What rifle should I get next?

[SW01SS]

I'm trying to decide what rifle I want next. I already own a handgun and a .22lr rifle. Next thing I want is a larger caliber rifle and I'm torn between getting something bolt action in .308 or similar, or a semi auto in .223, 7.62, 5.45, ect.. Budget is very very tight (ARs and similarly priced bolt actions are out of the question) so I'm thinking Mosin Nagant or SKS. Open to other budget friendly suggestions as well. Would be nice to have something that makes a good SHTF rifle just incase... But mainly, if you could only buy one, would you buy bolt action or semi auto first?

 

[Ματθιας]

What's your budget? Once we know that, we could narrow it down for you.

 

[CatSnipah]

If you like the milsurps, both Mosins and sks are awesome. I have a standard mosin and a PU Sniper. On the sks side, a 1954 Russian rearsenal and a 1967 Norinco in a modern tapco stock. Love them all.

Depends on if you want to go bolt action big kicker or lighter shooting semi auto. I got one of the Mosins, then the Chinese sks, then the sniper mosin, then the Russian sks. In that order.

 

[Texas Star]

I'd look for a nice condition No. 4 MK 2 Lee-Enfield. The US equivalents like the '03 Springfield are much higher priced.

I don't like Moisin-Nagants. They're too crude and the actions don't work as smoothly as the Lee.

One particular dealer who advertises a lot has new condition Yugo Mauser M- '98's. Also has some German-made '98's, some in nice shape.

Avoid the M-93 and M-95 Mausers in 7mm. Some look really good, but they're too old for some modern ammo and some have soft steel, and were never issued as the bolts set back on proof firing. Unless you know exactly what you're doing and know the rifles well, stay away from them. The Swedish 6.5mm's may not have that soft steel issue. I don't know. Craftsmanship was excellent.

If you can afford a used Winchester M-70 like the 1972 version or a later one, I'd buy that or Ruger M-77 in .270, .308, or .30/06. Ammo is more easily available than .303 British and I think a good hunting rifle is a better choice than old milsurps. Buy one with iron sights to use until you can afford a good 'scope and mount. I'm less happy with Remington M-700's, on both a design flaw (dangerous trigger) and quality basis. But modern Savage bolt actions are said to be very good value and quite accurate.

Still, if you can pick up a nice No. 4 .303 for under $300, it may be your best bet. Buy a couple of spare extractor springs. They tend to eventually break. The postwar rifles are usually better finished than WWII ones. But collectors are causing prices to rise and you have to be lucky to find a nice one for reasonable cost.

Unless you know what you're about, keep in mind that milsurps are somewhat risky buys. Some have mismatched bolts and have been used and stored under unknown conditions. With a new Savage, you get a warranty and know that you have a reputable brand that'll repair any defects.
But I don't know if they offer any models with factory installed iron sights. Those are probably most common on Rugers and CZ's.

I think you need to read Jack O'Connor's, "The Hunting Rifle" before you go buying rifles. It's somewhat dated (he died in 1978) but will give you invaluable basic knowledge.

 

[Cal44]

If I had the choice between a bolt action and a semi-auto I'd get neither and buy a lever action.

Rossi makes good low cost rifles.

 

[SW01SS]

What's your budget? Once we know that, we could narrow it down for you.

The bang for the buck value of a Mosin is hard to beat. So as far as bolt action rifles go, I'd say $250. Don't know if anything else besides the Mosin falls into that budget that also has affordable and readily available ammo. For an SKS or other semi auto up to $400.

 

[SW01SS]

If you like the milsurps, both Mosins and sks are awesome. I have a standard mosin and a PU Sniper. On the sks side, a 1954 Russian rearsenal and a 1967 Norinco in a modern tapco stock. Love them all.

Depends on if you want to go bolt action big kicker or lighter shooting semi auto. I got one of the Mosins, then the Chinese sks, then the sniper mosin, then the Russian sks. In that order.

I plan to have both a bolt and semi auto eventually, but for now I can only buy one and it'll be my last gun purchase for at least 6 months... I leaning towards the Mosin as I feel the slower rate of fire will help me focus more on the fundamentals and become a better overall shooter and it also has it's purpose in SHTF.

 

[SW01SS]

I'd look for a nice condition No. 4 MK 2 Lee-Enfield. The US equivalents like the '03 Springfield are much higher priced.

I don't like Moisin-Nagants. They're too crude and the actions don't work as smoothly as the Lee.

One particular dealer who advertises a lot has new condition Yugo Mauser M- '98's. Also has some German-made '98's, some in nice shape.

Avoid the M-93 and M-95 Mausers in 7mm. Some look really good, but they're too old for some modern ammo and some have soft steel, and were never issued as the bolts set back on proof firing. Unless you know exactly what you're doing and know the rifles well, stay away from them. The Swedish 6.5mm's may not have that soft steel issue. I don't know. Craftsmanship was excellent.

