Want to buy my first rifle. Need help!!!

[drilling]

Hi guys,

I'm back again and I promise you that I'm not a troll.

I own few shotguns but never had a chance to own a rifle.

Looked into AR-15 but in NYS, i'm stuck with ugly featureless AR-15 or fixed magazine.

I'm looking for something good, reliable and fun to break my rifle cherry.

Any recommendations? I'm interested in semi-auto with caliber at least 5.56mm

I've been thinking about M1A as one option but other thoughts/recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Vapor]

Mini-14.

Looks like an m1a.

Cheap to shoot like ar-15.

Usually can catch them online for $750.

 

[nortatoga]

ARES/ FIGHTLITE SCR There are a couple of threads on here about them. I have one and also have Mini 14's



This does have a upgraded handguard and barrel.

 

[Newguyhere]

I second the Ares SCR. I sold my Mini-14 after getting mine.

 

[drilling]

Thanks guys. Can you guys elaborate how Ares SCR is better than Mini-14. I'm really new to rifles.

Alos, I will probably have to let my Mossy 500 go to buy either of these rifles. Where do you recommended me to sell the gun. Does any FFL buy a used shotgun?

 

[drilling]

Or, would simply buying fixed mag AR-15 the way to go? My friends are telling me to build one but I don't have the brain power for that. I wish I can simply buy Colt AR-15 and I heard I can buy a kit that can make it to have a fixed mag.

 

[MilesTeg]

Honestly if you are thinking you need to sell your shotgun to buy it, you might want to consider a cheaper option. A ruger 10/22 is a great first rifle. Ammo is super cheap and it's perfect platform to learn semi automatic operation of arms. Not to mention fundementails of shooting a rifle will be much easier and cheaper on a 10/22.

 

[Jeepjeff]

The Ares, they now go by the name ‘Fightlite’ uses AR15 uppers, and a proprietary lower and a bolt carrier that is featureless, as long as the barrel has no threads. So a lot of parts are available and easy to acquire. Also standard rings/ height optics are used, you do not need the riser you would on an AR.

As acquired I added the optional bolt hold open, and the front sight, and a primary arms advanced red dot (50,000 hours battery life claim). I can consistently hit a 4 inch steel plate at 100 yards. The stock rifle uses 5.56, but by switching uppers and bolts, any AR15 caliper can be used. They did sell just built lowers, do not know if they still do. I have a mini 14 also, but have not had it out of the safe in years. The Ares resides in my truck, and is always traveling with me.

 

[drilling]

Honestly if you are thinking you need to sell your shotgun to buy it, you might want to consider a cheaper option. A ruger 10/22 is a great first rifle. Ammo is super cheap and it's perfect platform to learn semi automatic operation of arms. Not to mention fundementails of shooting a rifle will be much easier and cheaper on a 10/22.

Honestly, it's not the money that matters. I have a good income. I just don't want to overwhelm myself with bunch of firearms and storage and etc. I've shot my friend's ruger 10/22 few times but it got old pretty quickly.

 

[Edwardteach72]

@Jeepjeff yes they still sell the complete lower (BCG included) I believe MSRP is $650 and one of the best options

 

[ECU Pirates]

Saiga in any caliber.

 

[Acer-m14]

buy a Mosin

 

[spat]

It really depends on your intended use and budget.

The suggestions above are all excellent choices, but may not be the best for you depending.

Do you want it for hunting ? target shooting ? at what range, and what type of shooting ?

If you say you would need to sell your Mossberg then budget may be an issue and maybe something good but lower end would be a better choice (and let you keep your shotgun)

As mentioned, a 10/22 is a great choice if all you're going to do is hunt small game, or punch paper at 100yds, but it is a completely different experience than a centerfire rifle.

 

[Acer-m14]

missed the post of selling the moss 500 .. i'll never sell mine .. the 30+ yr old mule is my Fav shotgun ..

 

[drilling]

buy a Mosin

Mosin is definitely a good suggestion. Very cheap price and a fun rifle I heard. My only problem is that I will get one used, obviously. I don't have any experience/wisdom to find a good condition one.

