haven't seen one yet... __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

04-05-2008, 11:24 PM	#3
meatloaf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lakewood CO Posts: 902 Images: 3	JM welcome to GG, I wouldnt trust a keltec with my life. High point goes bang and its cheap, but its not my style its way to bulky. Check out ruger and berretta pistols both companies have a 9mm model in your price range. Also she can handle a 45 most women are affraid of this caliber but once their fear is gone they can handle it. (speaking on semi autos) My wife is 5' tall and 120 pounds she can shoot my colt 45 all day. Also check rugers revolvers you can pick one up for a little over 300. All these prices are "new" guns. So if you can find a well maintained used gun it might be a better deal. Good luck with your finding and welcome to gun and game.

04-05-2008, 11:31 PM	#5
JMcDonald Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 515	Thanks for the suprisingly fast responses! It definately has to be a rifle both for utilitarian purposes (overall more useful, plus easier to learn on I think) and because she isn't 21 so it isn't legal for her to own a handgun. So, the Hi Point carbines are pretty good? Do you guys know where to get them? I cant even find a home website for Hi Point, and they seem to be sold out everywhere Ive looked. Her birthday is on the 19th so Ive got about two weeks to find something for her.

04-05-2008, 11:33 PM	#7
TRUE GRIT Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 167	The M1 Carbine would be a good choice, It will be easy for her to handle, and you will have a lot of fun with it too.

04-05-2008, 11:44 PM	#9
JMcDonald Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 515	Arent those way more than $300, though? The ones Ive seen were like $600+ it seemed.

04-06-2008, 12:08 AM	#11
stitchclimber Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The great northwest Posts: 945	Hi-Point Firearms thats the web site for high point. They have a locate dealer tab on there as well. __________________ turning up the radio, got just enough religion and a half tank of gas...

04-06-2008, 12:13 AM	#12
JMcDonald Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 515	Thanks for that link. Im going to call around tomorrow to see who has what. From what I can tell finding a Hi-Point for under $300 shouldn't be too hard. Buying from a gun dealer I wouldn't feel so nervous about buying used as I would from a pawn shop. Thanks guys.

04-06-2008, 02:48 AM	#13
meatloaf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lakewood CO Posts: 902 Images: 3	Ok so you want a rifle. you should check out savage, savage is the true working mans company which means they are good quality and inexspensive. If a highpoint is a must well they go bang. Dont expect to get any resale value for it. Is this going to be soley for her or some for her and mostly for you? Hey dont feel guilty we all buy our wifes/girlfreinds guns for us to use. In my honest opinion save your money one hundred more and you can get an AK47, that is an ideal home defense weapon if you dont want a shotgun and you are on a budget. Save your money and you wont be sorry.

04-06-2008, 03:57 AM	#14
Hotled Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 37	If your not dead set on a rifle, I recommend a Saiga .410 Semi-auto Shotgun, and it's within your budget. Here is one with a short barrel. GunBroker.com guns: RAA Saiga .410 Semi Auto Shotgun 19 AK style NIB (item: 96433519 ends: Apr-09-08 0915 PM)

04-06-2008, 05:14 AM	#15
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 11,924 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 145	i would go with the hipoint myself. cheap 9mm low recoil short length of pull (you didnt say how long her arms are) i have fired them and they do work. they aint my style but they work just fine. Hi-Point Carbine 9MM Black __________________ internet yards and real yards are completely different units of measure. Last edited by billy; 04-06-2008 at 05:17 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

04-06-2008, 08:47 AM	#17
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,533	The 9mm hi point carbine wouold be good but check out the pistol ammo age to buy question. If this is a problem then I would consider a 20 ga. pump shotgun. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it

04-06-2008, 08:52 AM	#18
sell33 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,176	Check your local gun shops all of them around here usually have a couple of the hi-point carbines in stock....

04-06-2008, 09:44 AM	#19
JMcDonald Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 515	Thanks everyone. My GF is only 5' tall and 100lbs, and is proportionally built. Her left arm is fully extended to reach the forearm of my 12g when shouldering it. You can imagine how uncomfortable it would be to hold ~4lbs at full arm's length and then try to concentrate on aiming or something, especially for someone of her size. Most shops seem to be closed until 10 today, so Ill call then to ask. Im taking her to shoot my 12g and a .22 today, to see how she feels about them. She wants to get into shooting, but I want her to have a gun that she actually likes shooting (because practice makes perfect). On the other end of the scale, it needs to be large enough to get any job done as efficiently as possible (so no .22s). I took the stock off my 12g yesterday and had her "shoulder" it (maybe 4-6" away from her shoulder is where she naturally held it) and she said it was much better because she could get her left arm "under" it to actually support it. Today I am taking her out shooting for the first time. I know she'll at least get to try my 12g and a .22 rifle, which are basically the ends of the spectrum for common home guns. As far as me using it, this really will be her gun. However, I will admit that I have bought her toys that I use . Realistically, though, I think it will be handier to have both a 12g and a rifle for different situations, than two shotguns (even if she had a .410). The plusside of .22s that keeps coming up in my head is that they are cheap to buy and about as cheap to practice with as anything.

04-06-2008, 10:19 AM	#20
JMcDonald Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 515	Oooh! I found a local gun store that carries Hi-Point carbines for under $300! Im going to take the GF there some time this week to check them out.