Bravo11
Member
I paid about $125 for an SKS 5 years ago. $400 sounds high.
SKS vs. 12 gauge?
- Thread starter fastlanedude
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JImbothefiveth
Member
So a hunting rifle that can also be used against zombie hordes/ invasion of the U.S., right? (For self-defense, the 870 might be better.)
I saw one in a sporting goods store around thanksgiving for only $250.
I saw one in a sporting goods store around thanksgiving for only $250.
I doubt the price on the sks of any variety is going to go down at this point. I paid around $100 for my yugo a couple of years ago but to think that will ever happen again is living in the past. The going price seems to be about $400 these days; that is if you can even find one. I love my sks and I sleep great knowing that it and 1000s of rounds in spam cans lay under my bed.
Shotguns are also very nice, both are totally viable hunting/zombie weapons.
Shotguns are also very nice, both are totally viable hunting/zombie weapons.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=123036496
glenfield marlin 30-30, or basically any 30-30 is what I would recommend.
The 30-30 and the 7.62x39 (SKS and AK-47 ammo) are basically twins, except there are a lot more good hunting rounds for the 30-30.
The lever action 30-30 has 6 shots rather than 10, and you have to work the lever inbetween, but they are both quick, fast handling, fast shooting guns. The lever action is MUCH more 'politically correct' and much more common in the deer woods, and as far as the hunting angle the better ammo for it makes it clearly the superior choice there.
Both the SKS and a 30-30 will have a LOT less recoil than the shotgun. They will recoil pretty similar to the M-16, maybe a tad more.
The glenfield is a pretty accurate firearm, within reason. You'd have no trouble hitting a playing card at 100 yards, provided YOU do YOUR part. Heck at 200 yards the rifle would be able to put all 6 shots on a playing card, agian provided the shooter did his bit.
Regular Joe
Member
If you're going to suggest rifles in calibers with ammo that will be virtually impossible to find in a SHTF situation, how 'bout a nice 6.5 x 55mm Swedish Mauser? FORGET 30/30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ammo availability is even MORE important than weapon selection. I don't like the SKS. I've had 2, and they're just plain dumb. But, they do shoot. I really hated to admit that I could hit as well with them as I could with my .44 Super Blackhawk.
I have an 870 with the Knoxx recoil absorbing buttstock. For an urban defensive weapon, it's the end-all. Out where you are though, it would be the choice only if you intend to remain within the perimeter of your home and yard. Even at that, the SKS probably has merit.
If these guys only know how to load from strippers, they need to get out more. It's a very simple matter to stuff more rounds in from the top on an SKS. The pluses add up in favor of the SKS.
Ammo availability is even MORE important than weapon selection. I don't like the SKS. I've had 2, and they're just plain dumb. But, they do shoot. I really hated to admit that I could hit as well with them as I could with my .44 Super Blackhawk.
I have an 870 with the Knoxx recoil absorbing buttstock. For an urban defensive weapon, it's the end-all. Out where you are though, it would be the choice only if you intend to remain within the perimeter of your home and yard. Even at that, the SKS probably has merit.
If these guys only know how to load from strippers, they need to get out more. It's a very simple matter to stuff more rounds in from the top on an SKS. The pluses add up in favor of the SKS.
ThrottleJockey
member
Also, lets not forget. Some of the SKSs use standard AK magazines and they can ALL be converted to accept them. So stupid strippers are not the only option. Come to think of it, there are TONS of different things you can do to the SKS to make it "yours".
larry_minn
Member
Larry_, I have an 870 and Glock 22.
A few years back, I had law enforcement/drug interdiction training in the USCG, We qualified with M16 (loved shooting it), 870 (no fun here) and the Military 45, then later the 92FS 9mm.
I live in a small town ...We live at the edge of town in an organized neighborhood with large yards and brick homes.
