Possible first time buyer... need input.

[ezgoinrob]

I am thinking of buying an semi-auto rifle. I have never owned one and reading the post on here I get so confused... uppers... downers... lowers... barbiturates… opiates… etc... LOL

Anyway my question is... what would be a good one for a rookie owner... I don’t care about any extras right now, just the weapon. AK? AR? SKS? Honestly I don’t know the diff... No I haven’t done any research as of yet... I just wanted you guys input to get me started.

Thanks in advance,
Ez

[USAFGopherMike]

What's an "assault rifle?"

[kidicarus13]

Stay away from AR's at the moment, they are way overpriced.

[Skully]

Stay away from AR's at the moment, they are way overpriced.

I was going to say; "A couple months late and a $3000 short." [Coffee]

Even if you wanted an AR and found an okay deal, it will make a nice door prop as it is hard to get ammo.

[Gman]

I don't have the money nor the ability to own a true assault rifle. Maybe you're looking for a semi-auto Homeland Defense Rifle?

[KestrelBike]

Stay away from AR's at the moment, they are way overpriced.

I'd be happy to give him 50% off the going rate of $10,000 for a vanilla m4-clone for the low low price of $5,000.

[Drucker]

Wait a couple of months and purchase a Personal Defense Weapon

[USAFGopherMike]

I hear some of the black hunting rifles are really nice. Just make sure that any you buy don't have any military-like features. The military is very bad mmkay and so are their weapons.

[Clint45]

How about a nice lever-action instead?

[BPTactical]

Make a firm decision.
Be assertive.



Really though, just about anything semi auto is approaching unobtanium these days.
A lever gun aint a half bad idea

[rockhound]

everything has a premium on it right now,

wrong time to get started, shop around a lot,

[ezgoinrob]

you guys are killing me....
Just was looking for info. Lets forget about what they cost ... for now.

@BPT.. that exactly what I want to do brotha!! Tis the reason for the plea for info :)

Ez

[USAFGopherMike]

Either way, firm is good.

[spqrzilla]

Make a firm decision.
Be assertive.
Now I know who to go to for dating advice.

[Ah Pook]

Learn the correct terminology first. The only people calling semi-autos "assault weapons" is the media and those trying to take them away.

What are you looking to use it for?

Reality is ammo, mags and parts are next to impossible to find right now. Used to be AKs were cheap and easy to field. ARs were more expensive and easy to field.

[RYAN50BMG]

You're still here? Gutsy, I'll give you that.

[birddog]

AR's are way up right now but if that's what you want they can be had for ~1000. You will need to be patient and it will end up being a franken-AR. If you want a factory rifle expect ~1500 minimum. Also, mags and ammo are tough so if you really want in I would see If you can give Patrick a flipper rub and get in go the latest group buy, 445/1000 is probably as good as you are going to find currently.

let me know if you want some more help, keep and eye on Palmetto State Armory, shipping times and customer service are atrocious but if you watch their site you can fine uppers.

[King]

Personally I like AR-15's. I have had good experience with BCM and CMMG but their are tons of quality mfg's out there. Ak's are fun too but very crude. SKS's arent much to write about. Whats the purpose for such rifle? HD, hunting, SHTF, Zombies, giving the finger to Feinstein?

[sniper7]

Buy an AR15. it is the Mans barbie. you can dress it up any way you like.

[mahkcod]

PM me and I'll give you some assistance in understanding some of the differences. This is a pretty good starting point http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642

[DireWolf]

Buy an AR15. it is the Mans barbie. you can dress it up any way you like.

^^^
20885

[SideShow Bob]

Damn, another EZgoinRob thread.......


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEKdPnhdiSs/UPaFE2pKOII/AAAAAAAA_qo/ydM1Kf58_6E/s1600/triple_facepalm_super.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=monkey+face+palm&source=images&cd=&docid=SCUEA8fMElmYsM&tbnid=aoVFV9JsrhBSrM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogsp ot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fstop-being-bridesmaid-in-blogging.html&ei=144QUe6iKo21qAHeuoDgBw&bvm=bv.41867550,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNHHWldY3Q32Hu2rMSkw_A7dCWrAgw&ust=1360126032270423)

[ezgoinrob]

Buy an AR15. it is the Mans barbie. you can dress it up any way you like.

I think thats why it is so confusing... so many parts... I guess I was thinking something factory stock... not franken.

