For $500 or so which semi-auto would you buy?

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chaim

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OK, I know I've done this before but I have been doing some more thinking.

I am working as a substitute teacher so I don't make that much money. Also, I am applying to graduate school for fall so hopefully I will be going to grad school soon but what that means is that I won't have much money for new "toys" because I'll need to save money for when I first get there (I'll probably be in another state so I'll need some savings while waiting to find a job and waiting for my first student loan check).

I figure I can probably spend about $500-600 on a gun, primarily as a fun plinker. I'd like to buy sometime early to mid spring. I've decided for sure not to save more for a Bushmaster or M1A because there are several others I want by grad school too (1-3 pistols/revolvers, a pistol caliber lever gun, and maybe a bolt rifle) and the Bushy or M1A would take one of those out of the running (it would be about double the guns below).

-I don't want anyone to say "how about an AK" as I've decided for sure I don't want one. I have an SKS which is ok for now, and I want a peep sight, so while the AK will probably be added eventually I don't want it right now.

-I would really like a Mini-14 and/or Mini-30. I know, I've read it all before- they aren't accurate (or so some people say). Well, it is probably more accurate than I am. Also, most people get Ranch Rifles, I'd be looking for the plain Mini-14 with the more rugged sight so I don't know if that would make a difference. They are supposed to be reliable and I've wanted one for a while. The one time I got to shoot a couple mags out of one some guy had at the range I thought it was a ton of fun to shoot. The ammo is dirt cheap.

-I also love the M1 Carbine. It is a classic, can be fired at indoor pistol ranges (and I don't get to rifle ranges often enough), is a gun I wanted before I got into guns (I am a military history buff) and the ammo is relatively inexpensive (though more than .223/5.56). I'd probably get an IMI built model. I rented one at the indoor range once and it took days to get the smile off my face.

-I may consider a Century FAL (L1 something or other- a British spec FAL). It is a little pricy but still in range (about $600 locally). I don't know that much about these, but an FAL clone in .308/7.61 would be nice. The ammo is a bit more than .223/5.56 but surplus ammo isn't bad (the factory stuff seems pretty typical for non-magnum rifle ammo).

-Century AR 15. I can't afford to get a Bushmaster now but I've loved this design since I shot an M16 at Ft. Jackson in Basic Training. Of course, the reputation on these seems pretty mixed.

These are the main ones I'm considering right now, but there are a couple possible "wild cards":
-Century Arms CETME. Probably not since there seems to be more bad out there than good about it but for under $300 it is tempting.
-Armalite AR 180. Around here they are $700 so it is over my limit and thus unlikely. However, it is a very good gun and it isn't that far over my limit (unlike the $900-1300 guns) so if I make some of my other purchases used guns it won't have to be instead of one of the additional guns I wish to buy.
-Two pistol caliber lever guns instead of one. I'm having a hard time deciding between a Winchester or Marlin and there is a slim chance I'll get both.
-A Remington 7400. I really do like the look and feel of these (though I've never got the chance to shoot one) and I do plan to eventually buy one. However, for now I am leaning towards military style and I do want peep sights. Also, most are chambered in more expensive calibers (30-06 and .270).
 
chaim:

Don't forget the M1 Garand available through the Civilian Marksmanship Program. These great rifles are a piece of history and are within your specified price range.

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/index.htm#m1917

Have heard good things about the Danish M1's w/VAR barrels and they are priced right.

Good luck in finding the rifle you are looking for.

Regards,
hps
 
gun-fucious,

I forgot to add the Kel-tec to my "wild card" list. It looks interesting but since it isn't even out yet no one has any experience with it and I'm not all that sure about being one of the guinea pigs (though they do have a reputation of being good to deal with and backing their products if you need customer service). Also, I may want to buy before May (plus with a May release date they probably won't be in many dealer's racks until summer). But of course, once they are out there and I can see them, who knows. If they seem really nice or the price is right (and I haven't bought yet)...


blowsomethingup,

:scrutiny:
No AKs, maybe later though. Thanks anyway.

hps1,

That's a good idea too, though I'm probably going to only add it to the "wild cards" and not my more likely choices. I am not a member of a DCM shooting club so I'd need to join one first. Also, there isn't much 30-06 surplus ammo left out there and so the only options would be pretty expensive and I'll be a poor grad student for the next several years (though I guess that could be a good excuse to finally start reloading). In its favor, the design has all the history of the Carbine plus this will be an actual former government gun that may have some real history as opposed to the IMI remanufactured M1 Carbine. It would be a ton of fun when I could afford to shoot it.
 
chaim,

The Mini is a decent weapon, it'll do what it was designed to do inside 100, or so. Mags are the real problem, even the good aftermarkets are $50. Still, not terrible if you're dedicated.

I've always wanted a M1 Carbine myself. Mags are cheap and it's a fun weapon.

The Garand is also good advice. CMP is the way to go....and the most fun.

If it were up to me, Carbine or Garand. You'll shoot the Carbine more often than the Garand on a Sub salary.
 
If you don't mind surplus then how about a Hakim or SVT-40? Ammo is relatively cheap and they are fun shooters.
 
well, if the use is "fun plinker" I'd put a vote for the M1 carbine. As you say, you already had a desire for it before, and it has a nice historical appeal.

That said... AIM last I saw had stock A2 bushies for 699. You *may* be able to find a used one with a bit of hunting in the mid-600's. If it's on your "eventual" list at all, I'd give it a thought.

-K
 
Maybe a bushmaster isnt too far out of your range...

If you're willing to make a road trip to the valley forge (PA) gun show next weekend you could prolly snag a bushie for only $50 more than the AR 180 you talked about... 750 is about the going rate for 20'' XM15E2 models there.
But I don't know what part of MD you're in, it might be too much of a drive.
If you can legally have a rifle shipped in and transfered to you, aimsurplus.com had them for $700. Check back to see if they get them back in stock (but you would need to pay transfer fees, cause an FFL has to fill out the paperwork and get it shipped to his store first)
 
Given that list, I would go with the plain jane Mini-14. New factory type 10 rounders are hitting the market and are excellent. Heck, the Mini is accurate enough for it's intended purpose. It ain't no AR-15, but it will do the job within 100 yards. Look around you might be able to find a good used one for under $400. I kick myself everyday for passing up a new base Mini a few years ago for $379.
 
A CMP Dane Garand for $400. You can have it rebarreled in .308 down the road.

OR

A Sherluck or similar quality AR15 kit for $400 and $100 for a PWA, Eagle Arms or similar receiver. Add an hour of your time to assemble the lower (upper preassembled). Mine was really excellent-Bushmaster quality.

Both are proven, durable and accurate military arms. I think everything else relies too much on plastic, is frustratingly innaccurate or low powered (Keltec/AR180b, Mini and Carbine, respectively).


If you're going to go with a Fal (probably the best cheaper .308 gun), pony up an extra $200 and get an IAI M-444 or the equivalent.

Century is a bit too hit or miss for my tastes.
 
Will Fennell,

Where have you found an AR-180B? One of the Armalite dealers I frequent, the last time I checked (about 6 months ago) can't get one. He was supposed to call me when he did. I got impatient and bought an AR-15.
 
Augusta, Ga

I saw one last week in Augusta, Ga @ Sidney's Dept. and Uniform Store[gunstore and ploice supply shop]. I forgot the price....but the rifle was VERY interesting......I see one in my future.
 
I'm kinda going through this thought process myself, and have added the Ruger PC-9 and PC-4 to the list. I have both a Ruger P-series 9MM and .40 handgun, and have several mags for both.

Hmmm....
 
I've had ARs and Mini-14s and I think the Mini-14 was a little more fun to shoot. I really like the "normal" stock it has and it shot just as well as the AR-15 offhand. The AR-15 is hard for me to hold right so the superior accuracy of it is cancelled out by the less than perfect ergonamics for me.

Yes from a bench an AR-15 will probably be more accurate but for a fun plinker, you could do worse than get a Mini-14. My Mini NEVER jammed either, that is impressive in a semi-auto rifle.
 
