Questions about rifles

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
S

Shelly21

Diamond Member
May 28, 2002
4,111
1
0
I visited a gun range last weekend and it was a cool and unique experience. They even had guns for rent. I paid $10 and picked a rifle that looks like an AKS-74U(?). That was the first time I've ever used a firearm.

I'm thinking about getting a semi-automatic rifle, instead of a handgun. I've seen a fair share of them and it seems like for some reason, some handguns actually cost more than a bigger mean looking rifle. Why is that?

There are ads for para-military sub machine guns that runs for $300-$500. That's quite cheap.

For practical reason, It would seem that a rifle is better than a handgun... correct?

 
B

Beau

Lifer
Jun 25, 2001
17,730
0
76
www.beauscott.com
Originally posted by: Shelly21
For practical reason, It would seem that a rifle is better than a handgun... correct?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say that. Rifles are larger and more difficult to store. Plus, if you ever decide to get your concealed weapons permit, what are you going to do with a rifle? Hold it under a trenchcoat?

 
U

UltraQuiet

Banned
Sep 22, 2001
5,755
0
0
Originally posted by: Shelly21
I visited a gun range last weekend and it was a cool and unique experience. They even had guns for rent. I paid $10 and picked a rifle that looks like an AKS-74U(?). That was the first time I've ever used a firearm.

I'm thinking about getting a semi-automatic rifle, instead of a handgun. I've seen a fair share of them and it seems like for some reason, some handguns actually cost more than a bigger mean looking rifle. Why is that?

There are ads for para-military sub machine guns that runs for $300-$500. That's quite cheap.

For practical reason, It would seem that a rifle is better than a handgun... correct?
Click to expand...

Shelly- What do you want a gun for?

Home protection-- I would reccomend a shotgun. There will be lots of debate over this but for someone who doesn't shoot a lot it really is the right answer, IMO. Take a course, shoot it enough to get comfortable with it.

Personal protection/carry-- obviously a handgun. Find one you like, can handle. That means shoot it before you buy it. Then shoot it a lot. Take a safety course. Shoot it some more. Take a defense course. Shoot it some more, shoot it some more...... Ammo is important here also, you don't want to shoot through the wall of your apartment.

Hobby/target shooting-- buy what you like.
 
J

JeffreyLebowski

Lifer
Aug 23, 2000
15,509
1
81
for practical reasons, like home defense I say a shotgun, less accurasy need in aiming, point in general direction and BLAM. Usually the sound of cocking the gun is enough to make most thieves turn and run.

For concieled carry or in your vehicle, a pistol is the only way to go. Rifles are really only good for hunting and target shooting.
 
Pliablemoose

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
25,195
0
56
Suspect you're looking for a self defense weapon?

Several reasons rifles aren't great for self defense:
1.) long & bulky, imagine yourself in a hallway and you need to tun around, some part of the rifle will prob strike the wall, slow you down, and mess up you aim.

2.) Penetration, fire a rifle in a house & the slug may well make it through several walls & outside the house.

3.) Storage, unless you've got a fairly large gun cabinet in your house next to your bed or in your car, they're inconvenient to get quickly.

All that being said, my AR15 with a collapsable stock & 16 inch bbl would be my choice in a home defense setting. Or my 50 round 9mm Calico pistol, or my Glock 22C...
 
H

Hoober

Diamond Member
Feb 9, 2001
4,418
62
91
Shelly

I wouldn't recommend buying a gun until you've shot a lot of rounds through various types. You need to find one that you're comfortable with. And like any other major purchase, do your research. There are so many different types of guns that are used to many different purposes. You need to find one that fits you, that you're comfortable with. And take a class. Take several classes. Guns aren't something to buy spontaneously by people who have little to no experience with them.
 
Maetryx

Maetryx

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2001
4,849
1
81
It seems to me that Shelly21 wants a semi-automatic rifle because they're fun. I recommend an AK-47 variant because they are widely available, reliable, have inexpensive ammo, and are fun to shoot. They really aren't good for anything other than fun in a non-war situation.
 
S

Shelly21

Diamond Member
May 28, 2002
4,111
1
0
What are you going to use the rifle for . . . . ???
Click to expand...

I just think it would be cool to own one. I remember asking one of my ex-bf "Why are you putting that comic book in a bag? It's not even a collector's item." I think I understand why he did that now.

I wouldn't say that. Rifles are larger and more difficult to store. Plus, if you ever decide to get your concealed weapons permit, what are you going to do with a rifle? Hold it under a trenchcoat?
Click to expand...

Concealed permit? I think you have to take a class for that right? Is it okay to just carry the rifle in broad daylight? Because if you need a permit to conceal it, that means it is OKAY to NOT conceal it without a permit right?

Shelly- What do you want a gun for?
Click to expand...

I think hobby would be the best reason. I mean... I don't know anyone who would use a M16 for hunting. For some reason, when I was holding a rifle, I felt a bit different. Like when I was riding my bike (I should have the pictures back in 2-3 days).

