Cheapish semi-auto "ranch" rifle?
- Thread starter ang4me
- Start date
ozarkrecluse
New member
I use the Mini-14 for just that purpose. Great for coyotes and armadillos.
As has been mentioned, a Saiga is the sporting version of an AK and is available in .223, 5.45x39, 7.62x39, and .308.
Another option if you preferred a bit more powerful array of cartridges would be the Remington 750 which is available in .243 Win, .270 Win, .308, 30-06, and .35 Whelen. A synthetic stocked Remington 750 should run about $600 new.
Another option if you preferred a bit more powerful array of cartridges would be the Remington 750 which is available in .243 Win, .270 Win, .308, 30-06, and .35 Whelen. A synthetic stocked Remington 750 should run about $600 new.
speedyjerry
Moderator
This is the first time I ever seen anyone complain about the mini14 accuracy?
TPAW
I really have not had it out since I scoped it, it's a small 4x scope I had laying around and thought I would try it. This was a "Winter Project" gun 3 years ago. Cleaned up real nice and I love the fact that it has a bayonet and granade launcher on it. (Cool) I am keeping it C&R. Never got into AKs. But I love military arms (more of a colectors item). It shot 4 inch groups at 50 yards with Wolf ammo on open sights (that impressed me since I haven't shot open sights in over 30 years) it also shot 2 inch groups with my own reloads, open sights).
Spent the last two years working on hand gun loads so it has been sitting around un-used. It is reliable and accurate for what it is a "Battle Rifle". I need to cast the chamber to find out if it is a .310 or .311 or .312 rifle. That would improve the accuracy a lot using the correct size bullets for it.
It is a fun gun, (easy to shot and maintain) but I have too many others that I take out and have started building ARs, sorry but if you want to scope one, I would say YES do it. Just remember that if the scope is too long you will not be able to use stripper clips and will need to take out the internal mag and buy 20 or 30 round mags for it and will change it from a C&R approved rifle to an assault weapon unless you change out the other parts needed to keep it ATF legal.
Have fun
Jim
I really have not had it out since I scoped it, it's a small 4x scope I had laying around and thought I would try it. This was a "Winter Project" gun 3 years ago. Cleaned up real nice and I love the fact that it has a bayonet and granade launcher on it. (Cool) I am keeping it C&R. Never got into AKs. But I love military arms (more of a colectors item). It shot 4 inch groups at 50 yards with Wolf ammo on open sights (that impressed me since I haven't shot open sights in over 30 years) it also shot 2 inch groups with my own reloads, open sights).
Spent the last two years working on hand gun loads so it has been sitting around un-used. It is reliable and accurate for what it is a "Battle Rifle". I need to cast the chamber to find out if it is a .310 or .311 or .312 rifle. That would improve the accuracy a lot using the correct size bullets for it.
It is a fun gun, (easy to shot and maintain) but I have too many others that I take out and have started building ARs, sorry but if you want to scope one, I would say YES do it. Just remember that if the scope is too long you will not be able to use stripper clips and will need to take out the internal mag and buy 20 or 30 round mags for it and will change it from a C&R approved rifle to an assault weapon unless you change out the other parts needed to keep it ATF legal.
Have fun
Jim
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Don't get an SKS
They're fun and full of character, but not too accurate. Not in the same league as a new Mini 14 from what I've seen.
I had an SKS, it was a challenge to print a respectable group at 50 yards, much less hit a deer at 150. I wonder if anyone can reliably do that?
They are not accurate with scopes, because the scopes have to mount on the cover plate, which moves.
I think your best bets are:
1894C:
1894:
336:
The 336 only holds six rounds, so that's something to consider. The 1894 holds ten. 1894C: nine.
The cool thing about the 1894s is that you could get (or maybe you already have?) a revolver that shares ammo with it.
I'm thinking about an 1894 some day for myself.
They're fun and full of character, but not too accurate. Not in the same league as a new Mini 14 from what I've seen.
I had an SKS, it was a challenge to print a respectable group at 50 yards, much less hit a deer at 150. I wonder if anyone can reliably do that?
