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  #1  
Old 03-04-2009, 05:18 PM
mroyal98 mroyal98 is offline
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I've been thinking about picking up a good semi-auto rifle and I don't know anything about them. I can't afford the best and I don't want the worst. Is there something in the middle that would serve as a just-in-case rifle and also be available for deer hunting (though I doubt it would replace my bolt action Savage)? What would the price range be?

The SUVs are not out of the question, but they seem to be a hassle to own and may become more or a hassle in the future.

Your thoughts?

Oh, edit to add. I have a couple of military rifles (Mosin-Nagant and Mauser) so a M1 Garand would be perfect, but the current prices seem unreasonable to me. I'm thinking that a modern equivalent rifle might exist at a better price.
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Old 03-04-2009, 05:18 PM
mroyal98 mroyal98 is offline
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I've been thinking about picking up a good semi-auto rifle and I don't know anything about them. I can't afford the best and I don't want the worst. Is there something in the middle that would serve as a just-in-case rifle and also be available for deer hunting (though I doubt it would replace my bolt action Savage)? What would the price range be?

The SUVs are not out of the question, but they seem to be a hassle to own and may become more or a hassle in the future.

Your thoughts?

Oh, edit to add. I have a couple of military rifles (Mosin-Nagant and Mauser) so a M1 Garand would be perfect, but the current prices seem unreasonable to me. I'm thinking that a modern equivalent rifle might exist at a better price.
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Old 03-04-2009, 05:38 PM
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I had a Ruger P40 carbine that was a delight to use but I never actually had a use for it. A buddy talked me out of it, and loves it with the 5 round mag for coastal range deer hunting. Puts 'em right down. Should be good for feral hogs too.

Short, handy in the brush....can use standard pistol mags too I'm told.

Not much for longer range, but great for those pesky 'minute of pie-plate' social events at close range....
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Old 03-04-2009, 05:43 PM
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You can get a serviceable M1 Garand from CMP for around $500. There's some paperwork and hoops to jump through, but its worth it when the Fed Ex truck drops the rifle at your front door.

Check 'em out here.
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Old 03-04-2009, 05:59 PM
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I picked up a really nice Remington 742 auto in .30/06 for $215 off of Gunbroker auction a few months ago. I've seen alot of them go for under $300, so mine was not a fluke at that price. I then also picked up a couple of 10 round steel magazines for $15 each for it just "because".
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Old 03-04-2009, 05:59 PM
gregintenn gregintenn is offline
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What do you think about a Ruger Mini14 or mini30? They aren't that expensive. I think they are pretty cool.
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Old 03-04-2009, 06:07 PM
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Get an AK clone, whatever the best that you can afford would be.

Minis tend to heat up and have problems when they do. Getting them worked on is expensive.

ARs... Good guns. But you're looking at about a grand for a decent one these days. You're in VA, so there's no hassle involved in owning one. I don't think .223 is legal for deer in this state. Your only "bargain" AR option would be to buy a lower and then order a parts kit from Del Ton and wait until sometime in the summer for the parts to show.

M1 Garands don't do well with commercial hunting ammo. You'll risk bending the op rod.

A Springfield M1A would work. They're expensive though and heavy.

Maybe a FAL? Good rifles. I have a Century Franken gun that I could swap or sell you since you're apparently local if you really want one. Otherwise the DSAs are good guns, but those are expensive.

An SKS would also work.
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Old 03-04-2009, 06:10 PM
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I would go with an MIA because I trained in BCT on the M-14. Though they are pricey.
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  #9  
Old 03-05-2009, 12:40 AM
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Sir, even today, a good M1 is hard to beat. You do need to operate within its design limitations, but this is not difficult. FWIW, the old M1 is my favorite rifle, hands down.

The M14 is in some ways a better design than the M1, largely because it's simpler, but not all of the commercial semi-auto clones are executed well. If you think an M1 is expensive, don't look at M1As.

ARs and AKs vary all over the map, but good ones tend to be very good--and also very costly. In many places, .223 and 5.45 are not legal for deer hunting.

