Rifle choice for all around use.

jimmyraythomason said:

I vote for the Ruger Mini-30. It will work for all of your needs and still be California friendly should you move there. The ammo can do double duty with your existing SKS.

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That would be a good choice too. I have a Mini-14, and while its not the most accurate, its great for blasting small game or just having a good time.

The only truly good weapon as far as "battlefield ammo pickups" go is a slingshot.

It sounds to me like you're describing an M-14. Highly reliable, accurate, best iron sights in the world, not too heavy (if it's got a GI profile barrel on it), and it is in a common service caliber. I have a Springfield M1A Standard and love it, but I don't like how the newer springfields don't have chrome lined barrels. I'd look for an older M1A with a GI barrel, or a new rifle from 7.62mm Firearms.

I don't see why some of you guys are jumping all over the OP for wanting to be prepared for having to use a battle rifle for it's intended purpose. That's what the 2A is all about. It is unlikely to need to be used for that purpose, but better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, IMHO. I think everyone should have a good battle rifle. An armed and capable citizenry keeps the would-be tyrants from even thinking about things that they otherwise might try.

A good "all around" rifle? Marlin 30/30 lever gun. It doesn't get any more "all around" than that.

Yes, or get a Win. lever in .375, they won't play tag very long!

It's interesting to me how many folks 'think' they need a 10-12lb .308 semi-auto because the world might end, the chances of which are so remote that it doesn't even warrant a second's thought, when a good .30-30 levergun would do everything they actually do need a rifle to do. Personally, I like my rifles to serve an actual purpose, today, not a theoretical one that is likely never to happen.

A battle rifle isn't just for the "end of the world," whatever that means... the reason I own mine is to uphold my duty as a free individual to defend liberty, in the event that other means of doing so are unavailing. Owning a battle rifle is the responsible thing to do, IMO.

Using it for that purpose will hopefully never happen, but the consequences of tyranny are too terrible to completely ignore the chance altogether. I bet there were Jews, Russians, Chinese, and Cambodians who ended up regretting not having a good battle rifle. Maybe those Egyptians wouldn't have had to put up with a tyrant for 30 years if more of them had one.

I wouldn't want to go up against armored, poodle shooter wielding BG's with a lever gun. Now with an M-14... my odds are still kinda long maybe, but I'm starting to like them a little better.

sounds like you need some tanks and nuclear warheads

NeuseRvrRat said:

lay off the vidya games

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Agreed, but If it were me I would just buy a nice hunting rifle and then just be 100% capable of using it in any situation. And in the event you need to use it for non hunting purposes then don't put yourself in close range combat situations.... So, in other words buy a really nice rifle and get a handgun you'd trust your life to preferably in a caliber that is common. training will do you more good then anything.

A battle rifle isn't just for the "end of the world," whatever that means... the reason I own mine is to uphold my duty as a free individual to defend liberty, in the event that other means of doing so are unavailing. Owning a battle rifle is the responsible thing to do, IMO.

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I agree but then again, I don't go carrying a 10lb "battle rifle" every day on the farm, around the house or in the woods just in case of that far-fetched contingency either. Dime smart and dollar silly. No, I'd rather tailor my rifle to my "actual" uses.

While it may seem far-fetched, it would be more intelligent to put a roll cage in the family station wagon because the odds of you getting into a serious car crash are FAR higher than the odds of needing a "battle rifle".....for "battle".

As a realist as well as an owner of a few rifles, including Garands, M1As and a few bolt actions, if I needed one rifle to survive with, I'd choose my Rem 700 SPS SS in .308 Win. I have it scoped with a Zeiss Conquest and it never fails to do what I ask of it. It is accurate as far as I've ever shot it (600 yds) and I roll my own loads.

BTW, having had more than a bit of military and LEO experience, don't even fantasize about survival in zombie land.

FH

Hahahaha There are those who believe life will go on just like the day before and those who think the future holds endless possibilities and some of them not to good.

If someone wants to carry a .50cal with them and it makes their boat float then so be it.
If they carry it for awhile then they might change their mind.

+1 on the roll cage! Craigc!