Collecting coins just doesn't do it for me anymore. :)
 
L

Lalakai

Golden Member
Nov 30, 1999
1,634
0
76
definetly consider what the primary purpose of the firearm will be. Then consider appropriateness of the caliber and size of the firearm. I would strongly recommend returning to the shooting range, visiting with some of the other shooters, hear what they have to say, and perhaps try other firearms in trial shooting.

if you just want to plink and have fun at the range, you can't beat a .22 pistol or rifle; they're very accurate, ammo is inexpensive, mild recoil, and life expectancy is many years. Other types of shooting (silouttes (spelling???), clay pigeons, IPSG, cowboy, ect.) use different styles of firearms.

It doesn't sound like you're considering a defensive style firearm, but if you are going to get into shooting, you really should get with a person/club that can help answer questions and make certain that you're gettting started on the right foot.

as to why a pistol will cost as much or more then a long gun, there are several factors involved: increased liability cost to the manufactor, higher demand, usually more moving parts, plus companies realize that most people are willing to pay more for a pistol.

good luck and have fun. And pls don't come back with a horror story about shooting your foot off :D
 
B

Beau

Lifer
Jun 25, 2001
17,730
0
76
www.beauscott.com
Originally posted by: Shelly21
Concealed permit? I think you have to take a class for that right? Is it okay to just carry the rifle in broad daylight? Because if you need a permit to conceal it, that means it is OKAY to NOT conceal it without a permit right?
Click to expand...

yeah, you do have to take a course on it, but you need to have one to carry a weapon in your purse, glove box, basically anywere on/with you that you can't see plainly. Also, where are you going to put a rifle on your bike? :p

 
BrunoPuntzJones

BrunoPuntzJones

Lifer
Feb 24, 2001
14,513
4
81
If you just want something for fun and just starting out, my suggestions are the Ruger 10/22 or an SKS variant. Both will cost right around $200 (maybe a bit more for an SKS).

10/22's are just super simple, extremely cheap (I've seen the blued ones for as low as $160), and generally good guns. There are lots of parts availible, they are extremely simple, and extremely easy to clean. Plus you can buy bricks of .22 ammo for $10 or so. Plus no kick so you can shoot like there is no tomorrow and still be accurate.

SKS's are extremely abundant in any form, and a real work horse. AK's were designed off the SKS. 7.62x39 round so will be a bit bigger than the 74u if that's what you were playing with. More kick, but a lot more fun :) Mags usually hold 5-10 rounds, where as I've had .22s that hold over 100 (Calico M100, as seen in Space Balls). Like the 10/22 there are tons of add-ons for SKS's. Lots of folks have them so if you have a problem there is likely someone that is able to help. A bit more to cleaning them than a 10/22, but a lot more fun.
 
M

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
9,911
0
76
If you're going to buy a rifle that's just fun to shoot, I'd suggest getting an AK47 or SKS of some sorts. The ammunition is DIRT cheap, and they're pretty decent rifles. One of the gun clubs I'm a member at has an AK/SKS shoot once a month in the fall, it's usually a pretty good time. The recoil isn't terrible either.

Another good choice would be a Ruger 10/22. They're fairly affordable and quite useful. Ammo doesn't get any cheaper then 22LR, you could shoot all day for $20.

Edit: BrunoPuntzJones, you know what they say about great minds :)
 
S

Shelly21

Diamond Member
May 28, 2002
4,111
1
0
It's like skiing, I love skiing so much, I have my own skiing equipments.

If I like golf, I'd get my own clubs.

I enjoyed the short time I spent in the shooting range... So I'm trying to learn as much as I can. And you guys are awsome, full of useful knowledges. (Which I used to buy the bike)

Now, tell me more about .22 ammo. What kind of rifle uses that ammo? Is it really cheap?

yeah, you do have to take a course on it, but you need to have one to carry a weapon in your purse, glove box, basically anywere on/with you that you can't see plainly. Also, where are you going to put a rifle on your bike? :p
Click to expand...
Good question, where do people put their gun on the bike? My bike didn't come with ANY compartments.

heh shelly, what's your primary account? :p
Click to expand...
Wachovia premium checking. :)
 
E

Electric Amish

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
23,578
1
0
Now, tell me more about .22 ammo. What kind of rifle uses that ammo? Is it really cheap?
Click to expand...

.22 refers to the diameter of the projectile (.22 inches).

Cheap ammo can easily be had for a less than a couple bucks for 50 rounds.

.22 Pistols and .22 Rifles usually can take the same ammo. There are variations such as .22 "Long Rifle" ammo.

Any rifle/pistol listed as a .22 will use .22 ammo.

amish
 
L

Lalakai

Golden Member
Nov 30, 1999
1,634
0
76
Building off Amish, the .22 firearms come in many versions: single shot, bolt action, lever action, revolver, semi-automatic, pistol, rifle, shotgun/rifle combo.

.22's are basic style firearms that have the capability for being very accurate, very durable, and reliable. Ammunition can range from dirt cheap, to very expensive match ammo. The .22 can be used for hunting (small game), and in limited situations can serve as a defensive style firearm.

And like Amish said, there are variations of the .22 ammo, with the "long rifle" style the most common, but also including .22 magnum, long, short, and caps.

There are a multitude of firearms in the .22 catagory, with modifications and differences to meet nearly any desire (color of stock, length of firearm, pistol, rifle, folding, take-down, ect.). I started my kids on a pellet gun and moved up to a .22; each has their own preference for a rifle or pistol.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom