Hello guys looking at getting into a high caliber rifle/carbine. I am not new to shooting but to rifles I am other than a shotgun and. 22s. Being a beginner which would be best between an aror ak. All I have read says the ak is easier to maintain. I only will use it for target, home defense, and hunting every so often but not much. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Also feel free to mention any other ones that might fit the bill. Also something sub 700 would be ideal
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Best for beginner
- Thread starter Icebergb
- Start date
AKs will fit just fine in your price range, while an AR you will be hard pressed to find something quality in your price range. Stay away from Century Arms AKs, they have a poor track record. You should be able to find an AK in either 7.62 or 5.45 x39 within your price range with cash to spare on accesories. If you are recoil sensitive then an AK in 5.45 will be nicer, if you like more punch then an ak in 7.62
I'd say AR can be had for around $650.00, easier to feed 5.56 or .223 more parts available and more accurate.
Just my 2 cents.
Jim
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=70770
Just my 2 cents.
Jim
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=70770
I hate to discourage a guy, so let me try to help before I end up offending you or someone else.
For what you want to do, might I suggest purchasing an AR upper half in either 6.8SPC or 6.5 Grendle. That will pretty much eat up your budget. Then when you save up a tad more- get the lower and optics of your choice.
Your state may or may not permit hunting with the .224 projectile. I know there have been lots of folks on here that hunt with nothing but a .223- however, it's my opinion that is not much more than a varmint round, and a fair-to-pretty good target round. Just my personal opinion there.
It has been said that most shooters never realize the true accuracy potential of their rifles, that most modern rifles can out shoot the guy holding it. I surmise there may be some truth to that, but I am certain whoever said that did not have the AK or any of it's variants in mind or hand when they said it. I believe the late Col J. Cooper called it a slobs weapon and I have no reason to disagree. It does an admirable job of reliably dispensing a lot of rounds it just does not do it with what I find as an appreciable level of accuracy.
For what you want to do, might I suggest purchasing an AR upper half in either 6.8SPC or 6.5 Grendle. That will pretty much eat up your budget. Then when you save up a tad more- get the lower and optics of your choice.
Your state may or may not permit hunting with the .224 projectile. I know there have been lots of folks on here that hunt with nothing but a .223- however, it's my opinion that is not much more than a varmint round, and a fair-to-pretty good target round. Just my personal opinion there.
It has been said that most shooters never realize the true accuracy potential of their rifles, that most modern rifles can out shoot the guy holding it. I surmise there may be some truth to that, but I am certain whoever said that did not have the AK or any of it's variants in mind or hand when they said it. I believe the late Col J. Cooper called it a slobs weapon and I have no reason to disagree. It does an admirable job of reliably dispensing a lot of rounds it just does not do it with what I find as an appreciable level of accuracy.
mapsjanhere
New member
You put in 4 criteria, target, self defense, hunting and budget, and I can't see you fulfill all 4 in one rifle. Target and hunting you want something scoped, which you can do with a basic bolt action (Weatherby Vanguard or Savage) at your budget point. Self defense you want something with a high magazine capacity, medium to short overall length, AK, AR, SKS, nothing fancy but doable for your budget.
A gun to match all three use options would be something like the FNAR, but that's going to cost you triple of what you budgeted.
Since you mentioned shotgun you should be reasonable set for self defense, so I'd look into a bolt in 308, near universal hunting round, great precision for target shooting and reasonably priced ammo.
A gun to match all three use options would be something like the FNAR, but that's going to cost you triple of what you budgeted.
Since you mentioned shotgun you should be reasonable set for self defense, so I'd look into a bolt in 308, near universal hunting round, great precision for target shooting and reasonably priced ammo.
You put in 4 criteria, target, self defense, hunting and budget, and I can't see you fulfill all 4 in one rifle.
Sure you can: A used Marlin 336. You can buy one for $350 or less at most used gun stores/pawn shops.
mapsjanhere
New member
Combining a flathead bullet for target shooting and a lever action with fixed magazine for self defense, I couldn't think of a less suitable combo to match the criteria. So I'm sure someone will argue a 45-70 Trapdoor next just to make the point how you can do it if you really want to.