They are not accurate with scopes, because the scopes have to mount on the cover plate, which moves.
I think your best bets are:
- Mini-14 (new only; older ones were inaccurate) Good up to coyote, but not deer.
- Marlin 1894 (.44 Mag) or 1894C (.357 Mag) Either of these would be good for up to deer sized game.
- Marlin 336 (30-30) Good for up to deer out to around 200 yds.
1894C:
1894:
336:
The 336 only holds six rounds, so that's something to consider. The 1894 holds ten. 1894C: nine.
The cool thing about the 1894s is that you could get (or maybe you already have?) a revolver that shares ammo with it.
I'm thinking about an 1894 some day for myself.
christcorp
New member
If it had to be a true "Ranch Gun" and not just a popularized name for a toy; then an SKS is definitely a great choice. The 7.62x39 is a much better choice in caliber than a .223. (I love my AR15's - more than one: But the .223 caliber is not the be-all of all calibers.)
But having worked on a ranch here in Wyoming, I wouldn't go with the SKS or any semi-auto if you truly wanted a ranch gun. (Ranch gun to me, means a WORKING GUN - too much dirt, mud, etc..). It's on your horse or ATV if you use that for working the ranch. You're not talking about going coyote HUNTING, which means trying for a 200 yard shot. It means you need the gun for something you weren't looking for. If I was buying a ranch gun, I'd buy a 16"-20" level action 357 magnum. It can still take coyote and deer out to 125-150 yards. You can shoot some really hot ammo in it and do some pretty decent hunting. Ammo is not that expensive. $20 for some good 158 grain lead rounds (You can get cheaper). SKS ammo is about $15 for the same amount of ammo. But for plinking, you can also shoot 38spl in it.
Magazine capacity is around 9-12 depending if it's a short 16" all the way to a 24" barrel, and depending on the make of the rifle. Either way; more than enough ammo. (This isn't a SHTF red-dawn rifle - It's a ranch rifle).
Anyway; I'd rather have a rifle that if it was going to get bounced around and actually used, that I wouldn't have to worry about dirt getting in the magazines. NON-detachable magazine. The lever action is nice and sealed and the perfect ranch gun. "After all, that's one of the reasons it was built". I wouldn't go with the 30-30. I'd go with the 357 magnum. For what it's worth, they also make the rifles in 44 magnum. (Which allow you to shoot 44 special). Also 45 long colt. I like the 357 magnum, because I also have a 357 magnum revolver. I can swap ammo back and forth. (Very popular among ranchers and such). If you owned a 44 magnum, I'd choose that caliber of the rifle.
P.S. Didn't see Smaug's post prior to posting mine. (Still waking up). Great minds think alike. A real ranch gun; not just a "Name" needs to be lightweight, effective to 100-125 yards. Obviously the SKS is fast, and would even be effective; but whether it's a removable magazine or a top loader magazine, there will be issues with dirt. (If it's really a Ranch-Gun). A tubular magazine is so much better all around for this type of application.
But having worked on a ranch here in Wyoming, I wouldn't go with the SKS or any semi-auto if you truly wanted a ranch gun. (Ranch gun to me, means a WORKING GUN - too much dirt, mud, etc..). It's on your horse or ATV if you use that for working the ranch. You're not talking about going coyote HUNTING, which means trying for a 200 yard shot. It means you need the gun for something you weren't looking for. If I was buying a ranch gun, I'd buy a 16"-20" level action 357 magnum. It can still take coyote and deer out to 125-150 yards. You can shoot some really hot ammo in it and do some pretty decent hunting. Ammo is not that expensive. $20 for some good 158 grain lead rounds (You can get cheaper). SKS ammo is about $15 for the same amount of ammo. But for plinking, you can also shoot 38spl in it.
Magazine capacity is around 9-12 depending if it's a short 16" all the way to a 24" barrel, and depending on the make of the rifle. Either way; more than enough ammo. (This isn't a SHTF red-dawn rifle - It's a ranch rifle).
