NationStates Jolt Archive

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

I would get a .22 semi automatic rifle, it's a great first time rifle firearm. :)

Where do you live? And what do you plan to hunt if anything?

Off-hand, any kind of self-loading or bolt-action rifle should work well.

If you are sure you will only ever shoot at targets, buy a .22, otherwise go for a centerfire rifle appropriate for your game of choice.

Mosin Nagants are among the cheapest rifles if available in your locale.

Up the scale are SKS, and, finally, any AK derivatives, who also feed extremely cheap ammunition.

Where do you live? And what do you plan to hunt if anything?

Off-hand, any kind of self-loading or bolt-action rifle should work well.

If you are sure you will only ever shoot at targets, buy a .22, otherwise go for a centerfire rifle appropriate for your game of choice.

Mosin Nagants are among the cheapest rifles if available in your locale.

Up the scale are SKS, and, finally, any AK derivatives, who also feed extremely cheap ammunition.

Minneapolis MN (US).

I would assumably hunt mostly deer.

I don't think I'd be into fowl hunting, and there isn't a whole lot else in MN aside from bears, and moose.

I would get a .22 semi automatic rifle, it's a great first time rifle firearm. :)

Thank you.

I'd say the best gun is a super-soaker.

I'd say the best gun is a super-soaker.

Hmm, see, I thought about that... I think I would like something with just a little more professionality... right? So then I started thinking about NERF's line of fine personal armaments... then I thought, "If I'm going to caugh up the extra dough to buy NERF, why don't I go all the way and get a "real" gun?"

That was pretty much the defining moment for me, and choosing a real firearm.

:p

Minneapolis MN (US).

I would assumably hunt mostly deer.


Well, then a .22 wouldn't be for you. You should find out which is the minimal cartridge size permitted for hunting deer in MN, and then purchase a firearm of appropriate firepower.

However, I suggest you buy a .22LR rifle first, like Wilgrove suggested, and move on to deer [and a second gun] if owning the .22LR and shooting it for enjoyment works out well for you.

Well, then a .22 wouldn't be for you. You should find out which is the minimal cartridge size permitted for hunting deer in MN, and then purchase a firearm of appropriate firepower.

However, I suggest you buy a .22LR rifle first, like Wilgrove suggested, and move on to deer [and a second gun] if owning the .22LR and shooting it for enjoyment works out well for you.

Hmm, that does sound like a reasonable idea.

What are some good, fairly cost-effective models?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_10/22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_10/22

Ruger (http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=39&variation=10/22%AE%20Rimfire&bct=Yes&type=Rifle)

Any specific recommendations from their online catalogue?

Where do you live? And what do you plan to hunt if anything?

Off-hand, any kind of self-loading or bolt-action rifle should work well.

If you are sure you will only ever shoot at targets, buy a .22, otherwise go for a centerfire rifle appropriate for your game of choice.

Mosin Nagants are among the cheapest rifles if available in your locale.

Up the scale are SKS, and, finally, any AK derivatives, who also feed extremely cheap ammunition.

There is no such thing as 'extremely cheap (7.62x39) ammunition.'

go for a black powder weapon then you make your own ammo

Minneapolis MN (US).

I would assumably hunt mostly deer.

I don't think I'd be into fowl hunting, and there isn't a whole lot else in MN aside from bears, and moose.

Ok, I'm no hunter but I live in hunter central Pennsylvania and I target shoot so I know some things.

A good weapon to start with is a .22 Caliber rifle; learn to clean it and take care of it, and get used to shooting it. If you want to hunt deer (like what kind white tail, mule deer, black tail?) a .308 or 30-06 are your most likely best choices.

If you're not too experienced with firearms, probably the best thing to do at first is to join a rifle club, assuming there's one within reasonable travel distance of where you live. That way you'll get a chance to try out a few different types of rifle and get advice from members. Most importantly, it'll give you a chance to practice, and you want to be able to shoot straight when you get into hunting, don't you?

Other than that, starting off with either a .22 or a pistol calibre carbine for target practice is a good idea before moving on to something heavier.

