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

Thread wouldn't be complete without a review from the Guru.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAMiqJm6li0[/ame]
 
You're right, there are a ton of choices.

Suggest getting an AR with folding front sight.
Learn to shoot it offhand, not like some guys we got at the Club who are glued to the bench.
Then get a decent trigger, red dot or scope.
 
I still say get a new model Mini14.

This is my opinion too. I chose the mini, & I am sticking to it. I have one for each family member enough magazines, and lots of.ammo.
 
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Caj, I'm with you. I'm going down the same road. I've owned a SKS and a mini-14 but sold both when I could get my investment back out of them.

Here's the only contrarian opinion on this topic you're likely to hear: buy neither unless you have a real purpose for it. I own neither but keep thinking about it. Why? Because the topic keeps coming up and so many people have them.

If you think you'll need one when the SHTF, well, I hate to butcher Basil Plumley/Sam Elliott's quote in "We were soldier's once...", but here goes; '...by the time I need one there'll be plenty of them laying all over the ground...'.

IMHO; I have enough gun projects without messing with an AR or AK. But hey, if you need a hobby then go for it.
 
If you think you'll need one when the SHTF, well, I hate to butcher Basil Plumley/Sam Elliott's quote in "We were soldier's once...", but here goes; '...by the time I need one there'll be plenty of them laying all over the ground...'.

IMHO; I have enough gun projects without messing with an AR or AK. But hey, if you need a hobby then go for it.

SHTF doesn't have to be Mad Max apocalypse doomsday. Would Katrina count as SHTF? Didn't see too many firearms laying around.

Here's a guy guarding his house with a FAL
22f9188bbb5356712ad45ab1ef61502d.jpg
 
With all due respect, that gentleman could defend his house with a .22, 20 gauge, revolver, 1911 or pretty much anything else.
 
I'd make my mind up and buy one ASAP. All the panic merchants are clearing the shelves.
 
SHTF doesn't have to be Mad Max apocalypse doomsday. Would Katrina count as SHTF? Didn't see too many firearms laying around.

Here's a guy guarding his house with a FAL
22f9188bbb5356712ad45ab1ef61502d.jpg

That's always been my response when somebody sarcastically asks me if I am preparing for "the revolution". I always reply "Not really, but more so for something like Hurricane Katrina or Sandy". When LEOs, National Guardsmen, and other first responders are thinly stretched around the area, who is going to protect your family and property from looters, criminals, and other dangerous people?
 
I completely agree about the 20. But you kind of help make my point, because neither is a 5.56...that's why he has a .308. My point related to a 'specific purpose for the caliber'. In that particular pic, he probably needs something in a 308/30-06/270, AND, something like a riot (shot)gun.

Anyhoo, Caj will probably get the S&W and be done with it.
 
That's always been my response when somebody sarcastically asks me if I am preparing for "the revolution". I always reply "Not really, but more so for something like Hurricane Katrina or Sandy". When LEOs, National Guardsmen, and other first responders are thinly stretched around the area, who is going to protect your family and property from looters, criminals, and other dangerous people?

I don't know how many took note or were even aware of the scenario that unfolded during the Rodney King / LA riots. It was shown one time on early morning TV and then quickly edited. (I saw it) Readers Digest later published a great article on that event to document what had happened.

As the riots unfolded the Korean merchants, who were not well liked by the local residents, were under siege at their stores. They were involved in ongoing gun battles that lasted close to two days. That one early morning news clip had shown them on their roof tops firing their weapons while involved in the battle. Unknown how many thousands of rounds were expended. They fought off the attackers and defended their lives and property. After the National Guard arrived and forced the Koreans to evacuate, the looters returned and burned the stores to the ground. FACT. Don't think 911 will be available in a time of crisis. You will be on your own for at least a few days.