Anyway; I'd rather have a rifle that if it was going to get bounced around and actually used, that I wouldn't have to worry about dirt getting in the magazines. NON-detachable magazine. The lever action is nice and sealed and the perfect ranch gun. "After all, that's one of the reasons it was built". I wouldn't go with the 30-30. I'd go with the 357 magnum. For what it's worth, they also make the rifles in 44 magnum. (Which allow you to shoot 44 special). Also 45 long colt. I like the 357 magnum, because I also have a 357 magnum revolver. I can swap ammo back and forth. (Very popular among ranchers and such). If you owned a 44 magnum, I'd choose that caliber of the rifle.
P.S. Didn't see Smaug's post prior to posting mine. (Still waking up). Great minds think alike. A real ranch gun; not just a "Name" needs to be lightweight, effective to 100-125 yards. Obviously the SKS is fast, and would even be effective; but whether it's a removable magazine or a top loader magazine, there will be issues with dirt. (If it's really a Ranch-Gun). A tubular magazine is so much better all around for this type of application.
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ang4me,
I have a similar issue in that I want a general purpose, utility semiauto, but want one that will not scare off the uninitiated/uneducated.
Have you considered an M1 Garand? .30-06 is somewhat overkill for a coyote, but the 150 gr cartridge is extremely versatile. The M1 carbine may also fit the bill, although the effective range may be lower.
Another option would be a Remington 740 or 750 series autoloader with a 10 round after-market magazine if you desire higher capacity.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=18397/Product/REMINGTON_740_742_750_7400_10_ROUND_MAGAZINES
Sr.
I have a similar issue in that I want a general purpose, utility semiauto, but want one that will not scare off the uninitiated/uneducated.
Have you considered an M1 Garand? .30-06 is somewhat overkill for a coyote, but the 150 gr cartridge is extremely versatile. The M1 carbine may also fit the bill, although the effective range may be lower.
Another option would be a Remington 740 or 750 series autoloader with a 10 round after-market magazine if you desire higher capacity.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=18397/Product/REMINGTON_740_742_750_7400_10_ROUND_MAGAZINES
Sr.
BusGunner007
New member
Look here:
It's all RUGER Mini-14/30.
Lots of good pix and ideas.
Good luck!
http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/mini-14-mini-30-gallery/73219-post-your-mini-****.html
It's all RUGER Mini-14/30.
Lots of good pix and ideas.
Good luck!
http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/mini-14-mini-30-gallery/73219-post-your-mini-****.html
+1 for the Mini 14 and Mini 30. I particularly like the Mini 14 in 6.8 and the new Mini 30 Tactical (synthetic, 16") looks intriguing. It looks like it might be the ultimate "truck" semi-auto. It (any new Mini) is closer to your upper $ limit, but they are the right packages - box mags, decent quality, not overly un-PC looks, good reliability, service and made in America to boot. Always decent enough for "minute of 'yote" as one poster so aptly put it, recent Minis (after going to the heavier barrels) have had particularly favorable reviews. The company has apparently improved availability of high cap Mini 30 mags as well (don't know about the 6.8).
22-rimfire
New member
I like the Ruger Mini 14 or Mini 30 for this purpose. The SKS is cheaper and will work. The Marlin 1894 guns would work very well.
christcorp
New member
I guess there's different definitions for a "Ranch" gun. If some consider a ranch gun as something to walk around with shoot the occasional rabbit, coyote, prairie dog, etc... then I am all for the mini-14. If the same thing MIGHT include an occasional deer; then I'd step up to the 30 calibers like an SKS or a Mini-30. In my opinion, an M1-garand is totally out of the picture. It costs too much; it weighs too much; it's a classic historical gun and I wouldn't want to mess it up.
Now; if when a person refers to a "Ranch gun" as a "REAL RANCH GUN"; meaning a Tool that you use when you WORK on a ranch; then we're talking a totally different gun. Stay away from removable or top loading magazines. A Real Ranch gun is going to get dirty. You want a gun that was designed to handle that environment. A tubular magazine is the best option. That's why I suggested a lever action 357/44/30-30. (Preferably the 357 mag unless you already shoot 44 mag pistols).
