Advice on Tactical Rifle Purchase

[Indigo]

Here's this mornings target. Shot a higher quality ammo than I typically shoot at range first 20 rounds high so 2 clicks down put next 20 right around the middle. Like I said this is not a 2" group rifle but if I can put 40 rounds inside 8" quickly without a lot of moving parts to constantly adjust my goals are satisfied.
PM returned.

[ltxi]

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.

Conventional wisdom would suggest a quality AR-15, and I agree although I don't own one.

A few decades ago I decided on 7.62x39 and .308 for this kind of work.

[titus1971]

I was thinking the same thing a few months ago just in case they were banned after the election and/or we had a "apocolyptic" situation. I decided on an M&P 15 sport model because
1. It was cheap $699 for the sport model, no dust cover or forward assist but the whole time I was in the Desert I dont think I ever had to use the forward assist.
2. In a true SHTF situation you want an ample supply of ammo in the event you cant just go to the store and get some. They Army, Highway patrol, sheriff dept. etc all use the AR-15 so 5.56 ammo would be plentiful in a "scavanging" situation (same reason I went with .40 cal handgun), it's widely used
3. Along with ammo availability in a SHTF situation, you should also be able to scavenge spare parts for an AR style becasue they are so plentiful and the parts are interchangeable
4. It's light if you had to travel/hike/hideout etc. That's actually one of the reasons the Army chose that platform,
5. Good supply of ammo on the open market, SD rounds, AP rounds, sniping rounds and it's relatively cheap (compared to high powered rifle calibers)

[itsthelaw]

Titus - Thanks for the description of your reasoning. I am a total newbie to them, so some of the lingo is lost on me. I am trying to get as much knowlwedge as I can, and your comments help!

[titus1971]

you betcha!
Plus I forgot to mention, they are really fun to shoot! Almost no recoil

[les strat]

And you can get a kit to convert a 5.56/.223 to .22 for $150-200.

I like .308, but more in a longer barrelled rifle with a big scope.

[knkali]

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

That is a classic example of gun porn. NICE. What trij is on this rifle?

[yqtszhj]

AR-15. Then if you want a .22 or .308 you can get another upper. i know it's more money for another upper but you can get some good stuff. Ammo is cheap and you can practive a lot and parts are easily found if wanted.

Shot placement is everything. a .223 at 3200 fps is a show stopper if placed correctly. Practice to hit a 2 inch circle at 100 yards every time and you can hunt with it if you like with the right HP ammo.

[les strat]

AR-15. Then if you want a .22 or .308 you can get another upper. i know it's more money for another upper but you can get some good stuff. Ammo is cheap and you can practive a lot and parts are easily found if wanted.

Shot placement is everything. a .223 at 3200 fps is a show stopper if placed correctly. Practice to hit a 2 inch circle at 100 yards every time and you can hunt with it if you like with the right HP ammo.

Or get this for much cheaper than an upper!

[melissa5]

In theory, the .22 conversion kit is a good idea, but you have to change your zero every time you switch back and forth.

[jeepster09]

You get what you pay for. Spend as much as you can afford, it's cheaper to do right the first time.

[Chuck54]

I'm looking at a CZ527 carbine. Light,handy and available in 223 or 7.62x39

[PYROhafe]

thanks a lot itsthelaw! I was putting off my "need" for a tactical type rifle, but now im following this thread to see what turns up, and all its done is reinforce my "need" for one..... ok maybe its not really your fault, but I gotta have someone to blame when i get in trouble with the girl for spending money on gun stuff again
looks like the s&w mp sport might be a decent option for the money? Whats the cons to not getting a forward assist or dust shield?

[itsthelaw]

I will take the blame, Pyro! Here is the conclusion from my perspective. A guy who trains with ARs said that I should look to spend about $1300-$1500 on a solid, complete gun from Daniel Defense, Stag or S&W. I'm not sure why he left out Colt. He said that I should start with a great barrel, mid gas system and mid or rifle.length hand guard and buy a complete gun...except optics. I have been asking around, reading and looking at 3 gun sites. I have concluded that he gave good advice. In fact, many others have gone through a few guns to end up with Daniel Defense...including our friend and gun toting gal Melissa5. I also concluded that the DD will last a long time and hold value. As long as I am spending money and having my lovely wife wonder what the heck I am doing, I may as well go BIG. That's my opinion!

[yqtszhj]

thanks a lot itsthelaw! I was putting off my "need" for a tactical type rifle, but now im following this thread to see what turns up, and all its done is reinforce my "need" for one..... ok maybe its not really your fault, but I gotta have someone to blame when i get in trouble with the girl for spending money on gun stuff again
looks like the s&w mp sport might be a decent option for the money? Whats the cons to not getting a forward assist or dust shield?

Everyone needs one. In 10 years the value will NOT go down I would say. Get it, Get it, Get it.