I am planning on getting training for CWP and would like to learn to hunt. Looking for a mentor for deer season. ...I am mainly looking for an "all purpose" (I know...there's no such thing) rifle. I would use it rarely for fighting zombies, anti-americans who come to attack my family and friends, and for hunting food if needed when the SHTF. I have a limited budget for one rifle (200-400). Thanks
Question? You HAVE a 870... IS the 2nd shotgun for wife? (or is the first hers and the 2nd for you?) While its a great (idea) to have spares for everything. Most folks get another tool (so withing limits the SKS sound like better choice)
HOWEVER
What JUMPED at me is the m-16 comment. If you have training/are comfortable with the AR system stick with it. Sad to say you are looking 3x your budget. $800 for AR basic, $200 for mags,sling, $300 for ammo. (Oh to have bought pallets of ammo for UNDER $100 per 500 rds after tax)
You (could) buy a lower (considered the gun by ATF) Should be in $350 ballpark and mags/ammo. Then buy a upper later @$400 on up.
I actually WAS a fan of the SKS. When they were $100-$180 area. I still don't understand how you do a tac reload with a partially loaded SKS?? Heck I plan to call the guy with $200 SKS and buy it if he still has it...-
A few years back, I had law enforcement/drug interdiction training in the USCG, We qualified with M16 (loved shooting it), 870 (no fun here) and the Military 45, then later the 92FS 9mm.
I live in a small town ...We live at the edge of town in an organized neighborhood with large yards and brick homes.
I am planning on getting training for CWP and would like to learn to hunt. Looking for a mentor for deer season. ...I am mainly looking for an "all purpose" (I know...there's no such thing) rifle. I would use it rarely for fighting zombies, anti-americans who come to attack my family and friends, and for hunting food if needed when the SHTF. I have a limited budget for one rifle (200-400). Thanks
Question? You HAVE a 870... IS the 2nd shotgun for wife? (or is the first hers and the 2nd for you?) While its a great (idea) to have spares for everything. Most folks get another tool (so withing limits the SKS sound like better choice)
HOWEVER
What JUMPED at me is the m-16 comment. If you have training/are comfortable with the AR system stick with it. Sad to say you are looking 3x your budget. $800 for AR basic, $200 for mags,sling, $300 for ammo. (Oh to have bought pallets of ammo for UNDER $100 per 500 rds after tax)
You (could) buy a lower (considered the gun by ATF) Should be in $350 ballpark and mags/ammo. Then buy a upper later @$400 on up.
I actually WAS a fan of the SKS. When they were $100-$180 area. I still don't understand how you do a tac reload with a partially loaded SKS?? Heck I plan to call the guy with $200 SKS and buy it if he still has it...-
I have to agree with HSO, completely. Not everyone needs the latest, greatest, tactical, semi-auto to defend themselves.
In this theoretical SHTF scenario, you're not likely to be running around doing the whole Wolverine/Rambo/special forces thing, shooting zombies and killing commies. More likely you would be holed up in your house, maybe with some neighbors, trying to figure out how to feed your family and perhaps scare away looters.
Personally I think a pistol is a good thing to have (you have that covered) that you can carry on your person, as well as a shotgun for home defense.
After that all you really need is a good used deer rifle and a .22 rifle for rabbits and squirrels, IMHO. You can easily find both for under $400. Something like a Savage bolt action .308 and a Marlin model 60.
The average guy (myself included) doesn't need to go super-tactical, unless you like to play warrior. This includes "sniper rifles" as well. Very few people have the practical accuracy skills to justify a $1200 heavy-barrel custom set-up over a $250 Savage off-the-shelf hunting rifle. I've seen some of these old rifles shoot pretty good.
Don't think I'm knocking semi-autos and tactical stuff in general. If that's what you like and can afford, go for it and have fun. I just think that in the real world they're not always must-have to save your life.
The other thing you need (I'm sure you know this already but many people forget) is serious safety training for the whole family. It makes me physically ill any time I hear about someone who bought a gun to protect their family and then had a tragic accident in the home.
In this theoretical SHTF scenario, you're not likely to be running around doing the whole Wolverine/Rambo/special forces thing, shooting zombies and killing commies. More likely you would be holed up in your house, maybe with some neighbors, trying to figure out how to feed your family and perhaps scare away looters.
Personally I think a pistol is a good thing to have (you have that covered) that you can carry on your person, as well as a shotgun for home defense.
