What Should I buy?

[Eightball]

In a few weeks, I will have saved up enough money to be able to purchase yet another rifle ($700-ish). My problem is that I am unsure of what to purchase! I have been doing some research into the AR series of rifles, so I know that I'm going to get flooded with "buy an AR!"--and that is a consideration of mine, I know where to get good deals. However, the AR is one of many options available to me--I tend to lean towards milsurp rifles with wood on them. Here's my options as they sit:
1. AR--expensive, but good quality, low recoil (if i got one, i'd want a chrome barrel--i want it to last, not be a tack-driver)
2. M91/30--cheap, reliable, but I'd take it to a gunsmith to get a bent bolt-handle and a scope (don't read this as sporterizing, more the sniper-rifle look of WWII).
3. SKS--reliable, cheap ammo, fun knockabout semi.
4. M1--not sure if i'd get one from there, or if i'd go CMP (if CMP, i'd probably get the thing refinished somewhere), however, I'd like a .308, due to ammo compatability with 2 more of my rifles....any ideas here? and don't flame me on this one, i know it's not a pristine USGI issue that way, i just want a fun gun.
5. Possibly 2,3, and 4 (or any combo of the options above that would yield fun, accuracy)

I've researched all of these rifles, and know their pros/cons. I just thought that getting opinions from the friendly people at THR would help me out

 

[jefnvk]

The AR is not going to die on you if you don't have a chrome barrel, just an FYI.

I like my AR.
I like my M1.
I like my SKS.
I don't particularly care for the 91/30 (don't really like the bolt), but it is still a good gun.

If you want an AR, have you considered building one? Great way to learn abou thow the parts work.

If you really want to buy an M1 and touch it up, I'd go for a Danish rack grade less wood for $265, and send it to http://www.dgrguns.com. He does some excellent work. Get the $550 package, which includes a new stock, barrel in either .308 or '06, and reparkerizing. A bit more than you want, but you'll have a nice M1.

There is also something desireable about a service grade M1 from CMP, although it probably won't be pretty, it will be a good gun.

SKS is a good choice, unissued Yugos can be had for $150. Brand new centerfire semi-auto, how can you go wrong for that price?

Just remember, the question is not which one, it is which one first?

 

[KaceCoyote]

You forgot the AKM! AK is a GREAT starting rifle.

 

[countertop]

For $700 I'd get the M1 from the CMP and the Yugo SKS from Aim Surplus.

Or, if your interested in an AK clone, I can sell you my SAR-1 and a bunch of magazines. Now that I have an M1 I don't think I need it.

 

[Eightball]

for the AK crowd.....

I already have an AK. Okay, so it's a Saiga, but it's still IZMESH--uses the same action, only it uses .308/7.62 NATO. A 7.62x39 AK is on my list of "things to buy", but that'll come later on down the road (read-before the anti-gun lobby tries to pass another bill, I'm buying the first AK I see, and all the mags in the store, just in case ). Just like jefnvk said, that's more of a question of when, not if--and that when is later on.

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

Coming from the land of "buy them while you can" my generic choice would be an AR15 patterned rifle.

It's a plus that I find them more attractive than rifles with wood on them.

However, since you already expressed a fondness milsurps with wood, I'd go for #2 and #4 if it's monetarily possible.

-Jim

 

[GigaBuist]

How about an AR-180? It removes the biggest complaint about the AR-15 and seems to be pretty functional. Besides, it's just a bit different.

Okay, maybe I'm not helping by adding more choices to the table.

Given the amount of money on hand, perhaps you should dump the 91/30 idea and get a Finn M39? Just a thought.

 

[Eightball]

An AR-180 sounds like an interesting idea, but i can't find any good firsthand accounts (or any accounts of the price). But, as for the Finn M39, what's so special about those? If I could manage an m91/30 with a scope/bent handle, i'd get it, but i'm open to other suggestions for MN's (possibly some that would be easy to mount a scope onto at a point other than the rear iron sight).

 

[KaceCoyote]

I'm also looking at the AR-180 and the SU-16 myself.

 

[jefnvk]

Thre is a place that sells the repro snipers already put together. I wanna say they are in the $350-400 range.

The Finn 91's were rebarreled, and had some trigger work. This is true of the ones that simply wern't used as-captured, which some were. They exhibit better tendencies of accuracy than the plain jane 91's, and seem to be better taken care of. THey also have a pistol grip stock (some of them anyways).

 

[cracked butt]

2. M91/30--cheap, reliable, but I'd take it to a gunsmith to get a bent bolt-handle and a scope

Like putting lipstick on a pig.

Go for a Finn M389 and buy a scout scope mount for it and you'll have a real shooter.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Or, for $700-ish, you could something pretty, fun, and very well made like a Browning reproduction of a Winchester model 53 in .32-20:

 

[rbernie]

There ya go! A nice levergun (maybe a Marlin 1894C in 357 Mag/38 Special) - sounds like just the ticket. Add a good tang sight, and go have fun....