My $.02 FWIW

Of those you listed, I choose between the M1 carbine and the FAL. I don't remember laws reguarding hi-cap mags in MD, so I don't know how that factors in your decision. I've seen 20rd mags for FAL's NIW for under $10 and I think I remember seeing 15 rd mags for the carbine for reasonable prices.

In a way your looking for "the best bang for the buck". In choices like that I tend to lean toward what I consider the better caliber. So if I were you I look closer at the FAL. However, be warned, the Century FAL's can be a crap shoot. Sometimes you get a good one, sometimes you don't. I'd check out www.falfiles.com for more info.

If you're really serious about the FAL I'd suggest having one built, (first buy the parts kit, then receiver, then the required US made parts, then send it off to have someone put it together) that way you can spend a little at a time, and in the end have a kick butt rifle. I'm planning on doing this soon. It's a little bit of a pain to do it legal but it can be done. I know what and who I'm buying everything from, just need to come up with the money. If you'd like more info PM me and I'd be happy to send you all the info I've put together.

Good luck in whatever choice you make and happy shooting.

Six
 
I vote for the Mixmaster USGI M1 carbine, or IAI version.

S&B ammo is about 8 bucks for 50 rounds.
 
Haunt the gun shows for a wgile, and you should be able to find a good used Post-Ban AR-15 for around $600.

Bushmaster, Colt, RRA, Armalite, are all good. You could get a used Bushmaster an 20 GOOD magazines for the price of a mini-14 and 5 BAD magazines
 
IAI M-888 .30 Carbine

fun.......fun.......fun

It will just about kill your $500 though. A bag full of 15 round mags is cheap and ammo is pretty-cheap if you buy S&B in bulk.
 
That said... AIM last I saw had stock A2 bushies for 699. You *may* be able to find a used one with a bit of hunting in the mid-600's. If it's on your "eventual" list at all, I'd give it a thought.
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I wasn't sure if I should include the AR 180 on my list as I do want to stay under $600 if at all possible. That said, keeping an eye out for a used AR from Armalite, Colt or Bushmaster isn't a bad idea.

Look around you might be able to find a good used one for under $400. I kick myself everyday for passing up a new base Mini a few years ago for $379.
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You know, this time last year I went to a gun show and everyone had really nice used Minis for $350 (really, just about every dealer had really good used Mini-14s and I don't usually see used Minis around here). I had just bought a new pistol, and I wanted a few more before the built-in lock law took effect this past January so I didn't spend the cash on one. Also, it was winter and with everyone having them used I figured that they'd be around for a little while. Of course I haven't seen one used Mini since.

I'm kinda going through this thought process myself, and have added the Ruger PC-9 and PC-4 to the list. I have both a Ruger P-series 9MM and .40 handgun, and have several mags for both.
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I've thought about that before. I think if I didn't sell my P89 I would certainly get a PC-9 (though probably not for this purchase). I like that they can share mags, very convenient. Even now that I don't own the P89 I could see eventually (though not for a few years) getting the PC-9 and a P95 as a matched pair.

I don't remember laws reguarding hi-cap mags in MD, so I don't know how that factors in your decision.
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Could be better but could easily be worse. Hi-caps are legal, however we do have a 20 round limit. Unfortunately, there aren't that many available at local dealers (well, they are out there but not easy to find nor are there many choices when they are available). Many websites won't sell "high-caps" to Maryland residents (I don't know if it is the 20 round limit and they won't sell any high-cap just to make things easier or if there is a misconception that no high-caps are legal here). Anyway, there is always the MD, VA and PA gunshow option I guess.
 
You might look at the French MAS 49/56 (usualy sold as "never shot ... only dropped once").

I've seen 7.5mm ones for sale for under $250 and .308 ones for under $500.


Then for another $189.95 you can dress it up real purdy :)
http://www.mccannindustries.com/rifles/mas/mas.html

Mas.jpg
 
Not meaning to be a "me too"

The CMP garands have a lot going for them and for the buyer now . It seems the CMP thinks it's a good idea for people to shoot these old rifles . $420 bucks for a Dane is a bargin and like the man said after you shoot the barrel off the thing (about 7-10,000rds) you can barrel it up for .308 if ya want .

Can ya tell the Garand has it hook in me ?

Jack
 
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