Ez

[ezgoinrob]

Damn, another EZgoinRob thread.......

Cmon Bob.. Im not being an ass this time.. yet.. LOL
I just asking for some help.

[loveski]

Wait 6 months then consider buying an AR

[Aloha_Shooter]

I don't know about getting an "assault rifle" but highly recommend every shooter be introduced to and own "the greatest battle implement ever devised", i.e., the M-1 Garand. $625 plus $24.95 S&H from the CMP -- may cost you an additional $25 to join the Garand Collectors Association or other club (CO AR-15 is apparently a registered club with the CMP but I've never received any "proof of membership" I could send them).

The CMP will also sell you Greek surplus .30-06 ammunition (steel core, packaged loose in steel .30 caliber ammo cans) for $98 plus $11.95 S&H or new manufacture Hornady .30-06 for $230 plus $9.95 S&H per case of 200 rounds or $425 plus $19.95 S&H per case of 500 rounds.

You've got a picture of Clint as your avatar, get the rifle he held in "Gran Torino". :D

[Great-Kazoo]

This my friends is the ultimate Assault Weapon. Wielded for over a century as a way to resolve issues
http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4888846207092235&pid=15.1

It followed the original Assault weapon utilized by Farmers, city folks, pinkertons and other folks, singularly and in groups [mobs] depending on which side of the law or crown you were on.
http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/witmerpublicsafety/AH_alt1?$Product%20Page$
Of course the addition of a weighted end gave said person a much greater swath to cut and reign fear if not swift justice to all before it.
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.5035033958614592&pid=15.1

[Great-Kazoo]

Cmon Bob.. Im not being an ass this time.. yet.. LOL
I just asking for some help.

So you're FIRMly in favor of seeking knowledge or SOFTening up regarding what choices you have?

[Waywardson174]

1) buy an AR. Apart from all the window dressing it offers unmatched multiple caliber potential. Start with 5.56, add uppers as your bank account deems possible.
2) buy a quality factory gun. Many of us build our own, and they are quality, but you don't want to start with a rifle that potentially wasn't head spaced or torqued to the right spec.
3) ammo is expensive, so buy a 22 conversion bolt. It's drop in and nearly idiot proof. You will spend some money right now, but will save it no matter what down the line.
4) invest in your optic. With the number of low grade optics I've tossed, I could have had an Acog by now. Just one, but still. Don't buy because its cheap. Go to shows, look through optics, search reviews and find something worth your money.
5) and finally accessorize! Because you're worth it girl! But really, blow some cash on that quad rail, try a vertical grip, spend some money at Magpul. Find out what you like and your second rifle in, you won't have questions, just connundrums.

[Fmedges]

I don't know about getting an "assault rifle" but highly recommend every shooter be introduced to and own "the greatest battle implement ever devised", i.e., the M-1 Garand. $625 plus $24.95 S&H from the CMP -- may cost you an additional $25 to join the Garand Collectors Association or other club (CO AR-15 is apparently a registered club with the CMP but I've never received any "proof of membership" I could send them).

The CMP will also sell you Greek surplus .30-06 ammunition (steel core, packaged loose in steel .30 caliber ammo cans) for $98 plus $11.95 S&H or new manufacture Hornady .30-06 for $230 plus $9.95 S&H per case of 200 rounds or $425 plus $19.95 S&H per case of 500 rounds.

You've got a picture of Clint as your avatar, get the rifle he held in "Gran Torino". :D

This is good advice.

[cstone]

Mosin-Nagant for a truly old school military weapon.

Before you choose a rifle, decide on what you want to do with it. Distance to target. Availability of ammunition and magazines. If you go AR, you should build your own lower and shop for a complete upper. Good luck finding one. Anything you find will be over priced or on a waiting list.

Do you already have a good semi-auto .22lr rifle? For the money, these are the best all around shooting you can find. Good luck finding ammunition.

[Blockhead]

I don't know about getting an "assault rifle" but highly recommend every shooter be introduced to and own "the greatest battle implement ever devised", i.e., the M-1 Garand. $625 plus $24.95 S&H from the CMP -- may cost you an additional $25 to join the Garand Collectors Association or other club (CO AR-15 is apparently a registered club with the CMP but I've never received any "proof of membership" I could send them).

The CMP will also sell you Greek surplus .30-06 ammunition (steel core, packaged loose in steel .30 caliber ammo cans) for $98 plus $11.95 S&H or new manufacture Hornady .30-06 for $230 plus $9.95 S&H per case of 200 rounds or $425 plus $19.95 S&H per case of 500 rounds.