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

What type of hunting will you be doing? If it's small game (squirrels, rabbits, woodchucks, etc), then I'd recommend the Ruger 10/22. If you're going for larger game (such as deer, elk, etc), then you'll need something heavier in caliber. For bolt action, check out the Remington 700 or the Savage equivalent. For semi auto, I would check out the Remington model 7400.

H&K G11. *nods*

.22 Bolt Action, preferably with a nice cherry stock.

Given its small caliber, it is acceptable for use at almost any target range, formal or informal, the ammunition is comparatively quite inexpensive, and if you're hunting most forms of small game, rabbits, pheasants, ducks, squirrels, etc., the .22 won't blow the target to smithereens.

Cherry stock, because it doesn't reek of kitsch like a camo stock does, and actually looks pretty gosh-darn nice.

Oh, and when making your purchasing decision, remember, the less plastic, the better. Plastic belongs in handguns and military hardware, not a small caliber long rifle.

Minneapolis MN (US).

I would assumably hunt mostly deer.

I don't think I'd be into fowl hunting, and there isn't a whole lot else in MN aside from bears, and moose.


If you are going to be hunting Deer then you don't want an old Russian gun or a .22. I would suggest either a 30-30 or a 30-06 or a .270. Those are probably the best deer rounds out there. They are accurate, powerful, and fast. And if you decided to hunt something else like moose or bear they would still work. The 30-30 and 30-06 and the .270 will take pretty much any animal down if you hit it in the right area. Those are the most common guns used for hunting deer in this general area(I live in Eau Claire Wi. 90 miles east of you. I hunt deeer and I use a .270. Great Gun.)
Yo9u don't want a .22 because it is illegal to hunt deer with a .22 although it is an accurate gun that is good if you just want to shoot targets. You would have trouble finding old Russian guns and ammo for them in WI and MN

Minneapolis MN (US).

I would assumably hunt mostly deer.

I don't think I'd be into fowl hunting, and there isn't a whole lot else in MN aside from bears, and moose.

For deer hunting there is the very reliable 30.06, which many refer to as a "deer rifle". Good for cleanly taking down a deer, also very accurate and without alot of recoil.

I would get a .22 semi automatic rifle, it's a great first time rifle firearm. :)

I agree. That, and a marksmanship class.

Learn the fundamentals of a rifle before moving on to another type of firearm (pistol, shotgun).

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!Minneapolis MN (US).

I would assumably hunt mostly deer.

I don't think I'd be into fowl hunting, and there isn't a whole lot else in MN aside from bears, and moose.

One immediate suggestion is that you contact these folks: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/index.html

Learning how to handle a firearm safely is of the utmost importance, and a state run basic firearms and hunter safety course is probably a legal requirement for a hunting licence (it is in many states...).

Also, check in with: http://www.mrra.org/

A lot of the advice you're getting here is a bit advanced for you, IMHO, from what it sounds like. (I'm assuming you have 0 experience from the tone of your OP... My apoogies if I assume incorrectly.)



go for a black powder weapon then you make your own ammo

:rolleyes: Be reasonable - we're talking to a person inexperiemced w/ firearms here.

If you're not too experienced with firearms, probably the best thing to do at first is to join a rifle club, assuming there's one within reasonable travel distance of where you live. That way you'll get a chance to try out a few different types of rifle and get advice from members. Most importantly, it'll give you a chance to practice, and you want to be able to shoot straight when you get into hunting, don't you?

Other than that, starting off with either a .22 or a pistol calibre carbine for target practice is a good idea before moving on to something heavier.

Good advice.

H&K G11. *nods*

That gun never made it out of the prototype stage. If we're going to talk about getting a rare firearm, I'd rather have a Walther WA-2000.

As someone said before, a .22 would be a really good place to start. I know Winchester has a really nice one that just came aout a year or so ago. But just about any .22 will suffice.

