SHTF Rifle - Under $400

P

pinetree

New member
I've got $400 in B-Day money to spend at this weekend's gun. I'm thinking about picking up a inexpensive shtf rifle. I've already learned a lot about suplus bolt acitons this week. Now I'd like to here opinions about the semi-autos. I'm thinking something in 223 or 7.62x39. Are there still good SKSs out there, if so, at what prices? What are SARs? Any other alternatives? What is the status of 7.62x39? Is it still cheap and readily available? Are there any 223 semis in my price range besides a used mini-14?

List of candidates (truck box gun):
CETME FR8 (308)
M/K/Y 98K (8mm M)
Swed. Maus. 38 (6.5x55)

SKS
SAR
Mini-14 (used)

I've got accurate long range rifles and shotguns and pistols. I want a gun that I can toss in my truck box and not worry about "hurting" it.



tjg
 
While I have an SKS, my vote would be for a good bolt action rifle. Not only Savage and Ruger, but also check out Winchester and Remington. Maybe even pick up a nice used bolt action. For caliber I'd stick to something I could buy anywhere. Something like 30-06, .270, etc.
 
A buddy of mine went through this a while back. You can get AK variants or SKS variants at around that price range, and they'll be reliable-but-ugly. Or You can get a bolt action for well under that price, ammo and the stuff needed to spiff it up.

Are they still selling Turkish Mausers for less than it costs to bed Osama bin Laden's mother? If so, I'd buy one of them and a slew of ammo.

Mike
 
I just recently purchased a Century L1A1 for $418.00 out the door. I haven't shot it a whole lot but what I've found with Brit. surplus will hold under 4 inches from 100 yards. Any feeding problems were with metic mags. don't people that the metic works in inch models anyway not being realible. There's a couple things I don't like about it but I believe it wins hands down over the Ak's SKS's

Personally I'd rat hole the $400.00 bucks away and save for a good AR-15.

But then I don't like AK's (even own a couple)

Turk
 
I already have a Rem 700BDL 30.06AI with a Zeiss scope, a Ruger #1 45/70, a Berreta 12g, and several other handguns ranging fom 22lr to 44mag.

tjg
 
Coronach said:

"Are they still selling Turkish Mausers for less than it costs to bed Osama bin Laden's mother? If so, I'd buy one of them and a slew of ammo"

Mike? Where have you been finding Turk Mausers for $2.00? :)
 
"What are SARs?"

One of the best values in Ak's right now. Made in Romania. Imported by Century and made legal by replacing Romanian fire control group parts with US parts. Not the best fit & finish, but functional, reliable and economical. Priced under $300 on the net, about $350 delivered, with shipping and FFL transfer fee.

"Are there any 223 semis in my price range besides a used mini-14?"

The SAR-3 is a SAR in .223. I've got one and I think its a viable option to a mini. It may require some tweaking, though, so I would steer you toward the mini if you don't feel comfortable doing minor filing or parts replacement yourself.

"Any other alternatives?"

Lots of TFL-ers think a lever-action carbine in .30-30, .44mag or .357mag is a great alternative. Much more politically correct. And if you like cowboy stuff, the "coolness" factor is up there, too. My choice would be .44 mag. You can fit 10-11 rounds in a full-length tubular magazine, and has enough power for short-range deer or hog hunting, if you do that kind of thing.

"What is the status of 7.62x39? Is it still cheap and readily available?"

Yes, and probably will be for the forseeable future, now that there are a number of US-made rifles built for it, and a number of US ammo makers building it. The "other" AK caliber, the 5.45X39, has a less certain future, but is still fine for now.
 
I just recently purchased a Century L1A1 for $418.00 out the door. I haven't shot it a whole lot but what I've found with Brit. surplus will hold under 4 inches from 100 yards. Any feeding problems were with metic mags. don't people that the metic works in inch models anyway not being realible. There's a couple things I don't like about it but I believe it wins hands down over the Ak's SKS's

This is the biggest knock I can think of against an FAL - accuarcy. My 12 ga is better than this at 100 yrds. An SAR is as good. Both cost less.

Also what does SHTF mean? A 12 ga will allow you to eat game taken from both air and land.

As for cheap - Used Winchester Mod 94 30/30 short pump gun - total cost of both - less than $400.00

Common ammo,cheap and readilly available (states side) both effective to about 200 yrds (beyond this if the shooter is not truely a practiced shooter - esp with iron sights - it doesnt much matter) Effective cartridges for most any animal - winged, 2 or 4 legged.

