Help Me Find a Rifle

[Wes Janson]

Okay, I'm looking for a theoretical rifle. Here's the catch: it must function reliably without being cleaned or lubed (likely will be fired 1-2K rounds at a time without cleaning/lube), it must be reasonably simple and durable, and must be in either 5.56 or 7.62x39. Not too pricey either. Oh, and it can't be an AK or an AK-derivative.

Any suggestions?

 

[jimbob86]

In a semi-auto platform, I would suggest something with a 50/50 unobtainium-nonesuch alloy reciever....

 

[birdbustr]

Remington 700 is my preferred bolt action, since you are wanting "reliable functioning 1-2K rounds without cleaning".

Oh yeah, I would recommend one in Stainless with a synthetic stock too, since it won't ever be cleaned.

 

[doberman]

SKS.





Well, Somebody had to say it!

 

[jimbob86]

In a boltie, try Don Mekkum Gun Works of Lac de Usedtoo, WI..... he should have a Mosin that could do that, if you aren't set on the smaller calibers...... Just pack a lunch, as 1.5K rounds will take awhile, if you aren't willing to set the handguards afire.

 

[Wes Janson]

Yeah, and semi-auto.

The only things I can think of at this point would be the SKS, and perhaps the SIG 556 (if it can hold up). I'm really doubting that any DI-based AR-15, regardless of manufacturer, can hold up and perform under the necessary criteria (several thousand rounds of Wolf through a dry, dirty rifle).

 

[gunnerh]

Ruger Mini-14 in stainless steel will work but when it gets real gummy you will have a stright pull bolt action. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[jgo296]

yeah ruger ranch rifle and mini14

 

[Anteater1717]

An SkS will do it fine if you want an Auto-loader.

 

[Vaarok]

FAL - Ol' Dirty proved it. Though you might want a recce with the sand cuts, so the dirt can squeeze out the cracks.

 

[Beetle Bailey]

Before I sold it, I put my Yugo SKS thru 1000 rounds (over several range trips) without cleaning, just to see if I could. It could have probably gone more but I didn't feel like buying more ammo.

My RRA NM AR-15 went over 1200 rounds without cleaning before it malfunctioned. Again, I was just curious. But, I suspect the SKS can go longer without cleaning than my National Match rifle.

The SKS is a very simple rifle to field strip, but IIRC a detail strip can be tough, at least for me.

 

[jrfoxx]

I agree an SKS is your best bet, and if you prefer something with higher capacity and/or faster to reload (some say stripper clips are just as fast, and maybe for many they are, but not for me), SKS-m or sks-d.

 

[Wes Janson]

The FAL will survive, of that I'm sure, but it doesn't meet the caliber requirements unfortunately (and in this particular case, mud and dirt are complete non-issues).

Because of the idiot-proof requirement, I'm not quite certain on the Mini, with the rotary bolt and free floating firing pin. Must definitely be completely as completely idiot-proof (we're working on hampering their development of better idiots in the meantime) as possible. Also not certain how well a Mini will hold up to long term severe abuse.

 

[rangerruck]

fal, cetme, polish tantal, galil, sks, old remmy 740, 742, pison drive ar such as POF.

 

[Bwana John]

Minigun will eat 2k rounds in 40 seconds.

 

[Kentucky]

Okay, I'm looking for a theoretical rifle. Here's the catch: it must function reliably without being cleaned or lubed (likely will be fired 1-2K rounds at a time without cleaning/lube), it must be reasonably simple and durable, and must be in either 5.56 or 7.62x39. Not too pricey either. Oh, and it can't be an AK or an AK-derivative.

This is easy! A Daewoo K1A1

I am sure it will function reliably even with that many rounds through it, without being cleaned. Uses 5.56 ammo, also uses regular AR-15 mags (a BIG PLUS) Very simple and very durable. There you go, the perfect rifle!

Oh wait, did you say pricey?? Hmm, I have seen them everywhere between $1200-1600. Thats kinda pricey to me.