I sold a few revolvers and now have a couple more long guns in the safe, along with plenty for them to eat....YMMV

Ruger Mini 14


Windham Weaponry SRC 7.62x39mm


 
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Caj.. I have a mini 14 and an AR15. I bought it last summer and just got around to shooting it this christmas time. I used an M16A1 in the service in the 1970s so I know how to shoot them. I didn't really want an AR for a long time because I had used the full auto version in the Army.. why would I want the dumbed down version? Well I finally broke down and bought one as they were on sale and stuck it in the safe. But like a few have said, they are like Leggos for men. I had no idea when I bought it how much the were being customized, accessorized etc. quite a lot of fun actually. So much so that I bought a 2nd one (actually I built it). Now that was fun and rewarding. That said, I have an AK on layaway as everyone should have both. The AR is the American Leggo rifle kit with all kinds off cool optics. And it shoots well too. The AK is the grunt version... a rifle than can't break, in a cool caliber and looks grundgy. So to answer your question originally.. get both. That's what I am in process of doing. I actually had the AK 3 years ago.. never fired it though... I bought it 2 weeks before Sandy Hook. 2 weeks after I sold it.. you might be able to figure out why. Oh and while you are at it pick up an SKS too. They are a blast to shoot and are also unbreakable. Just stick with the original 10 round a magazine and stripper clips. That's how they were designed and how they work best. AS for S&W and ARs.. well they are so modularized I can hardly be brand loyal to S&W. They can't give you anything another Manufacturer can't give you. I can't say the same for revolvers ..(S&W and Colt all the way) But these AR15s.. anyone can make them well.
 
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Nicest thing about the AR is you can have an upper in 7.62x39 as well (and 6.8, and 300BO and 22lr...). If you are capable of building them the cost is relatively low. And if you aren't build inclined, there are plenty of cheap uppers available all over the place. Base S&W is a good place to start in the AR world.
 
I completely agree about the 20. But you kind of help make my point, because neither is a 5.56...that's why he has a .308. My point related to a 'specific purpose for the caliber'. In that particular pic, he probably needs something in a 308/30-06/270, AND, something like a riot (shot)gun.

Anyhoo, Caj will probably get the S&W and be done with it.

I just couldn't find a similar picture with an AR. But with the right ammo (SD vs range) selection distance and accuracy shouldn't be an issue. For instance 77gr SMK rounds drop hogs at 250 yards.

In situations like that you don't need the distance of a 3006/308. Of course it helps but you can't see that far. (Distance and obstacles). But to be able to reach out a block or two or at least have someone covered from that far as they approach. Of course I wouldn't turn down a shotgun but the first thing I'd want is something quick handling and with the advantages of reaching out and having 30 rounds vs 5 - 8.
 
I guess I am the only one on Earth who prefers a .30 Carbine to any AR or AK.
I wouldn't mind the 30 but it's easier and cheaper to find and buy x39 or 556. And both have better penetration through barriers at distances.

I guess it all comes down to what you see happening in a SHTF and your area. I'm my area it's sprawling suburia. Townhouses, mansions, large shopping centers and all dotted by small patches of woods. There's almost no open flat land so there wouldn't be much use for a long range rifle like a bolt action 3006. 308 would be more than enough and in semi auto.
 
I guess I am the only one on Earth who prefers a .30 Carbine to any AR or AK.

Several years ago thought about getting one for the wife and oldest son..... IMI seems to be producing nice ones (FWIH)...... $600ish ...... but ammo was hard to find and a lot more than it was years ago.

Ended up with Beretta CX4 9mm carbines.........same mags as my 92s .......124gr at 1250-1400fps.....+500fpe.
 
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I completely agree about the 20. But you kind of help make my point, because neither is a 5.56...that's why he has a .308. My point related to a 'specific purpose for the caliber'. In that particular pic, he probably needs something in a 308/30-06/270, AND, something like a riot (shot)gun.

Anyhoo, Caj will probably get the S&W and be done with it.
\
WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Went ahead and pulled the trigger on a C39v2. Shot one and really liked it plus it EATS that cheap steel **** I bought for $259 per thousand..
 
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