If you can afford a used Winchester M-70 like the 1972 version or a later one, I'd buy that or Ruger M-77 in .270, .308, or .30/06. Ammo is more easily available than .303 British and I think a good hunting rifle is a better choice than old milsurps. Buy one with iron sights to use until you can afford a good 'scope and mount. I'm less happy with Remington M-700's, on both a design flaw (dangerous trigger) and quality basis. But modern Savage bolt actions are said to be very good value and quite accurate.

Still, if you can pick up a nice No. 4 .303 for under $300, it may be your best bet. Buy a couple of spare extractor springs. They tend to eventually break. The postwar rifles are usually better finished than WWII ones. But collectors are causing prices to rise and you have to be lucky to find a nice one for reasonable cost.

Unless you know what you're about, keep in mind that milsurps are somewhat risky buys. Some have mismatched bolts and have been used and stored under unknown conditions. With a new Savage, you get a warranty and know that you have a reputable brand that'll repair any defects.
But I don't know if they offer any models with factory installed iron sights. Those are probably most common on Rugers and CZ's.

I think you need to read Jack O'Connor's, "The Hunting Rifle" before you go buying rifles. It's somewhat dated (he died in 1978) but will give you invaluable basic knowledge.

These rifles you are suggesting sound like great options but they are at minimum 3 times the price of a Mosin, and also way out of my max budget even if I wanted them. Ammo is also far more expensive. As I said above I feel the bang for the buck value of the Mosin is hard to beat. The more affordable ammo means more practice and more proficiency with the rifle.

 

[SW01SS]

If I had the choice between a bolt action and a semi-auto I'd get neither and buy a lever action.

Rossi makes good low cost rifles.

I'm not really into lever action rifles, but I will check out a few including Rossi. Thanks for the suggestion.

I just found an SKS with full poly stock, folding stock, 6x32 scope, 30rd mag, original 10 rounder with 2 boxes of stripper clips, and 120rds of ammo for $360. Also found a Mosin in great shape for $160, which I can add in a carry case and 500rds of ammo for $140 more totalling to $300. Decisions.......

IF ANYONE CAN EXPLAIN HOW TO MULTI-QUOTE I'D APPRECIATE IT. Off topic but I tried hitting the multi quote button on each post and then the quote button on the last post I wanted to include but then it just only quoted that one post.

 

[Rustyt1953]

If I had the choice between a bolt action and a semi-auto I'd get neither and buy a lever action.

Rossi makes good low cost rifles.

Cal beat me to it. A pistol cartridge, lever action carbine is a very versatile tool. Just give it some thought. Good luck.

 

[Ματθιας]

The bang for the buck value of a Mosin is hard to beat. So as far as bolt action rifles go, I'd say $250. Don't know if anything else besides the Mosin falls into that budget that also has affordable and readily available ammo. For an SKS or other semi auto up to $400.

Mosins are slowly going up in price, but if you want a better quality, more accurate Mosin, I'd look for a Finn reworked M91/30 or an even better M39.

There's also the 7.62Nato Indian 2A or 2A1 Enfield. They are very accurate and ammo is available.

SKSs can be found under $400 but I'd look for an unmodified Chinese.
There's also the Vz2008/Vz58 and packages can still be found for $400-500 that include four magazines, for a total of five, pouch, cleaning kit and bayonet!

 

[alwslate]

Milsurp bolt actions can sometimes be the best bang for the buck.
But...for the less knowledgeable they can often be money wasted if
you don't really know what to look for. The Ruger American bolt action
gets better press than the economical offerings from other
manufacturers and can often be found on sale. For less than the price
of a used SKS you could have a new bolt action and a fairly decent
scope. There are some very good buys in used hunting rifles and most
will have seen little use. The push feed, wood stocked Win md 70s
usually came with iron sights are very good buys sometimes. The
.223 and .308 are the best caliber choices for obvious reasons.

 

[Fishinfool]

Well, for about $325, you can buy a brand new Ruger All American bolt action rifle. They are getting great reviews for a "budget" rifle, and have Rugers excellent customer service backing them.

Larry

 

[hangnoose]

TELL US MORE.

