I want a "modern sporting arm" but am confused by the many choices.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

For the past few days I've been torn about the S&W Sport II and the SKU# 811000 with te handle. From a bunch of you I had decided to go with the sport II. So looking on Cabella's site I come across a century arms CA39v2 that looks really sweet. Plus I found some place on the net that sells steel cased 7.62x39 for $259 per thousand. I figure that hey, the 7.62 is a bigger more powerful round, the ammo is cheaper (I am assuming that these things were made to run on steel cased ammo) and I already have a .223 (Ruger Mini 14). This gun looks to be very well made-milled receiver and all that rot-only thing missing is the cleaning rod and bayonet lug. SO what am I missing here? Or should I want for S&W to make their own AK47??

 

[tbgunner88]

Century Arms has a spotty history with their AKs, plus I'm pretty sure there is a law that says every American has to own at least one AR

 

[dmar]

Caj, you know the answer to your conundrum, get both! AKs are awesome guns, rugged, reliable, and great firepower with the 7.62 X 39 round. I've got an NPap (a Yugo) and it's a beast... I put a nice folding stock on it, and it's real handy. Don't know a lot about the Century Arms ones, but I've heard some folks don't care for the US made milled receivers and prefer the Eastern European and Russian stamped steel receivers. You'll probably get some better input from others in this.

That said, if you don't have an AR, you really need an AR. Lots you can do with them, very accurate, easy to put a scope, or (and) a red dot on it, etc. Since you're already into the .223 caliber, maybe this makes sense for you?

I just picked up a Sport II today, very nice rifle, and a good value, too.

Nice to have choices, but I'd try to nail down both...

 

[CATI1835]

I have two CIA AKs, both recent vintage. I have not had a single problem with either. Haven't cleaned my under-folder. Kinda curious how long it will run. I use steel case ammo in these exclusively.

 

[KLYDE]

Get the best of both worlds an AR chambered for the 7.62x39mm. Many companies making quality mags and the feeding problems of the past have been solved. 30 caliber round is legal for hunting. The lower is universal, so later on you could add a different upper for minimal cost.

If uncomfortable with an AR you can always get another Ruger. The Mini Thirty 7.62x39mm. Exact same platform as your Mini 14. Just have to buy some new mags.

I paid just over $700 with an LE discount but my LGS is selling new Windhams for $800 area. They are an excellent quality rifle.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearms-knives-other-brands/452634-7-62x39mm-black-rifle.html

Another thread when I put a Leupold on it.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearms-knives-other-brands/455220-windham-ar-leupold-vxr.html

 

[gregintenn]

I'm not a tactical guy by any stretch, but my family and myself have a lot of fun shooting both AKs and ARs. Ammo is cheap, they're easy to repair if something goes wrong, and something rarely ever goes wrong.

ARs seem to be easier to work on, and easier to fire more accurately. They are like legos for grown men. You can mix, match, and swap parts to your liking. There's no end to replacement parts and accessories for them.

AKs just seem to be built stronger and tougher. I can't imagine what you'd have to do to an AK for it to not operate properly. They also look cooler to me. They are designed to fire steel cased ammo.

$500-$600 should get you a serviceable rifle in either flavor.

As they are very different creatures, I'd go for both.

 

[NAM68]

Just for a look

Try looking at Classic Firearms.com poke around that site .

 

[Gpsman]

Get both.
The CA39V2 has excellent reports on its fit finish and performance.
A Mini 14 is nice, but you need an AR.
As has been stated, every American should have one.
Both are tons of fun to shoot.
It is nice to buy 1000 rounds for just over $200.

 

[JaPes]

I have a multi part answer:

1. If your budget has room, get both. 5.56 x 45mm NATO and 7.62 x 39mm are two of the most mass produced cartridges. While the AR-15 rules in the U.S.A., the AK-47 & AK-M is the most prolific rifle everywhere else.

2. If your purpose for acquiring a modern sporting rifle is primarily as a SHTF rifle, get a decent factory complete AR-15. As I said in #1, the ubiquitous AR-15 enjoys plentiful after-market support. That competition can drive down prices. 10 to 1 your friends have an AR-15 which means you can pool resources to keep your rifles up and running.

3. A Mini-14 and an AR-15 are designed to the same thing: close to intermediate range use. If you and your Mini-14 are accustomed to each other, the only reason to buy an AR-15 is in point #2.

4. An AK-47 or AK-M is its own special thing. There's nothing else like it. Does exactly what the AR-15 and Mini-14 are designed to do: close to intermediate range. It does it with a 30-caliber projectile. The AK has its quirks that you need to get used to, but IMO it is the ultimate SHTF rifle. Generous clearances, long stroke gas piston, tapered cartridge, low maintenance (it still needs to be maintained), and a generally simpler rifle. The only reason I don't prioritize it in the USA is because we are in the USA where the AR-15 is king.

