Advice on Tactical Rifle Purchase

[itsthelaw]

I am looking to purchase a military-style tactical rifle to add to the gun collection. It will be used for shooting at a range and for potential SHTF situation. My fear is that they will be banned again or at least attacked for their capacity.

I would like to hear any comments on the various calibers available, quality manufacturers, ability to customize, reliability, etc. The story of Windham Weaponry is a great one, so may go in that direction if looking for AR-15. This will be my first one, so I am relatively clueless other than what I have read so far.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[jeepster09]

If I were to buy another one it would be .308 caliber. It has more useful options. YA I know ammo cost more, but it is a better caliber. I would even consider a SOCOM M1A if you can afford it, less hassle cleaning due to gas system used than an AR.

[itsthelaw]

If I were to buy another one it would be .308 caliber. It has more useful options. YA I know ammo cost more, but it is a better caliber. I would even consider a SOCOM M1A if you can afford it, less hassle cleaning due to gas system used than an AR.

What do you mean by "more useful options"? It looks a bit rich for my blood.

[Barth]

A less pricey option might be a Mini 30
http://www.ruger.com/products/miniThirty/models.html

Mini 14 Tactical looks interesting too.
http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14...le/models.html

[steveschu]

If I were to buy another one it would be .308 caliber. It has more useful options. YA I know ammo cost more, but it is a better caliber. I would even consider a SOCOM M1A if you can afford it, less hassle cleaning due to gas system used than an AR.

I agree with choosing the Springfield SOCOM 16. I also agree with a quote from the Users manual "Your M1Afirearm is one of the finest military-type firearms ever built."

[les strat]

I think you are absolutely right. After what happened in Colorado, the UN Treay meeting on the 27th, and of course, the election, BUY NOW.

An AR would be good. Common ammo, very accurate rifles. Windham makes great rifles, and there are a lot of other companies making great rifles as well. Whatever you get, get one that is for 5.56, which will shoot 5.56 and .223. The opposite is not true and can be dangerous.

An AK is also a good SHTF buy. Most of them have went up in the last year or so, and even WASR's are over $500. Mine runs like a champ, eats cheap Tula/Monarch ammo, and begs for more. Just check that the front sights and gas block are straight in line, and it will be good to go. Unbeatable dependability and tons off 7.62 ammo in the USA.

Don't't skip over a good short-barrelled shotgun. A Rem 870 or any of the Mossy persuader-type shotties or Benelli's (if you got the dough) are good to have and are way better for close quarters than an AK or AR.

Or get one of each

[jeepster09]

I think you are absolutely right. After what happened in Colorado, the UN Treay meeting on the 27th, and of course, the election, BUY NOW.

An AR would be good. Common ammo, very accurate rifles. Windham makes great rifles, and there are a lot of other companies making great rifles as well. Whatever you get, get one that is for 5.56, which will shoot 5.56 and .223. The opposite is not true and can be dangerous.

An AK is also a good SHTF buy. Most of them have went up in the last year or so, and even WASR's are over $500. Mine runs like a champ, eats cheap Tula/Monarch ammo, and begs for more. Just check that the front sights and gas block are straight in line, and it will be good to go. Unbeatable dependability and tons off 7.62 ammo in the USA.

Don't't skip over a good short-barrelled shotgun. A Rem 870 or any of the Mossy persuader-type shotties or Benelli's (if you got the dough) are good to have and are way better for close quarters than an AK or AR.

Or get one of each

I think 308 Winchester is a better all around caliber, you can use it for deer, elk, shtf and any other game from coyotes all the way up to large types. The 223/556 caliber is more limited. The mini 30 is NOT 308 Winchester. If you do go with AR, look for a chrome lined barell at least, cost a little more but will last longer with less problems.


Mini 30:




S&W AR OR:

[QuercusMax]

I, too, am contemplating such a purchase. Several items are on my short list.

Meanwhile, I actually *do* have a black rifle: It's an M&P 15-22, and it's pure joy to shoot - and inexpensive. I have the Performance Center version, with lots of additional 25 rd mags and an A2 flash hider screwed on to the end, but the cheaper 15-22's are a lot of fun, too.

If and when I decide to look for its big brother, I've been eyeing a Colt 6920, M&P 15, or maybe (drool) an FN SCAR 16s or 17s. :4:

Or maybe I'll buy something else first.

[jeepster09]

You could always consider a Bolt rifle, I like my Ruger Gunsite 308.

[PYROhafe]

you guys are killin me! I want to add a nice "black" gun to my collection especially with all this hoo ha goin on right now.... Ide like to find one that can double as a cheap 22 shooter for fun days at the range, but throw it into a shtf situation when swapped back to meaner ammo

[Indigo]

Here's my favorite toy fitting your needs. Springfield M1A Socom 2 with extended rail, Trijicon ACOG 4x32 TA-31F-G scope on quick-release Larue RCO mount. It's my first rifle and after 3 months I generally spend 2 days a week shooting 40 rounds of .308 each time. 20 at 100 yds (left) and 20 at 220 (right). For my needs 20 .308 rounds inside 6" should obliterate anything moving. As you can see at 220 yds my rounds are spread out to 10" but that's more of a limitation to the scope than the rifle. This setup would drop things really fast as a higher priority than hitting a 2" group and I'm good with that.

[itsthelaw]

That SOCOM is beautiful, Indigo. All these guns are very cool. What's the highest round capacity for the SOCOM?

[Indigo]

I have Springfield 20 round factory mags (it comes with one 10-rounder) and they don't make 30's but there may be after-market 30 rounders available. I wanted that capacity but that would make for a pretty long magazine just length-wise in this gun. My dream gun would be a 5.56 M1A. Too bad it doesn't exist though. But .308's will do some serious damage. It's my pride and joy thank you.

[itsthelaw]

I sent you a PM, Indigo.

[jeepster09]

Socom is way to go!!!! Looks awesome.