Budget/ intended use/ realistic expectations. For someone with only a few guns, I feel a pump shotgun with a 24-28" smoothbore barrel (bbl) and a shorter smoothbore bbl 18 1/2" (legal minimum without special permit) to 20" preferably with choke tubes can handle all your needs to 100 yards for the least $.#1 on my list would be an older wood stocked Remington 870 wingmaster, NOT a newer express model, OR a Mossberg or Maverick mdl 500/88 respectively. All those have an almost endless amount of aftermarket add ons from pistol grips- to overmolded rubber stocks/ heat shields (for the SHTF/ZOMBIE threat), as well as being able to hunt just about anything in most states (at closer ranges). A maverick 88 can be had new for under 200$. another good value IMO are one of the older Marlin (pre-remlin) 336 version lever rifles I prefer the 35 caliber but I reload, the 30-30 ammo will be cheaper & easier to find. A good conditioned one you should be able to find for app 350$. "MY" suggested order of collecting for someone with no guns would be : 22 lr caliber rifle, 12, or 20 ga shotgun, open sighted lever rifle, short action carbine length bolt rifle low power scoped in 308 caliber. Even though I prefer the 7mm08, the 308 has a wider selection of heavier bullets and is a NATO round & still much more common to find ammo almost anywhere. Then pistol & more specialized rifles/shotguns & before you know it you will need 2 safes. MY 2 CENTS.

 

[Sailfish 40]

Put an ar 15 on layaway. i don't see bolt gun being banned anytime soon.

 

[SW01SS]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, but for the price I don't think my mind can be swayed from a Mosin, I'd rather find a nice and get and 1000rds to go practice to my hearts content, than spend 3 times the price on another rifle and maybe be able to buy 40rds of ammo to hit the range with. It's when I factor in all the extras like a carry case and a decent amount of ammo that I really start to get killed on my budget and the value of the Mosin seems more appealing. I also found what I think is a really nice package deal on an SKS that I mentioned above. So I'm not sure which one I want.

In response to hangnoose, a shotgun is definitely on my list in the future, but I'm really itching for a rifle now. Intended purpose is something that allows for a lot of practice and fun at the range, and will also serve as a useful tool if SHTF in addition to my sidearm and .22 rifle.

 

[Arik]

That's like asking what should I have for lunch! Answers are gonna very from person to person even about the same rifle.

For instance, I disagree with Taxes Star about the Mosins. I think they are made just fine. They have been working since 1895, how crude can they be!? On the other hand they are cheap now, we're cheaper 5-6 years ago. Eventually the ammo will dry up or be banned. Tin of 440 rounds used to be $50 5 years ago, now it's $110 +/-. If you're going to buy one do it now and stock up on ammo right away. These rifles are generally not moa. Were never ment to be. Originally sighted in that if you aimed at the belt buckle you would hit center mass. This is a quick way to get millions of people armed without having to teach aiming at different distances. The rifles and their users that proved to be exceptional were turned in to snipers. Now these rifles have been used anywhere from 60 - 100 years....used, captured, re arsenalled, reused, recaptured, sold off and used some more.....coupled with different ammo from different countries and different lots you will have a hard time going past 500 yards. Sometimes going from a tin of ammo made in 1967 to one made in 68 even from the same country will change your results. There are too many variables to have a consistent rifle. On the other hand, if you don't mind having a 2-4 moa rifle that can hit center mass at open sight distances then you have a fine rifle, in that respect. The true sniper rifles capable of consistent and accurate 1000 yard shots are few and far between today.

Another question. ..have you ever shot one? Or any ww2 bolt action rifle? They are wood and steel. Most people have a hard time getting past the recoil after 5 - 10 shots let alone shooting to their hearts content. I shoot them often and usually go through a few hundred rounds. This leaves a nice black and blue mark on my shoulder! Mausers and Enfields are no different.

A few Mosins with 2 Enfields (not pictured). Got a few more since this pic was taken

If I were you I'd get a modern semi auto which takes common ammo. It will be cheaper and more advantage to you. Save money and look around. Right now is a good time to get into a AR. There is a surplus of them and many places are selling them cheap(er) to move the product. You can practice all day with 5.56 and not feel a thing. Before you go off taking out zombies at 1000 yards get good at doing that at 50 - 400 yards. If you're thinking of SHTF then that is much more useful than the occasional 1000 yard shot.

223 practice ammo is around $6 a box and you can pick up bulk ammo for about $250 per 1000 depending on the manufacturer and the type of ammo (plinking, specialty). It will save you money in the long run. mags run about $10 each.

At the moment this is what I would stick with. I like 7.62 x39 and AKs. Have plenty of them but right now Russian imports are banned and the future is uncertain with cheap import. American made ammo is almost double the price. Wolf is around $5 and Winchester is $10. There is still plenty of it but if you were going for a x39 I would get several cases immediately and set them aside.

Don't even bother with 5.45.

 

[RobertJ.]

If I had the choice between a bolt action and a semi-auto I'd get neither and buy a lever action.

Rossi makes good low cost rifles.

This was going to be my reply. A good Winchester Model 94 can still be found at a pretty decent price.

If you're looking for a bolt action that has some power, how about a Model 98 Mauser, in 8mm? I'd take that over a Mosin any day. Sure, it's going to cost just a little more, but it's a far better rifle. The Yugoslavian copy is decent, and still affordable.