If you want to get into the big stuff, my personal suggestion would be to get a Mosin-Nangat. They're extremely cheap, ammo isn't horribly expensive, and its a fairly good rifle. A good beginners introduction to larger guns.

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

this (http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn02-e.htm).
:D (http://www.barrettrifles.com/rifle_82.aspx)

Depending on where you live and the safety of your neighbourhood, i suggest getting a german K98 bolt-action rifle

simple to use and maintain, and highly accurate and uses nice 7.9mm rounds

this (http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn02-e.htm).
:D (http://www.barrettrifles.com/rifle_82.aspx)

Owning this gun would make me the manliest person I know.

:D

pffft, guns...real men use pointy sticks to hunt their prey...

I wouldn't recommend getting the K-98 or Mosin Nagant. They are not widely available in this area(remember i live less then 2 hours from you) and if you do you will have one heck of a time finding ammo. Stores around here don't stock those rounds. They stock the 30.03, 30-30 and .270 because those are the best hunting rounds.

Owning this gun would make me the manliest person I know.

:D

Gotta love the 'light fifty' :D

I wouldn't recommend getting the K-98 or Mosin Nagant. They are not widely available in this area(remember i live less then 2 hours from you) and if you do you will have one heck of a time finding ammo. Stores around here don't stock those rounds. They stock the 30.03, 30-30 and .270 because those are the best hunting rounds.

Really? That suprises me. My local gun nut Headquarters always has 7.62R in stock.

Very few stores in this general area stock much more than .22, 30.06, 30-30, .270, .308, pistol rounds like the 9mm, .45, and .22. shotgun 20 gauge, 12 gague and 10 gague. Once in a while you come across something else. There is only one shop I know wiht in 40 miles of me that stocks any toehr rounds in any quanitiy. If I were to go to him I would have to pay out the... you get the picture.

I would recommend an official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time. They took them off the market several years ago after they were shown to cause blindness, but I'm sure you could get one at a garage sale somewhere.

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

I've been thinking about getting a gun when I finish university for some target shooting, so I sorta know where you're feeling. Although I'm too stubborn to take a .22 considering the laws here about guns, so I decided to get a surplus Chinese SKS. They're cheap, pack some punch, I hear easy to maintain, and above all else, legal here. I don't know about MN, but at least I can get it through Canadian laws.

Find something you like, go with that, I say. Or something you can afford and is like something you like. I don't like the SKS, but I like the idea of a semi-auto shooter.

Also, be damned sure to take a hunters safety course, or better yet gun-owner courses before you do. Learn all you can and get all papers required, then enjoy the gun instead of having to learn things and perhaps get frustrated.

Yes do take hunter saftey. I don't know about Minnesota but Wisconsin requires hunter safety to hunt if you were born in 1973 or later.
SKS is okay for a gun. Not a great gun though. If you were to get a surplus military gun or collectors gun then go for European or American weapons. They always have the best guns although the Chinese Type-95 is pretty good.

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!


Long knife and spear. Thats all a real man needs to hunt.;)

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

To answer your question seriously...
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I would get a .22 semi automatic rifle, it's a great first time rifle firearm. :)

To answer your question seriously...
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it is a good gun unless you intend to go Deer hunting. Then it is illegal and illogical. However if you just shoot targets then defiently go with the .22. It is cheap to buy and operate. Good gun for target shooting and for younger kids to shoot. I mean like 8 year olds and above.

it is a good gun unless you intend to go Deer hunting. Then it is illegal and illogical. However if you just shoot targets then defiently go with the .22. It is cheap to buy and operate. Good gun for target shooting and for younger kids to shoot. I mean like 8 year olds and above.

It is a very good starter gun, once he feels competent enough to go hunting then he can get something larger. (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/M107_1.jpg/250px-M107_1.jpg)

Mosin-Nagants are cheap, widely avalible, and very reliable. And their ammunition isnt too expensive either. The Soviets made something like 50,000,000 of them, and a lot of 'em are sitting in storehouses in Russia, gradually being sold off as people remember where they are.
The only problem is that a lot of the ammo for them is corrosive, so you've got to clean them really well or they degrade.
But many of them ('44 models onward, I think) have chromed barrels, which reduces that particular problem somewhat.