Disclaimer:

While I advocate AR-15 ownership based on it being the most popular and ubiquitous modern sporting rifle in the U.S.A., I no longer own one. The AR-15 and I just don't get along. I prefer a long stroke or short stroke gas piston operating system. They're easier for me to maintain and keep running. I own an IWI Tavor and an RWC converted IZHMASH AK-M.

 

[hangnoose]

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

I don't know which I like less "evil assault rifle" or the PC correct "modern sporting rifle". My semi auto AK47 was a Romanian based Jim Fuller build with all the required US parts. You gotta love a gun that the instructions say not to clean it until after 1,000 rounds are fired. I'm partial to the "chopper", but like AR's also. I loaded my own 7.62x39 ammo with brass & good (clean) powder and have no idea how many thousands(?) of rounds it would fire before stopping. More than 1,000 I know for sure.

 

[sigp220.45]

Ugh, enough PC nonsense. We called them assault rifles forever, and they'll try to ban them no matter what we call them now. Same with "standard capacity" magazines.

 

[tbgunner88]

Ugh, enough PC nonsense. We called them assault rifles forever, and they'll try to ban them no matter what we call them now. Same with "standard capacity" magazines.

It's not so much PC nonsense as it is common sense, an inanimate object can't assault anything.

 

[M29since14]

At the risk of repeating myself D), I will say it again. If I didn't have an AR15 now and thought some day I might want one, I would be rounding one up. The S&W MP15s are nice but there are a slug of nice ones. If you'll only own one, maybe get the Colt and be done with it. In any case, I'd definitely put the AK thing on the back burner until the AR15 is nailed down... and don't forget the magazines.

 

[GatorFarmer]

I don't know. It seems a bit too modern, what to have a rifle that not only uses self contained cartridges, but smokeless powder too. Oh, I suppose a Krag or one of them '91 Mauser's might be worth taking a chance on, if you don't mind new things. But personally, I suggest an Enfield artillery carbine in .58 caliber...and then get rid of that new fangled percussion lock and find you a smith to convert it into a proper flintlock. It will still have that fancy riflin down the bore what kids want today, but you can cast your own bullets and bottle and process your own urine to make powder for it. Now it is true, they do not use a proper man size bullet like a .75 or .69 musket, and a .58 is a small bore....but it will get the job done.

 

[BigBill]

The Russian izhmash Saiga's ak/akm unmatched when it comes to dependability and reliability. Number one battle rifle on the planet. Battle field proven in any weather. Comes in 223, 7 62x39 & 308win. Very accurate.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I would prefer a gas cylinder plug operated rifle-and the 7.62X39 round as well.

 

[alwslate]

Nothing wrong with wanting an AK but the best choices in AKs remain
the same, the pre ban rifles. Probably the best pre ban AKs for the
money are the stamped receiver Chinese rifles. Several models were
made and the quality was high and the sheet metal was heavier than
the current crop and barrel dia was larger as well. As to ammo prices,
before the latest craze and prices brass cased 5.56 mm ammo could
be bought for $300.00 a case so there still is a good reason to
consider a good AR. For a one and only AR there are lots of options
but good buys in my opinion are the Colt 6720 and Bushmaster ORC.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Evidently, you have all the S&W revolvers and 1911's that you want?

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Evidently, you have all the S&W revolvers and 1911's that you want?

Pretty much..........

 

[KLYDE]

......................................................................................................................................................................... For a one and only AR there are lots of options
but good buys in my opinion are the Colt 6720 and Bushmaster ORC.

I purchased a Bushmaster last Winter. Was not impressed with anything about it. I had gotten it on an LE promotion for a good price. I kept it new in the box. After getting my 39mm Windham and inspecting I promptly sold the Bushmaster and purchased another Windham in 5.56.

Windham was the original Bushmaster before Freedom Group bought them out and moved to Ilion NY. Windham reopened with most of the original employees. They are extremely dedicated to their product and I'll attest to it being excellent. Many quality components come standard. Chrome lined bore and chamber, M16 BCG, excellent triggers and quality attention to detail in the fit and finish. Hands down superior to the current Bushmaster. I have not owned a recent Colt. The last one I owned was a 2000 vintage. The Windham is at least equal to or better than that Colt, and I'd bet that Colt was better than the current crop. If you are serious about a decent priced, quality AR take a look at Windham.

If you are hesitant on an AR stay with the same platform you already have and get a Mini Thirty. I'll second what M29 posted above. Whatever you decide on getting, I'd get it quick. The clock is ticking.