Re: The Gun Thread
 

Nice! I was thinking about getting a handgun someday, maybe I'll have to pick your brain someday about guns.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Very cool!

I just picked up my first guns as well last week. Two basic hunting guns that I plan to use this fall for deer in MN and WI -(shotgun only in hudson area).

30-06 Remington 770 Bolt action rifle with scope.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/i...1/41/41969.jpg

Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Rifled slug deer barrel as well as turkey shot barrel. Just ordered a scope for that as well.

http://www.centerfireguns.com/images...4frrs-wood.jpg

Next year id like to pick up a handgun of some sort too.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I recently received a pistol just like that 1Quick4. I didn't know what it was for a while but then I had some people look at it on another forum and it came out to be a Star Ruby in .32, I won't be attempting to shoot it.

Won a cabelas giftcard at bingo, going to get a tac scope for the Saiga!

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Why no shoot it?

Re: The Gun Thread
 

http://www.shtf1.com/

I'll be going to this on Saturday. It's an end-of-the-world themed 3 gun type shoot.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Damn shtf looks like a great time. I've always wanted to go to Outbreak Omega but have yet to make it.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I'm looking at getting a cheaper rifle to have around. Nothing too exciting but maybe create a gtfo bag as an insurance policy for whatever.

It seems like the Keltec SU16C fits that bill and won't hurt my budget too much. Anyone have any opinions on them? Thanks.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

A mini-14 would also be around your budget. I haven't used either but I've heard good things about both.

But if you're looking for something for a go bag, I'd go with a KISS AR15 or AK. AKs are stupid cheap but it's because of their cheap quality. I picked up one from Fleet Farm for $430 on sale with two mags. But the mags rattle and fitment definitely isn't great. The bolt kept sticking back until it worked off enough metal. The mag also rattles and some have canted front sights.

Ammo for AK47/74s is also A LOT cheaper than .223/5.56. This is because it's military surplus and is "corrosive". It doesn't eat barrels immediately but does require you to clean your rifle fairly quickly after use.

The AR15 is quite a bit more expensive to initially buy and practice with but IMO it has way more upsides.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Yeah, i was looking at the SKS due to the cheap used prices and ammo. I figure for only a nominal budget increase I would get something far better with the SU. I don't really want to plunk down the money for an AR because I'll only shoot whatever I buy enough to get comfortable with it then stash it. It's hard to justify the money on something that I plan on gathering dust.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Just remember, you will lose proficiency not practicing. You will lose muscle memory also. And you have to keep whatever you stashed oiled at least once every 6 months - year if you want to consider it grab n go or just to keep it in decent shape even.

It sounds like you just want something to plink with honestly. Get a .22 and have fun with $7/100 rounds. Or a glock with an exo coating that you never have to oil.

Oh and if you haven't looked it up yet, you'll need a permit to purchase. All gun stores require a permit for hanguns and assault type weapons (sks, ak, ar). Private parties don't but 95% of honest ones will ask to see one.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Well if you want something cheap to shoot, easy to grab and shoot in a pinch, how about a old bolt action rifle? I bought a Mosin Nagant and 440 rounds for under $250 with a case. Its loaded and ready to go all the time unless I am headed to the range, and is fun to shoot. I figure it it takes more then 5 shoots I will just throw it at them.

~John

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Oh, I know there would be some upkeep in having a gun around. I used to work at the Horse and Hunt club, so I know how much work is required to keep things working right (and what happens if you don't). I'm not super concerned about being able to shoot tight groupings. I just meant able to work everything properly and get familiar with what I buy. I've also looked up the permit to purchase and know that all police departments process the paperwork for free. I've done a ton of reading so far and know there's a ton more I don't know. I know a bolt action would do exactly what I want, but I'd rather own a semi auto if given the choice.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I got my SKS a few years ago and I love it. Its more accurate than I am and its cheap to buy/maintain/shoot/modify.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I love Mosins. $80 for a rifle that will outlast you. Ammo is ridiculously cheap for that gun also, 440 rounds for $78.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I'd say SKS fits the bill for you. A permit to purchase is NOT required to buy an SKS. They are semi auto with a 10 round internal mag, there are few things that can go wrong. You can get one for $300 or less without the quality control issues that plague Century built AK's (any AK you can buy for under $600 is probably built by Century). I've owned a Yugo SKS for probably 5 years now with thousands of rounds through it. I have never cleaned it. On purpose. And note that only surplus ammo for these guns will be corrosive. You can easily find new manufacture Russian ammo for 20 to 25 cents per round.