For deer hunting, it depends on what zone you hunt in. Zone 2 and 3 are rifle zones. I hunt in Zone 2, and use a Ruger Mrk 77 II in .243. Good knock down power, low recoil. Perfect for Areas north of I-94. Very good for hunting anything smaller.

Either .22 semi-auto, or a 7.62 NATO bolt-action for hunting. Get something with comparatively cheap ammo.

.22 Bolt Action, preferably with a nice cherry stock.

Given its small caliber, it is acceptable for use at almost any target range, formal or informal, the ammunition is comparatively quite inexpensive, and if you're hunting most forms of small game, rabbits, pheasants, ducks, squirrels, etc., the .22 won't blow the target to smithereens.

Cherry stock, because it doesn't reek of kitsch like a camo stock does, and actually looks pretty gosh-darn nice.


Yes, pretty much. Also, Henry makes a fun lever action .22. As for bolt action .22s, my friend has a Czech 513 and its beautiful as well as damn accurate. But if you want to kill something bigger than a rabbit then you need a 30-06. The only gun I have ever hunted with is a Remington 710 because everybody I know has one. Its a safe bet.

My first gun was a S&W .38 Spl when I was about 10 years old. Very nice for a beginner - good for basically anything and very little kick. Never owned a rifle - maybe someday.

Mosin-Nagants are cheap, widely avalible, and very reliable. And their ammunition isnt too expensive either. The Soviets made something like 50,000,000 of them, and a lot of 'em are sitting in storehouses in Russia, gradually being sold off as people remember where they are.
The only problem is that a lot of the ammo for them is corrosive, so you've got to clean them really well or they degrade.
But many of them ('44 models onward, I think) have chromed barrels, which reduces that particular problem somewhat.

I don't know if a Mosin Nagant would be a good first rifle. I have heard that the 7.62x54R cartridge kicks hard.

I've never shot .243 or .270, but from what I've been told, they're not bad with recoil, and should be powerful enough for deer.

Yeah. .270 is great. Not much recoil. (not like that matters when you are shooting at a deer. You won't feel it then)

My cousing hunts in norhtern Minnesota(when i say norhtern, i mean way up there northern) up until this last year when he hunted with me in wisconsin. Is the hunting up there as bad as I here?

I don't know if a Mosin Nagant would be a good first rifle. I have heard that the 7.62x54R cartridge kicks hard.

I've never shot .243 or .270, but from what I've been told, they're not bad with recoil, and should be powerful enough for deer.
It does kick, but it's cheap and good. A .22 should be the first rifle for everyone, IMHO, but the Mosin is a pretty good beginners rifle for larger caliber guns.

And the corrosive primers found on some ammo isn't much of a problem. Just spray a good dose of windex down the barrel after firing, and you should have no problems.

.... A .22 should be the first rifle for everyone, IMHO, ....

I was told this too, and I didn't listen (I almost did, though). I went with the .22lr's bigger brother, the .223/5.56mm instead. See? http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/1135/1000045ur3.jpg

Yeah. .270 is great. Not much recoil. (not like that matters when you are shooting at a deer. You won't feel it then)

My cousing hunts in norhtern Minnesota(when i say norhtern, i mean way up there northern) up until this last year when he hunted with me in wisconsin. Is the hunting up there as bad as I here?

Around the Ashby-edgerton area, for 6 people, we got two deer. Between the 6 of us, we saw maybe 5 deer. We hunt on about 250 acres, give or take.

I was told this too, and I didn't listen (I almost did, though). I went with the .22lr's bigger brother, the .223/5.56mm instead. See? http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/1135/1000045ur3.jpg

An AR is a fine utility or varmint rifle, and I'm shopping for one myself. But the cost comparison of .223 vs. .22lr is so lopsided for the .22lr, and this fella doesn't seem to have any need of a utility/varmint gun, I have to go with the recommendation that he get a .22 for fun/learning and a European military surplus for hunting.

