The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: kilopaparomeo on December 20, 2009, 03:29:25 PM
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Saw this topic on another forum and thought it was fun.
List your top 5 rifles and tell us why. Doesn't have to be for specific objective criteria -- in other words, doesn't have to be "top battle rifles of all time based on power, longevity, pivotal events, etc. Can be what YOU like based on how YOU feel about them.
In other words, there is no wrong answer. I'm just interested in what you like and what "pushes your buttons".
I think it's a very tough question...of my dozens of rifles, my favorites are all over the map...based on completely biased and emotional rationale.
(http://i48.tinypic.com/10ykzki.jpg)
1. M1 Garand -- because I'm a red-blooded American who grew up in the 60's watching WWII movies. And because it is a lot of fun to shoot as well. Not the ultimate battle rifle, but one that is full of history
2. FN-FAL -- this is the rifle I reach for the most from the safe because it is ergonomic, powerful, reliable and good looking. 90 countries can't be wrong.
3. 1874 Sharps -- drop dead gorgeous, extremely accurate and came at a pivotal time in our nation's development. Plus, Quigley can't be wrong, can he?
4. Finnish M39 -- I've been enjoying reading and thinking about the Winter War and the Continuation War recently. The M39 represents what a small, determined populace can do against impossible odds based on the independence of it's people...and marksmanship. Everything the Mosin-Nagant wanted to be...but wasn't sophisticated enough to think of.
5. AR15 -- I used to "hate" AR15s until I actually owned one. Now I have 7. They are infinitely customizable, sufficiently powerful, handy, ergonomic and a lot of fun. This one is set up just like I want it.
Honorable mention (because I was too chicken$#!% to choose just 5)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/30l2gbd.jpg)
1. M1A/M14 -- for the same reasons I like the Garand...with 20 rounds instead of 8. This one is extremely accurate.
2. Tikka T3 -- not the prettiest or most refined but I call this one my "hammer of Thor". Has never failed to anchor an animal on the spot. I would be lying if I said I didn't like it.
3. Winchester 1892 -- super handy, fast firing, powerful enough, accurate enough. The "assault rifle" of it's day...and still pretty formidable in the right hands. This one is a Rossi in .45 Colt. Wouldn't feel undergunned with one.
4. Swedish M96 -- elegant, from another time of craftsmanship. Crazy accurate with an wonderful old cartridge...I love the 6.5x55mm.
5. Steyr AUG -- surprised myself including this...especially over the M1903. But I really appreciate the forward thinking of the design and the incredible compactness of the machine. Bullpups have lots of flaws, but also some advantages that are unavoidable.
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1. American as it gets Winchester model 70 (older models) Words do not give it justice. (.270)
2. M1 Garand. Patton was not wrong.
3. SKS. good little rifle. Reliable. Russians answer to the M1 Garand.
4. Marlin lever action 30-30. American as the winchester 70.
5. Lately the mosin nagant poor mans 30.06 It is idiot proof.
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1) Ruger 10/22 Everyone should own one
2) AR15-Varmints to self defense ably covered just change optics
3) SMLE of any vintage- works in roughest conditions imaginable, although surplus ammo has disappeared
4) Semiauto version of AK-same as above except ammo dirt cheap and available anywhere on earth
5) Winchester 94 Trapper in 30-30 easy to carry all day/week and still as effective of a cartridge as it was 100+ years ago
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kilo -
I'd take your selection, but I really want that Garand and the Sharps! Need to have a couple of accurate toys for games.
Both are on my list of must gets.
I'll echo ccd on the 10/22 - A perfect "truck gun." Like a Timex, they take a likin and keep on plinkin.
My AR's go on the list (15 & 10) - Pure utility with flexibility.
