Quote:
Originally Posted by BReif61
Question for the brain trust re: rifle decision
Would be used for recreational target shooting and SHTF situation.
The obvious choice here is an AR variant, due to relatively low cost of entry, availability of ammo, interchangeability and upgradability. However they carry the stigma of being Scary Black Guns.
An option I've known about is the Ruger Mini-14. Same ammo, but less common/upgradable. Higher initial investment (cursory research on this). Doesn't look "scary" in Ranch guise. Reviews highlight some ergonomic issues with reloads. Buy new production, not used.
At what point does it make sense to NOT buy the AR? Prices on ARs vary wildly so forming an apples to apples comparison can be difficult.
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As those who know me around here will tell you, I'm anything but a "black rifle" kind of a guy. I do see the utility and common sense in having something like that around, however. My solution was the Mini-14. Actually, prior to that, my first semi-auto rifle was a Springfield Armory M1A "Scout Squad", an 18" barreled version of the venerable M14/M1A in .308, or 7.62 NATO.
The latter is kinda spendy to both purchase and feed. I do like its added power, though. Having started with that rifle, the Mini-14 was a natural choice for me. I would recommend it without hesitation. Mine is a very early '70's manufacture, some of which are known to wildly inaccurate. I got lucky - mine shoots quite well. The new ones have corrected the issues that led to that reputation, so you can buy one and rest assured it will be at least acceptably accurate.
Prices seem to be competitive with the lower to mid range AR-15's. Magazines are readily available (stick with Ruger - some aftermarket seems kinda poor quality). Various "upgrades" and farkles seem to be readily available as well. The only thing I have yet changed on mine are the sights, but that was purely personal preference. It's a great rifle right out of the box.