You've got a picture of Clint as your avatar, get the rifle he held in "Gran Torino". :D

Great advice. Hearing that "ping" will bring a smile to anyone's face.

[jackthewall81]

What do you want to do with your weapon?

[jackthewall81]

Great advice. Hearing that "ping" will bring a smile to anyone's face.
That is the one rifle I need more than anything in the world. An M1 Garand. Wouldn't mind a m1 carbine either...

[Fmedges]

That is the one rifle I need more than anything in the world. An M1 Garand. Wouldn't mind a m1 carbine either...

I love my garand, but my carbine is a very very close second. It might not have the same stopping power, but damn is it fun.

[rockhound]

just before the true banic stared i sourced parts for a RRA 9mm, carbine,

for a true newbie a 9mm might be a nice start, ammo is getting harder to find, but is still cheaper than 223 and there are a few online that are not too badly priced. I lucked out and got top of the line for normal pricing, but i just made it. the parts are no longer available from RRA (at least for now)

it is a shorter range weapon, but for defense or plinking it would work, coupled with a tactical 10/22 a nice range of weapons that wont kill the pocketbook

[Great-Kazoo]

Haven't seen one question addressed, what price range for a GTG AR you looking to stay in?

[Dingo]

I am thinking of buying an "Assault" rifle. I have never owned one and reading the post on here I get so confused... uppers... downers... lowers... barbiturates… opiates… etc... LOL
Ez

I think it comes down to personal preference in what you intend to do with it eventually. My opinion (JUST MY OPINION... LET'S NOT START A FLAME WAR) is the following:

AK-47 - is very unlikely to ever break/jam/wear out to unshootability. They have an excellent reputation for reliability under adverse conditions (humidity, sand, not being cleaned for thousands of rounds). And replacement parts are still cheap, even if the guns themselves are currently overpriced. The downside is that you will never get great accuracy from an AK chambered in standard 7.63x39. The round and the gun itself do not lend themselves to match-accuracy. In today's panic market, expect to pay between $900-$1500.

AR-15 - I've owned two (Bushmaster Dissipator and a Rock River m4) and sold both due to reliability issues. They need to be cleaned/lubed frequently to stay reliable, some are questionable with steel-cased ammo, and it's a matter of when, not if, the bolt wears out. I've heard different numbers on round counts for that happening. The upside is, if you get a reliable one, the accuracy potential is incredible, particularly with some easy mods like getting a free-floating handguard (just a handguard that doesn't contact the barrel). They're also like "Lego guns" in that your average person can easily modify/replace/upgrade every part on them, without being a gunsmith. Price today: between $1200-$3000

SKS - lots of people go this route for a budget gun. They typically fire the same round that an AK does, and it is possible to modify them to accept hi-cap AK mags. Some of them come ready-made to a use AK mags from the factory. They're not as light and portable as a typical AK, (due to the wood stock, heavier receiver) and typically have sub-par accuracy. I've owned several of these over the years and never had any reliability issues. They're just not my gun of choice. Plus, if you're bony like me - the steel plate one the buttstock necessitates a recoil pad of some sort. Your clavicle will thank you, even with a relatively low-recoil round like 7.62x39. Price: $400-800.

If I had to make a choice between all three for a "do-everything" gun, I would grab an AK-74. It's an AK-47 chambered in a round which is similar to the 5.56 (What most AR-15's shoot), but is vastly cheaper. You get the benefit of a lighter/faster round, which is purported to do excellent tissue damage (I couldn't qualify that - haven't had to shoot anybody yet. :-) from the reports in Afghanistan, and is VASTLY cheaper than 90% of the rifle ammo out there. (1080 rounds can still be had for $250ish). The downside is that most of the ammo is corrosive, meaning that if you don't clean it in between shoots, it can degrade the internals/barrel of your gun. A simple spray-down with Windex after shooting will neutralize this problem.