And I would round it out with an Anschutz ... thinking a 2313 Match would be nice at the range - You can tell the level of the gun guy by the .22 on his wall ;D
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Hmmm...Let's see
1) Marlin 1895CB in 45-70, will take any north American game , ability to thump hard on non hardened targets
2) Marlin 39 .22 - will work for small game up to self defense(Holds up to 21 rounds, that will hurt you despite the small size ammo) with proper shot placement
3) Ruger 77 in Scout configuration .308, handy rifle for most any big game or use for longer shots
4) FN-FAL 308, A great Battle rifle, can also be used to bring home meat for the table
5) SKS handy size for smaller folk, cheap ammo, no magazine to lose or get damaged
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#1 ) 7.62 AR (AR 10 etc. ) Familiar action , potent round, and drop free mags.
#2) SKS, same reason Majer listed
#3) Savage model 99, got to love the lever guns and this one will shoot pointed bullets without buying special polymer tipped ammo
#4) AK, 30 cal. inexpensive and practically unbreakable.
#5) Mauser K98 Like the lines of the military stocks and it doesn't kick as hard as the Mosin Nagant.
and tomorrow I will probably change this and list a bunch of totally different guns ;D
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no real order too these.
m1
m1 carbine
nylon 66
my weatherby k98 sporter( yes coverted by weatherby, when he was a gun smith)
rem 591 ( 5 mm remington mag)
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1) Marlin 336 30/30. No matter what I take shooting during hunting season, I always wind up taking the Marlin at some point. It's always ready and accurate.
2) My "go to" bolt gun this season has been a sporterized 91/30 with my own ammo receipe. 165 grain Nosler balistic tips over 47 grains of hodgdon Varget, in Graf&Sons custom brass. 1 1/2 in groups at 100yd.
3) Henry Goldenboy 22Lr. My grandkids and I love this rifle. Smooth as butter lever action, and as accurate as our eyes will allow.
4) M1 Garand. A classic.....nuff said.
5) My current favorite is the Ishapore No.1 Mk.IIIA2 that I just refinished. But I'm fickle and it will fall off the list after I complete my next project.
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Top 5 AND WHY.
1) Rack grade M1a with national match sights, I have enough history with this rifle, I truly believe if I can see it I can hit it. Don't you love the tiger stripes that came out when I refinished it?
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/m25operator/100_1333.jpg)
2) Model 7 remington in 7mm/08 with set trigger and fiberglass stock, 6.5llbs with scope, carry it all day and accurate to boot.
6th from the left.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/m25operator/100_1383.jpg)
3) CZ 527 in .223 with set trigger, Bausch and Lomb 6x24 4000 series scope, elegant and accurate, detachable mag with up to 10 shots. 3rd from the left
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/m25operator/100_1383.jpg)
4) DPMS 16" carbine, with comp ml2 aimpoint, Miculek brake, sopmod 4 stock, accuracy speaks trigger, DPMS full float 4 rail handguard with flashlight, enodine hydraulic buffer. Reliable and accurate, and very soft shooting rifle. Full float rail added after pic was taken.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/m25operator/100_1608.jpg)
5) M40 precision rifle, 7" 5 shots at 1000 yards.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/m25operator/100_1335.jpg)
I have others that definitely come in the top 10, but this is what I like the most. My Sako finbear in .338 win mag, for the big stuff, but I don't get to hunt the big stuff much anymore. 9th from the left.
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You're working on earning your own "we hate you" thread with Billt and KPR. ;D
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Mauser 98k proven battle rifle and puts food on the table.
M1 Garand Yes Patton was not wrong and a true American classic.
Marlin 336 Its realiable, bullet proof and very handy.
AK47/74 If the shit hits the fan im good to go.
Ruger 10/22 The gun that started it all for me.
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Cool, I knew I could count on you guys for some interesting selections and rationale. For those interested, here's the stats so far.
M1 Garand - 6 votes
AR15 - 4 votes
SKS - 3 votes
Marlin 336 - 3 votes
10/22 - 3 votes
AK - 3 votes
K98 - 3 votes
and cats and dogs after that.
I'll keep track and see if we can come up with the top 5 downrange rifles.
