I am a riffle newbie and dont know where to start!I have some ideas about what im wanting in a riffle,but dont know of any brands that fit my needs.What I want in a riffle:223 caliber,prefer carbine type riffles,must be a model in which high cap magazines where made for it anywhere from 15 to 30 rounds,the use of polymer in its design would be great,BLACK,light triger pull,and of course availability of parts is always good.Is this gun a preban dream,or a very possible reality for me?
Want to buy first riffle,but know nothing about them,help!!!
- Thread starter isaidme
- Start date
Nightcrawler
New member
Well...
...the most obvious choice is the AR-15. Preban mags are still cheap and abundant (but snatch 'em up quick), and it's accurate. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $600 to over one thousand dollars depending on which make and model you want. Some places to start:
http://www.bushmaster.com
http://www.armalite.com
http://www.professional-ordnance.com
Other manufacturers are Olympic Arms, Colt, DPMS, and countless others. If you do end up with an AR, don't forget to clean it, clean it well, and clean it often! It has a direct-gas system that is kind of dirty compared to rifles with a gas piston. You can get sub-MOA accuracy with a well made AR-15, though, and barrel lengths from 16" to 24".
...the most obvious choice is the AR-15. Preban mags are still cheap and abundant (but snatch 'em up quick), and it's accurate. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $600 to over one thousand dollars depending on which make and model you want. Some places to start:
http://www.bushmaster.com
http://www.armalite.com
http://www.professional-ordnance.com
Other manufacturers are Olympic Arms, Colt, DPMS, and countless others. If you do end up with an AR, don't forget to clean it, clean it well, and clean it often! It has a direct-gas system that is kind of dirty compared to rifles with a gas piston. You can get sub-MOA accuracy with a well made AR-15, though, and barrel lengths from 16" to 24".
There's also the sar-3, should be less than half the cost of a new ar-15. http://www.centuryarms.com/store/index.html?target=Rifles_zp_ShotgunsSemiznAuto.html
They don't come with black furniture, but you should be able to find a replacement stock in black and still be under half the cost of the ar-15
I'd recommend you take a look at the ak-47.net forums, but those have been taken offline. The ar-15 forums may have some info on them.
They don't come with black furniture, but you should be able to find a replacement stock in black and still be under half the cost of the ar-15
I'd recommend you take a look at the ak-47.net forums, but those have been taken offline. The ar-15 forums may have some info on them.
Isaidme.
Hey, just cause I am a nice guy :027: and I already have one AR and another Upper in route I will let you in on a few secrets.
go to http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=22408 and ask this guy what he will take to sell it NOW!!! Is wants the best price over $400.00 with 3 USGI 30's
or http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=22518 I forget what it was but it wasn't a bad deal
Or http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=22964 and he wants $625 delivered for a BM 16inch Dissapator.
Okay, I did my good deed for the day....Now I can go splash mud on little old ladies standing to close to the curb
Karsten
Hey, just cause I am a nice guy :027: and I already have one AR and another Upper in route I will let you in on a few secrets.
go to http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=22408 and ask this guy what he will take to sell it NOW!!! Is wants the best price over $400.00 with 3 USGI 30's
or http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=22518 I forget what it was but it wasn't a bad deal
Or http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=22964 and he wants $625 delivered for a BM 16inch Dissapator.
Okay, I did my good deed for the day....Now I can go splash mud on little old ladies standing to close to the curb
Karsten
Doc Hudson
New member
A question
You say this is your first rifle.
How much shooting experience do you have? Have you any training in handling firearms? Do you have experience with other firearms?
I believe the answers to these questions will influence the advise given by everyone who responds to your initial question.
Doc Hudson
You say this is your first rifle.
How much shooting experience do you have? Have you any training in handling firearms? Do you have experience with other firearms?
I believe the answers to these questions will influence the advise given by everyone who responds to your initial question.
Doc Hudson
I honestly believe that a positive attitude and positive reinforcement is a much better way to teach and give advice.
I will say, I am 45 years old and 1 1/2 years ago I did buy my 1st rifle. and since then I have bought 4 SKS rifles, a Winchester Model 70, M1A and now 2 Ar15. But then again, I had to start somewhere.
