opinions and reccomendations please?

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nixpap

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thanks for allowing me to post and lurk. great forum. my question is, what to add to my small but growing firearm collection. at this time I own a

mossy 20 in (home defense)
marlin 80 22lr(cause everybody has to have a 22)
feg pa63 9x18 (summer carry or in the truck)
Glock 19 (ccw)
ruger sp 101 3 in 357 (when im in the mood. trail, range)

now I've been pining for a 1911 for a long time but I feel I need a centerfire rifle for a self defense and shtf type weapon.I've considered everything from short barrel 5.56,AK,M1,pistol caliber(iffy),30al,lever,sks, you name it.

now im worn out and no closer to a smart decision.

any thoughts ? thanks, Nixpap:banghead:
 
Think about the ammo cost

...and you might end up with something in 7.62x39 which could then turn into several somethings in that caliber. I enjoy shooting my SA-85M (AK variant), my SKS, and my Ruger Mini-30...all different platforms but the same caliber. Enjoy the agony of this decision. ;)
 
always liked the idea of an Ak. then which one to get stay or away from. more brain surgery for me. lol
 
You can do what I did. I, too, wanted a 1911 in 45ACP but felt the need for a home defense carbine. I satisfied both by acquiring that 1911 (that I carry every day) and a Beretta CX4 Storm in 45ACP. Both use the same round, and both are effective in their respective venues, and make a wonderful pairing.

I've since duplicated that pairing concept using 357MAG in a revolver and a Marlin 1894C carbine, as well as pairings with 22LR and 44-40.

Rifle caliber pairings are doable with 5.56 x 45, and 7.62 x 39 as well.

Enjoy your acquisitions! (And buy plenty of ammo, too!)

Woody
 
My opinion if you don't have an AR-15 that's a good next purchase. There are very good deals to be had now since the panic is over. They are very customizable, (legos for adults :) ) they have good range and it's the preferred rifle platform here in the U.S.

Good luck with whatever you decide to pick up next, and welcome to THR.
 
There is a reason, several in fact, why the AR in 5.56 is the dominant choice for a self defense long arm. Low recoil, easy to shoot, less penetration through drywall than handgun calibers, buckshot or shotgun slugs and good ammo capacity. The AR is also the easiest to manipulate when if comes to "problem solving"- that is, it's easy to reload when empty and easy to clear malfunctions. Controls fall to hand and it's easy to manipulate. The moast awkward motion is locking the bolt back without an empty mag in the well.

As far a being a "Lego" rifle well, anything with rails qualifies for that
 
An AR would probably be my choice as there are currently quite a few available both new and used at reasonable prices. Shop around and chances are you'll find something to fit your budget. Ammo for them is also showing up in good quantities.

If you're looking for an affordable M1911 you might want to consider one of the RIA models.
 
If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive, never fail rifle with cheap ammo, consider the SKS.

No adult Lego needed, works fine right out of the box. Notice there is no forward assist, not needed, doesn't jam. If anything ever needs to be replaced, easy to work on, designed for uneducated, illiterate peasants. Will work in conditions that will have other rifles calling for their mama. No expensive, easy to lose magazines needed, it's built in. Real rifle .30 caliber.

Half the price of a certain Mattel stocked rifle, with a genuine wood stock. A billion Chinese love it. This is the way to go. :D
 
If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive, never fail rifle with cheap ammo, consider the SKS.

No adult Lego needed, works fine right out of the box. Notice there is no forward assist, not needed, doesn't jam. If anything ever needs to be replaced, easy to work on, designed for uneducated, illiterate peasants. Will work in conditions that will have other rifles calling for their mama. No expensive, easy to lose magazines needed, it's built in. Real rifle .30 caliber.

Half the price of a certain Mattel stocked rifle, with a genuine wood stock. A billion Chinese love it. This is the way to go


been knockin that one around too. :confused:
 
You need a serious CF rifle. Fortunately for you there are a lot of good deals out there right now. (I've been seeing a lot of AR's bought during the panic hitting the block).
I'd look at some of those or, and I'll probably get flamed on this one, but I like Mini 14's and I wouldn't be afraid to add one of them if the price was right.
 
SHTF? I suggest 7.62x39. Cheap ammo is barrier blind. To achieve the same barrier blind capability in 5.56x45 you're gonna spend at least $1.00 per cartridge.
 
I agree with the Garand suggestion :D

Get yourself a nice CMP service grade (Camp Perry is only 2hrs away!! What's taking you so long?! Get off the computer!!) and some ammo. They are very well-made, have historical value, can be loaded quickly with clips, are easy to control, and powerful.

Just so you know, SHTF talk is generally frowned upon here at THR, but my .02 cents would be that an AR15 will allow you to do many things in such a situation. They are light, ammo is light, low recoil, accurate, etc. etc.

However, the 30-06 Ball ammo has been making cover not-cover for a VERY long time and if I lived out in the hills I wouldn't feel under-gunned. In an urban area though, the AR15 would get my vote.
 
Well, AR's in 223 win the rifle matches, not the Garands. 223 is a feasible hunting round all year long,. 3006 ammo is a bit much for varminting, due to overpenetration and richochet hazards. :) The Garand is nothing but a heavy match or plinker rifle. Commercial 06 ammo is said to bend the M1's operating rod. If shtf, the NG and active military arsenals will be breeched. Guess how many rounds of 3006 or AK ammo is in them? The Garand has no flashider, isn't even threaded for one.
 
As many will undoubtedly comment, it depends on what you enjoy.

The line-up you have looks like some good choices for not a ton of money.

You might consider:

Savage/Stevens bolt action 30-30, usually under $200. Add a Williams peep sight for $85. Reload cast lead for cheap shooting, and the new flexible tip bullets with LeverRevolution powder for big game to 200 yards.

Range Officer 1911, for about $700. Plan on 2.5" groups at 25 yards, or 1.5" groups with a Kart target barrel.

Find a good milsurp Swedish Mauser. I have no idea what they go for now, but they are very nicely built, a beautiful rifle. Swap out the sights for Mojo sights. 29" barrel is a bit heavy, but it's still a very nice setup. Often 2" groups or better at 100 yards.

Any of the new crop of low cost bolt action rifles. Personally, I think the 7mm-08 might be a great all-around cartridge, and fun to shoot.

Marlin lever action carbine in 357. They are an incredible bunch of fun to shoot. Hand load cast 38 Spl for plinking, or load jacketed 357 for more serious applications. They are relatively light and handy, and can put a lot of rounds downrange quickly.
 
i dont really buy into the shtf stuff but id like a rifle that can fullfill that role just the same.
 
If you are considering a rifle for self defense, I'd get a short AR platform rifle. I have a Ruger Mini-14 for this purpose. It's accurate enough for me.

Yes to the 1911.
Perhaps another 22 rifle or a 22LR handgun of some kind.
 
If "SHTF" is a deciding factor in what gun you will purchase then you have to take the additional step of deciding what ammo you think will be available for use and resupply. You would need a very common caliber. A caliber others would also have. One easy to reload if those supplys are availble. A caliber that can be used not only for defense but hunting also. Easy to carry too.
 
I'd go for a good AK-47 or AR-15. With the AR you can change uppers out. Where I live the only time there will be a shot over 100 yards is if your next to a field and then it won't be over 350 yards, so I'd go for the AK. YMMV. Hope whatever you get you enjoy.
 
How about an accurate bolt action rifle in .308 Winchester with a 3-9x40 scope.
You can hunt with it, target shoot with it, and you'll be ready when the zombies come.
 
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