What rifle for $400

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PUMC_TomG

New member
Well, I was goin' to buy a shotgun for myself for Christmas. (Grandpa told me to get myself a new firearm for about 400 bucks) But the shotgun stock was too short for me.

So I am thinking about a rifle.

The shop had a couple of AKs for $375 and my buddy and I were thinking about pickin up. One was a rechambered Russian AK in .223.

Any suggestions on other cool toys in this price range?

Then again, if I don't find anything I may save the cash and just wait to get a nice AR flattop.

BUT I REALLY WANT ONE NOW!
 
AK or a mini-14. I have no personell experience with this but I've heard that aks that are converted to .223 have problems. I would find a nice romanian AK in 7.62x.39 or if you prefer to get something for .223 than get a mini-14. I've got a mini-14 and they are alot of fun.
 
In my opinion, the best semi-auto rifle for $400 would be the Polytech AKS. CDNN sells them for $399. These rifles are super sweet and retain the original internal parts. They do have the US made synthetic stock set.
 
Well, I'm not huge on the AK variants I've seen. I would like to see if something more accurate is out there.

I DID see two really nice bolt guns while I was out. They were both Winchester Model 70s. There was a .30-06 composite stock and it had a simmons scope mounted. There was also a .270 with the trapdoor also composite stocked w/rings but no scope. The '06 was goin for about $300 and the .270 for about $340. What does everyone think about these? Would they be worth throwing on a bipod for a fun range gun?

I am really undecided as of yet... I know I would like to get something but just can't decide.
 
I whould get a Savage 10 tactical or a 110 tactical. The 10 can be had in .223 or .308 if you want to get cheap surplus ammo. the 110 can be had in .308 for cheap ammo. I just saw a 25-06 Tactical at the range the other day, it was a shooter (.3 MOA). I have a 110 tactical in .300 win mag and can shoot one hole groups at 100 yards with it ( Best 5 shoot group .2 MOA). The best thing is the all can be had for about your $400. I dont think you can go wrong with any one of them. But that is just my 2 cents.
 
I'd probably jump all over the Model 70 in '06, wuz I in your position. Better all-around deal for hunting in Florida, particularly if you get into reloading.

For stand hunting for hogs, or for larger deer, it's just great.

Beats any of that AK-clone stuff all hollow, for hunting and general-purpose use.

I agree that it's cheaper on a per-shot basis to turn money into noise, if you buy some 7.62x39 critter...

Art
 
What do you want to do with your $400 rifle? Function needs to be addressed right off the bat to get the best possible recommedations.

Do you want to get a scope to go with it, and if so are you planning to spend extra for the scope or do you want glass AND gun for $400?
 
Here's the thing. I don't realy need a home defense type weapon. I have a handgun and feel safe enough with that and a SureFire. I originially wanted a shotgun, but the 590A1 is just too short for me. (I'm around 6'2")
I am looking for a range gun that will be fun to put decent sized groups into paper. I'm not sure if I would want to try any kind of rifle competition... I shoot IDPA and collegiate pistol so I don't do a lot of rifle.
I wouldn't mind a glass-topped range gun, they are fun too. I don't currently hunt, but am interested in starting one day. I have heard of ppl taking just about everything on this continent with a .270 so caliber doesn't bother me too much. If I could get the weapon only for around 400 bucks I believe that I could get glass later.
So that's what is on my mind. Right now I am considering the Winchesters alot, maybe throw on a Harris and better glass. The $400 part is that that is my budget given from the grandparents for a new rifle or shotgun and I get to pick. Tough decision. I'll be honest with everyone and say what I REALLY want is an AR. But I think I can get that arranged for next Spring...
Help! I'm losing my mind!!! Decisions like theses are tough.:eek:
 
But I already have a nice Honda Civic....:D But seriously folks...
I think I would like to try and stay closer to the allotted price range. Don't wanna make Grandpa feel like his money isn't good... But maybe I'm just oversensitive. Plus I don't like the CARs a whole lot. I prefer a real 20" barrel and a normal stock.
 
If you're wanting to punch holes, then something in .223 or .308 would be the order of the day IMO. The .308 would be a better choice should you ever decide that this will also be a hunting rifle.

My Savage 10FP in .308 cost me right at $400, without the scope. It has a 24" heavy barrel, but they offer it with a 20" as well. In hindsight, I wish I had gotten the shorter one. The drawback to this rifle (as many others these days) is that it doesn't have any iron sights, so a scope is mandatory. Figure another $200 or so to get something decent and the mounts/rings. Then you too can go out and make one-hole groups at 100 yards!

That deal on the Winchester Mdl 70 in .30-06 sounds really, really good as well. I don't see any real need to add a bipod, but you'd do well to add a nice sling instead IMO. Good for toting it around the woods (when you decide to take that up), and you can really learn to aid yourself in the accuracy department as well.
 
Well, a Model 70 for $300 with a Simmons scope will sure get a person started at a reasonable price. And, at that price, a bit of profit could be made, later on in a trade for something else. Like I said before, I'd jump on that deal.

:), Art
 
Thanks for your input Chris. I am leaning towards the Mdl 70 now. I really like the idea the more I think of it.

Are there any types of competitions that I would be eligible for with a scoped Mdl 70???

Chris, gimme a call sometime. Haven't been shooting in a while, lemme know next time you go.
 
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