I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. - Page 2 - The Firearms Forum

gun runner · 11-05-2012, 12:30 PM

Springfield Armory M1A .308 caliber

RYANINMICHIGAN · 11-05-2012, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevelayan

Accuracy isn't a huge issue with me but if there is a particular ammo/gun combination that works within my rage, I'm all for it.

Am I the only one that is going to ask? Why is accuracy low on your list of piorities? Who care what it is if you can't hit anything.

By a pump shot gun for the house rifle is over kill. then save the rest of your money until you can afford a decent ACCURATE rifle

01brian · 11-05-2012, 02:30 PM

there is a difference between a hitting a tack or a plate sized gong. Both can achieve the same end result..one is for "competition" the other is not.

al45lc · 11-05-2012, 02:52 PM

Different strokes. I for one will NOT tolerate an inaccurate rifle, for me that's a minimum 2" group at 100 yards (which for some isn't accurate enough)for iron sighted and 1" for scoped auto loaders, I have higher expectations for bolt weapons.
Not to upset anyone, but this is why I don't have an AK style rifle, I didn't find one in the three I tried, and since I already had an HK, I tried a Mini -14 (took some doing to find one of those that was accurate too), found one and then I just moved on and put that money into ammo.
I think part of the problem is the sights, Nearly all my iron sighted rifles have or have been converted to rear aperture systems, I just don't like blade, leaf or buckhorn rear sights.
I think the AK sighting system is garbage, it just doesn't work for me. YMMV.

RYANINMICHIGAN · 11-05-2012, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01brian

there is a difference between a hitting a tack or a plate sized gong. Both can achieve the same end result..one is for "competition" the other is not.

I was taught aim small, miss small. So yes to me it is important that the rifle be more accurate then I am.

gun runner · 11-05-2012, 03:42 PM

Whats a rifle when its not even accurate, a waste of money

LDBennett · 11-05-2012, 03:44 PM

I am a shooter and super appreciate really accurate guns but.....

I also appreciate Winchester/Browning lever guns and have many. I also have a Savage 99 lever gun. Accuracy is not everything for me. I buy guns for looks and some guns just to get a specific caliber. Just shooting for accuracy and not for fun is boring, eventually. I have a large variety of guns that I shoot regularly: vintage, modern, tactical, classics, bolts, pumps, more levers, ex-military from both WW's and other wars, and single shot rifles designed in the 1880's. "Variety is the spice of life". How boring to own one gun or one type gun or one caliber of guns (I reload for over 30 different cartridges). Life is too short to specialize when it comes to guns. But some of them are accurate and I really appreciate that. The rest are accurate enough at shorter ranges. Most all of them shoot better than I can.

LDBennett

ka64 · 11-05-2012, 04:35 PM

Buy a GARAND.................

CHW2021 · 11-05-2012, 04:57 PM

Gotta agree with LDBennett, most of my guns shoot better than I can.

In all honesty, as a young shooter find something you will want to shoot and learn more than you know today, have fun and enjoy the gumflapping of (us) greybeards at the range and on this board; we mean well and all have experience and opinions.
Please post your purchase and advise of your results.

Grizz · 11-05-2012, 05:08 PM

If you want to get an AK get a Maadi. All my AK's are Maadi. They were made with the same russian equipment the "REAL RUSSIAN AK's" were made with. VERY ACCURATE!!!

cycloneman · 11-05-2012, 06:12 PM

First of all the original poster has never been back.

He says he is a big guy and wants a larger round.

An all around rifle would be Remington semi in 308 at wally world. You can scope it easy if you want to hunt with it. You can get larger mags for it, it doesn't cost much. AK's and black guns are something you get once you have the basics down. My .02 I dont think this guy isn't too serious about talking to us.

01brian · 11-05-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYANINMICHIGAN

I was taught aim small, miss small. So yes to me it is important that the rifle be more accurate then I am.

I think that's fantasic...however, you "missed" my point

...regardless, it does not matter. I would be interested in what he decides to get. Hopefully he has not been "runned off".

Albtraum · 11-06-2012, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al45lc

Now hold on, are we saying that one cannot learn to shoot accurately or properly with a semi-auto?
So all those first time Marines aren't being trained properly?
Think about it.