I don't see any reason why the .22 should be self-loading. I have a 10/22 myself, but if you can get a good deal on a bolt action, it would be worthy of consideration. As for the big rifle, Nagants certainly are dirt cheap, and there is plenty of surplus ammo around, but consider a Swiss K31 carbine or a Mauser variant as well. They'll go for 2-3 times the price of the Nagant, but the workmanship of the Swiss rifle, or German/Czech/Yugo Mauser is often much finer. British and Canadian Enfields are worthy too, especially if you can find a .308 NATO version, rather than the common.303 (.308 cartridges are still widely manufactured today and sometimes sold as surplus for lower prices).

If you do decide on a Nagant, get the Mosin-Nagant 91/30. This is the original, full sized "rifle" variant. The Russian M38 and M44 carbines are also commonly called Nagants, and they use the same action, same ammo, but have much shorter barrels, which makes accuracy more haphazard.

Last: If you decide on any military surplus rifle over a brand new civilian bolt or lever action, make sure you get a gunsmith to look at it, especially what's called "headspace", the clearance of the cartridge in the chamber. With heavy use, the tolerances of an old rifle may have broken down, potentially to dangerous levels. Most of them are built like brick s&ithouses and this isn't a problem, but better safe than sorry with a 60-80 year old weapon. Also check the rifling. To do this, stick the corner of a piece of paper inside the open action of the (unloaded and verified!) rifle to reflect light back up the barrel, as you look down the muzzle end. The spiral grooves should be clearly visible. Rifling wears down with use, like everything else, compromising accuracy.

Keep in mind that gun laws are different depending on where you are. For instance, in some states you can't hunt deer with anything except a shotgun. So, you should check on that first.

Keep in mind that gun laws are different depending on where you are. For instance, in some states you can't hunt deer with anything except a shotgun. So, you should check on that first.

He's already stated he lives in Minnesota. Depending on where he hunts he can use either.

I was told this too, and I didn't listen (I almost did, though). I went with the .22lr's bigger brother, the .223/5.56mm instead. See? http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/1135/1000045ur3.jpg

Keep in mind that gun laws are different depending on where you are. For instance, in some states you can't hunt deer with anything except a shotgun. So, you should check on that first.

(Smacking own forehead) right, damn, forgot that. My state is shotgun/black powder only for that matter. DO check that before you invest in a "deer rifle" that can only legally shoot paper in your state.

(Smacking own forehead) right, damn, forgot that. My state is shotgun/black powder only for that matter. DO check that before you invest in a "deer rifle" that can only legally shoot paper in your state.

Lol, that would suck. You go out and spend 700 bucks on a rifle and optics only to find out you cant hunt with it. Epic fail to the max.

Get a .22 rifle, bolt-action. It's great for target shooting and a lot of fun.

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

Here's the deal. The best firearm to start anyone off with is a .22, pure and simple. The reasoning is this: it allows for you to develop solid mechanics without developing bad habits. A .22 LR is shot the exact same way as an 8mm Mauser; the thing is that if you go big too soon, you will develop a bad 'flinch' from anticipating recoil. The downside is that you cannot hunt medium game, but with .22 LR, varmints will be fine.

For hunting deer, you will need a MINIMUM of a .308, .30-06, .270, or .30-30. This gives you a lot of options but be forewarned, ammunition prices are skyrocketing. This is one of the many advantages of owning a .22 LR(which costs roughly $10 for 550 rounds); the ammunition is cheap, plentiful, and you can shoot all day without going broke. You can negate commercial ammo prices by reloading your own stuff, but that's a long ways away after getting your first gun.

Here's the thing-you want a decent hunting and target rifle per your requirements. You can get good hunting rifles that are military surplus (like a typical Russian Mosin-Nagant 91/30 for $100) but those are not going to be tack-drivers. Remember, the kill zone on a deer for example is roughly the size of a pie-plate. That is a LOT of room to work with for killing a deer, but for hitting an aluminum can at 100 yards, not so much. If you want to hit pie-sized groups at 100 yards, by all means get one of those.