[josh7328]

Man you have bad AR luck. I've owned 3 for many years and thousands of rounds with only 1 malfunction. I broke an extractor on a 6.8. All of mine were lower end guns too. DPMS, CMMG, and Olympic Arms. I had an uber reliable SKS once too, but the AR's accuracy spoiled me and I sold it.
I think it comes down to personal preference in what you intend to do with it eventually. My opinion (JUST MY OPINION... LET'S NOT START A FLAME WAR) is the following:

AK-47 - is very unlikely to ever break/jam/wear out to unshootability. They have an excellent reputation for reliability under adverse conditions (humidity, sand, not being cleaned for thousands of rounds). And replacement parts are still cheap, even if the guns themselves are currently overpriced. The downside is that you will never get great accuracy from an AK chambered in standard 7.63x39. The round and the gun itself do not lend themselves to match-accuracy. In today's panic market, expect to pay between $900-$1500.

AR-15 - I've owned two (Bushmaster Dissipator and a Rock River m4) and sold both due to reliability issues. They need to be cleaned/lubed frequently to stay reliable, some are questionable with steel-cased ammo, and it's a matter of when, not if, the bolt wears out. I've heard different numbers on round counts for that happening. The upside is, if you get a reliable one, the accuracy potential is incredible, particularly with some easy mods like getting a free-floating handguard (just a handguard that doesn't contact the barrel). They're also like "Lego guns" in that your average person can easily modify/replace/upgrade every part on them, without being a gunsmith. Price today: between $1200-$3000

SKS - lots of people go this route for a budget gun. They typically fire the same round that an AK does, and it is possible to modify them to accept hi-cap AK mags. Some of them come ready-made to a use AK mags from the factory. They're not as light and portable as a typical AK, (due to the wood stock, heavier receiver) and typically have sub-par accuracy. I've owned several of these over the years and never had any reliability issues. They're just not my gun of choice. Plus, if you're bony like me - the steel plate one the buttstock necessitates a recoil pad of some sort. Your clavicle will thank you, even with a relatively low-recoil round like 7.62x39. Price: $400-800.

[ezgoinrob]

I think it comes down to personal preference in what you intend to do with it eventually. My opinion (JUST MY OPINION... LET'S NOT START A FLAME WAR) is the following:

AK-47 - is very unlikely to ever break/jam/wear out to unshootability. They have an excellent reputation for reliability under adverse conditions (humidity, sand, not being cleaned for thousands of rounds). And replacement parts are still cheap, even if the guns themselves are currently overpriced. The downside is that you will never get great accuracy from an AK chambered in standard 7.63x39. The round and the gun itself do not lend themselves to match-accuracy. In today's panic market, expect to pay between $900-$1500.

AR-15 - I've owned two (Bushmaster Dissipator and a Rock River m4) and sold both due to reliability issues. They need to be cleaned/lubed frequently to stay reliable, some are questionable with steel-cased ammo, and it's a matter of when, not if, the bolt wears out. I've heard different numbers on round counts for that happening. The upside is, if you get a reliable one, the accuracy potential is incredible, particularly with some easy mods like getting a free-floating handguard (just a handguard that doesn't contact the barrel). They're also like "Lego guns" in that your average person can easily modify/replace/upgrade every part on them, without being a gunsmith. Price today: between $1200-$3000

SKS - lots of people go this route for a budget gun. They typically fire the same round that an AK does, and it is possible to modify them to accept hi-cap AK mags. Some of them come ready-made to a use AK mags from the factory. They're not as light and portable as a typical AK, (due to the wood stock, heavier receiver) and typically have sub-par accuracy. I've owned several of these over the years and never had any reliability issues. They're just not my gun of choice. Plus, if you're bony like me - the steel plate one the buttstock necessitates a recoil pad of some sort. Your clavicle will thank you, even with a relatively low-recoil round like 7.62x39. Price: $400-800.

If I had to make a choice between all three for a "do-everything" gun, I would grab an AK-74. It's an AK-47 chambered in a round which is similar to the 5.56 (What most AR-15's shoot), but is vastly cheaper. You get the benefit of a lighter/faster round, which is purported to do excellent tissue damage (I couldn't qualify that - haven't had to shoot anybody yet. :-) from the reports in Afghanistan, and is VASTLY cheaper than 90% of the rifle ammo out there. (1080 rounds can still be had for $250ish). The downside is that most of the ammo is corrosive, meaning that if you don't clean it in between shoots, it can degrade the internals/barrel of your gun. A simple spray-down with Windex after shooting will neutralize this problem.

Thanks Dingo.. this is the kind of info I was after.
I had no real restrictions just wanted to know more about each so I can make an informed decision.
I am kinda leaning towards an AK47. But as you all have said and after researching they are going for at least 3X what they were before the election.
I understand Ammo is hard to get right now but I am sure in time that will ease... or I hope at least. Plus they arent really wanting to ban ammo just weapons so I was wanting to get one before the ban happens (if it even does).