No, but with a bolt action you tend to put MUCH more focus into each individual time you go to squeeze the trigger. Whereas with a semi-auto, you're much more likely to shoot faster and not give as much effort into each shot, because you're ready for the next one, and the next, until you're loading the magazine again.

al45lc · 11-06-2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albtraum

No, but with a bolt action you tend to put MUCH more focus into each individual time you go to squeeze the trigger. Whereas with a semi-auto, you're much more likely to shoot faster and not give as much effort into each shot, because you're ready for the next one, and the next, until you're loading the magazine again.

Only if your undisciplined, and shooting is a discipline.
I would point out that not having to move your hand or change your shooting position for each shot is more condusive to learning the skills of shooting as well as muscle memory, so really the idea that a single shot or bolt is better is bogus.
Even if one maintains cheek weld (difficult for many when actuating the bolt), the shooter must then reaquire hand position and finger mating to the trigger.
It's about the training itself, not the type of firearm.

Albtraum · 11-06-2012, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al45lc

Only if your undisciplined, and shooting is a discipline.
I would point out that not having to move your hand or change your shooting position for each shot is more condusive to learning the skills of shooting as well as muscle memory, so really the idea that a single shot or bolt is better is bogus.
Even if one maintains cheek weld (difficult for many when actuating the bolt), the shooter must then reaquire hand position and finger mating to the trigger.
It's about the training itself, not the type of firearm.

Yeah I agree with all of that, but being a younger shooter, it's tempting to lose patience and just rapid fire. A bolt action taught me to make every round count. Especially when each round costs a lot more than .22lr. So yeah, I'm just that, undisciplined and not properly trained, without the proper equipment (benchrest, sand bags, etc)

Trevelayan · 11-21-2012, 11:22 PM

OP here.

Thanks for all of your input everyone!

I'm still browsing for something that fits my needs, but you guys have helped tremendously with narrowing my search. I'll try to post back here when I finally find something.

BulletArc47 · 11-22-2012, 07:55 AM

Get a Saiga rifle, they can be had in 308 Winchester and 7.62x39. Very budget friendly; around 350-400$. ( Since you're 19, I assume you have very little cash)

Reliable as all hell, and you can modify it later to have a pistol-grip stock. Comes with 10 round mag, but you can buy higher capacity mags later.

Same operation as an AK, just minus the flash hider and/or muzzle brake and it's uglier than sin, similar to an AKin that manner too I suppose.

mogunner · 11-22-2012, 04:58 PM

Second on the Saiga. I bought one for $320.00 a few months back and did the conversion myself. Got the x39 with 16" barrel. It's more accurate than I am but I can still shoot 3" groups at 100 yards off a rickety POS bench at my buddy's place, I'll admit he's a better shot with it than I am though. I have less than a bottom-end AR in it for sure.

GunnyGene · 11-22-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al45lc

Only if your undisciplined, and shooting is a discipline.
I would point out that not having to move your hand or change your shooting position for each shot is more condusive to learning the skills of shooting as well as muscle memory, so really the idea that a single shot or bolt is better is bogus.
Even if one maintains cheek weld (difficult for many when actuating the bolt), the shooter must then reaquire hand position and finger mating to the trigger.
It's about the training itself, not the type of firearm.

Absolutely agree. I fired between 245 and 250 ever year for 20 years (out a possible 250 points) on the USMC KD course with M1, M-14, and M-16. No scope, issue rifle and ammo. For those not familiar with the KD course, it's 200, 300, and 500 yds(meters now) in offhand, sitting, kneeling and prone positions. And yes, there were others better than me.

2000ShadowACE · 11-28-2012, 07:26 AM

I have to agree with LD Bennet, no one gun is perfect for home defense and long range shooting. If you unleash a 30.06 inside your home, it will soon pass through your neighbor's homes as well. Unless you plan to fix a bayonet and charge the intruder, an M1 is not a good choice for home defense.

11-05-2012, 12:30 PM	#26
gun runner Former Guest Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: South Texas Contributor Posts: 1,871	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. Springfield Armory M1A .308 caliber Last edited by gun runner; 11-05-2012 at 12:34 PM..

11-05-2012, 02:30 PM	#28
01brian V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 331	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. there is a difference between a hitting a tack or a plate sized gong. Both can achieve the same end result..one is for "competition" the other is not.

