Newbie searching for a good starting semi-auto
- Thread starter rhorn
- Start date
Hi - welcome!
You'll get lots of good answers, but you might want to narrow your requirements down a little --
Is the rifle for hunting, self/home defense, just target shooting, or three? Are you looking to get into shooting competitions with it?
What kind of terrain are you in, and where would you be using it in -- close urban or overgrown areas, or broader open areas?
How much does a military vs. an innocuous sporter look matter to you?
What do you consider a "reasonable" price tag? There's good choices from $150 to $1500 and up, depending on what you're looking for.
How much does ammo and parts compatibilty with current issue military matter to you?
What kind of accuracy and relibility are you looking to get?
Answer those, and you'll get a better answer. If not all the questions make sense, just say more or less what you want it for, and folks here will help you narrow it down... within our own prejudices, of course.
-K
You'll get lots of good answers, but you might want to narrow your requirements down a little --
Is the rifle for hunting, self/home defense, just target shooting, or three? Are you looking to get into shooting competitions with it?
What kind of terrain are you in, and where would you be using it in -- close urban or overgrown areas, or broader open areas?
How much does a military vs. an innocuous sporter look matter to you?
What do you consider a "reasonable" price tag? There's good choices from $150 to $1500 and up, depending on what you're looking for.
How much does ammo and parts compatibilty with current issue military matter to you?
What kind of accuracy and relibility are you looking to get?
Answer those, and you'll get a better answer. If not all the questions make sense, just say more or less what you want it for, and folks here will help you narrow it down... within our own prejudices, of course.
-K
bullfrog99
New member
if you want a gun you will probably never need to clean, and costs less than 400 bucks, you can't beat an AK, Sks rifles are nice too, but an ak-47 (actually not the proper name but I still use it) has a certain aspect of durability, reliability and a sinister look to it that I like. That said, in my opinion the greatest semi auto, or rifle period for that matter, is the M-1 carbine. The M-1 carbine ballances better than a winchester lever gun, and has a classic look to it as well. the newer IAI ones seem the way to go, they put out better groups than the military ones, though i doubt they will eat dirt as well. The M-1 carbine is not a big game hunting gun if that is importaint, but small and medium game should be no problem. It will do for defense, but most importaintly it is a fun gun to shoot. It has more of a solid feeling then a 22 rifle, and practically no recoil, etc, etc. I'm not bias am I...
The first rifle I shot was a M16 chambered for 22 LR in basic. They didn't teach you to clean it, they didn't teach you to service it. They handed it to you , you spent some rounds sighting it in, spent some rounds on the target and whomever's post wasn't bent too bad got a medal. (Most folks can read this as AF, LOL)
When I bought my first rifle years later, I really had no preference except for looks and familiarity (later on they taught you about the rifle heh). I went with a AR-15 and had alot of fun. The kick is nothing, it's very accurate and easy to sight in for novices. As time progressed I bought other rifles, pistols and shotguns but the AR will always have a special place in my heart for target shooting.
Downside for newbies having AR's is many "conservative" hunters look at you as a "wanna be" or "wacko" as soon as they see you, no matter your range ettiquette, dress or demeanor. Those preceptions can be changed with interaction, but starting at -5 on a number line is not as good as -0-. I imagine an AK would be worse. At the time I didn't give a crap...hmm, actually I still don't. You might though, heh.
So my vote is AR15. The ammo is cheap and plentiful, the online resources are TOTALLY over the top. If your looking for info and not finding it your monitor is turned off. Also look into a .308 semiauto, like a M14, Robinson Stoner clone, ect. I don't hold AK's in very high regard for accuracy over 200 yards. Sure you can run your truck over them, and if that's your plan perhaps it's an option, but you won't know how accurate you CAN be with a rifle that won't do it's part. Others are bound to disagree with that, but I only have my own experience to judge by.
When I bought my first rifle years later, I really had no preference except for looks and familiarity (later on they taught you about the rifle heh). I went with a AR-15 and had alot of fun. The kick is nothing, it's very accurate and easy to sight in for novices. As time progressed I bought other rifles, pistols and shotguns but the AR will always have a special place in my heart for target shooting.
Downside for newbies having AR's is many "conservative" hunters look at you as a "wanna be" or "wacko" as soon as they see you, no matter your range ettiquette, dress or demeanor. Those preceptions can be changed with interaction, but starting at -5 on a number line is not as good as -0-. I imagine an AK would be worse. At the time I didn't give a crap...hmm, actually I still don't. You might though, heh.
So my vote is AR15. The ammo is cheap and plentiful, the online resources are TOTALLY over the top. If your looking for info and not finding it your monitor is turned off. Also look into a .308 semiauto, like a M14, Robinson Stoner clone, ect. I don't hold AK's in very high regard for accuracy over 200 yards. Sure you can run your truck over them, and if that's your plan perhaps it's an option, but you won't know how accurate you CAN be with a rifle that won't do it's part. Others are bound to disagree with that, but I only have my own experience to judge by.
ANY of the Above!
My own personal choice would be the "US Rifle Cal 30 M1"
The CMP has them for good prices, 'Standard' Grade or one of the Danish ones for about $100 less. Good shooters...I just made several 2" 5 shot groups at 100yds with 60's dated Frankford Arsenal ammo, 163gr FMJBT bullets.
My own personal choice would be the "US Rifle Cal 30 M1"
The CMP has them for good prices, 'Standard' Grade or one of the Danish ones for about $100 less. Good shooters...I just made several 2" 5 shot groups at 100yds with 60's dated Frankford Arsenal ammo, 163gr FMJBT bullets.
If you're just learning how to shoot, then something chambered in .22 LR would be my first choice. Hard to beat the Ruger 10/22 IMO.
If you know how to shoot, and are looking for something with a bit more pop to it, then an AK or SKS would be my selection. Ammo is dirt cheap, so you can shoot a lot without beating up your shoulder or your wallet.
Or, you can get both rifles (10/22 & AK/SKS) plus 1,000 rounds for each one for about $550 or so.
If you know how to shoot, and are looking for something with a bit more pop to it, then an AK or SKS would be my selection. Ammo is dirt cheap, so you can shoot a lot without beating up your shoulder or your wallet.
Or, you can get both rifles (10/22 & AK/SKS) plus 1,000 rounds for each one for about $550 or so.
P
PreserveFreedom
Guest
Ruger 10/22 or Ruger Mini 14. The deciding factor should be if you want a 22 caliber projectile to go fast or balls-out-fast.