OK guys, despite the plethora of other gun ownership/advice/bullshit threads, I decided to make my own.
I am fairly certain I will be purchasing a rifle with part of this years upcoming tax return, which is still several months out, but i’d like to get my ducks in a row now.
As much as i’d like an ar-15, I am leaning towards an AK-47 for the cost of ammunition and the overall reliability of the gun. What I am ideally looking for is something I can take to the range, shoot cheaply and reliably, and keep locked up under my bed for the zombie apocolypse. I’d also like resale value to be there if I ever decide to upgrade to something nicer.
This will be my first endeavor into the gun world and i’d appreciate insight into where to buy around here for the best deal, brands to look for, cheap ammo, and other first hand experience and advice which could sway my decision making process.
The AK47 is a much more economical choice vs an AR15. You have to determine what you really want the gun for. If you want a cheap good shooter find a nice .22 rifle to plink with. The Marlin Model 60 is a great cheap choice (sub $175 new).
The ammo for both the AR and AK is the next step up in price. You can score a nice AK47 for ~$500. Another good choice is the SKS. Almost an AK47 but cheaper, sub $350.
If you’re just looking for a cheap rifle the Ruger American is a bolt action that’s available in many calipers for $450 or less new.
If I were you I’d look at getting a used SKS or the Marlin and see how much you like shooting. Then you can always upgrade into something nicer that’ll fit your style a little better.
I never understood the allure of the AK47. It was built as a cheap gun to arm millions of Soviet peasants. Great for the battlefield of WWIII but in my experience accuracy leaves something to be desired. The AR15 is the superior rifle and very reliable if you keep it clean (as you should with any rifle). You have it right about the cheap ammo though. Eastern Bloc ammo is dirt cheap. I guess if you want to go out and make a lot of noise while sending a lot of lead downrange the Ak is a solid choice.
Edit: if you want an accurate rifle with cheap ammo that puts a big hole in something check out a Mosin Nagant. WWII battle rifle for less than 150 bucks, cant go wrong.
These are the responses I am looking for, thanks. I will definintely take a look at the SKS or Marlin as an entry level gun. I had not even considered them.
While yes, I am looking to be economical, I am not going to buy a .22. Not exciting enough for me to bite on. I’ve shot many, and the’yre like a glorified BB gun in my eyes.
I’m looking at it the same way most of you guys look at cars. Yes, they will all get us from point a to point b, but i’d like to have some fun doing it. The AK-47 seems to fit the bill in that sense. Fun, larger caliber, more economical than a nicer AR, great resale.
Ideally, just so you guys know, i’d like to be sub $1k after the gun, a few pre-ban clips, a hard locking case, and a few hundred rounds of ammo to blow through.
---------- Post added at 03:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:46 PM ----------
I’ll take a look. The more i’ve been looking into it, the more thought i’ve been putting into putting a little more down now on an ar, with the potential to add some accesories to it down the road.
In looking at my 1k target for the gun, a few preban clips, and a locking hard case, do I have a chance at getting in below that budget with an AR?
Local gun stores, forums, etc would be great direction for me if anyone has any links.
EDIT: After shooting my friends AR and AK a month or so ago, my best analogy is this: The AR is a great girl, going to grad school, has her shit together… wifey material… while the AK is cheap, dirty, sloppy, and a hell of a lot of fun… but for how long? The AK was far less accurate than the AR, but at the same time, the gun will be for nothing more than range shooting and zombie defense, lol.
Build an AR-15, if you don’t like it sell it and build an AK-47. If / When SHTF your going to want to know the parts in whatever gun you decide incase you have a failure.
Is 7.62x39 really that much cheaper than .233/5.56?
I know the Buffalo Gun Center on Harlem has S&W’s for $799. GREAT entry level AR with room to grow. I bet you can find one cheaper if you hunt around. I hate doing business with them because most of the people working there are douchebags that think they are doing you a huge favor by just talking to you. However, hey have the largest selection locally by far. Great place to go and shop around and actually handle the rifle.
Your thought on an AK is similar to mine at this point in time… i’ll keep researching.
---------- Post added at 03:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:55 PM ----------
S&W as a great entry brand, good to know. I guess it could never hurt to check them out as I approach the time to buy this, for nothing else but to ‘window shop.’
plus if you’re out near the gun center you can stop by with my things I left at your place :gay:
but to stay on topic, I know you said you don’t like .22’s, but my friend kyle has shot a ton of different guns being that he’s in the military…and he purchased a “tactical” .22 that has the appearance of an assault rifle yet the cheapness of ownership/maintenance of a .22 and seems to REALLY enjoy it for range shooting and “get the fuck outta my house” purposes.
.223 / 5.56 can be had pretty cheaply, too, and lots of places sell it, online and brick-and-mortar stores. You should contact BPipe95 on here, he’s a rifle specialist and can get you steered in the right direction.
I know Dicks’ sporting section had a Troy AR that could not be duplicated for under $1300 in components… they were Black Friday’ing it for $899.
Ah fuck dude, I keep forgetting about the vacumn plugs… or whatever the fuck they are. I’ll try to stop by soon, if anything to lend a hand with the sexy bobber project you’ve started on.
So, you guys really want me to look at a .22 eh? I’ll keep an open mind on it.