Help with a firearm decision

simonrichter

New member
I can only own two semiauto weapons (either pistol or semiauto shotgun or AR or the like) where I live. Used to be happy with a 9mm Glock and a .22lr Taurus mouse gun, but I always had in mind to maybe someday switch the .22 for an AR or the like, thats of course also a matter of money and I don't have too much time to go shooting, anyway. Thus, up until now it remained just a vage future plan.

Thing is, soon there's going to be legislation banning private permission owners from acquiring any semiauto rifles (obviously the EU thinks that the IS guys buy their stuff in their local GS - but that's another story, sadly...) .

Not that I actually need such a piece, to be honest, but I don't want to miss the what is pretty sure going to be the last chance for acquiring cool stuff like that.

The other thing that I was actually really looking forward to but the market never delivered until now was a modern version of a really small mouse gun, Baby Browning size. Today, there's only a choice between modern design, but a size bigger (like the Taurus PT22ply I own) or the really tiny stuff but with mid-20th century technology in terms of trigger and materials used (like the original Baby Browning and its derivates).

Shall I wait a little longer for such a model to come out (which isn't all too likely, I'm afraid) or shall I switch my Taurus for an AR or the like? Opinions and forecasts, please :)
 
Given that constellation of facts, I think I'd get a semiauto rifle of some kind. I'm not sure if an AR is your best bet, but I've never looked into the European AR "landscape" in any way.
 
If I could only own two semiautos it would be the two primary weapons I already have. A PPQ M1 and a lightweight AR with a red dot. I consider those firearms to be in my NEED category. Everything else is a WANT.
 
Although I really like my 22PLY I would give it up for an AR platform rifle.
But with such a repressive government it is probably but a matter of time before they make owning any semi-auto illegal.
Make the deal, and enjoy an AR while you still can.
 
Personally, I'd prefer an M1A over the AR if it was in budget. However, if the new legislation will allow new uppers I'd get the AR for its versatility (the same lower can be used with .223, .308, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8, .22lr, 9mm, etc lowers).

That answer is largely based on the assumption that you can't carry. If you do have concealed carry in Austria, I'd rather make sure I had a good carry gun. Though, I don't love my AR or other semi-auto rifles the way I love my lever rifles and I'd be more than happy if all of my rifles were lever rifles.
 
I've often thought about what I'd own if I were in a situation like yours. If I was limited to such choices, I'd want modular guns that I can convert by removing uppers and such.

You can get a .22 Glock upper along with other caliber offerings. I think it's wise to stick with the Glock, but if you're looking to have one pistol that can be changed from a subcompact size to a full size handgun, then the Sig P320 is the way to go. If you're happy with the G19, keep it.

The AR15 is the only choice you have for a rifle. It can also shoot .22LR with an accessory. Won't be super great accuracy, but it works. I don't know if there are dedicated .22 LR uppers for an AR, but I'd be surprised if there aren't.

The AR10 is cool and all, but I don't see a semi-auto .308 as an absolute necessity. A .308 bolt action rifle is just fine. Same thing with 7.62x39, CZ makes a very nice bolt action for that cartridge and the AK and SKS designs don't revolver around accuracy, so you don't need them.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming that you are allowed to own any number of revolvers and bolt action or single shot rifles in Austria, yes?
 
Sorry to hear the pending issue. The bad guys make it harder on the law abiding citizen.. It is backward..

I would have to urge you to trade the Taurus for an AR platform gun. I don't know all the legalities in your parts, but there are so many good options for changing the AR around. Yes they do make a dedicated 22lr AR upper. Just 2 pins and the swap is done. Then there are other caliber changes possible.

As much as I love pistols, if I were limited in that way, I would certainly get the AR 15.

Good luck, and lets hope this law doesn't happen.

Rich
 
I would definitely ditch the mouse gun for a semi auto pistol or rifle in an intermediate round. Doesnt have to be an AR15 in my opinion. Get what is more common as far as caliber and rifle/pistol availability in your locale. Get what you "need" now in case you decide you need more realistic "practice".
 
interesting...

If I was limited by law to only two semi-auto firearms I would pick a pocket size pistol and a mid or compact size pistol. I would not pick a rifle... which, especially in an anti-gun country, would probably never need to leave the house and could possibly be augmented by a different long arm platform for those long distance needs.

but thats just me.
 
Although I really like my 22PLY I would give it up for an AR platform rifle.
But with such a repressive government it is probably but a matter of time before they make owning any semi-auto illegal.
Make the deal, and enjoy an AR while you still can.
+1

Not sure what the laws look like over there, Infact I thought that stuff was already banned.

Im also not sure what's available locally ammo wise.

But most definitely dump the 22 taurus, keep the glock, and get a semi auto rifle of your choosing, ar15, ar10, HK 91 clone, ruger mini-14, etc, etc

I would lean towards the ar15 my self assuming you can get .223 there, and also assuming your country considers the lower receiver "the gun" like the ATF does here in the US.

In that case like someone suggested you can get .22 conversions for the glock, and you can convert the ar15 into multiple calibers, including 22lr.

I think that will give you the most flexibility with only 2 semi autos.
 
Since they may outlaw semi-auto rifles, I would get an AR-15 because they are easy to change calibers and they are accurate as well as reliable.
 
The AR15 is the only choice you have for a rifle. It can also shoot .22LR with an accessory. Won't be super great accuracy, but it works. I don't know if there are dedicated .22 LR uppers for an AR, but I'd be surprised if there aren't.

There are plenty of dedicated .22LR AR-15 uppers available, and this is the way to go for shooting .22LR from an AR. CMMG and others make some good options. I have a CMMG Sierra dedicated .22LR upper, and it has been hands-down the most reliable (moreso than a Ruger 10/22!) and accurate factory semi-auto .22LR rifle I've owned (notwithstanding some modified target guns). Use quality mags like Black Dog Machine, and you are good to go.

If I were in the OP's unfortunate shoes, the choice would be a Glock 17 or 19 (preferably 19) and a quality AR-15 (BCM, Colt, DD), full stop.


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If you get to vote, if your vote really matters, vote against those that restrict private firearms ownership and convince as many of your friends to do the same. Otherwise, you will eventually lose any ability to privately own firearms at all and trading off here and there in the here and now is a short-term reaction to a long term loss.

It is known to happen in your region
 
I'd stay with a Glock Model 19 and get the .22LR conversion kit.

For a semi-auto rifle look at it this way:
NATO uses 5.56 NATO. There are still a lot of nations that use 7.62x39 and others 5.45x39.

Not sure what an HK MR223/HK416 would cost you but I'd sure as Hades be pricing it as well as spare bolt, extractor assembly and try to locate a Geissele SSA trigger for it, if at all possible.

Aimpoint M4 or T2 would be the optic I'd probably obtain but a 1-4x or 1-6x would be very nice.

Then if you are able purchase a precision bolt gun - Tikka. Get some decent optics and you're set.


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With limitations like that, I'd favor what you can and would actually spend time shooting.

For me personally, I'd probably have one center-fire pistol, one .22 pistol (small but not micro-sized -- it has to be a usefully good shooter), and have a tactical pump shotgun stashed for the revolution instead of an AR.

But everyone has different priorities. Just figure out what you want to spend time shooting.
 
Thanks for the insights so far! Actually, I already have a .22lr conversion for my G17!

I guess maybe I should take my chances with an AR and see if they dare confiscating them or will only ban new acquisitions
 
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