Military surplus (such as (91/30s, K98s, K31s, etc) are relatively cheap ($100, $250-$300, $215, respectively) and can get the job done for hunting BUT this will usually be at the expense of accuracy. If you want a cheap 'target rifle' that is capable of hunting, you will either need to get a higher-end military surplus rifle (either a Finnish Mosin-Nagant, Swedish Mauser, or Swiss K31) and you will pay for it ammunition wise (except on the Finn).

Mosin-Nagants shoot 7.62x54R, Swedish Mausers 6.5x55mm, and Swiss K31s 7.5 Swiss.

7.62x54R surplus is still cheap to buy (roughly $45 for 400 rounds) but the ammunition is not that great because of its quality. Accuracy is dependent chiefly on three factors: the right amount of gunpowder in the cartridge (measured in grains), proper bullet size and diameter (inches and grains), and proper barrel diameter (barrel = bore) as well as not being eroded.

Stay with me.

On every single barrel, there is a difference in variation between what diameter the barrel is (while in the same caliber) and how worn out it is from being fired and not cleaned. There can be pits in the barrel where fouling was left uncleaned, the lands (the rifled edges that spin the bullet) can be rounded from being worn out through shooting (known as 'rounded lands') or the muzzle/throat is worn from the gas propelling the bullet down the barrel. Pretty much what this means is that a rifle's accuracy is depending on that alone, excluding ammunition. Russian ones will be nowhere NEAR as good as anything Swedish, Finnish, or Swiss that has not had the life shot out of it-the last three had much tighter quality controls and were taken care of better and thus have greater accuracy most of the time.

The Swedish Mausers shoot ammo that is expensive since you have to buy commercially (if you don't reload) but are extremely accurate and can hunt. This will cut into your ability to practice a lot, but you will be able to point where you want and hit it.

Swiss K31s also shoot expensive ammunition (7.5 Swiss surplus (called GP-11) is roughly $.50 cents a round) but the ammunition is 'match quality'-the variation in bullet weight, diameter, and gunpowder grains is extremely low. Combined with the quality of the K31 barrels and they are extremely accurate. I took mine out today for the first time and when I finally sighted it in right at 100 yards, I was shot a group of six rounds that were probably 1.5" apart, and another set of four that I can almost cover with a quarter.

Here is what you might be interested in the most for the cost effectiveness- Finnish-captured Mosin-Nagants. Every single Mosin-Nagant that fell into Finnish hands was extensively reworked to a much higher quality than when it was found - the result is a very fine-tuned Mosin-Nagant. They cost a bit more than $100 Russian Mosin 91/30s, but odds are they will be more accurate when shooting the same 7.62x54R since they were taken care of more.

Follow this advice as well:

Last: If you decide on any military surplus rifle over a brand new civilian bolt or lever action, make sure you get a gunsmith to look at it, especially what's called "headspace", the clearance of the cartridge in the chamber. With heavy use, the tolerances of an old rifle may have broken down, potentially to dangerous levels. Most of them are built like brick s&ithouses and this isn't a problem, but better safe than sorry with a 60-80 year old weapon. Also check the rifling. To do this, stick the corner of a piece of paper inside the open action of the (unloaded and verified!) rifle to reflect light back up the barrel, as you look down the muzzle end. The spiral grooves should be clearly visible. Rifling wears down with use, like everything else, compromising accuracy.

As for my suggestion, I would say a Finnish 91/30 or a Russian one in very good shape. They are accurate enough to hunt with, and the ammunition is still cheap for target practice but it will not be able to shoot 2" groups at 100 yards. Again, you will be able to shoot out a pie-plate.

If you want a more accurate military surplus rifle that can double as a hunting rifle, get a Swiss K31. The ammunition is much more expensive because of its quality and limited quantity. This will not let you shoot as much but when you do it will go where you point.

For pure target practice, buy a .22 LR and save whatever other larger and more expensive calibers for when you hunt or want to test accuracy.

