Next purchase help

[bluesman001]

Ok,

I have $500 (soon to be $650). I am interested in either:

1) AR15
2) Mini-14
3) AK

I have a line on a Mini 14 tactical with one 20 rd mag for $500 even. Or I can wait and try to get an AR when I get more $$. I am not going to war, and I won't rule out Zombie hunting. This weapon will be a home defender/range shooter.

Thoughts?!

[ellis4538]

DPMS makes the Sportical AR in your price range.  Last I saw, they came w/3-30 rd. mags.  Check out their web site.  Might even be able to find a dealer listed near you.

FWIW

Richard

[capbyrd]

For that price range, I like the S&W M&P15 Sport.  Its similar to the sportical that Ellis recommended. 

This is the CA compliant version but the regular version is same price. 

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763_977/products_id/71971/SWL+MP15SPORT+811038+5.56+16+FXMAG+10

[billt]

I have many of all 3. All make difficult choices because they are all so desirable. I can honestly say when I go to the range I usually take 2 or all three of the ones you outlined. The only thing than governs my choice on any given day is my willingness to clean all of them after a day at the range. $650.00 puts you into the range of a very good AK-47, (Polish 1960 milled comes to mind, or else an Arsenal). Or else any of the newer Ruger Mini 14 Tactical Models. That same money will get you an entry level AR-15, which you can doll up later as funds become more prevalent. It all comes down to which one you happen to favor the most. For me it came AR-15 first, AK-47 second, and finally the Mini 14 third.

[tombogan03884]

Since it will be a range gun I would skip the Mini 14 due to lackluster accuracy.
If you want an "OK" shooter, the AK is less expensive with a bit more after market stuff available.
The AR is by far the most accurate , versatile, and adaptable of the 3.
Once you have the lower receiver it is a simple matter to reconfigure to any variation you want.

[Sponsor]

[twyacht]

Well, an AK (decent one) and you'll have money left over to buy a fair bunch of ammo. Mags are cheap(er).

Home defense/shooter? At those closer ranges;  Get the AK...Take the larger rd./cheaper ammo & mags, and the accessories for the AK have really become very good.

Better for zombie hunting anyway. Not as finicky with ammo. easy to clean, maintain, and can be lubed with old lawnmower oil.

For corrosive ammo, pee down the barrel and reload...

I own the Saiga AK and changed the stock and handguard,,,,, at 100yds. it thumps what I aim at. I paid less than $400 for it NIB.

Here's my son with the Saiga.





Zombie slaying approved...

[Ping]

Nice AK TW.

You could build your own AR15 for $650.

Choice is yours bluesman. I always joke that with a Glock and an AK you cannot got wrong. I just happened to get an AR15 to partner with my Glocks.

[MAUSERMAN]

I agree get the AK. Ammo is plentiful and its brute simple.

[bluesman001]

I appreciate the replies so far.

I am not disregarding, but find myself drawn to the AR (blame the USMC for giving me an M16 to carry).  Anyways, I have a line on a couple rifles and want opinions on brand.

1)  Should they restock in the near future - I would love a Spikes Tactical M4 style.
2)  Model 1 XM177 A3 upper on a Spikes lower
3)  Del Ton flat top upper on Plum Crazy lower

I have $600, but will soon have a bit more.  Thanks!

[tombogan03884]

Spike's are great. Go with the flat top.