When a custom rifle maker is looking for an action to build on, it's usually a Mauser.

 

[Arik]

This was going to be my reply. A good Winchester Model 94 can still be found at a pretty decent price.

If you're looking for a bolt action that has some power, how about a Model 98 Mauser, in 8mm? I'd take that over a Mosin any day. Sure, it's going to cost just a little more, but it's a far better rifle. The Yugoslavian copy is decent, and still affordable.

When a custom rifle maker is looking for an action to build on, it's usually a Mauser.

Not to argue this but Imo the two are not any different. For his budget what a custom rifle manufacturer does is irrelevant. Both rifles shoot a powerful cartridge. And both can be hit or miss. I went through my share of Yugoslav Mausers that grouped large side of barn at 100 yards. Like the Moisins they are used war rifles in varying degrees of "used" with many different surplus ammo. From the more mild Yugo ammo to the hot Turkish ammo. Keeping consistency will depend on the rifle's condition and getting a steady supply of the same ammo. Swedish Mausers are well built and accurate. Never saw service and chambered in a equally accurate 6.5x55 ammo. Price wise the ammo is expensive with PPU fmj being the cheapest at about $15 for a box of 20.

 

[SW01SS]

That's like asking what should I have for lunch! Answers are gonna very from person to person even about the same rifle.

For instance, I disagree with Taxes Star about the Mosins. I think they are made just fine. They have been working since 1895, how crude can they be!? On the other hand they are cheap now, we're cheaper 5-6 years ago. Eventually the ammo will dry up or be banned. Tin of 440 rounds used to be $50 5 years ago, now it's $110 +/-. If you're going to buy one do it now and stock up on ammo right away. These rifles are generally not moa. Were never ment to be. Originally sighted in that if you aimed at the belt buckle you would hit center mass. This is a quick way to get millions of people armed without having to teach aiming at different distances. The rifles and their users that proved to be exceptional were turned in to snipers. Now these rifles have been used anywhere from 60 - 100 years....used, captured, re arsenalled, reused, recaptured, sold off and used some more.....coupled with different ammo from different countries and different lots you will have a hard time going past 500 yards. Sometimes going from a tin of ammo made in 1967 to one made in 68 even from the same country will change your results. There are too many variables to have a consistent rifle. On the other hand, if you don't mind having a 2-4 moa rifle that can hit center mass at open sight distances then you have a fine rifle, in that respect. The true sniper rifles capable of consistent and accurate 1000 yard shots are few and far between today.

Another question. ..have you ever shot one? Or any ww2 bolt action rifle? They are wood and steel. Most people have a hard time getting past the recoil after 5 - 10 shots let alone shooting to their hearts content. I shoot them often and usually go through a few hundred rounds. This leaves a nice black and blue mark on my shoulder! Mausers and Enfields are no different.

A few Mosins with 2 Enfields (not pictured). Got a few more since this pic was taken

If I were you I'd get a modern semi auto which takes common ammo. It will be cheaper and more advantage to you. Save money and look around. Right now is a good time to get into a AR. There is a surplus of them and many places are selling them cheap(er) to move the product. You can practice all day with 5.56 and not feel a thing. Before you go off taking out zombies at 1000 yards get good at doing that at 50 - 400 yards. If you're thinking of SHTF then that is much more useful than the occasional 1000 yard shot.

I have never shot any of the old wartime bolt action rifles. I am not recoil sensitive at all though. Have fired much more powerful guns and seen a few Mosins at the range and they don't seem to kick too bad at all.

I found the 440rd tin for 89 bucks. I don't intend to use the rifle at anywhere near 1000yds. 400-500yds max is what I was thinking, and thats only if I did some kind of long range training course as my local range only goes to 100yds and I'd need to drive 2.5 hours to get to a 200yd range. If I happen to get one in really good shape that can be good at beyond 400-500yds, then great, but I'm not expecting it, and probably will never be able to test it that far.

I don't know where you're looking, but .223/5.56 is no where remotely near the cost of 7.62x54r. And on top of that I'm looking at a 500 dollar minimum investment on the rifle by itself, then I need a case, several magazines, ammo, and eventually an optic. It's just too much. The SKS, while not being as great of a platform, as well as bigger and heavier, is still a formidable rifle, and ammo is just as easy to find as 5.56. I'm looking at a chinese Norinco 56 SKS with scope, 2 stocks, 120rds of ammo, 30rd mag, original 10rd mag, and 2 boxes of stripper clips all for $360. To get a similar package for an AR I'm looking at spending a minimum double that price. Just not feasible for me now or in the foreseeable future as much as I'd like to have one. Or I can go Mosin for $160 and pick up 1000rds and be set. The simplicity of that sounds nice.