Hi folks,
I've recently started buying and collecting guns for myself. I've bought a number of pistols and shotguns that I enjoy shooting, and have decided it's time for a rifle.
I'd like to start with a 'historical' rifle, with a bit of character and lore behind it, versus a brand new modern rifle. My problem is, I don't know much about these types of guns, and would like some suggestions as to what to look for. I'd also like to research a bit about the particular make/model I decide on before I go looking for one at shows.
I'm hoping you all can offer some suggestions as to what rifles would be a good fit for my requirements/wishes, listed below. I'd appreciate it if you could offer comments on price, ammo availability, and any special concerns, or even suggest a specific model.
Here is my list of expectations and requirements.
1) I want a gun I can take out and shoot, not just a shelf collector's item.
2) I'd like it chambered for readily available and relatively cheap (as cheap as ammo can be these days...) rounds. I don't want to end up with something that I have to hand load rounds for, due to scarcity of ammo or a high cost per round. I'm talking a couple hundred rounds a month, maximum, for recreational shooting.
3) I'm planning on using the rifle for one purpose only, that being recreational target shooting and plinking. No hunting, self-defense, or other role intended.
4) I'm interested in a rifle that's notable as accurate, or rather that the accuracy is limited by my ability (or lack thereof!), not a quirk of the rifle.
5) I'm not interested in speed of fire, or large magazine capacity. One of the reasons I purchased single action revolvers (both cartridge and black powder) is I enjoy the sense of ritual of loading, cocking, etc. Thus, I'm probably looking for a bolt action rifle.
6) I'm looking for something relatively affordable. I've no idea of the price range of such guns (one reason I'd like some suggestions so I can research fair values), but if feasible, something that would be in the $300 price range or less. This is the most flexible of my stipulations, but I'm not interested in a higher priced gun just for its value, collectability, rareness, etc.
7) Reliable to shoot and easy to care for. I understand that for cheap ammo, I may need to shoot corrosive ammo, which requires dedicated cleaning after each day's shooting, and that's fine. I just don't want anything that's particularly finicky or noted for demanding special conditions. I don't consider dedicated cleaning and oiling as demanding. If something breaks, I'd like spare parts to be fairly easy to come by.
8) Aside from the price/availability factor mentioned in #2, I'm not concerned about caliber, recoil, etc. If it kicks, it kicks.
9) I don't mind if the wood is a bit ugly looking or roughed up. I'd actually expect such from a used surplus rifle, and I'm not adverse to doing a little TLC to restore a stock. As long as the mechanics are sound, that's fine by me.
10) I'd prefer an actual historical rifle from times past, not a modern reproduction, or even a used reproduction.
Since my knowledge of guns from this era is limited, I haven't done a lot of research. What I found so far, as possiblilites, are a Mossin-Nagent, an Enfield, a Mauser, or a M1-Garand (yeah, I know, not a bolt action but that beautiful 'pinging' sound of a spent en-clip and tossing another one in seems to compete nicely with the motions of throwing a bolt). I'm certainly open to more suggestions.
There's another gun show fairly close to me in a couple of months, so I'd like to have my decision made by then, so I can start looking.
Due to lack of research, I realize some of my stipulations (especially pricing) may be at odds with each other. Feel free to point these out.
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions in advance
I've recently started buying and collecting guns for myself. I've bought a number of pistols and shotguns that I enjoy shooting, and have decided it's time for a rifle.
I'd like to start with a 'historical' rifle, with a bit of character and lore behind it, versus a brand new modern rifle. My problem is, I don't know much about these types of guns, and would like some suggestions as to what to look for. I'd also like to research a bit about the particular make/model I decide on before I go looking for one at shows.
I'm hoping you all can offer some suggestions as to what rifles would be a good fit for my requirements/wishes, listed below. I'd appreciate it if you could offer comments on price, ammo availability, and any special concerns, or even suggest a specific model.
Here is my list of expectations and requirements.
1) I want a gun I can take out and shoot, not just a shelf collector's item.
2) I'd like it chambered for readily available and relatively cheap (as cheap as ammo can be these days...) rounds. I don't want to end up with something that I have to hand load rounds for, due to scarcity of ammo or a high cost per round. I'm talking a couple hundred rounds a month, maximum, for recreational shooting.
3) I'm planning on using the rifle for one purpose only, that being recreational target shooting and plinking. No hunting, self-defense, or other role intended.
4) I'm interested in a rifle that's notable as accurate, or rather that the accuracy is limited by my ability (or lack thereof!), not a quirk of the rifle.
5) I'm not interested in speed of fire, or large magazine capacity. One of the reasons I purchased single action revolvers (both cartridge and black powder) is I enjoy the sense of ritual of loading, cocking, etc. Thus, I'm probably looking for a bolt action rifle.
6) I'm looking for something relatively affordable. I've no idea of the price range of such guns (one reason I'd like some suggestions so I can research fair values), but if feasible, something that would be in the $300 price range or less. This is the most flexible of my stipulations, but I'm not interested in a higher priced gun just for its value, collectability, rareness, etc.
7) Reliable to shoot and easy to care for. I understand that for cheap ammo, I may need to shoot corrosive ammo, which requires dedicated cleaning after each day's shooting, and that's fine. I just don't want anything that's particularly finicky or noted for demanding special conditions. I don't consider dedicated cleaning and oiling as demanding. If something breaks, I'd like spare parts to be fairly easy to come by.
8) Aside from the price/availability factor mentioned in #2, I'm not concerned about caliber, recoil, etc. If it kicks, it kicks.
9) I don't mind if the wood is a bit ugly looking or roughed up. I'd actually expect such from a used surplus rifle, and I'm not adverse to doing a little TLC to restore a stock. As long as the mechanics are sound, that's fine by me.
10) I'd prefer an actual historical rifle from times past, not a modern reproduction, or even a used reproduction.
Since my knowledge of guns from this era is limited, I haven't done a lot of research. What I found so far, as possiblilites, are a Mossin-Nagent, an Enfield, a Mauser, or a M1-Garand (yeah, I know, not a bolt action but that beautiful 'pinging' sound of a spent en-clip and tossing another one in seems to compete nicely with the motions of throwing a bolt). I'm certainly open to more suggestions.
There's another gun show fairly close to me in a couple of months, so I'd like to have my decision made by then, so I can start looking.
Due to lack of research, I realize some of my stipulations (especially pricing) may be at odds with each other. Feel free to point these out.
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions in advance