That is one reason we as a species have survived. There have always been those who saw darkness in broad day light and see light at night...metaphor, parable?? The Ops question is what do we think is the best for the stated reasons. Many have offered an honest opinion. The SKS is a good platform but not for everyone or all occasions. You mentioned the CMMG being Calif legal..It would keep you busy and dreaming of what to get for your new pride and joy.....so get one and a good carry pistol along with a shot gun and you should be ready for anything but the dreaded alien invasion all for under $2000!!! I hope; or we all gonna be in deep deep stuff! hahahaha

I'm no expert, but when I see these "which one should I get" threads, I often wonder if we (including myself) don't make it more complicated than it has to be in assuming that we need to buy the latest/greatest/ideal rifle right now rather than racking up some experience learning what we like.

How about this, spend around $5-700 on your first one of these and then trade your way through

A .30-30 lever action + either a low power scope or aperture sight setup.
and/or
A remington M700/Savage 110/Ruger M77 + scope
and/or
An entry level AR

Along the way spend around $500 on ammo and shoot it up from different field positions.

I think you'll learn pretty quickly what you do/don't like and what does/does not work for you individually in your situation. Keep what you like, or sell the last one and you've got $1,500 to buy whatever works for YOU with a more educated opinion.

First of all, if you're looking for reliability, get a bolt-action not a semi auto.

I would get a R700SPS for like 600 and drop 500 on stock, bedding, and truing the action. Not a lot of rifles are going to out shoot it and you have a semi custom build that YOU put together, not something off the shelf like the next guy in line is going to get.

I agree but then again, I don't go carrying a 10lb "battle rifle" every day on the farm, around the house or in the woods just in case of that far-fetched contingency either. Dime smart and dollar silly. No, I'd rather tailor my rifle to my "actual" uses.

While it may seem far-fetched, it would be more intelligent to put a roll cage in the family station wagon because the odds of you getting into a serious car crash are FAR higher than the odds of needing a "battle rifle".....for "battle".

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The odds of having to actually use it for battle are only part of the equation... you also have to consider the deterrent effect that an armed populace has. It doesn't have to be the same rifle you carry around with you on the farm, in your house, or in the woods, but I do believe everyone should own a good battle rifle and stay proficient in its use.

Also, I suppose the odds of needing a battle rifle for battle depend on the conditions under which the owner would be willing to go to battle. Some have a lower threshold for tolerance of tyranny than others.

blackops said:

if you're looking for reliability, get a bolt-action not a semi auto.

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I think of a bolt-action as semi-auto that always malfunctions. Pretty easy to clear said malfunctions, though - just work the bolt.

Modern semi-autos are quite reliable. Weight and price are another story.

If you need a DEFENSIVE weapon and it has to be able to take deer...boy, that is a long list of possibilities. When I lived up north I had to hunt with a shotgun. I've taken deer with a 20 GA and that would also work for HD. My first choice for a rifle that will take deer if needed (since that is a secondary need) and has accuracy out to 200 yds and plenty of stopping power...lever action 30-30. Compact, scoped with elevated rings so you can use the iron sights, fast reloading. I agree with the XS7 308 being a great rifle, just bought one last week, but in trying to protect my family or home, I would reach for the 30-30 or the 12 GA. 2000.00 could be spent on a lot of different things...350.00 for a rifle (or shotgun) and maybe another 200.00 for a scope is all you need.

Also, I suppose the odds of needing a battle rifle for battle depend on the conditions under which the owner would be willing to go to battle. Some have a lower threshold for tolerance of tyranny than others.

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We can talk about theoretical stuff until we're blue in the face. If you need a rifle to do other things, then you should probably tailor it to those other things. Rather than pushing an overweight rifle, that is not well-suited to those other things, into doing those other things, simply because there is a one in a trillion chance that you'll have to march into battle with it. If that is your logic, then the rifle should be with you wherever you go. Because when you're playing those minute odds, it ain't gonna wait for you to get home from work, or finish your shopping trip to the mall. If you want to take it to its logical conclusion. Silly at best.

Spend $350 on a used levergun and become proficient with it. Then, if you feel the need, spend another $600 on a used AR-15. Then, five years later when you realize that you don't really need a rifle for the end of the world, sell the AR and buy something you can actually use.

I like my 30-30 lever action with a 2.5X mounted scope and it's light weight. It likely work for most of your needs but is probably not the best choice out there as range and cartridge are a bit limiited. I just happen to really like mine and would be willing to work within its limits.

The M1A is very nice but it is heavy and I wouldn't not want to lug it all around. I'd suggest a 308 caliber bolt action. I'd give a serious hard look at the new Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle.

Mini-30 as others mentioned not a bad choice either but I'd prefer a good bolt action.