[Ronin13]

Rob- I won't get into price- that horse is dead, no sense in beating it further. Your best bet for either way you go is pretty simple... Starting out you can't go wrong with an AR platform from Stag Arms, DPMS, RRA, or CMMG. You could go one step further and go for a premium rig from Daniel Defense, POF, Noveske, or LMT- but those are much more costly, however they're, IMHO (H for humble, not honest), some of the best rifles you can buy. People will try and dissuade you from going for the best first, but it's all based on preference. My first AR was a POF, and coming in at $3K before the panic, they're not exactly cheap, but I've never had a problem with the rifle and love it. I will say that I'm more fond of piston systems over direct impingement- I'm probably speaking Chinese now so I'll explain: Piston systems use a piston/rod to cycle the bolt system with the gases from firing, whereas the direct impingement is a gas tube that goes all the way back to the bolt- I think direct can lead to more malfunctions and dirties the gun up more than piston, hence why I go that route, but it really is mostly on personal preference.

As far as AK's go- I believe that for a run of the mill AK you can't go wrong with anything middle of the road- Any WASR10 will suit your needs. My first, and only, AK platform is a Romanian WASR10 that I paid $300 for. Never had a jam, never had a malfunction, nothing- it runs like a sewing machine. A lot of times you get what you pay for, but with a well built AK system will last you- it's rugged, it's made to last, and it can take a lot of abuse. Hell, I've seen some in Afghanistan that have never been cleaned and they keep on going (granted those are Soviet models that are full-auto).

The best advice I can give you, as a beginner, is to go out and do some research (there are tons of review sites out there that can offer up candid opinions on different brands and styles)- I agree with Dingo- an AK would be a good choice right now and when things calm down you can get a pretty nice AR system when the prices are more manageable. Good luck!

[sneakerd]

Highly unlikely that there will be an assault weapons ban. Even Biden has admitted that won't pass the House. Look for mag capacity limitations and continued ammo shortages and plan based on that. Imho

[ezgoinrob]

Rob- I won't get into price- that horse is dead, no sense in beating it further. Your best bet for either way you go is pretty simple... Starting out you can't go wrong with an AR platform from Stag Arms, DPMS, RRA, or CMMG. You could go one step further and go for a premium rig from Daniel Defense, POF, Noveske, or LMT- but those are much more costly, however they're, IMHO (H for humble, not honest), some of the best rifles you can buy. People will try and dissuade you from going for the best first, but it's all based on preference. My first AR was a POF, and coming in at $3K before the panic, they're not exactly cheap, but I've never had a problem with the rifle and love it. I will say that I'm more fond of piston systems over direct impingement- I'm probably speaking Chinese now so I'll explain: Piston systems use a piston/rod to cycle the bolt system with the gases from firing, whereas the direct impingement is a gas tube that goes all the way back to the bolt- I think direct can lead to more malfunctions and dirties the gun up more than piston, hence why I go that route, but it really is mostly on personal preference.

As far as AK's go- I believe that for a run of the mill AK you can't go wrong with anything middle of the road- Any WASR10 will suit your needs. My first, and only, AK platform is a Romanian WASR10 that I paid $300 for. Never had a jam, never had a malfunction, nothing- it runs like a sewing machine. A lot of times you get what you pay for, but with a well built AK system will last you- it's rugged, it's made to last, and it can take a lot of abuse. Hell, I've seen some in Afghanistan that have never been cleaned and they keep on going (granted those are Soviet models that are full-auto).

The best advice I can give you, as a beginner, is to go out and do some research (there are tons of review sites out there that can offer up candid opinions on different brands and styles)- I agree with Dingo- an AK would be a good choice right now and when things calm down you can get a pretty nice AR system when the prices are more manageable. Good luck!

Thanks Ronin! more good info!

[MED]

I would buy an AR stripped lower and complete it when the prices come down. I am always willing to help on a person's first build as well as others on here.

I wouldn't wait if you plan to stay in Colorado. I am pretty sure we will be facing a ban in this state.

[MED]

Highly unlikely that there will be an assault weapons ban. Even Biden has admitted that won't pass the House. Look for mag capacity limitations and continued ammo shortages and plan based on that. Imho

Yes, there will be a ban in Colorado.