If you're willing to settle for a bolt action spend a little more for a surplus Yugo or Czech Mauser in 8mm. Ammo is equally as cheap as for a Mosin but the function of the gun is smoother and faster. Reloading the gun takes 5 seconds, not 30, and the bolt wont get stuck every 10 rounds or so trying to eject a spent casing. If the SHTF I wouldn't take a Russian Mosin unless I needed it for a club.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I know I'm changing the subject but. Thinking on replacing my bird gun with one of these.

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/fir...model_3500.php

Check it out
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/fir...large_max4.jpg

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I was always partial to the Beretta AL390, It's a great field gun.

Can I tag along and try out somebodies SKS next time you guys go shooting if I pay for the ammo? I'd like to stick with a semi auto because I'm left handed, so working a bolt isn't the greatest for me (plus semi auto is more fun).

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Any one have any input on a para ordnance gi expert 1911? Might be picking on up from my buddy. All of my gun use is old hand me down military guns that have had the tar beaten out of them. Thanks guys.
http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_expert.php

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Just bought my first official "firearm". It's just a stripped lower for an AR15, but it's the part that requires the permit to purchase. I'll slowly be acquiring the rest of the parts online to build it into a longer barrel varmint style setup.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Spikes makes some really good stuff. Almost everything they make is mil-spec. Pick up a Nickel Boron coated bolt carrier group if you can.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I think I'm going to buy a complete upper receiver assembly all in one, just to make sure everything is together and to spec. Wasn't going to get any brand in particular, just DPMS, RRA, or whomever has the best deal. Probably some sort of 18" or 20" SS barrel.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Check out Bravo Company.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

This is sort of on topic. See if you can spot me in my little unexpected cameo in this popular youtube video. I'll give you a hint, I'm the only Asian guy lol. Seriosly though that's me so you gun guys might have shot a bad guy poster of me without realizing it.

http://youtu.be/yFEsCga1jos

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I know i probably have to reread this whole thread. But Jessica and I are in the market for an AR-15, mostly for playing around shooting targets up north or at the range, and i suppose for home defense. (Mostly scare the bejesus out of anyone breaking into the house, See a pit bull, and then see the owner holding an Assault rifle i think would work)

Ive been looking at a couple and doing research, such as finding the right caliber, style, and manufacturer. After reading this article http://www.chuckhawks.com/definitive...ce_caliber.htm to kind of gauge what caliber i want to look at. I'm thinking the .308/7.62 would be a fun round to shoot, and at a good price. Also thinking around a 16" barrel. don't think i want to go too much smaller than that.
Ive been looking at offerings from DPMS as well as Rock River Arms. Don't really want to spend too much over $1000.
Any Advice or other manufactures i should take a look at? This weekend we are going to go to the range and fire off some rounds to get a feel for the AR's. I've only shot .22 rifles and hand guns, but looking for something that not only looks cool, but is fun and smooth to shoot.
Also a good search for reviews and field tests is going on youtube and searching "Trial By Fire Sledgehammer" They go through a bunch of different equipment and run through a course that makes pretty good use of it.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Why .308?

DPMS is a good starter brand, it gives you knowledge needed in order to appreciate higher level brands. You may want a scope or red dot sight that usually aren't included with rifles so figure that into your budget. It's also a good thing you don't want a smaller than 16" barrel because you can't get one without going through a lot of hassle with with the ATF and it would defeat your .308 round.


PS, AR15s are .223 / 5.56. AR10s are .308 / 7.62

I also want to mention, shooting is a parishable skill. If you want it for defense, shoot it a lot.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Well i guess I'm not stuck on the .308/7.62. Really i need to just get to the range and shoot both to see how accurate i am with each. Mainly when i was looking at the different characteristics of the rounds (FPS/Stopping Power/Drop) . Mainly i would like a fairly accurate and fast round likely in the 0-300m range. Ive done a little research, but still have a long way to go.
DPMS and RRA guns are around the same price, but i hear the RRA guns are a bit more reliable.
I plan on shooting it A lot. Not only for practice, but i love the feeling you get after leaving the range, all stress gone. Its a Mans Spa Day. Plus i have a couple good friends that will also be getting guns, (Brother in law, is an Austrian Gun Nut, looking to get a Yugoslavian Rifle, i forget what model.)