SKSs have a good reputation for reliability, durability, and accuracy (for Commie guns). They're also relatively inexpensive. The 7.62x39 is in about the same ballistic ballpark as the .30-30.

FALs are somewhat similar to ARs and AKs in that the good ones are very good, but the quality of the currently available commercial clones is all over the map. A known good one will cost you.

I don't know enough about the H&K G3 and CETME clones to comment much on them. I've heard that they're overweight and over-rated. (Take that with as much salt as you deem appropriate.) H&K used to make some dandy sporting semi-autos on the same general lines as the wartime G43, but these are now scarce and expensive.

The commercial BAR is a lovely thing and capable of great accuracy, but is costly and finely fitted, so is not always happy in the field.

The various Remington commercial semi-autos have a mixed reputation--some swear by them, and others swear at them. I've never fooled with them, so can't comment further.

Ruger's Minis, both -14 and -30, have earned a reputation for inaccuracy and scarcity of good magazines. I understand the newer guns are better accuracy-wise, but they also retail for more than $600. Feh.

For a cheap deer-capable semi-auto, the SKS is probably your best bet. I'd a whole lot rather have an M1, though.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

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Old 03-05-2009, 02:13 AM
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Sentimental I know, but?
An M-1 or M-14 (M-1A).
A semi-auto BAR would be far more excitement than my aging loins could stand (or my wallet?).
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Old 03-05-2009, 04:15 AM
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Have you given any thought to an M1 carbine? I think they aren't legal for hunting deer in some areas, but I really like mine. They've become available and (somewhat) more affordable lately. I've been giving a lot of thought to putting mine into a Choate folding stock and adding a low power pistol scope on it.

Best of luck,

Dave
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Old 03-05-2009, 04:58 AM
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Choices: Garand, M-14, M1 Carbine, AR15, AK, or an SKS. I would take the Garand with the AR15 a very close second.
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Old 03-05-2009, 06:26 AM
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I'll also say the M1 Garand from the CMP.
For $600 you'll get a very nice Service Grade rifle.

Nowadays you won't find an FAL, G3/Cetme, M1A, AR10, or AR15 for less. Mini 14's and some AK's can be had for the same or less. The SKS will be the least expensive.

As far as ammo, CMP milsurp ball is one of the best ammo deals currently available. If you put in an adjustable gas plug (very easy to do and not expensive) you can use commercial 30.06 ammo in a Garand for hunting. If you don't you do risk bending the oprod, as Gatorfarmer stated. Reduced capacity clips are also available for use in areas which restrict magazine capacity for hunting semi autos.
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Old 03-05-2009, 07:05 AM
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Another vote for the M1. Only change I will make is get it from a site like gunbroker. Oris Micheals director of the CMP sent out an email to us that they are so back logged with order right now that it will be at least 100 days from the time you order one untill the big white truck shows up at your door. CMP is working 12 hours a day and closing both the north and south stores for a week to deal with mail orders only. I think a combination of the release of the M1 Carbines and the election of Obama had a large part in this. I have 8 M1 rifles now and looking for more. Yes I am classed as a Garand a holic. Most of my rifles have come from dealers on GunBroker. If you know what you are looking for it's easy to spot the bad ones. I never got a bad M1 off of GunBroker.
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Old 03-05-2009, 07:13 AM
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Quote:
What do you think about a Ruger Mini14 or mini30?
I have used a scoped Mini-30 for years and consider it an excellent gun for the money. It shoots a cartridge that is capable of taking deer at ranges under 150 yards, and the new ones are reasonably accurate. The Mini-14 is fine for plinking and varmints but inadequate for deer IMHO.

I'm also a big fan of the M1A and it is a great choice if you want to spend that much. Scopes are a little more difficult to mount if that is a factor.
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Old 03-05-2009, 07:24 AM
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I opt for the Remington semi-autos or pump action rifles. They come in a variety of calibers suitable for hunting or self-defense, are reliable, the used guns are very reasonable in price, and they have none of the "black rifle" stigma. One model in .223 uses AR-15 magazines if you think you need that.
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Old 03-05-2009, 08:10 AM
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Two thoughts...