[sneakerd]

I hope you're wrong, I'm not confident enough to put any money on the bet- we'll see. In any event, currently owned guns will most certainly be grandfathered. Nobody is dumb enough to think they can take what we have.
I was thinking nationally, not a state ban.

[jackthewall81]

Yes, there will be a ban in Colorado.
Welp if that happens, I am as good as gone. Ill be outta here in a heartbeat.

[MED]

I hope you're wrong, I'm not confident enough to put any money on the bet- we'll see. In any event, currently owned guns will most certainly be grandfathered. Nobody is dumb enough to think they can take what we have.
I was thinking nationally, not a state ban. The Colorado General Assembly has the votes. They can protect 8 Democrats from vulnerable districts in the House and 3 in the Senate. I would say the chances are a good 80% that a ban will pass in Colorado.

[MED]

Welp if that happens, I am as good as gone. Ill be outta here in a heartbeat.

I am going through a divorce and I would love to leave right now, but I can't until my son is done with high school. I have five years left and I am gone.

[Dingo]

I'm fairly certain of the following (and will be gleefully pleased if proved wrong):

1: There will be no more high-volume online ammo sales.
2: Private party sales will go away. (If not nationally, then certainly in CO.)
3: Colorado will limit mag capacity to 10 rounds.
4: A national AWB will not pass, but Colorado stands a better than 50% chance of passing one. They will appease us with the concept of "grandfathering" our "evil guns", but will accomplish their goal of moving toward disarmament by making it next to impossible to transfer them, and will wait 5-10 years before then targeting handguns. All "for the children", bandying around empty buzzwords like "reasonable" and "responsibility", and preserving our "hunting heritage" by magnanimously allowing us to keep our bolt-action .22 rifles a few more years.
5: I will be in another state which respects my constitutional rights within the next 2-3 years.
6: When things finally degenerate to a proposed national confiscation/registry, I will happily give them my ammunition first.

[sneakerd]

Sorry- I think I managed to hijack the thread.

[HoneyBadger]

I think it comes down to personal preference in what you intend to do with it eventually. My opinion (JUST MY OPINION... LET'S NOT START A FLAME WAR) is the following:

AK-47 - is very unlikely to ever break/jam/wear out to unshootability. They have an excellent reputation for reliability under adverse conditions (humidity, sand, not being cleaned for thousands of rounds). And replacement parts are still cheap, even if the guns themselves are currently overpriced. The downside is that you will never get great accuracy from an AK chambered in standard 7.63x39. The round and the gun itself do not lend themselves to match-accuracy. In today's panic market, expect to pay between $900-$1500.

AR-15 - I've owned two (Bushmaster Dissipator and a Rock River m4) and sold both due to reliability issues. They need to be cleaned/lubed frequently to stay reliable, some are questionable with steel-cased ammo, and it's a matter of when, not if, the bolt wears out. I've heard different numbers on round counts for that happening. The upside is, if you get a reliable one, the accuracy potential is incredible, particularly with some easy mods like getting a free-floating handguard (just a handguard that doesn't contact the barrel). They're also like "Lego guns" in that your average person can easily modify/replace/upgrade every part on them, without being a gunsmith. Price today: between $1200-$3000

SKS - lots of people go this route for a budget gun. They typically fire the same round that an AK does, and it is possible to modify them to accept hi-cap AK mags. Some of them come ready-made to a use AK mags from the factory. They're not as light and portable as a typical AK, (due to the wood stock, heavier receiver) and typically have sub-par accuracy. I've owned several of these over the years and never had any reliability issues. They're just not my gun of choice. Plus, if you're bony like me - the steel plate one the buttstock necessitates a recoil pad of some sort. Your clavicle will thank you, even with a relatively low-recoil round like 7.62x39. Price: $400-800.

If I had to make a choice between all three for a "do-everything" gun, I would grab an AK-74. It's an AK-47 chambered in a round which is similar to the 5.56 (What most AR-15's shoot), but is vastly cheaper. You get the benefit of a lighter/faster round, which is purported to do excellent tissue damage (I couldn't qualify that - haven't had to shoot anybody yet. :-) from the reports in Afghanistan, and is VASTLY cheaper than 90% of the rifle ammo out there. (1080 rounds can still be had for $250ish). The downside is that most of the ammo is corrosive, meaning that if you don't clean it in between shoots, it can degrade the internals/barrel of your gun. A simple spray-down with Windex after shooting will neutralize this problem.