11-05-2012, 02:52 PM	#29
al45lc Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: colorful colorado Posts: 1,016	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. Different strokes. I for one will NOT tolerate an inaccurate rifle, for me that's a minimum 2" group at 100 yards (which for some isn't accurate enough)for iron sighted and 1" for scoped auto loaders, I have higher expectations for bolt weapons. Not to upset anyone, but this is why I don't have an AK style rifle, I didn't find one in the three I tried, and since I already had an HK, I tried a Mini -14 (took some doing to find one of those that was accurate too), found one and then I just moved on and put that money into ammo. I think part of the problem is the sights, Nearly all my iron sighted rifles have or have been converted to rear aperture systems, I just don't like blade, leaf or buckhorn rear sights. I think the AK sighting system is garbage, it just doesn't work for me. YMMV. __________________ You are what you do, when it counts. Last edited by al45lc; 11-05-2012 at 02:54 PM..

11-05-2012, 03:42 PM	#31
gun runner Former Guest Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: South Texas Contributor Posts: 1,871	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. Whats a rifle when its not even accurate, a waste of money

11-05-2012, 03:44 PM	#32
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,710	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. I am a shooter and super appreciate really accurate guns but..... I also appreciate Winchester/Browning lever guns and have many. I also have a Savage 99 lever gun. Accuracy is not everything for me. I buy guns for looks and some guns just to get a specific caliber. Just shooting for accuracy and not for fun is boring, eventually. I have a large variety of guns that I shoot regularly: vintage, modern, tactical, classics, bolts, pumps, more levers, ex-military from both WW's and other wars, and single shot rifles designed in the 1880's. "Variety is the spice of life". How boring to own one gun or one type gun or one caliber of guns (I reload for over 30 different cartridges). Life is too short to specialize when it comes to guns. But some of them are accurate and I really appreciate that. The rest are accurate enough at shorter ranges. Most all of them shoot better than I can. LDBennett Last edited by LDBennett; 11-05-2012 at 03:47 PM..

11-05-2012, 04:35 PM	#33
ka64 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Michigan Contributor Posts: 1,412	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. Buy a GARAND.................

11-05-2012, 04:57 PM	#34
CHW2021 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 467	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. Gotta agree with LDBennett, most of my guns shoot better than I can. In all honesty, as a young shooter find something you will want to shoot and learn more than you know today, have fun and enjoy the gumflapping of (us) greybeards at the range and on this board; we mean well and all have experience and opinions. Please post your purchase and advise of your results.

11-05-2012, 05:08 PM	#35
Grizz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 650	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. If you want to get an AK get a Maadi. All my AK's are Maadi. They were made with the same russian equipment the "REAL RUSSIAN AK's" were made with. VERY ACCURATE!!!

11-05-2012, 06:12 PM	#36
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,398	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. First of all the original poster has never been back. He says he is a big guy and wants a larger round. An all around rifle would be Remington semi in 308 at wally world. You can scope it easy if you want to hunt with it. You can get larger mags for it, it doesn't cost much. AK's and black guns are something you get once you have the basics down. My .02 I dont think this guy isn't too serious about talking to us. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

11-21-2012, 11:22 PM	#41
Trevelayan Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. OP here. Thanks for all of your input everyone! I'm still browsing for something that fits my needs, but you guys have helped tremendously with narrowing my search. I'll try to post back here when I finally find something.

11-22-2012, 07:55 AM	#42
BulletArc47 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 259	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. Get a Saiga rifle, they can be had in 308 Winchester and 7.62x39. Very budget friendly; around 350-400$. ( Since you're 19, I assume you have very little cash) Reliable as all hell, and you can modify it later to have a pistol-grip stock. Comes with 10 round mag, but you can buy higher capacity mags later. Same operation as an AK, just minus the flash hider and/or muzzle brake and it's uglier than sin, similar to an AKin that manner too I suppose. __________________ “Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples’ liberty’s teeth.” – George Washington If you are not free to choose wrongly and irresponsibly, you are not free at all. – Jacob Hornberger (1995) “Among the many misdeeds of British rule in India, history will look upon the act depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest.” – Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi

11-22-2012, 04:58 PM	#43
mogunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. Second on the Saiga. I bought one for $320.00 a few months back and did the conversion myself. Got the x39 with 16" barrel. It's more accurate than I am but I can still shoot 3" groups at 100 yards off a rickety POS bench at my buddy's place, I'll admit he's a better shot with it than I am though. I have less than a bottom-end AR in it for sure.

11-28-2012, 07:26 AM	#45
2000ShadowACE V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Eastern Iowa Posts: 153	Re: I'm a young buyer looking into buying a decent semi-automatic rifle. I have to agree with LD Bennet, no one gun is perfect for home defense and long range shooting. If you unleash a 30.06 inside your home, it will soon pass through your neighbor's homes as well. Unless you plan to fix a bayonet and charge the intruder, an M1 is not a good choice for home defense.