1) Get an SKS. Despite the recent price increases, they're still so cheap that there's hardly any excuse not to get one. I have two caveats, however. First, the milsurps SKSs on the market right now are almost all Yugoslavian, which are laden with useless grenade launcher attachments and don't have chrome-lined barrels; IMHO you should spend a little extra time and comb the gun shops for a Russian or Norinco. Second, I'd avoid detachable magazines, either the aftermarket add-on type or the Norinco factory production type. Both have a reputation for unreliability, and the fixed magazine can be loaded plenty fast with stripper clips.

2) Look at a Saiga .308. It's a .308Win detachable-mag semi-auto based on a scaled-up Kalashnikov action produced by Izhmash in Russia. It's designed to skirt the ban on imported EBRs so it can be imported with 100% gin-yoo-wine quality Russian parts (i.e. no chintzy importer-installed "compliance parts" ). It's not as accurate as most modern US-produced bolt guns or an M1A, but it's certainly good for less than 1 MOD (Minute of Deer) and it would make a dandy SHTF gun with the available hi-cap mags. The main problems are (a) most were imported with dreadful hollow black plastic furniture that exudes about the same level of quality as early 90s Kia or Daewoo interior trim*, and (b) there were some serious distribution problems last year that created a backlog prior to the post-election rush, so supply is iffy and prices have been driven up from ~$400 to $550+. It's still a good deal though.

*A handful came over with nice-quality wood, but good luck finding one.
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Old 03-05-2009, 08:17 AM
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SKSs and AKs are great, but no longer inexpensive. The M1 from CMP is becoming a better value every day. Then again, you can rarely go wrong with a Remington.

Huh. Not much help, am I? Just get one (or three) of each.
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Old 03-05-2009, 08:19 AM
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I'd go for (another!) M1 Garand myself.
There seems to be a good supply of them at most good sized gun shows. Though most are over priced,,they don't seem to sell at those prices either.

A decent one can usually be bought yet for betw $500 & $700. Do some homework on what to look for and then do some shopping. Plenty of parts available for maint.

As far as using it for deer hunting, 5 shot enbloc clips are available to meet those regs. MilSurp M1 30-06 ammo can be used if you pull the FMJ bullets and reseat with commercial softpoints. Saves alot of reloading hassel for a few hunting and sighting in rounds.

The older Remington commercial semiauto rifle (M742??) is good suggestion also. They usually go begging for owners on gunracks.
The Browning commercial BAR semiauto would be a nice one too. There's one on one of the auction sites now in 30-06 for under $800.

For the cool factor, you could go with a Remington Model 8 or 81. Either in cal.35 Remington,,or the latter in 300 Savage
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Old 03-05-2009, 01:00 PM
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I love the Garand, except when I have to carry the darn thing. I took mine out deer hunting once. It seemed to gain a pound every 10 minutes. Sure made me appreciate all the old dogfaces that carried them in the WWII and Korea all the more. I think the old Remington 742 would be a good deal, as long as it's not worn out.
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Old 03-05-2009, 02:35 PM
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Quote:
I love the Garand, except when I have to carry the darn thing. I took mine out deer hunting once. It seemed to gain a pound every 10 minutes. Sure made me appreciate all the old dogfaces that carried them in the WWII and Korea all the more. I think the old Remington 742 would be a good deal, as long as it's not worn out.
Exactly +1!
The original poster wants to hunt deer with his prospective new semi-auto rifle, not go into battle! Who in the he*l wants to lug around a 9 pound (or more) M1 while deer hunting?
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Old 03-05-2009, 03:40 PM
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The U.S. Rifle Cal .30 M1...hands down...end of discussion.
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Old 03-05-2009, 05:09 PM
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Rifle is spendy but the spares are not. Joe
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Old 03-05-2009, 05:18 PM
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I will just stay with my winchester model 88 with peep sight, its accurate, and reliable and in .308
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Old 03-05-2009, 05:22 PM
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I'm happy with the M1 Carbine. It is short, light, and accurate (once you get used to the peep sights). I decided not to put a scope on it, I just couldn't stand to drill and tap it, since I got it from my grandfather. I don't really use it a lot, but it is certainly a neat little rifle. I prefer the 20 round mags in it, as the larger ones tend to hit, hang, snag, etc on anything and everything when I use them. Good luck!
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Old 03-05-2009, 06:05 PM
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It's a tough call for me but I'll have to say the M1



I'm awfully fond of the M1 Carbine though. I grew up shooting one and have a lot of respect for it.