[flamethrower]

Dingo, you must have terrible luck with ARs! I've owned 7 ARs over the past 8 years. I've sold most of them for a variety of reasons, but not a single one because of problems with reliablility or accuracy. Combined I've probably put 10k rounds through my ARs and never worn any of them out or had any major malfunctions or reliability problems. Every once in a while I got a FTF (failure to fire) or a FTE (failure to eject) because of crappy surplus ammo, but the rifle was not the cause of those rare issues. One of my Palmetto State ARs I've shot about 3500 rounds of surplus ammo through without any cleaning and it still works like a charm!

To Rob: I bought an expensive special-caliber AR as my first AR (a $2500 6.8x43mm custom AR-15) and I ended up selling it after buying a much cheaper 5.56 AR-15. It was ridiculously accurate: I could put 5 rounds through the same hole at 100yds. ...But it was heavy and expensive to shoot. I couldn't bear the cost of ammo (stocking up on 6.8 ammo is EXPENSIVE!) and things like magazines were much pricier than 5.56/.223 mags. I decided to consolidate 8 different calibers down to 4 to save money and make bulk buying easier. I tend to like the quality of ARs over AKs. Sometimes with imported firearms, you can't be sure of their build quality or quality of materials.... but sometimes those are the best ones when it comes to reliability and toughness.

If you don't have a ton of money to put into this, I would recommend building a AR-15 lower from parts (it's super easy and lots of forum members would be willing to help) and buying a complete upper from a company like Palmetto state armory. I have 2 of their uppers right now (I might have one of them up for sale in the trading post soon!) and one complete rifle from them... they all work great. Right now, you gotta take your time and shop around for the deals. Be patient and don't get robbed by the panic prices!

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get an AR that is really great: My favorite AR right now only cost me $1100 before the panic. It is lightweight, completely reliable, and pretty accurate (1.5 inch groups at 100yds with a 14.5" CL barrel)

[Madeinhb]

I just got a new S&W15T for MSRP. I know it's probably a little more than I would have paid, but nothing like the ridiculous price hikes going on. The trick is find one and if price is reasonable, get it.

[liberty19]

I tend to agree with most here that a basic AR15 is a good starter semi-auto. Not only are they Barbie for men, but they are fun to shoot and have little recoil. If you want something with a heavier punch, it is hard to beat a Springfield M1a. The ammo is more expensive but you can accessorize them to your heart's content - almost as much as an AR. Good luck finding a rifle to suit your needs and your desires. Welcome to the DARK side.

[jslo]

Seems like most are saying for a beginner, get a stripped lower and a complete upper. May I ask what is a "decent" price for a complete upper for the beginner. I know you get what you pay for but for someone wanting to see if it's a platform they want to check into what should one expect to pay for a complete build. Do you that build, do it for the joy, striving for the perfect firearm or do you do it to save $.

[muddywings]

I have an AK-47 from years ago but always wanted an AR. I did it the way jslo recommend even though a lot of people (not here) told me to buy a complete rifle to start out. I went overboard on my build as I'm a buy once cry once and don't think by building a stripped lower that you'll save money but it is an easy way to learn the basics.
The hardest decision after that was the upper. I bought complete from BCM but the hard part was the length and that is where the fun comes in with your own personal needs/wants. I asked a lot of noob questions, caught some flak (not here) but over all got some good advice and did a ton of research which was half the fun.

[HoneyBadger]

May I ask what is a "decent" price for a complete upper for the beginner.


Palmetto. State. Armory.

[cstone]

BCM produces a great upper for a reasonable price.

[Gman]

Bought my first AR as a complete rifle. I learned more about them at that time. Second AR was a stripped Stag Arms lower that I built out myself with selected parts of my choosing. Then I just picked up a complete RRA mid-length upper. Fun stuff.
20925

[DireWolf]

Seems like most are saying for a beginner, get a stripped lower and a complete upper. May I ask what is a "decent" price for a complete upper for the beginner. I know you get what you pay for but for someone wanting to see if it's a platform they want to check into what should one expect to pay for a complete build. Do you that build, do it for the joy, striving for the perfect firearm or do you do it to save $.

I don't know that I've ever saved any money by building from stripped receivers, probably the opposite. But by building your own, aside from the fun aspect, you can put in the parts that you want without having to strip out other perfectly good ones and commit them to parts-bin limbo...