I was never questioned and put down about ability even thought people didn't know what I had done in the past.
I wonder, my 1st rifle.....doubt my ability to be safe, humm.......7 years I shot Competition handguns, both Ispc and NRA action pistol. 5 year NROI certified, 5 years Local RO.
I guess I should have taken a course on Rifles before buying one as I hadn't owned one before.
Just my .02 worth, help not hinder and belittle new members. I would be wise to remember. "He who throws mud, loses ground.
Karsten
I will say, I am 45 years old and 1 1/2 years ago I did buy my 1st rifle. and since then I have bought 4 SKS rifles, a Winchester Model 70, M1A and now 2 Ar15. But then again, I had to start somewhere.
I was never questioned and put down about ability even thought people didn't know what I had done in the past.
I wonder, my 1st rifle.....doubt my ability to be safe, humm.......7 years I shot Competition handguns, both Ispc and NRA action pistol. 5 year NROI certified, 5 years Local RO.
I guess I should have taken a course on Rifles before buying one as I hadn't owned one before.
Just my .02 worth, help not hinder and belittle new members. I would be wise to remember. "He who throws mud, loses ground.
Karsten
I have some experience with handguns as I own a Glock19 model.I have shot rifles before but dont get the chance to often.I have shot an SKS but wouldnt buy one.I was close to putting a H&K USP in layaway but changed my mind because I now want a caliber that will be good up to or past the 150yard mark and one that will drop something if I want to hunt,though im not much of a hunter.I am more of the assult riffle type!!!
Jeff Thomas
New member
Welcome to TFL.
Decide the purpose of your rifle first (most important), how much you can afford to spend, and your state of residence. From there we'll have an easier time suggesting the right firearm.
Depending upon your purpose, it might not even be a rifle that we suggest ...
Regards from AZ
Decide the purpose of your rifle first (most important), how much you can afford to spend, and your state of residence. From there we'll have an easier time suggesting the right firearm.
Depending upon your purpose, it might not even be a rifle that we suggest ...
Regards from AZ
I am wanting a rifle mostly for long range target shooting but as I stated above I might want to do some hunting in the future.I live in Texas so I dont have to many restrictions.My price range is $1000 but would have no problem spending less!I am in no hurry and want to absorb as much info as I can.
isaidme, you stated before; .223, polymer stocks, black,nice trigger, hi-cap capability, carbine, parts availability. Sounds like the Robinson arms M96 Expeditionary carbine to me. Here are a few pros; (I have had one for almost 2 years and use it in the Westcoast of Canada (Read: Wetcoast)
1.Very accurate
2.2 stage military trigger
3.barrel easily changed/cleaned
4.left hand operated
5.takes ar15 magazines
6.adjustable gas system
7.gas piston rod instead of direct gas feed to bolt carrier ie; ar15
8.MADE IN THE USA
9.readily available field kits (mine arrived in less than a week)
10. Stainless receiver
**Looks very Cool** http://www.robarm.com
1.Very accurate
2.2 stage military trigger
3.barrel easily changed/cleaned
4.left hand operated
5.takes ar15 magazines
6.adjustable gas system
7.gas piston rod instead of direct gas feed to bolt carrier ie; ar15
8.MADE IN THE USA
9.readily available field kits (mine arrived in less than a week)
10. Stainless receiver
**Looks very Cool** http://www.robarm.com
Jeff Thomas
New member
Now we're zeroing in ... so to speak.
Please define 'long range' for us. It means different things to different folks. The really sharp shooters on here will amaze you ...
While not normally recommended for a beginner, a 'long range' rifle for target shooting and hunting begins to sound more like a Remington 700 (bolt rifle) in .308 or .30-06 ...
Unless 'long range is 100 yards ...
You've come to the right place for recommendations. I'm still relatively new at this, but you'll get some great answers. You might also be interested in optics advice from these folks.
Regards from AZ
Please define 'long range' for us. It means different things to different folks. The really sharp shooters on here will amaze you ...
While not normally recommended for a beginner, a 'long range' rifle for target shooting and hunting begins to sound more like a Remington 700 (bolt rifle) in .308 or .30-06 ...