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I hope to build (yes build) an AK47 soon. I'll be using a parts kit and a stamped reciever flat. So folding the receiver, riveting it all together, pressing a barrel in the front trunnion, all that fun jazz, and hopefully home-made parkerize. I am excited for that AWESOME AK bolt noise hahahaha.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Here is a big topic. handgun caliber.

I'm kind of the type who believe just about any bullet has enough effect to stop an intruder.

What do people here recommend? I was think 9mm. I know a local company here in WBL, MN makes a ultra sub combact 9mm that shoots 9mm+ rounds, and is apparently the most powerful 9mm+ handgun in the world. Very tiny, not cheap, looks badass.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

From what I've seen you can't go wrong with a Glock. Simple and easy to use when your heart is pumping and pressure is on. My brother in law got a Glock recently and i like the feel of it. Ive shot those before and a very easy gun to fire.
Otherwise Desert Eagle .50 cal. in Titanium gold hahah :)

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I have no idea how to say what I want without sounding condescending (which I don't want to do.) So I will leave that part out of this post, but as for the rest...

I have my AR15 sighted in at 50 yards and under 50 yards it's a max of 2 inches low. 50-200 yards it's zeroed to 2 inches high and again 2 inches low at 230 yards. To be honest it's hard to hit anything at 200 yards with even a little bit of stress added (jogging, adrenaline, etc) without a scope and going prone. If this rifle is more for hunting I'd understand .308 but not for defense. I can get 1000 NATO quality 5.56 rounds for $300. 1000 rounds of NATO 7.62 is $550. Not to mention if you want to be cheap for training you can get cheap russian .223 for 1k/$190.

RRA is a really decent brand. Spikes Tactical is better at the same price. That being said, I had a DPMS as my first ar15 and it only jammed on me once out of ~700 rounds because of me, not the rifle.

If you want to shoot an ar15 without a rental fee, you can try mine. (You have to supply ammo though)

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Kevin, I wouldn't go any smaller than 9mm. Check out the Kel Tec PF9 if you're looking for a sub compact.

I also like the simplicity of Glocks. I regret selling my 17 but now have a 19 (both 9mm). That being said a lot of guns are as simple as Glocks. M&Ps, FNXs and SIGs are just as simple to field strip.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I really appreciate the knowledge, so believe me if I'm wrong about something definitely tell me I'm full of shit. Because i likely am :). I would love to shoot your AR15. We are getting a group together to go on saturday, So far, its myself, Jessica, My brother in law and sister, and my buddy and his wife. We are all looking to purchase ARs. My Brother in law almost purchased but it turned out that he needed to provide 3 months of utility bills to get the approval to purchase. (Austrian now permanent resident).
Mainly i want to shoot one or two of them and get a feel for the different rounds.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Not sure if Bill's has an AR10 to rent. But they definitely have a SOCOM II which is 7.62x51 / .308 and is essentially a 16" barreled M1 Garand. I rented it once and it's really fun to shoot.

I bought a .22 last Saturday that I need to sight in the wife and I were planning on going Saturday already haha.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Nice! Do you have to give them notice if you plan on renting the Socom II, or any AR-15s?

Re: The Gun Thread
 

No, it's first come first serve. But I rarely see any rifles being rented.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Agreed, the .308 seems like overkill for just a fun & defense gun. The rounds are really spendy too, I'd go with the .223.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

Or a 5.45x39 upper

Re: The Gun Thread
 

A lot more people seem to be into guns these days...

Re: The Gun Thread
 

I just went to Bill's today to rent their AR. It was a DPMS and very fun to shoot. I picked up a stripped lower at the gun show at the State Fair a couple weeks ago and wanted to be sure before I started my build.

I'm looking to build something simple as well for my first AR. Have you looked into Palmetto Armory? They sell rifle kits to be used in conjunction with your stripped lower. The kit I'm looking at is $490 for everything with $15 shipping. Also, since it's not considered a rifle without the lower you don't pay tax and they can ship directly to you.

Re: The Gun Thread
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1WhhKH3QVU FTW?