Help with first rifle

[kwg020]

There is no such thing as a match grade barrel on a Mini 30 unless you spend much more money ($700 above the price of the gun) getting a custom barrel put on. The Mini's are expensive to modify and you will never get your money back if you sell it. A factory Mini 30 will cost you in the $700 to $800 dollar range unless you can find a bargain on one.

Check at you BX to see if you can order a rifle. If you want a Mini in a common caliber with ammo that is easy to get, get a standard NEW (581 series or later) model Mini 14 in 5.56/.223. Because of other issues (hard primers) the cheap 7.62x30 ammo may give you problems in the Mini 30. That Russian ammo is cheap for a reason. You get what you pay for.

Your next best solution is an AR. Do some research and you will find one in the $600 range or possibly less. If you have 15 years in the Air Force you should have enough rank and time to afford something in the $600 to $800 range. Your Air Force base may have a gun club. Check around, good values are out there. A highly modified Mini 30 is not one of them.
kwg

 

[MistWolf]

I'll see your 6920 at $850 and raise you a 6720 at $799.

I'd buy the 6720 over the 6920 even if the prices were reversed, unless of course you have an M203 grenade launcher lying around.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=6720

I agree. The only reason I didn't include the 6720 in my post is because it wad listed as "Out Of Stock" when I checked

 

[TwinReverb]

How about the Bushmaster XM-15?

 

[eldon519]

It's probably a lower-middle or maybe middle tier rifle.

 

[Blade First]

"I'm looking for a rifle that is semi auto (requirement) in an affordable caliber for someone who doesn't reload. Parts availability for local purchase / SHTF would be nice but not required. Iron sights a must (scope available/optional)."

Would be helpful if all the contributors to the thread had read your specs.

You have, because of service, familiarity with the AR platform. It would seem that a flattop receiver AR with your choice of barrel profile/length is ideal.

Don't understand the suggestions for larger-caliber carbines which have inferior
accuracy and reliability records. Neither Ruger [w/their 7.62mm offering] nor anyone else can offer the performance:cost ratio that 5.56mm provides from major mfrs. or specially parts suppliers.

Further, the AR platform is the most common sporting rifle *ever* in the history of our country. It is literally the most adaptable, flexible, accessible and affordable package that the market offers these days.