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AR15 (first rifle I bought myself and got hooked on shooting)
Rem 700 VSSF .308 (My reach out and touch someone rifle)
Ruger 10/22 (Everyone needs at least 3) ;)
Ruger m77 .257 Roberts (It was my first "real" gun when I was 12)
Win 94 .30-30 (The cowboy assault rifle, everyone should have one of these also)
Those are top 5 of what I have.
The list would change once I figure out what .30cal semi to get first.
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You're working on earning your own "we hate you" thread with Billt and KPR. ;D
tooo late they are on my list
especially as kilopaparomeo has a Steyr , a Sharps and a Garand..... Prick :P
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Note: Stainless steel would be used in every possible opportunity!
DSA FAL: (w./Leupold scope) Perfect caliber, build quality, near flawless platform (FN's), accuracy, adaptability.
Custom built .308 "scout rifle" based on Rem. 700 action: (w./Leupold scope). All the reasons you'd want this in a Rem. 700, but with quality materials and construction.
Ruger 10/22T: (w./Leupold scope). Reason? Really? You have to ask?!?
Savage 93 BTVS: (w./Leupold scope). Not a "man stopper" by any means, but a near perfect "one gun survival kit" caliber. Supreme accuracy, wonderful stock, reliable simplicity.
Ruger .44 Carbine: (w./fiber optic sights). Versatility, versatility, versatility. Light weight, short OAL, while I HATE the complexity of the action, I LOVE the package in whole, & I've never yet had a single FTF for any reason.
Order of this list subject to change by the minute! ;D
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I am shocked that BM didn't include his beloved AK. ;)
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If it had been a SIX rifle list! ;D
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M24 SWS Yes I know, bolt action and slow. But it was my first build and I really do love that rifle. Extremely accurate, and reliable.
SR-25 SWS Last years build. Very accurate and gives me 20 rds of rapid (well aimed) firepower.
Ruger 10/22 Because every gun guy must have at least 1
Bushmaster AR-15 A4 Flat top with adaptable optics. Very good all purpose gun.
Winchester model 70. My primary hunting rifle. 30-06 being a very versatile round.
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I can narrow my list down further.
1.) 10-22 because it's the most customizable gun made and it's fun to shoot.
2.) AR-15 for firepower and fun.
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I want to see BillT's list:
1. AK, this make
2. AK, that make
3. AK, other make
4. AK, you want make
5. AK, you never have or be able to get make
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.
.
\/
100. AK, ha ha ha make
Man, on second thought I do not want to know Bill.
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OK, if we delete Bill T's votes for 100 AK's, here's the current stats on the top downrange rifles:
10/22 - 7 votes
AR15 - 6 votes
M1 Garand - 6 votes
FAL, SKS, Marlin 336, AK, AR10, K98 -- all tied for 3 votes each
All sound choices, although I'm disappointed that you heathens can't see that the FAL is such a superior rifle.
Now here are my votes for the more unique choices:
Sense of style -- Winchester 1895
Retro cool - Nylon 66
High $$ one-holer -- Anschutz
My favorite from thehighroad.org verison of this -- Martini-Henry .557 -- "Zulu" and Colour Sergeant Bourne can't be wrong
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Browning 1919A4 belt fed.
FAL Fusil Automatique Legere big, heavy, combat proven.
M1 Garand just because
Mauser 98k, their bolt actions are still copied
Sharp's because I don't have one yet
Disclaimer:
List subject to revision,.....
Sure we can't make it top 10?
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Browning 1919A4 belt fed.
FAL Fusil Automatique Legere big, heavy, combat proven.
M1 Garand just because
Mauser 98k, their bolt actions are still copied
Sharp's because I don't have one yet
My Christmas gift to you...
(http://i48.tinypic.com/28mnujb.jpg)
(the picture, not the guns...)
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My Christmas gift to you...
(http://i48.tinypic.com/28mnujb.jpg)
(the picture, not the guns...)
You have GOT to set up a roof top mount for the Browning on your truck /car!!! :)
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You have GOT to set up a roof top mount for the Browning on your truck /car!!! :)
Wouldn't that interfere with the missle launcher?
