RudeMood
Member
There is a massive amount of information I’ve had to sift through (thank you internet), but I’ve finally come to a narrow down the scope of my needs and decided to get the input of THR members.
Originally I wanted a go to typical ar/ak rifle for a SHTF scenario. But, after some hard thinking, I’ve decided that I’d prefer a more all purpose work horse that I would feel comfortable taking hunting in my usual stomping grounds, or even out of state if I so chose. I felt that this would require a decent size cartridge, so I started looking past the .223/7.62x39 and researched platforms for the .308 and similar “full sized” rounds. This, of course, sent me into “battle rifle” territory. Many of these are interesting and well outside of my pocketbook and p.o.u. I’d like to note that I’m not looking for a tack driver, just something that is reasonably accurate within its round’s limitations.
That all being said, I’m looking for a semi auto “battle rifle” for under 1k all said and done. After kicking around this was what I’ve found. Feel free to correct any mistake or misassumption on my part, and any 2c will be added to the memory banks for further use later.
1. Dragonuv Type (PSL-54C? Romanian Clone)
I really like this option as it shoots the same caliber as my Mosin, which I am using as a hog gun right now. 7.62x54R is cheap and plentiful as long as I’m willing to pay shipping. The rifle on AIM Surplus comes with a scope mount and a scope and, while the model isn’t the prettiest looking when it comes to fit and finish from what I understand, it meets my requirements for use. For around +-$700 + fees and taxes I could get my hands on one (probably) fully equipped. Combined with the cost per round this sounds damn hard to beat in the long run.
2. AR-10/15 Platform
As far as I know the only people who make readily available ar-15 parts in .308 is DPMS. (Is armalite even in the game still with their ar-10?) A full setup DPMS in .308 runs about 1k give or take some according to their website. This, of course, is minus optics, which could become an issue. If I was to go this route I would probably shop around for parts and assemble the rifle myself. I think I could save cost on parts, and I feel confident enough in my mechanical aptitude to put one together from sections. I’d get better accuracy and customization out of this platform from what I understand, but I’m not sure it is necessary. The main advantage I have here is that I can purchase this gun one section at a time, thus saving myself from having to have a lump sum on hand. There is always that satisfaction of making something with your own hands as well.
3. Saiga .308
The cheapest I’ve seen for straight up gun cost, coming in around half the cost of an AR. The downside being, of course, I’d have to do the conversion to a pistol grip myself, and I know nothing about adding optics to the Saiga platform as I haven’t pursued that avenue of thought yet. However, iron sights out of the box are a plus, so optics could wait until I find what I’m looking for. I have mixed feelings about this, but the ones I’ve held at gun shows didn’t seem too bad
4. Garand
I don’t really think this is what I’m looking for, but since I know it will come up I will mention it. If I had my choice I’d be shooting a M1A Scout Squad, if wishes were horses. A Garand, of course, is a viable and less expensive alternative if acquired via CMP. Two things are keeping me from going down this road right now. Firstly, I’d rather own a gun that has magazines, call me new fashioned if you will. Secondly, I know absolutely nothing about outfitting a Garand with a scope and/or any other accessories I may need, nor modifying it to let it fire over the counter ammo. Here’s your chance to come out of the woodwork and talk me into it Garand fans.
I have other routes I could go of course. I could always just stick with a scoped bolt gun and pick up a lightweight carbine in a pistol caliber. I’ve given some thought to that setup as well as kel-tec carbines are reasonable in price, and such a carbine would be useful for home defense in addition to making a short range go to gun in a SHTF situation. Then again, I’ve never been forced into either situation before, so what do I know?
I’m pretty open minded about the whole issue, so if you think you have a better alternative to what I’m pondering let me know.
- :banghead: “RudeMood”
Originally I wanted a go to typical ar/ak rifle for a SHTF scenario. But, after some hard thinking, I’ve decided that I’d prefer a more all purpose work horse that I would feel comfortable taking hunting in my usual stomping grounds, or even out of state if I so chose. I felt that this would require a decent size cartridge, so I started looking past the .223/7.62x39 and researched platforms for the .308 and similar “full sized” rounds. This, of course, sent me into “battle rifle” territory. Many of these are interesting and well outside of my pocketbook and p.o.u. I’d like to note that I’m not looking for a tack driver, just something that is reasonably accurate within its round’s limitations.
That all being said, I’m looking for a semi auto “battle rifle” for under 1k all said and done. After kicking around this was what I’ve found. Feel free to correct any mistake or misassumption on my part, and any 2c will be added to the memory banks for further use later.
1. Dragonuv Type (PSL-54C? Romanian Clone)
I really like this option as it shoots the same caliber as my Mosin, which I am using as a hog gun right now. 7.62x54R is cheap and plentiful as long as I’m willing to pay shipping. The rifle on AIM Surplus comes with a scope mount and a scope and, while the model isn’t the prettiest looking when it comes to fit and finish from what I understand, it meets my requirements for use. For around +-$700 + fees and taxes I could get my hands on one (probably) fully equipped. Combined with the cost per round this sounds damn hard to beat in the long run.
2. AR-10/15 Platform
As far as I know the only people who make readily available ar-15 parts in .308 is DPMS. (Is armalite even in the game still with their ar-10?) A full setup DPMS in .308 runs about 1k give or take some according to their website. This, of course, is minus optics, which could become an issue. If I was to go this route I would probably shop around for parts and assemble the rifle myself. I think I could save cost on parts, and I feel confident enough in my mechanical aptitude to put one together from sections. I’d get better accuracy and customization out of this platform from what I understand, but I’m not sure it is necessary. The main advantage I have here is that I can purchase this gun one section at a time, thus saving myself from having to have a lump sum on hand. There is always that satisfaction of making something with your own hands as well.
3. Saiga .308
The cheapest I’ve seen for straight up gun cost, coming in around half the cost of an AR. The downside being, of course, I’d have to do the conversion to a pistol grip myself, and I know nothing about adding optics to the Saiga platform as I haven’t pursued that avenue of thought yet. However, iron sights out of the box are a plus, so optics could wait until I find what I’m looking for. I have mixed feelings about this, but the ones I’ve held at gun shows didn’t seem too bad
4. Garand
I don’t really think this is what I’m looking for, but since I know it will come up I will mention it. If I had my choice I’d be shooting a M1A Scout Squad, if wishes were horses. A Garand, of course, is a viable and less expensive alternative if acquired via CMP. Two things are keeping me from going down this road right now. Firstly, I’d rather own a gun that has magazines, call me new fashioned if you will. Secondly, I know absolutely nothing about outfitting a Garand with a scope and/or any other accessories I may need, nor modifying it to let it fire over the counter ammo. Here’s your chance to come out of the woodwork and talk me into it Garand fans.
I have other routes I could go of course. I could always just stick with a scoped bolt gun and pick up a lightweight carbine in a pistol caliber. I’ve given some thought to that setup as well as kel-tec carbines are reasonable in price, and such a carbine would be useful for home defense in addition to making a short range go to gun in a SHTF situation. Then again, I’ve never been forced into either situation before, so what do I know?
I’m pretty open minded about the whole issue, so if you think you have a better alternative to what I’m pondering let me know.
- :banghead: “RudeMood”