7.62x39 will take anything up to deer, using an appropriate HP or SP load. It also is a good choice for HD, if you use a load designed for it and over penetration is not an issue.
Also, only take the word of an AK owner regarding AKs, many people sit there and say that the AR is the best weapon out there, when they have yet to own a quality AK. I have owned a Polytech, Pre Ban Type 56S. I can hold a minute of man at 150 yards, which definitely means minute of deer at that range. And there is some recent thread on THR where a guy had a Bulgarian AK that was very impressive, if you consider the reputation of the gun, it is far more capable than people take it for.
That all being said, look for a milled AK, but some stamped AKs are good too. If you take a bit more cash and shell out for an Arsenal, you will not be disappointed, but I've heard good things about converting a Saiga, if you have the knowhow
Also, only take the word of an AK owner regarding AKs, many people sit there and say that the AR is the best weapon out there, when they have yet to own a quality AK. I have owned a Polytech, Pre Ban Type 56S. I can hold a minute of man at 150 yards, which definitely means minute of deer at that range. And there is some recent thread on THR where a guy had a Bulgarian AK that was very impressive, if you consider the reputation of the gun, it is far more capable than people take it for.
That all being said, look for a milled AK, but some stamped AKs are good too. If you take a bit more cash and shell out for an Arsenal, you will not be disappointed, but I've heard good things about converting a Saiga, if you have the knowhow
AKs and Target shooting don't even belong in the same topic.
Hunting with an 223 AR isnt legal in most places, but it makes an excellent target round. To make it legal you need it chambered in some exotic round, that drives up the cost of the rifle and ammo.
I'm not big on rifles for self defense.
Looking at your requirements, and stating you're a new shooter, I'd highly recommend a Bolt gun. Several great options out there that will meet your criteria.
I'd say get a good bolt gun, learn to shoot it, and later see if your needs demand a different system. By then you'll know which way you want to go.
Hunting with an 223 AR isnt legal in most places, but it makes an excellent target round. To make it legal you need it chambered in some exotic round, that drives up the cost of the rifle and ammo.
I'm not big on rifles for self defense.
Looking at your requirements, and stating you're a new shooter, I'd highly recommend a Bolt gun. Several great options out there that will meet your criteria.
I'd say get a good bolt gun, learn to shoot it, and later see if your needs demand a different system. By then you'll know which way you want to go.
Combining a flathead bullet for target shooting and a lever action with fixed magazine for self defense, I couldn't think of a less suitable combo to match the criteria.
What? It holds plenty of ammo in the tube. Why would you need multiple magazines to defend your home? And why wouldn't a 336 work to shoot targets with? I thought all rifles were great to take to the range and shoot at targets.
Here is what a 30-30 will do at longer ranges if you enjoy this type of thing, shooting that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFQM9N6wQko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzYJAr58EpQ&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC9IlBBgRQo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT92PEgnIb0&NR=1
L_Killkenny
New member
Sure you can: A used Marlin 336. You can buy one for $350 or less at most used gun stores/pawn shops.
Big +1
Lever guns and 12ga pumps have been doing just what the OP wants for more than a century and I'd take a guy that is fairly competent with a lever gun over 90% plus of the yahoo's out there that think they need a semi to get the job done.
LK
chris in va
New member
All but the hunting requirement could be had with the S&W Sport for $630. Mine has been stellar.
trg42wraglefragle
New member
If you own a shotgun use that for home defense and then get a bolt action for your other needs.
It'l be cheaper and more accurate and make you a better shooter in my opinion.
It'l be cheaper and more accurate and make you a better shooter in my opinion.
Buy a used varmint rifle in .233 and a used pump shotgun in 12ga. You should be able to get the combo for $500.
Then you'll have all of your bases covered, targets and small game with the .233 and home defense, medium game, birds and skeet with the shotgun. All that for less than an AR.
Then you'll have all of your bases covered, targets and small game with the .233 and home defense, medium game, birds and skeet with the shotgun. All that for less than an AR.