If you live on 40-100 acres of land and take walks out to adjacent public lands, that is not a ranch. If you are riding around on a horse or 4-wheeler, and you're tending to animals or crops, and this is part of your job; then that is a ranch/farm. 2 totally different environments. 2 totally different gun requirements. I think a little clarification from the OP would help. But there's a reason that lever actions have survived as a real ranch/farm gun. That you can also throw into your pickup. It's because of the simplicity of it; sealed magazine; decent capacity; and all the dirt/dust/sand/water/etc... that it's going to be exposed to. Hiking, hunting, even military use where you tend to clean your weapon every available chance, is different than a ranch gun. There's almost nothing that's going to stop a lever action from working. Again; this is if you're looking for a "REAL RANCH GUN". Not a gun you CALL a ranch gun simply because you live on a few acres and you want to plink varmints occasionally.
Now; if when a person refers to a "Ranch gun" as a "REAL RANCH GUN"; meaning a Tool that you use when you WORK on a ranch; then we're talking a totally different gun. Stay away from removable or top loading magazines. A Real Ranch gun is going to get dirty. You want a gun that was designed to handle that environment. A tubular magazine is the best option. That's why I suggested a lever action 357/44/30-30. (Preferably the 357 mag unless you already shoot 44 mag pistols).
If you live on 40-100 acres of land and take walks out to adjacent public lands, that is not a ranch. If you are riding around on a horse or 4-wheeler, and you're tending to animals or crops, and this is part of your job; then that is a ranch/farm. 2 totally different environments. 2 totally different gun requirements. I think a little clarification from the OP would help. But there's a reason that lever actions have survived as a real ranch/farm gun. That you can also throw into your pickup. It's because of the simplicity of it; sealed magazine; decent capacity; and all the dirt/dust/sand/water/etc... that it's going to be exposed to. Hiking, hunting, even military use where you tend to clean your weapon every available chance, is different than a ranch gun. There's almost nothing that's going to stop a lever action from working. Again; this is if you're looking for a "REAL RANCH GUN". Not a gun you CALL a ranch gun simply because you live on a few acres and you want to plink varmints occasionally.
I imagine that the amount of "dirt" it would take to jam up an SKS (can anyone say "VERY successful battle rifle") would also render any lever action pretty much inactive as well.
But.... I LIKE leverguns. I'd be sore tempted to use the 357 levergun instead of any semi auto... I just thought he was wanting an autoloader.
The levergun would likely be quite a bit more accurate. It would also cost probably about the same to shoot. I'm not sure I'd want to bang it around as much as you could an SKS without worrying about it... but that's an aesthetic type thing.
As far as the accuracy... the SKS is plenty good for coyotes, like I said, out to at LEAST 100 yds..
and, mounting a scope on one is not limited to mounting on the cover. I bought a rail that screws to the side of the action, and is a pretty solid system. I just haven't tried a quality scope on it yet. Open sights are pretty good out to 100 yds for me.
But.... I LIKE leverguns. I'd be sore tempted to use the 357 levergun instead of any semi auto... I just thought he was wanting an autoloader.
The levergun would likely be quite a bit more accurate. It would also cost probably about the same to shoot. I'm not sure I'd want to bang it around as much as you could an SKS without worrying about it... but that's an aesthetic type thing.
As far as the accuracy... the SKS is plenty good for coyotes, like I said, out to at LEAST 100 yds..
and, mounting a scope on one is not limited to mounting on the cover. I bought a rail that screws to the side of the action, and is a pretty solid system. I just haven't tried a quality scope on it yet. Open sights are pretty good out to 100 yds for me.
cjmorgan00
New member
Saiga in any of the three (5.45x39-7.62x39-5.56x43) would do u fine. Five round magazine or ten round, wood furniture and people wouldn't be scared and you would have a modern battle rifle when u inserted a 30 rounder if u ever needed too.