Just another spin on the current common question on the net.
 
Only the WORST are that bad

Most will shoot 2 MOA. Mine will now shoot 1.25 MOA, as I found it's favorite ammo.

I haven an STG-58.

The L1A1's are indeed close to the $400 requirement...just make sure to get the Imbel receiver.

A Danish Garand through CMP also fits the bill.
 
7.62x39 is laughably cheap right now. AIM was selling a case for around $70. Think they're out now.

I was looking for a semi auto rifle and went with the SAR-2. 5.45x39 gives you an extra 100 yards of range, increased accuracy, less recoil, and a round the afghanis called the 'magic bullet' because it did so much damage. Ammo is a little more than 7.62 x39 (costs about 10cents /round) but the magazines are about half the price of the already cheap ak-47 mags.

The cost of the sar-2 just went up to $260 from AIM. Still is a bargain IMHO.
 
I prefer .308 caliber, but it may become harder and harder to find in the continental USA over time. You may have to lay in stocks of it and it'll cost you.

223 or 7.63x39 is alot cheaper to shoot. .223 will always be around, 7.62x39 is cheap enough for you to cache away.

Unless you reload, planning for SHTF scenarios must consider availability of ammo AND availability of spare parts for your rifle.
 
I agree that you have over looked a Danish M1 Garand. Ammo can be found everywhere and the few parts you may need in the future are easy to find and inexpensive at this time.
 
"I prefer .308 caliber, but it may become harder and harder to find in the continental USA over time. You may have to lay in stocks of it and it'll cost you."

CWL: Why do you feel that .308 may become hard to find? I thought it was one of the most popular calibers? In fact, I bought my last bolt-action in .308 on advice from several shooter who recommended it on that basis. :confused:
 
Even with the military and other interesting times under my belt, my favorite rifles are handgun caliber leverguns with peepsights. With magnum calibers you can use specials for small game. I keep several Uncle Mike's ammo wallets on a web belt with the rifle.
 
Mo_Zam_Beek

Concerning the accuracy of the L1A1. This was off hand. I don't shoot much better (but some) with my M1A Super Match. The Super Match will shoot 50 cent size groups from 100 yards bagged. I've only shot the rifle a couple times and was in a hurry and I'm quite sure it will shot much better. But a four inch group from 100 yards at the bad guy. He loses.

Turk
 
Based upon the firearms you already have, it sounds like a good semiauto rifle would be a good choice. AK and SKS mentioned above are logical choices. If it was truly SHTF, then a rifle that has a reputation for always working would certainly be a decent choice.

If you buy an SAR, look it over ... the quality seems to be sporadic.

Buy plenty of East German or other quality mag's ... TAPCO is a good source.

Regards from AZ
 
Turk, not that it matters and not to start a my dog is cooler than yours - I am within 4" at 100yrds w/ my Vang Mossy- offhand as well, 150 yrd 8" targets - easy money - offhand as well.

I have gone round and round with myself on the FAL issue. At this point I can not justify the cost for the group size. I like the concept, however if they cost what an SAR does - I'd feel differently about them.

This is my opinion. For the record, I am not knocking them as junk. I am merely stating my opinion is that the price point eclipses the proformance.

IMHO

good luck to all
 
Mo_Zam_Beek
This is the biggest knock I can think of against an FAL - accuarcy. My 12 ga is better than this at 100 yrds. An SAR is as good. Both cost less.

Also what does SHTF mean? A 12 ga will allow you to eat game taken from both air and land.

As for cheap - Used Winchester Mod 94 30/30 short pump gun - total cost of both - less than $400.00

Common ammo,cheap and readilly available (states side) both effective to about 200 yrds (beyond this if the shooter is not truely a practiced shooter - esp with iron sights - it doesnt much matter) Effective cartridges for most any animal - winged, 2 or 4 legged.

Just another spin on the current common question on the net.

1) My Fn-FAL PARA shoots .5 moa with a scope.
2) FN-FAL has a 20 round mag. (Much more game)
3) Winchester Mod.94 is a Lever not a pump. (Look, you will see)
4) FN-FAL effective to 700 yards 12 ga 150 yards. (You do the math) And ammo half the price of 12 ga (One again do the math)
"Just another spin on the current common question on the net."
:mad: :mad: :mad:
 
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