It really depends on your intended use and budget.

The suggestions above are all excellent choices, but may not be the best for you depending.

Do you want it for hunting ? target shooting ? at what range, and what type of shooting ?

If you say you would need to sell your Mossberg then budget may be an issue and maybe something good but lower end would be a better choice (and let you keep your shotgun)

As mentioned, a 10/22 is a great choice if all you're going to do is hunt small game, or punch paper at 100yds, but it is a completely different experience than a centerfire rifle.

Budget is not a problem. I have another 12 gauge O/U and don't want too many guns in my house so thought of unloading mossy 500. I'm looking for a fun gun I can target shoot but at the same time, kicks me pretty hard. Sth that uses 7.62mm or bigger.

missed the post of selling the moss 500 .. i'll never sell mine .. the 30+ yr old mule is my Fav shotgun ..

Mossy 500 is a great gun. Just don't have much chance to take it to the range as I usaully take my 686 for trap shooting and shooting shotgun at a gun range feels kinda stupid too. I just keep it next to me for a home defense purpose.

 

[Acer-m14]

@drilling .. i got my Moisn from watchin life below zero i think was the show .. Agnes Hail ..omg i want one .. then i got one .. omg shooting it was fun ..
took to CMP shoot .. ohh i mag locked it .. LOL .. still love shootin it .. buds wife loved shooting it too .. she gets out of line .. Mosin Ban .. LOL .. fk she got her own now .. LOL .. .. just pull the bolt and look down the bore .. or just buy one lol ..

I have a old Moss 500AT try finding info on it .. 12ga pump .. on the skeet range so for my best is 24/25 .. 25/25 with the SKB O/U 12ga

oh you see my photo .. Mosin .. 12 pt buck .. .. first for rifle here for deer

 

[Podmonkey]

I despise fixed mag ARs so something like the SCR is much preferable to me. I can't stand the company but the M1A is a good compliant option as well as is the good ol' Garand. You showed interest in the Mosin so may I suggest the Swiss K31 rifle? They can still be had for in the $400-$600 range and are one of the most accurate service bolt actions ever fielded by an army. The 7.5x55 Swiss ammo it uses is is currently scarce but will eventually see another round of imports. With the GP11 service ammunition the K31 is a 1MOA gun all day.
The Saiga sporters are another good compliance option of you don't mind paying the inflated prices of $700-$800.
Also if you can manage to track one down the KelTec RDB-C or -S model is a good option as well,

some members here have them and like them.

All that said, for a first rifle I would generally stick to a cheap and common caliber like .223/5.56.

However perhaps the Ruger PC Carbine in 9mm might also be a good choice. It is a rifle, just in a pistol caliber. I want one myself I think.

 

[Bustedknees]

Honestly, it's not the money that matters. I have a good income. I just don't want to overwhelm myself with bunch of firearms and storage and etc.

What the fuck is wrong with you ? Get help dude.

 

[dsdmmat]

Or, would simply buying fixed mag AR-15 the way to go? My friends are telling me to build one but I don't have the brain power for that. I wish I can simply buy Colt AR-15 and I heard I can buy a kit that can make it to have a fixed mag.

Since You are a "newbie" to the AR platform so I would advise against a fixed mag rifle. Go with the fight light SCR it has all the advantages of a compliant modular rifle without the drawback of the fixed magazine. It shoulders like a traditional rifle and can be made in just about whatever configuration (NY legal or otherwise) and AR 15 caliber you want.

I have been shooting ARs for 36 years and have all the NY legal configurations ( featureless and fixed mag), I also have three SCRs all different configurations and a few different calibers. I went and bought a couple of extra SCR bolt carriers so I could have a couple more options for the rifles I have.

The SCR is probably the best way to go for a newbie like yourself to get into a modern modular rifle.

The M1A/M14/ M1 Garand takes a lot of training/ practice to master shooting it accuractly. Most people don't take the time to learn their rifles, they just want the instant gratification of buying one and shooting it. Unless you plan on putting in the work don't go the M1A/M14/ M1 Garand route, you will be disappointed.

