[AlDente67]

Apologies for what may be an extremely redundant topic...

I am new to the experience. I have a S&W M&P22 that I enjoy (when I can find ammo)

I was interested in picking up something in a larger caliber, but frankly, the choices are too much to understand. 223/556, 30-06, something else?

I see a ton of options, styles, sizes, prices, and I'm lost.

I'm looking for something semi-auto that I can attach a nice Zeiss scope onto, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Maybe $1000 is the target price. Something for closer-in use, as I'm not looking to reach a mile in accuracy. Also, the ammo availability is one consideration.

If anyone has any links to what they like that I can look at, I'd appreciate the guidance.

 

[mkh]

Other than "closer in" what do you plan to use it for?

That info would help us taylor our responses.

 

[mulle46]

What range are you planning on using it? Just target shooting, hunting?

 

[65108]

For $1000 in today's political climate, you're not going to find much of anything.

.223/5.56 is standard. It's like the 9mm of sport rifles. I'd say probably the next standard round for an AR would be .308. If you're looking for something that you probably won't be using out past 200 yds or so, that you could use for CQB or hunting, self defense, etc., than .300 Blackout is also something you should look at. It's basically the same bullet as a .308 (7.62mm) inside a .223 case (.223 case cut shorter - actual metric dimension of a .300 BLK is 7.62x35mm). Hard hitter, but because of the smaller case it doesn't have the same range as the .308. Also has a lot less recoil than a .308 would.

As far as looks go, there's a million different options out there.

 

[Snub44]

...J&G Sales had advertised today Ruger LE Mini-14 5.56 All-weather rifles for 899...might be just what you want...

 

[10thmtn]

I see you are in New Jersey. With the gun climate there, AND the crazy prices for a semi-auto anything right now, I would recommend you consider a lever gun.

The "civilian" .30-30 is probably more available than any pistol or military-derived rifle cartridge right now. And as a bonus, it hits hard out to 200 yards - or more.

Lots of threads on this subject - do a search.

Good luck!

 

[MJK]

Check out an SKS in 7.62 x 39. There are a zillion out there, they're cheap, and they're reliable.

 

[onacoma]

If you don't like the SKS then go with Ruger's Mini-Thirty Rifle or a American made AK rifle. The 7.62 ammo is cheap and still available. JMHO

 

[oneshot]

Winchester 100 .308
Winchester model 100 semiautomatic rifle in .308 : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com
You can hunt with it, target practice with it, and you won't be out a fortune when you put a $300-600 scope on it.

 

[Kilowatt3]

...J&G Sales had advertised today Ruger LE Mini-14 5.56 All-weather rifles for 899...might be just what you want...

In today's market, that's really not too bad. Personally, I find the Mini-14 to be one of the most just plain "fun guns" ever. Of course, .223/5.56 is a little hard to come by lately. :frown:

 

[GregDepot]

Up close sks

Further out FNAR or BAR

 

[AlDente67]

SKS looks interesting, for about $600 on various sites. Thank you all for the feedback.

 

[Ghost1958]

Know where there are sks at lgs all day for 400 to 450 Chinese and russian. 600 is a bit steep for sks

 

[Motodeficient]

I got a cabela's flyer in the mail yesterday and they were advertising SKS rifles for $299. Awesome price if they actually have any in stock.

 

[AlDente67]

The chain stores in this area don't sell any guns or ammo. That leaves the LGS, and there are all of two of them in the area, one of which has no stock, but when they do, they charge 3x what they used to. Thde other one is a mixed bag.

That pretty much leaves gunbroker as the main alternative unless I want to drive really far.

I got a suggestion to look into the Remington 700 tactical. Anyone have an opinion on those?

 

[atctimmy]

Here is a suggestion: Read up.

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...-hunting-deer-zombies-help-me-out-please.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...55607-help-me-select-my-first-real-rifle.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...un-discussion/155324-good-alternative-ar.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-rifles-shotgun-discussion/125715-assault-rifle.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-rifles-shotgun-discussion/154277-curiosity.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...able-defensive-rifle-223-5-56-308-7-62-a.html

 

[ccw9mm]

There are some good pre-owned examples here: Williams Gun Sight Company.

 

[10thmtn]

OP - You stated you want to mount a scope. The SKS was not designed to be scoped. It can be done, but not as easily as other options.

I paid under $500 for my Marlin 336 "package" lever gun in .30-30 - rifle, scope, and sling. 6+1 capacity, mag tube can be topped off as you go, and will fire as fast as you can work the lever. I'd rather have a lever gun, with its tubular mag, than a low-capacity bolt gun - unless you are trying to reach out 800 yards or something.

The Ruger Mini mentioned earlier is a great semi-auto rifle as well (I have one of those too) and can be easily scoped. Just not sure how easily you can find ammo for it currently.

 

[Burns]

A few days ago I went to just one gun store I saw a new .223 AR-15 for $950, it was either Rock River or Bushmaster.

Yes, the ammo can be hard to find if you don't want to overpay, but what ammo isn't overpriced? Just to inform you and maybe a few people that read this, ARs can still be found for $900-1200 if you take the time to look in gun stores (OP, not sure if you're even interested in an AR but just though I'd share).

 

[Kilowatt3]

SKS looks interesting, for about $600 on various sites. Thank you all for the feedback.

$600 for an SKS is outrageous. My first one was $65, but I paid an extra $7 to get the blade bayonet. Bought a second one a couple years later for $125 IIRC.

I've been seeing them as recently as two or three weeks ago for $350-$400 in a couple of stores, but that may have changed by now!