Rifle as a Wedding Gift!!!

[240SX]

I am getting married and a close family friend has offered to buy me a new rifle of my choice as a wedding gift (don't get me wrong my fiance, soon to be wife will take full advantage of shooting it...I got her a pistol as an engagement gift & the ring too).

So I can't decide what to get. I already have a Mini 14 Scoped out, a Savage 7mm mag Scoped out, and a Remmington 700 30-06. I've been wanting a AR15, but I don't know which one to get/look at/consider as I have little experience with this firearm.

Can I get some suggestion/advice regarding this. I'm look at a budge of $800-$1200 or so. Thanks.

 

[lions]

I'd go with the AR, sounds like fun to me! There are tons of threads to search on "which AR should I get?". An AR fits right into your price range too... coincidence? Congratulations on getting married!

 

[Eightball]

See what they'll spend. AR's get pricey. What you could do, is see how high they'll go, and if that gets you the AR you want, do it and be happy. If not, see if they'd go for the idea of buying the completed lower, and meeting you somewhere in between on the rest of it (somewhere reasonable, don't take advantage of the guy). Or, just see if they'll buy the completed lower.

Three options for a modular rifle, all of which will make it easier for you to get what you want. Don't get something gimmiky that you won't appreciate later; even if you have to take "steps" to get to the rifle configuration you desire, ARs are some of the few rifles with which you can do such a thing, and you'll still treasure their contribution, however large or small it may be.

HTH.

 

[240SX]

Thanks guys, I was thinking about a couple different Bushmasters or getting a used AR and possile getting that Glock I've been wanting.

If anyone else has some advice/suggestions they are more than welcome! Thanks again!!!

 

[cluttonfred]

I can't be much help on choosing an AR, though I have noticed that some that have bought M4-style carbines have come back to long- and heavy- barreled, full-size rifles because of the increased noise and blast and loss of velocity and accuracy of the short-barreled models. If it were me, especially as you already heave a Mini-14, I would go with a full-size AR from a reputable manufacturer.

If you wanted to add another caliber to your range, I would suggest 7.62x39mm or .308/7.62 NATO to take advantage of surplus ammo. Besides the many AK variants in 7.62x39mm, your price range would get you a synthetic/stainless Mini-30 and a nice scope or reflex sight. In .308, you could get a PTR91 or, maybe by making a contribution yourself, a standard M1A or AR 10 or FN-FAL variant.

 

[240SX]

What manufacture makes a good AR? I'm not really concerned about the caliber as long as it's higher than .223. Thanks you all!

 

[cluttonfred]

Well, if you want an AR platform rifle in a caliber larger than .223 and you want the rifle in your hands for less than $1,200 then your options are not very extensive.

If you like your Mini-14, why not get one in 6.8mm Remington SPC or a Mini-30 so you have familiar ergonomics but a larger caliber?

On the AR-manufacturer question, there are many manufacturers and many opinions, search the forum and read up.

 

[moooose102]

how about something you would never buy for yourself. something that would either be a gun that you would like to have (for me it would be a .30 carbine) but you just couldn't justify spending your hard earned cash on. or a gun that was kind of obscure, something like a 45-120 sharpes.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Since you have the Mini already, if you like the platform, maybe this with your Mrs. in mind:

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5836&return=Y

Yes, a nice shorty AR might fit the bill, too---but Ruger has FINALLY made a really nifty little Mini. And then, you'd have his & hers, and can share all the add ons, etc. Very romantic, too.

From a practical standpoint, you'd both be working out with the same platform also.

The big drawback is that it's a bit overpriced (but ALL minis are these days).

Or a nice Bushmaster M-4.

Either way, congrats.

 

[Picard]

For an AR, the cheapest I've really seen with all the accessories that I want on it is from Del-Ton. You can ask if he can purchase a rifle kit for you, around $600 with chrome barrel, light-weight free float tube, upgraded grips, etc. That might be too far below his price range but it would be a nice rifle. You just have to supply the lower receiver.

For the rest of the bill, ask him to buy you some p-mags and ammo.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

First off, congratulations to you and your future wife! I'm glad y'all have found each other.

I think the NRA Edition Mini-14 is a great idea! That, or maybe a Saiga in either 7.62x39 or 7.62 NATO.

 

[240SX]

Thanks for the input you all. I suppose I've got some thinking to do. I already have a Mini 14 scoped out and lots of other goodies...so I'd like something higher than a .223. Hmmmm....

 

[CB900F]

240SX;

Does it have to be a center fire rifle? If you got gifted with one of the excellent CZ452 family in .22lr you'd be way ahead of the game. Believe me, you'd come to love it in a very short time. Marlin 39 would work too. Everybody should have a .22 rifle. Most wind up with more than one for very good reasons.

900F

 

[skinewmexico]

Let them buy you an upper, and you buy the lower. Then sell the Mini.

 

[mutt]

Heck, Get yourself a new Marlin 336 in .30.30 and you'll have enough left over get a good USAF Colt look alike in .45 . Now that's in MHO a good present , And others will truly know you have been good to yourself. Also Congrats to you and your wonderful lady.

 

[240SX]

CB900F, I've already got a Ruger 10/22 and a Remington 597, so I've got my .22lr covered (I love squirrel hunting and plinking/target shooting).

I'm think that that Mini 30 (KMINI-30-P) is pretty damn skippy, 7.62x39 caliber - Shibby. Thanks for the info on the Mini 30...Sound like a winner and I love Ruger's firearms!

But I'm still keeping an open mind...I think Bushmaster is out of the running (little too expensive - new)...however I've sure I could get a used one for the price close to the Ruger. Thanks again for all the help and suggestions everyone, I appreciate it!