After that all you really need is a good used deer rifle and a .22 rifle for rabbits and squirrels, IMHO. You can easily find both for under $400. Something like a Savage bolt action .308 and a Marlin model 60.
The average guy (myself included) doesn't need to go super-tactical, unless you like to play warrior. This includes "sniper rifles" as well. Very few people have the practical accuracy skills to justify a $1200 heavy-barrel custom set-up over a $250 Savage off-the-shelf hunting rifle. I've seen some of these old rifles shoot pretty good.
Don't think I'm knocking semi-autos and tactical stuff in general. If that's what you like and can afford, go for it and have fun. I just think that in the real world they're not always must-have to save your life.
The other thing you need (I'm sure you know this already but many people forget) is serious safety training for the whole family. It makes me physically ill any time I hear about someone who bought a gun to protect their family and then had a tragic accident in the home.
Myles
Member
I wouldn't pay $400 for an SKS. There are far too many other options for the money.
I have to agree with an earlier poster, if you are on a budget, find a used lever action. And you can find one MUCH cheaper than $400.
While I prefer .375 Win., the .30/30 is the easiest to find ammunition anywhere within the US. Every major game animal on the continent has been taken with it. Every city, town, rural community has plenty of places to buy ammunition for it. We're hardly talking about picking up ammunition off the bodies of enemy soldiers invading your driveway.
I have to agree with an earlier poster, if you are on a budget, find a used lever action. And you can find one MUCH cheaper than $400.
While I prefer .375 Win., the .30/30 is the easiest to find ammunition anywhere within the US. Every major game animal on the continent has been taken with it. Every city, town, rural community has plenty of places to buy ammunition for it. We're hardly talking about picking up ammunition off the bodies of enemy soldiers invading your driveway.
AllAmerican
Member
I gotta agree with hso here. I just got a Remington 770 in .270 with scope for $250 out the door.
Beautiful thing in this sweet deal for me is that the rifle had never been fired by its previous owner.
Believe it that it will reach out and touch someone. You just buy a bunch of 4 round mags LOL
I do have a line on an SKS for $350 and an AK for $550. I cant afford either and I really want another pistol right now LOL
Oh this sucks... cmon summer (thats when I make all my money)
Ethereal
Member
Like it or not, $400 is the going rate for SKS's these days. Doesn't matter if it's an M59/66 Yugo or a beat to hell norinco or romanian model; everything is more money. Aside from that I'd place my bet on an 870 over an SKS in most situations. Unless you really want that type of rifle for that price compared to the now standard $650 WASR's and the $1000+ AR15's, I'd wait it out and make due with what you have. An 870 12ga. in a SHTF/ HD scenario is a classic go-to weapon and has been for a long, long time.
ThrottleJockey
member
Since you said you have a shot gun, GET A RIFLE to compliment it. Any reasonably priced rifle. The greatest reason IMO for the popularity of the sks and ak rifles WAS the abundance of CHEAP milsurp ammo. Since this stuff doesn't exist anymore, find something else, but GET A RIFLE.
I sound like an old timer, BUT it was not that long ago you could buy 1000 rounds with a 100 dollar bill and get enough change back to buy some McDonalds for the ride home from the gun show.
I look at my ammo sometimes and cry, with I would have bought more of that, 9mm for 4.75 a box, Black Hills .223 blue box for 12.50 even my .338 for 25.00 a box.
If you triple all those prices that is about current market price.
I have also been wondering how much ammo do I need when SHTF or the zombie hordes start swarming???? Can someone please answer this, I may be short.
Poor East Texan
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All this has got me thinking about a nice old 30-30 lever gun!
As I recall there were two varieties of lever guns. One Marlin but what is the other?
As I recall there were two varieties of lever guns. One Marlin but what is the other?
ThrottleJockey
member
Winchester, spencer, henry......
If you have a shotgun, and want a rifle, Get a rifled barrel for it, and some of the sabboted rounds that either Hornady or Winchester are offering. Its not a rifle, but it can launch a 300gr bullet out to 150+ yards accurately. Plus at $150 or so for a replacement barrel, you just made your shotty have the ability to reach out far and touch someone or some-thing.
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