 

[cardinalny]

The pistol caliber Ruger carbines in 9mm and now in .40 S&W are very popular and fun to shoot. Cost about $500 -600 in stores. Try and shoot one. Here in NY, we can’t have full featured AR-15s so the PC carbines are a nice option

 

[Vapor]

A ruger pc is a hell of a lot of fun, and still very practical for self defense.


I'd also suggest a quality .357 carbine.


Do you have a friend or range that rents near by you? We all have different opinions. You need to find what works for you.

For instance, I owned 3 mosins. I would never reccomend one for any purpose except historical collection. Other people obviously enjoy them here.

 

[drilling]

God damnit. I actually liked mini 14 since it will be cheap to shoot and looked into it and seems like it isnt as good as ar-15. I just cant do thordsen stock guys. I see on some website about shark fin grip. This doesnt look as hideous. Is this legal???

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Just get an ar.

Buy the nytriggerguards.com

Trigger guard.

Have fun

 

[drilling]

Just get an ar.

Buy the nytriggerguards.com

Trigger guard.

Have fun

Ok this looks acceptable. How should I go about getting this? Im really new to rifles and I dont know if I should build myself or just get the whole thing built.

 

[GOYABEAN]

Kel Tec SU-16
Pew Pew Pew Pew

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Keltec Su16

Or an sks


(My Dark horse suggestions)

 

[Viesel]

I despise fixed mag ARs so something like the SCR is much preferable to me. I can't stand the company but the M1A is a good compliant option as well as is the good ol' Garand. You showed interest in the Mosin so may I suggest the Swiss K31 rifle? They can still be had for in the $400-$600 range and are one of the most accurate service bolt actions ever fielded by an army. The 7.5x55 Swiss ammo it uses is is currently scarce but will eventually see another round of imports. With the GP11 service ammunition the K31 is a 1MOA gun all day.
The Saiga sporters are another good compliance option of you don't mind paying the inflated prices of $700-$800.
Also if you can manage to track one down the KelTec RDB-C or -S model is a good option as well,
View attachment 48478
some members here have them and like them.

All that said, for a first rifle I would generally stick to a cheap and common caliber like .223/5.56.

However perhaps the Ruger PC Carbine in 9mm might also be a good choice. It is a rifle, just in a pistol caliber. I want one myself I think.

So I just got back from a local gunshop/range and they were very uncomfortable with selling me this. I hadn't done a background check or anything like that. I walked in and waited to someone came to me and I asked them about getting the firearm online and having it shipped to them. For the whole conversation the guy seemed like he was uninterested. He did some research on it and told me that because of the threaded barrel, it's not SAFE complaint. I suggested that it was, and he asked me if I was a lawyer. At that point I smiled and thanked him for the info and left. anyone know what gives?

 

[Edwardteach72]

So I just got back from a local gunshop/range and they were very uncomfortable with selling me this. I hadn't done a background check or anything like that. I walked in and waited to someone came to me and I asked them about getting the firearm online and having it shipped to them. For the whole conversation the guy seemed like he was uninterested. He did some research on it and told me that because of the threaded barrel, it's not SAFE complaint. I suggested that it was, and he asked me if I was a lawyer. At that point I smiled and thanked him for the info and left. anyone know what gives?

Well he isnt wrong about the threaded barrel (and the flash hider) making it NOT safe act compliant..

Now if he got it in and took the flash hider off and welded on a thread protector Or if the barrel is over 16" already. He cut the barrel down to 16" (or 16.25 to be safe) and recrowned then it WOULD be good to go here in NY

 

[Viesel]

Well he isnt wrong about the threaded barrel (and the flash hider) making it NOT safe act compliant..

Now if he got it in and took the flash hider off and welded on a thread protector Or if the barrel is over 16" already. He cut the barrel down to 16" (or 16.25 to be safe) and recrowned then it WOULD be good to go here in NY

I see. So how are some gunshops selling this in NY?

 

[Edwardteach72]

I see. So how are some gunshops selling this in NY?

Sorry I edited my post to include options on still being able to obtain one