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He should buy a old willy jeep and find a mount for it.
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I want to see BillT's list:
1. AK, this make
2. AK, that make
3. AK, other make
4. AK, you want make
5. AK, you never have or be able to get make
.
.
.
.
.
\/
100. AK, ha ha ha make
Man, on second thought I do not want to know Bill.
Not too far off. AK -47 in most any flavor would be #1. Then it gets a little more complex.
2.) I would have to go with the AR-15 / M-16 platform, again you pick the configuration.
3.) The M-1A / M-14. Our last all steel battle rifle.
4.) Mauser 98, the finest example ever of a bolt action rifle. A lot of white crosses at Normandy because of it's accuracy.
5.) 1928 Thompson. A masterpiece of engineering that never took off because of it's high cost, and reputation of wasting ammunition. I think if WW II happened 10 years earlier, it would have fared much better in the military.
I didn't include the M-1 Garand because I more or less consider it and the M-14 to be one of the same. I didn't include any commercial guns, but if I were the Weatherby Mark V DeLuxe would for sure earn a spot. Beautifully crafted and very accurate, it represents the consummate American bolt action hunting rifle for big game. Bill T.
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Cant we all just "Love the one you're with"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_42ruihZWs
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Thanks kpr. You covered the top 5 right there.
Seeing how it's Christmas Eve, I will hate you and billt next year....
Thank you ;)
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Wouldn't that interfere with the missle launcher?
;D
1. AR15 - 5.56 - is first because I'm waiting for the postman to deliever the upper on my first AR.
2. Izhmash 7-2-KO Biathlon Basic - .22lr
3. Swiss K-31 - 7.5x55
4. M59/66 Yugo SKS - 7.62x39
5. Kel-tec Sub2000 - 9mm - fun, it folds and uses the same mags as my Glock 17
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You have GOT to set up a roof top mount for the Browning on your truck /car!!!
If and when I get a northwoods cabin, I've always had the dream of having one of these in the shed to run to town for supplies.
(http://www.old-cars.net/cars/1941jeep.jpg)
(http://www.robertsarmory.com/jeep3.jpg)
And of course, since the cabin would be by a pristine lake with few other people, logging roads for access and many hours from home, this is how we would get there.
(http://www.terrygunn.com/Alaska-Fly-Fishing-Photos/Float-Planes/1473236_PoXSK#70398017_TJDZ9-A-LB)
(http://images.barnstormers.com/classified_files/.watermarked_1e0aa86fe1f130b729d2ee2e638b77ce.jpg)
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M-1 Garand proved itself when I used one in combat. Gen. Patton was right.
M-2 Carbine (Paratrooper model) Again used in combat and proved it was adequate to the job.
HK-91 if you need more fire power ASAP
Ruger 10/22 because everyone needs one
Mauser 98K That 8MM is a tough round.
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Thanks Old Soldier, glad your here, the top 5 seem not enough.
1) BAR, because
2) Ma Duece, because
3) 1903 Springfield, because
4) Spencer, because
5) Martini Henry, because
still revising as it goes,.... ;)
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1. M4A1/M16A2- Served me from 1983-2008 and saved my life several times in combat. Any good built AR prefered in select fire. Jump out of airplanes with and swam oceans with.
2. FN FAL- any variant preferable in select fire, one parachute jump with.
3. Mauser 98- best bolt gun design
4. MP44/STG44- first true assualt rifle and a classic
5. Any John Browning lever action- 1886, 1892, 1894 and 1895
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/Persian_29-98_MP44s_M4A1.jpg)
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/P2260012_byf_41_K98_and_FNFAL.JPG)
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/gun_rack_resized.JPG)
Runner ups
6. M1 Garand- unforgetable service to our country and I carried one 4 yrs in high school (ROTC drill team)
7. M14 NM carried one in Iraq in 04/05' and used the same one at the All Army Long Range Match in 06' out to 1000yds with irons. Here's me and my oldest son in Iraq 04
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/9809Father_and_Son_in_Baghdad_04.JPG)
8. M1903 Springfield- My frist centerfire rifle and used on frist deer, modified Mauser 98 action.
Just don't start a thread on submachine guns or machine guns and get me started.
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/9809M1919A6.JPG)
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/9809IMAG0008_50_.JPG)
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/548/98092004_0622_101716aab.jpg)
Too late.........
CD
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1. Winchester Model 94 - Over 6 million sold, great brush carbine
2. Remington Model 700 - Solid action, proven by hunters and in military applications
3. Springfield M1A/M14 - TOUGH, proven in how many wars? And still in use by the military - I rest my case
4. Ruger 10/22 - Simplistic - It Works!
5. Mauser Model 98 - Must be a reason why this action is in demand
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1. Kel Tec RFB 308 bullpup - it's new , it's 27in. long with an 18in. barrel , it's hideously ugly in the cutest possible way
2. Steyr Scout 308 - After all these years it's still the rifle I grab first for a hunt
3. Sako model 691 in 416rem - the most accurate rifle I have ever fired , it will stack them through one hole longer than I can stand to keep pulling the trigger
4. Puma 1892 in 454 Casull - because 454 is a much better lever rifle cartridge than it ever was a revolver cartridge
5. Wesley Richards 470NE double rifle - because I've wanted one since I read Death In The Long Grass for the first time when I was twelve and I will probably be wanting one till I finally keel over - they're not getting any cheaper
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Haven't seen it listed but by far one of the smoothest and most underrated rifles of all time the Lee-Enfield no.1 mk. 3 and no 4. mk. 1.
Not quite as powerful as the 8mm but the ability to throw .303 downrange in large numbers quickly and accurately make it awesome. I loved mine and miss it to this day.
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well.....
AR-15, IMO most versatile weapon ever made even better in .308
10/22 second most versatile
Remington 700 set the standard for bolt guns
winchester model 70 (30-06) timeless classic
AK variant nuff said
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Haven't seen it listed but by far one of the smoothest and most underrated rifles of all time the Lee-Enfield no.1 mk. 3 and no 4. mk. 1.
Not quite as powerful as the 8mm but the ability to throw .303 downrange in large numbers quickly and accurately make it awesome. I loved mine and miss it to this day.
You and me both. (philw is probably giggling). I gave mine (my grand dad's actually) away to my God daughter, or more precisley to her husband. He workd like a trooper helping to clear out the old man's house, and even though she "didn't want any of the guns" I knew she did want the bolt nylon 66 she and I both learned to shoot on (even though she professes to be anti hese days), and he couldn't take his eyes off the Enfeild and an Ishi. They went home with them. At least they're still in the family. However, she isn't getting great grandads Parker until she convinces me that she will take her boys out to kill something. ;D
As far a forgotten gun, let me submit the Remington Rolling Block. A great rifle, (though short lived) it revolutionized single actions. I've only shot .22 versions, but would love a real one some day.
FQ13
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Remington "Rolling Blocks" were used by, Russia, China, the Boers and several other countries.
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1) CETME/H&K/PTR - Works! These weapons are as reliable as an AK in a much better caliber. Yes the ergonomics could be better but proper training can overcome this to a large degree
2) AK - Works! Accuracy is good enough for most jobs and can be improved with a little work (polishing the crown #1) and penetration and hitting power are much (MUCH!) better than any 5.56mm. The Sako M-92s would be my choice as the all time best AK type ever made
3) Vz. 58 - Czech rifle that gave the AK a run for its money. Just as reliable as an AK it is lighter and more accurate
4) FR-8 - Small (relatively) light carbine based on the K-98 Mauser with CETME barrel and flash-suppressor chambered in 7.62 NATO. All mine needs is a scout-scope mounted
5) FR-F1 - French Sniper-rifle, just cause it's so damn cool!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/DCB_Shooting_FR_F1_right_side.jpg/800px-DCB_Shooting_FR_F1_right_side.jpg)
Why no FN? Cause of the rat-tail in the stock and the funky headspace.
Why no M-1/M-14/BM-59? Good weapons but they require too much maintenance for me.
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In no particular order
M1 Garand - I have had a love affair with this rifle since I saw one for the first time. Beautiful rifle and fantastic shooter.
10/22 - My first rifle. Everyone should own a 10/22. There is no better way for a child to learn to shoot than the 10/22
AR15 - The sheer versatility of the AR platform destroys all competitors. The fact that you can have a semi automatic .22lr, .223/5.56, 6.5, 6.8, etc all the way to a bolt action .50 BMG proves that the AR design was worth it.
Mosin Nagant 91/30 - Sniper 2. nuff said
I don't know what to pick for the last spot.
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My most favorite rifle is my Dad’s Savage 99E lever gun in Savage 300. That was the first high powered rifle I ever shot. I guess I was around 12 then. I wasn’t ready for it yet. Dad bought me a Winchester Centennial Model 94 (30-30) with a long octagon barrel plus it had a 10 round tube. After my four years in the Navy (71-75). When I went to working for the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office in 75 my taste turned to military and military type rifles, and pistols.
1 FAL-L1A1 Emblem receiver and I think it might be Austrian parts. Replaced the tin-pan top cover with a scope mount top cover from Tapco and a BSA 6X24X50 mill teck scope. 3in. group at 100 yards. Puts meat on the table.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/39wolfgang/Flecktarn%20Camo%20and%20My%20Guns/My%20Guns/003L1A1.jpg)
2 AK47 Romanianyugo underfolder (Romanian front end and Yugoslavian rear end. Nothing fancy yet. Well be tricked out in a couple of weeks though. Scope, Laser, and Light.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/39wolfgang/Flecktarn%20Camo%20and%20My%20Guns/My%20Guns/007AK47Underfolder.jpg)
3 Springfield Armory M1A1, I love it, very accurate, long range, but much heavier than my FAL-L1A1. This is the most expensive gun I have ever bought.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/39wolfgang/Flecktarn%20Camo%20and%20My%20Guns/My%20Guns/008M1A1.jpg)
4 Rugar Mini 14-182 series. Bought it back in the 80’s for police work and hunting. I have taken more Deer with this gun than any other gun I have.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/39wolfgang/Flecktarn%20Camo%20and%20My%20Guns/My%20Guns/009Mini14.jpg)
5 Mauser 98K, I had it converted to 308. Still wants to reach out and touch ya.
Now for when it is time to grab the stuff and run. I well be grabbing the FAL-L1A1 and the AK47. Most of my BOG is already put together.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/39wolfgang/Flecktarn%20Camo%20and%20My%20Guns/My%20Guns/01298K.jpg)
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Hmm...
1. Ruger 10/22: easily the most adaptable, customizable auto .22 you can get your hands on. Bar none. Mine is as tricked as any I have ever seen or handled...but I still see new stuff I would like to do to it.
2. AR15: the most modular, adaptable carbine out there today. Anything you want you can have, in a myriad of configurations and calibers. Low recoil and easy hits out to 300 yds and beyond. What's not to like??
3. Marlin 336 30-30 how many deer have been taken with this rifle? Ease of use, easy maintenance, scoped or open sights. It may not demand the price of its winchester "cousins" but I would rather get a bargain shooter than an expensive safe queen any day.
4. GSG5: come on...a $500 .22lr carbine that looks like a $3500 HK subgun? Shoots accurately, reliably? Hell yes. I even had someone mistake mine for a suppressed HK at the range. How cool is that? Now just get german sport guns to make a Barrett clone....
5. This one was kinda hard...I think the Barrett .50 has to get the nod. Whether a single shot or a semi auto, these things are accurate out to a friggin mile in the right hands. One of the few "small" arms that could take out an insurgent or a tractor trailer just as easily. It shoots a bullet that weighs as much as a small dog...okay that's an exageration, but not by much...
Honorable mentions? Remington 700, winchester model 70, m14, ak47....