Need a semi-auto rifle.....

G

Georgian

New member
Hey yall. I am contemplating purchasing a semi-auto rifle as I do not have a suitable defense rifle other than a .30-30, of which ammo is costly. I have about $1000 to play with, and I hope to purchase rifle, ammo, and maybe mags with that. I have found several options available to me for that price range. I have found the Olympic A1 Carbine (AR15 type) for $599, with 1000rnd case of Wolf ammo for $219. This leaves about $100-150 for mags. I have also found an IAC AK for $579, 1000rnd case of Wolf for same price ($219), and this leaves a little more dough for mags and such. I do not plan to purchase optics, as my plan for this rifle is bare bones, survival/defensive rifle. The last choice I have been eye-balling is a Norinco or Russian SKS, which would put me at about $300-500 and leave even more dough for ammo, etc.

I think it is important to note that I am also in law enforcement, hence my agency and most others carry .223/5.56 rifles and carbines, this ammunition compatibility. Any takes/opinions would be greatly appreciated.
 
If your not shooting varmints at long range look into a mini 14 ranch all weather. 30 round mags really reliable but not as accurate as most ar15s tho.
 
I would seriously take a look at Palmetto State Armory. They are selling some pretty nice ARs for a pretty decent price. They are as close as you will get to mil spec and my local dealer (Athens area) is selling a carbine with 4150CM chrome lined barrel, two stage trigger, quad rails and Magpul MBUS sights for $699.
 
The Oly AR will make you a good defensive carbine with the option to add about anything you feel you need.
I would suggest looking at MCCI reman FMJ ammo(listed on GB and Auctionarms) for $250 per 1000 delivered. I have tested this ammo and it is superior to the nasty foreign steel cased stuff.
Go to CDNN for mags. The Thermold 20's are $4 on sale. These mags work pretty well except for occasional failure to activate the bolt catch when empty on the new mags. This seems to improve with use. If you prefer metal, the C-Products are cheap and reliable.
 
I would go with an AK, if your gonna leave it bare bones. If you are going to invest in alot of accesories i would go with some type of AR. I can hit a 350 yard man sized target all day long with my AK, iron sights. I couldnt do it with my ea ar15, i think the barrel was bent:D, not just my horrible shot. I shot my friends ar maching gun and was hitting it just fine. Is your dept going to give you ammo to shoot with? If so AR would be great. I havent shot a SKS but hear they are better accuracy wise than an ak. Hope you find something you like. In my opinion the 7.62x39 packs more punch than a 5.56, but ammo is heavier, AK mags are harder to change(although with practice you can change just as quickly). AR is a more accurate rifle. Man buddy, just buy both!!!! :D
 
Since you're in law enforcement your agency probably issues AR style rifles. If this is the case and you're already familiar with them it makes sense to stay with the AR design. There will be no transition or need to retrain yourself to be familiar with a new rifle. I've seen ARs sell here for as little as $600 or so so you should be able to pick up the rifle and ammo and magazines within your budget, no problem.

Stu
 
Actually, I have zero experience with the AR other than handling it. I have owned an AK before and am familiar with the field strip of it. My only problem with buying another is an ammo availability problem later.
 
Actually, I have zero experience with the AR other than handling it. I have owned an AK before and am familiar with the field strip of it. My only problem with buying another is an ammo availability problem later.
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Ammo shouldn't really be an issue if you get it in 7.62x39, there's a million SKS and AK rifles out there so even if the surplus market dries up the civilian market won't. I just bought 400 rounds of Wolf Classic Military ammo for $87.80 through AIM. Wolf isn't going to stop producing the stuff anytime soon.

The AR style rifles are pretty easy to get used to for most people if you go that route. Field stripping isn't bad either. I think the AR would be a bit more accurate than an AK or SKS although I don't own nor have I shot an AK (I do own an SKS though). For man sized targets @ 100yds I think any of them would be a viable choice although I think the AR would have an accuracy edge. Now all that being said, ARs seem to be going down in price where the AK and SKS rifles have been going up over the years so you may want to figure in collectability into your criteria also. If you're going to buy an AK or SKS do it now before prices go up on them yet again. For example 20 years ago Russian SKS rifles were <$100 now Yugoslav SKS rifles are in the $300-$350 range here.

Stu
 
I think the decision would come down to what you are most excited about, the big.problems with the sks as a definsive are are it length and round capacity. Unless you add20 30 round magazine. Id recomend the fix mag, the detachable is a weird design and carrying spares would be difficult. It loads fast with stripper clips though. They are a fun and accurate rifle though. The 3 big systems being ar ak47 and ak74 are all availble at good prices all fun to shoot, all the ammo is plentiful and cheap if you look. 5.45x39 is harder to find in most local shops usually though. I am planning an ak47 project to round out the 3 ammo capabilities.

Another option might be an AK in .223. Cai makes a good one around $550, now you have ammo compatability with you issue weapon and in a platfor ypur familair with. Something to consider anyway
 
Buy used medium grade over new low grade

I think it is important to note that I am also in law enforcement, hence my agency and most others carry .223/5.56 rifles and carbines, this ammunition compatibility. Any takes/opinions would be greatly appreciated.
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It sounds as though you will just be moving into this platform and want a quality dependable firearm. You can spend the same money on a new low quality firearm or a used medium grade firearm that is better fit for purpose.

If your buddies in the agency have AR's, then someone will have an AR they are looking to sell as they are upgrading to higher quality. Look to buy from this group.

Perhaps you frequent a local civilian range, they often allow people to post arms for sale on a bulletin board. Look to buy there as well.

I read a great thread on www.officer.com titled "So you want to buy an AR-15, huh?" In this thread, the author jwise, goes through a series of check points you should consider when looking at the AR platform. I found his advise and his many supporting contributors to be most valuable when looking. One thing to note is that rather than taking the typical fanboy approach, he used a reasonable methodologies to making buy recommendations. His article seems directed towards those looking to buy new, but the same logic applies to buying used, start with a quality manufacturing process. The thread was originally posted in 2008 (some updates have been provided since) so the information is extremely valuable for AR's that were NIB between 2007-2009.

read the full thread here... http://forums.officer.com/showthread.php?81462-So-you-want-to-buy-an-AR-15-huh

Good luck to you,
be free
 
"my plan for this rifle is bare bones, survival/defensive rifle"

That screams AK platform to me. I'd check out this gun:

https://sites.google.com/site/circle10ak/home/current-inventory/entry-level-ak-47

I just placed an order for the 5.45x39 version without the rail (I like to add goodies myself). Basically it's a converted Saiga for $500. That's about what it would cost to buy it and convert it; just without the hassle. As to getting it in a 5.45 or 7.62 caliber, that's a whole different thread but there are a ton of sites selling the 5.45x39 ammo at ~$130 for a 1080 round case and Hornady has recently released a 60gr TAP round in this caliber that has nasty terminal ballistics :D

You'll have plenty of money left in your budget for ammo and a stockpile of mags!
 
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