Best Semi Auto?

[eOs]

There's a gun show coming to town and I'm looking to purchase my first liberty defender, was curious as to what is the best rifle to buy? I've always had a thing for AK 47's, because of all the talk of their reliability, but I was looking to buy American. What's a reliable brand to buy? Thanks for all your help. Also, what's the first step in becoming a responsible gun owner. IE: Do I take classes? How much do they cost? Or should I just go to the shooting range and practice? I've tried searching around the forums, I'm sure the answers are buried somewhere, but the keywords I was putting in like "best gun" "gun owner" came up with nothing. Thanks.

 

[Kotin]

I have a Russian SKS that is Semi Auto with a 30 rd clip, its swell.

 

[Cowlesy]

There are a ton of threads on this in this forum if you flip through a few pages, and a ton of posters who know 10,000x as much as I do .

That being said, I am making a purchase next weekend in the .223 round, and I just bought a scope that will be worth twice as much as the rifle (yeah Appleseeders, I know, IRON-sights are what count...but this is my plinking rifle that can double as a liberty rifle).

Anyhow, I am picking up an S&W M&P 15 Rifle.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=33803&isFirearm=Y

Now, as you will see if you research threads on here, there are experts who hate S&W's, those who love them and those who appear to have shot everything. For every person who *loves* this one for X reasons, someone else will hate the same gun for X reasons. My brother who is a dealer has never had anyone bring these back with problems or issues, so I am going to give one a try.

 

[Uriel999]

If you like the AK you can always buy an American made one. The ergonomics on them isn't that great, however. For instance, an AR-15 with telescoping stock allows for the user to make the gun fit them better, however, the aftermarket for the ak-47 allows for one to get stocks very similar to the ar-15 telescoping stock. Honestly, though the "best" gun is one that YOU can comfortably use effectively, whether it is an m1a, ar-15, ak-47, sks, etc.

Also, all 4 of the weapons I mentioned are excellent designs, but the quality can be dramatically different varying by brand, or even just the individual weapon itself. For instance, the wasr ak-47s imported by Century can be complete junk or sometimes built decently enough to get the job done. I won't buy one, however, and would rather spend the money on an Arsenal brand AK if I was to buy one.

As well, with AR-15s there are several "tiers." Stay away from DPMS and go for Armalite, Rock River, or Bushmaster and you should be okay. I have heard of complaints about Bushmaster rifles having issues but also hear they have excellent customer support. Colt is considered the top tier of Ar-15s, but are overpriced in my opinion, you could probably be just as happy with an Armalite, Rocker River, or Bushmaster at a price reduction of around 500 bucks at least.

If you go the m1a (or garand as they are cheaper and use 30-06 caliber I believe) you are going to get an excellent rifle if you go Springfield Armory. Auto Ordinance also makes new m1a's but I cannot tell you of their quality as I have never handled one myself.

Hope that helps!

 

[B964]

I really think that the type of your first Liberty rifle is not as important as the fact that you are getting your first Liberty rifle. Buy a bunch of ammo with it and get familier with it. Go to an Appleseed shoot and learn how to shoot it effectively.
A M&P 15 is a very acceptable Liberty rifle, as is an M1A or and SKS.

 

[Cowlesy]

I really think that the type of your first Liberty rifle is not as important as the fact that you are getting your first Liberty rifle. Buy a bunch of ammo with it and get familier with it. Go to an Appleseed shoot and learn how to shoot it effectively.
A M&P 15 is a very acceptable Liberty rifle, as is an M1A or and SKS.

I have plenty of high-powered rifles, but all are bolt-actions other than a 10/22. Nothing wrong with those rifles, but if I really needed an action rifle, bolt-action won't fly as easily in today's ultra-fast world.

I'll just have to teach a few of those Appleseed instructors a thing or two when I am on the range.

 

[youngbuck]

Get an AK in 7.62x39. Superb reliability, and a cheap and effective round.

Check out these websites for dealer price references:

http://www.classicarms.us/
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/
http://www.aimsurplus.com/

For more research on AKs etc., check out the Warrior Talk forums at:

http://www.warriortalk.com/

 

[New York For Paul]

I would take classes and ask around. If you can rent the guns before you buy you might find that you like one gun better than the other.

