Long spoon question
 

So, the video in James' post made me wonder.

I believe I've seen it posted here before that you can get the tacticool spoon like the one in the above video with rails on rails and everything that you need to make a gun look like an M-16. But you can also get a gun that is essentially the same, does the same job, but in a more traditional looking package with a wood stock, etc...

If you were looking for a longspoon with the functionality of the gun in the above video (minus the adjustable stock, etc...) what spoon would you get? What can you get that is as simple, accurate, reliable and has a standard 30 round mag, but has a more traditional look and isn't so scary to the general public?

Mini-14

But, good reliable higher-than-they-want-you-to-have-capacity mags are expensive.

Who cares about "scary to the public"? It's not like you are going to be strolling down main street with your rifle over your shoulder. You can spend a crap-ton of money on an AR, especially with all of the tactical stuff that most of us will never use. I bought a Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport, which is a basic AR with an adjustable stock, Magpul flip up rear sight, an a Magpul magazine. I think it was $720 about one year ago, and you can still find them for pretty close to that. It is very accurate and a blast to shoot, worth every penny and then some. I've added a strap, that's probably as decked out as it will get.

How about something completely different - a .357 mag lever gun, like the Marlin '94. Models with the full length magazine hold 13 rounds. You never have to change magazines, and you can keep topping it off at any lull in the action. It will shoot flat enough to be useful to at least 200 yards. It will be every bit as accurate as an AR platform. Everyone will look at you like you're Will Rogers instead of Osama Bin Laden.

If that doesn't do it for you, id10t's suggestion for a Mini 14 will. If you want bigger than .223, go with the Springfield M1A in .308.

Personally I find the AR platform aesthetically unappealing and much prefer the nostalgic look and action of the Mini-14 - especially when wearing wood. Concerns about ultimate accuracy are valid - if you are looking for a 200+ yard target rifle then you may be disappointed. That said I would bet the Mini to be every bit as accurate as Matt's M&P.

Magazines for Mini in 5/10/30 are available but as stated are more $ than AR versions. For consolation the Ruger magazines are excellent quality. The same platform is also available in 7.62 with the Mini30.

ar-15-mini-14

I'm happy w/ my plain old vanilla m1a scout w/ the poly stock. For me it fits most of the OP's requirements.

Quick question for the OP....how do you plan to use the gun?

I agree wholeheartedly - the AR platform just doesn't do it for me, while the Mini 14 is a pretty handsome little carbine with the wood stock.

Word has it that Ruger has put some effort into addressing the Mini 14's poor accuracy. The newer ones are supposed to shoot fairly well.

Have you looked at M1A prices? I would love to have one, but the Springfield models start at nearly $2k.:eek:

I believe it was around 2003 that Ruger did some retooling to the Mini-14 production line which increased accuracy.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...8/Mini14GB.jpg

No idea. I don't actually have a use. It would probably mostly sit and collect dust, but I would occasionally take it to a range for practice.

PPSH-41? Stg44?

"Everyone will look at you like you're Will Rogers instead of Osama Bin Laden." (when you have a lever action)

Did you mean Roy instead?
Jim

I have an AR, a Mini 14, a Garand, M1 Carbine, etc. I also have a few lever action rifles, some bolt actions, etc.

Depending on what the use is, it is a toss up.

My favorite rifle is an M1 Carbine. Not good for much except a smile.

I'm not a fan of the black guns. Part of my attraction to the gun is the art of the gun. I see no art in assault style weapons. That being said I agree with Jeff on the big cal. lever gun. Visually pleasing and a very nice and useful piece of gun art. Plus it will be more desirable if you decide to re sell it some day. Black guns are everywhere...who cares?

Here's a curve ball, find a Marlin Camp 9.

If you want cheap, look for a Chinese SKS. Depending on your state, you can swap in replaceable magazines.

Cheap is an understatement. An action bolted to a 2X4..

I had a friend buy a cheap chinese SKS right out of high school......first time out at the range it sent the whole mag down range with one trigger pull and the bolt fell apart.....truly epic...


OP, screw em all, go this route!
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps88d8d9dd.jpg
I'll be sending in my form 1 so I can throw a stock on it once it's built

I find some art in the WWII German stuff. Tell me you don't get goosebumps when you see an MG-42, MP-40 or Sturmgewehr up close. I almost get as excited about the SIG 551 too, which is on my must-own list.

I think the Mini-14 looks so much cooler than my ARs. But I love the AR platform for its versatility and easy-to-find parts. They can be pretty light to lug around too.

Of course, there's something to be said for the understated elegance of a well made lever
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...027_134105.jpg