Unless 'long range is 100 yards ...
You've come to the right place for recommendations. I'm still relatively new at this, but you'll get some great answers. You might also be interested in optics advice from these folks.
Regards from AZ
Doc Hudson
New member
As usual, I am going to buck the trend and recommend you delay buying a long range target rifle until you master the basics on a good .22 LR Rifle.
Marlin, Ruger, Remington, and Winchester all make good quality bolt-action rifles that are great guns for learning the finer points of sight picture, trigger control, and breath control.
Learning will be less expensive with a .22 LR rife and it will help you become a better shot quicker than by diving in on high-power centerfire rifles right off the bat.
I will also second Jeff Thomas thoughts on long range rifles. Bolt actions from Winchester, Ruger, Savage, or Remington in .308 will be far better if you want to target shoot on the far side of 500 meters.
Regards,
Doc Hudson
Marlin, Ruger, Remington, and Winchester all make good quality bolt-action rifles that are great guns for learning the finer points of sight picture, trigger control, and breath control.
Learning will be less expensive with a .22 LR rife and it will help you become a better shot quicker than by diving in on high-power centerfire rifles right off the bat.
I will also second Jeff Thomas thoughts on long range rifles. Bolt actions from Winchester, Ruger, Savage, or Remington in .308 will be far better if you want to target shoot on the far side of 500 meters.
Regards,
Doc Hudson
Doc Hudson
New member
Karsten,
I did not run anyone into the ground.
I did not offer any one any insult.
The man was asking for suggestions and I made mine. i still think that anyone who wants to become a long range shooter needs to learn the basics before jimping off into the advanced class.
As for my lack of people skills, don't let them worry you. I won't be back here.
Doc hudson
I did not run anyone into the ground.
I did not offer any one any insult.
The man was asking for suggestions and I made mine. i still think that anyone who wants to become a long range shooter needs to learn the basics before jimping off into the advanced class.
As for my lack of people skills, don't let them worry you. I won't be back here.
Doc hudson
Doc is right!
isaidme,
I agree with Doc on starting with a .22 rifle. They are cheap to shoot and easy to learn with. It will also give you the oportunity to hang around the rifle range and see what others are shooting. Most guys at the range are more than happy to talk about their guns and many will even invite you to squeeze off a round or two.
I would suggest the Ruger 10/22. It will run around $200, depending on the finish and the stock you choose. They are acurate and fun. Start with the iron sights and then move on to a scope if you choose. IMNSHO no rifle collection is complete without one.
David
Karsten - You are out of line. Isaidme ask for help and Doc gave his opinion, just as you gave yours. He did not belittle anyone, but you sure belittled him!
isaidme,
I agree with Doc on starting with a .22 rifle. They are cheap to shoot and easy to learn with. It will also give you the oportunity to hang around the rifle range and see what others are shooting. Most guys at the range are more than happy to talk about their guns and many will even invite you to squeeze off a round or two.
I would suggest the Ruger 10/22. It will run around $200, depending on the finish and the stock you choose. They are acurate and fun. Start with the iron sights and then move on to a scope if you choose. IMNSHO no rifle collection is complete without one.
David
Karsten - You are out of line. Isaidme ask for help and Doc gave his opinion, just as you gave yours. He did not belittle anyone, but you sure belittled him!
Your wish list fits an AR15. I highly recommend them. After many years of experimenting with rifles I would recommend that you own three. A Ruger 10/22, an AR15, and a bolt action in .308. You can always expand into more specialized guns, like a bolt action varmint rifle, etc., but those basic three will probably do about anything you would ever want. Best. Watch-Six
Another vote for the venerable AR15. They're accurate, ergonomic (all controls are within easy reach for most shooters), fairly easy to clean and maintain, there's hardly any kick at all, parts and magazines are readily available, and they're highly configurable to whatever flavor you want it to be. You can swap out the upper in less than a minute and change it from a bull barrel varmint blaster to a lightweight carbine or a national match tackdriver. There are so many options available you won't settle for just one. If you're interested, hop on over to http://www.ar15.com and read the public forums. Everything you wanted to know about AR15s and more. Don't be timid. Ask questions!