 

[jkm1864]

I have a M1A scout that I am very happy with. The M1A is quite pricey but Hey You do get what You pay for. I do not like plastic guns because they are cheap pieces of junk. I love the fact that my rifle is all wood and metal.

 

[jkm1864]

Another point .308 is a NATO round which will be quite common in the near future. The only reason I would have an AK is if the Russians would invade then You could take their AMMO.

 

[eOs]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

 

[Dieseler]

If you buy an AK 47 be sure to check the gas block!
If its canted, well its canted and that sucks bad.
If you buy from a shop be wary of the old bait and switch.
Inspect the gun you are walking out with very carefully.
Good luck.

 

[ronpaulblogsdotcom]

Personally if it is your first rifle or gun I would get a bolt action 22. They are cheap. They are cheap to shoot. The bullets cost like a cent each. They dont kick so you can concentrate on shooting straight and not flinching. I know you said semi-auto but that is still my first choice.

Second choice would be a semi-auto 22.

Third semi-auto 9mm carbine. Cheap to shoot, low recoil, same ammo as many handguns.

fourth would be a Ruger Mini14, cheap, low recoil, basically an AR-15 with a less menacing look and about $400 less.

You can always get a better rifle and it will be easier to decide what you want. Get good with the 22 and then borrow or rent a few guns so you know what you are looking at.

Some guns like AR-15s are good but are strange to operate and not entirely intuitive. How you cock it and chamber a round is odd.

BTW If you are trying to save money you can get most standard guns at Walmart at a great price with the best price on ammo too. In a much more novice friendly location than a gun show.

 

[TruckinMike]

Here is an informative thread on .308 semi-autos http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=136333

TMike

...And what ever you do, make sure you go to an Appleseed shoot.

Note: The Ruger 10/22 is the Appleseed official training rifle. They call it the Liberty Training Rifle (LTR). Its a great little rifle and cheap to shoot; but if you don't have one, bring what you have. AR15, M1A, bolt gun, whatever... just go to the shoot! Here is an un-official link about the LTR - http://www.rwva.info/rwva%20pages/libertytrainingrifle.html

Note2: For those of you wondering about us "Appleseeders", go to one and you'll understand.

 

[B964]

SKS. Cheap to buy, cheap ammo, reliable, can be made fairly accurate.

Get one, go to an Appleseed and learn how to use it, get more people to get one and go to Appleseeds and learn how to use them.

Rinse and repeat.

 

[youngbuck]

Another point .308 is a NATO round which will be quite common in the near future. The only reason I would have an AK is if the Russians would invade then You could take their AMMO.

First off, .308 is not a NATO round. 7.62x51mm is. Yes, they are interchangeable, but just thought I'd clarify.

Second, have you looked at .308 ammo prices? Sounds like you haven't, because .308 ammo is at least 3x more expensive than 7.62x39. The 7.62x39 is the most cost effective centerfire rifle round to stockpile.

What is your source that the .308 will be "quite common in the near future." If anything, it sounds like wishful thinking.

 

[Ozwest]

Personally if it is your first rifle or gun I would get a bolt action 22. They are cheap. They are cheap to shoot. The bullets cost like a cent each. They dont kick so you can concentrate on shooting straight and not flinching. I know you said semi-auto but that is still my first choice.

Second choice would be a semi-auto 22.

Third semi-auto 9mm carbine. Cheap to shoot, low recoil, same ammo as many handguns.

fourth would be a Ruger Mini14, cheap, low recoil, basically an AR-15 with a less menacing look and about $400 less.

You can always get a better rifle and it will be easier to decide what you want. Get good with the 22 and then borrow or rent a few guns so you know what you are looking at.

Some guns like AR-15s are good but are strange to operate and not entirely intuitive. How you cock it and chamber a round is odd.

BTW If you are trying to save money you can get most standard guns at Walmart at a great price with the best price on ammo too. In a much more novice friendly location than a gun show.

Good advice. Covered all bases.