Just split the difference...get a Savage 99 lever in .308...just paid $450 for one on gunbroker. There you have your handy little lever action AND .308 ammo.

I am seriously surprised by the cavalier attitude of the answers given...it will never happen, quit playing video games etc.

Off the top of my head, in our lifetime we have lived through Rwanda genocide (wiki it...you'll be very surprised about how ethnic genocide can turn neighbor against neighbor), Serbian genocide, Katrina with New Orleans/Louisiana government totally breaking down, armed assailants kidnapping people in Arizona, a Florida couple murdered by ninja like wannabees attempting to rob them while their kids sleep, and a narco border war with Mexico.

Right now I'm in one of the more civilized countries of the Middle East where demonstrations and protests threaten the government, not to mention the recent changes that are going on in Africa.

People are people - with aspirations and dreams. Relying on the philosophy 'it could never happen here' why? Because we are more enlightened or have some higher moral code? Or (insert agency name here) will help us? Or evil doesn't really exist in our society?

Please don't take my diatribe as some teotawki geek philosophy. And please don't flock to the mall buying tacticool stuff on my account.

But, knowing how to use a rifle is what gave the the Minutemen their 'minute'. They were not called WaituntilIreadtheownersmanualorgooglehowtousethisthingmen, they were ready for service quickly.

So...despite my ramblings a 30-30 would be a nice defense rifle and hunting rifle. You could put down a rabid mastiff in your backyard or go deer hunting. You could defend your homestead and ammo is cheap. And, no one would look at you funny while you were hunting. Oh, and buy an AR they are like the sword of democracy and a the equivalent of a grown-up lego.

LW

I kind of agree with leaky. You don't have to freak out, but if you are prepared for emergencies - and life has shown us that they do happen - then you don't have to worry so much about them. Prudent preparation is not paranoia.

Get a .30-30, and an AR. Mod the AR if you end up moving to Cali, or just sell it if you end up doing that, and buy more ammo for the .30-30. Or add a .357 lever to the .30-30 at that point. Tailor the tool to the mission, if you can. If you can only afford one, get what you want - it's the only way to really be happy.

The SKS is a decent rifle. If it's what you can afford, or what you've got, then learn it and maximize its potential. To me, it's got decent power over a short range, inexpensive ammo, 10 rounds, creepy and mushy trigger, marginal sights, not terribly accurate. A bit clunky and heavy for its power level. Again, IMHO, a .30-30 is better - better sights, better trigger, more accurate, reload as you go, lighter, more ergonomic, more versatile load possibilities. I know I can hit stuff at 200 meters with a .30-30. With an SKS, I'm just flinging lead downrange.

You are not shooting yourself in the foot if you get a 20g instead of a 12g shotgun. I don't like shooting 12g, so I have a 20. Kills birds and rabbits, and that's all I ask of a shotgun. Pumpkin ball slugs will kill deer, too, so it's quite good enough.

As soon as the words "all around" are used the answer becomes "not possible."

There is no single gun that can do all things. Most guns are intended for one purpose and are a compromise for other uses.

You must decide what the primary purpose is for your rifle and make a selection that fulfills that need and then make the best of it with regards to the other uses.

just get a 357/38 carbine length lever action, for California or anywhere
(and maybe you can afford enough ammo to actually practice with it)
or... if that's just not quite a big enough bang for you, a 30-30
spend a little more time on the practice range, and/or go shoot bambi and mr piggie with either
and spend a lot less time worrying about combat and battle
(any rifle is a battle rifle, if/when used in battle)

if ever the planet stops spinning on it's axis, have lots of duct tape on hand
to tape yourself to the biggest tree you can find
(carrying too many bullets on you will just throw you into outer space faster)

I DO see the need for a battle rifle - a very good example was when I went to our hunting camp for a nice overnight trip in the spring with my wife and infant daughter... just some fresh air and a little campfire with a few beers relxing. We got there- a mile back in the woods on a logging road only drivable with 4WD... and no local police only a county sheriff an hour away... to find the place had been ransacked very recently. Copper pipes even ripped out.
Before I climb the mountain with my truck and once on our property I almost always load up the AR-15 with a 20 round mag.
I'm really worried to think what might have happened if we were to have either caught the crooks in the act or if they decided to break in while we were there. They took ammo in both pistol and rifle calibers I have stashed there so were probably armed.
I felt a LOT better knowing that I had a semi-automatic rifle close at hand.