The AR 15 is one of my least favorite semi-auto rifles.
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Old 03-05-2009, 07:06 PM
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Solemn nod...
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Old 03-05-2009, 07:17 PM
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Thank you all. I apologize for the "range" of my desires, especially when I threw my admiration for the Garand. I do think you have properly bracketed it for me. Now, as someone suggested, it's homework time for me.

Kind regards,

mr
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Old 03-05-2009, 07:22 PM
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Ruger Mini 30.



I like handloads of 150g NBT over 23.5g H4198 for 2100fps at the muzzle. Hits with authority, light to pack. Mine's VERY accurate.
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Old 03-05-2009, 09:33 PM
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The M1 carbine is short/light, easy to carry all day and at 100 yards quite accurate.
30 carbine ammo is still somewhat affordable as well.
Get the Garand and the Carbine and share in American history too!
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Old 03-05-2009, 10:54 PM
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I am fond of the AR,s and M1's are grand. But for some strange reason I pick up my OLD model Ruger Deer Slayer 44 carbine. Biggest problem is whice one Peep sites or scope. I really like them both. No deer has ever walked or ran away.
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Old 03-06-2009, 06:25 AM
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Another vote for the M-1 Garand.
The previous comment about modern 30-06 ammo causing damage to the op-rod is true.
The trick is to install an adjustable gas plug.
Easy to do.
Open it up all the way on initial firing and close it down just enough to cycle the rifle.
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Old 03-24-2009, 02:12 PM
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Just to update all of you fine gentlemen who offered opinions and to thank you once again. My homework is done and although the new toys tempt me, I am ordering a M1 Garand AND a M1 Carbine from CMP (Service Grade). That's the biggest stretch I could make with my pocketbook.

They will look mighty nice in my gun rack along with my MOD 98 Mauser and Mosin-Nagant (both with bayonets).

I hope they don't sell out before my order gets in.

kind regards,
marion
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Old 03-24-2009, 02:32 PM
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Did somebody mention a BAR? This one counts .... it's a semi. The M1 is a "parts gun" built on a CMP, barreled receiver a couple of years ago.

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Old 03-24-2009, 03:29 PM
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I have several M1 Garands in my collection and I love 'em, but I don't think they are a good "all around" semi-auto.

Both the SKS and AK clone have been suggested, they're good semi-auto's and the 7.62x39 is a effective all around defensive and hunting round.

But for me, also as suggested, I'd go with a carbine. I like both the Ruger PC4 and M1 carbine, and I lean a little more towards the PC4 because of ammo commonality with my Glock 23 in .40 S&W. The PC4 is plenty accurate out to 100 yards, takes standard Ruger P series handgun magazines plus 20 and 30 round magazines are available for it. Would do well as a home defense weapon, and could be used for close in deer hunting up to 50 - 60 yards.

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  #36  
Old 03-24-2009, 07:21 PM
sar4937 sar4937 is offline
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Favorite all-around semi-auto rifle Favorite all-around semi-auto rifle Favorite all-around semi-auto rifle Favorite all-around semi-auto rifle Favorite all-around semi-auto rifle  
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Now I Know it's not a semi-auto, but an old school lever gun carries a lot of ammo and can be fired relatively quick with a little practice. 30-30's are around $500 in nice shape. Sorry for the late post, good luck with your purchase. I have an M1A and love it.
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  #37  
Old 03-24-2009, 08:18 PM
odjoe odjoe is offline
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belt fed
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