Justice06RR
New member
I would also suggest a SKS or a Ruger American in 308 and 30-06. Stay with more common calibers if possible for availability and commonality with what will be around during a shtf scenario. I highly recommend the SKS because its a cheap accurate semiauto that still packs a punch, and holds 10+rounds.
I will also agree to disagree with this one.
A sporterized Mosin can cost less and can shoot close to a factory gun like a Ruger or Winchester--if setup and sighted in properly. you don't necessarily need need a bent bolt or spend $100 on the stock.
The ATI stock doesn't cost much, maybe $50 on Amazon. If you get a Mosin for $120, add a decent scope you will be under $300 easy. My sporterized Mosin 91/30 was $140 for the original rifle and I paid $20 for the ATI stock (a little while ago). A basic scope for $40 and i'm at $200 for a decent rifle that will serve hunting and shtf purposes if needed.
Your setup depends on you. Spend good money on glass and training/ammo and you'll be good to go. Nothing wrong with a project gun if you spend the time to make it accurate and useful. If you don't want to go the Mosin route, Ruger American for $350 is a good option and you have the choice of different calibers as well. But you will probably end up spending over $400 total because of the optic.
I agree that $400 total does not leave much room for optics, if any.
I tried going to mosin route. $150 for the rifle, $100 for a good stock+a couple hours for proper fitting, add another $150 for a decent bent bolt and scope mount(STAY AWAY FROM ATI KITS) and you no longer have enough money for a decent scope. and that still doesn't leave any room for trigger upgrades, barrel cut+recrown and glass bedding, things that are necessary to offer good accuracy in a MN, which any survival rifle needs.
I will also agree to disagree with this one.
A sporterized Mosin can cost less and can shoot close to a factory gun like a Ruger or Winchester--if setup and sighted in properly. you don't necessarily need need a bent bolt or spend $100 on the stock.
The ATI stock doesn't cost much, maybe $50 on Amazon. If you get a Mosin for $120, add a decent scope you will be under $300 easy. My sporterized Mosin 91/30 was $140 for the original rifle and I paid $20 for the ATI stock (a little while ago). A basic scope for $40 and i'm at $200 for a decent rifle that will serve hunting and shtf purposes if needed.
Your setup depends on you. Spend good money on glass and training/ammo and you'll be good to go. Nothing wrong with a project gun if you spend the time to make it accurate and useful. If you don't want to go the Mosin route, Ruger American for $350 is a good option and you have the choice of different calibers as well. But you will probably end up spending over $400 total because of the optic.