Of course this can all be negated by saving up and buying a new production Marlin 30-30, Remington 700, et cetera.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

What I currently own sans two:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d123/WiseBobo/IMG_0084.jpg

My first rifle was a WW2 Original German K98K Mauser, beautiful rifles, she's large and in charge.

Nice collection of guns DrVenkman

I would agree with what you say for the most part. If you do get a surplus rifle those would be the ones to get but if you want to hunt and be accurat go for a hunting rifle that you could get at your local Scheels. That is where I got my rifle. It is a great place because they mainly focus on hunting rifles and shot guns.

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

My fav is a .22 automatic rifle. I learned on one and it still is my choice over all. :)

I also wish to state, 7.62X54R and 8MM Mauser ARE widely available if you look, i find 8MM online for 150 rounds for 50 dollers or so, i've had friends go to gunshows and pick up 1000 rounds for 100 bucks, you just need to look around and snag a deal, same goes for 7.62X54R, online..something like 50$ for 400 rounds, at gunshows you can get a load of that for a good price.

ONLY get a .22 if your varmint hunting, i skipped the "get a .22 as your first" because i would be wasting my money, went straight to the big boy toys and have not looked back, i'll probably end up buying a .22 later down the road for shooting pesky birds that make nests in the siding of my house, or kill rats, etc.

That gun never made it out of the prototype stage. If we're going to talk about getting a rare firearm, I'd rather have a Walther WA-2000.

Get a gyrojet. Who wouldn't want to shoot extremely expensive 13mm rockets at objects?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrojet

Get a gyrojet. Who wouldn't want to shoot extremely expensive 13mm rockets at objects?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrojet

It'd be too hard to find ammo for it. I'd rather have the WA-2000, because .300 Win Mag and 7.62 Nato are relatively easy to find (therefore, I'd be able to shoot it more often).

my first deer rifle was a .32 winchester lever-action. it has the power for a mid-range shot with little kick. also if you haven't been raised around guns, i recomend a fire arms safty course. i have seen the results of unsafe gun handling, you don't want to be a part of that.

It'd be too hard to find ammo for it. I'd rather have the WA-2000, because .300 Win Mag and 7.62 Nato are relatively easy to find (therefore, I'd be able to shoot it more often).

True, you could fire it more. I wonder why the it wasn't tried again? Surely having some kind of air pressure launch system would give it enough initial velocity to have a high speed when it leaves the barrel...

Is 7.62 NATO expensive?

Der Teutoniker, just buy a fake gun. They're fun and you can scare people with them. No need to spend so much money on a real one when fakes are cheap.;)

There is no such thing as 'extremely cheap (7.62x39) ammunition.'
Wolf and 'Cheaper than Dirt' have some pretty cheap ammo. I'm not sure I'd ever want to shoot any at a match, but if you just want to blast away at stuff, it's the way to go.

Der Teutoniker, just buy a fake gun. They're fun and you can scare people with them. No need to spend so much money on a real one when fakes are cheap.;)

I have a Wii for that!

:p

*Well, not the scaring of people I guess....)

I have a Wii for that!

:p

*Well, not the scaring of people I guess....)

:D

True, you could fire it more. I wonder why the it wasn't tried again? Surely having some kind of air pressure launch system would give it enough initial velocity to have a high speed when it leaves the barrel...

Is 7.62 NATO expensive?

It's getting more expensive for surplus, and for the civilian equivalent (.308), but I don't know if it's because of supply, or due to the costs of the materials (like brass) going up.

Der Teutoniker, just buy a fake gun. They're fun and you can scare people with them. No need to spend so much money on a real one when fakes are cheap.;)

Fake firearms don't put venison in the freezer.

Fake firearms don't put venison in the freezer.

Yeah, but they sure as heck are fun.:D
Plus, I don´t condone killing poor deer just to eat. It´s preposterous. Eat cow, eat pork, eat chicken, turkey. Leave poor deer alone.

Yeah, but they sure as heck are fun.:D
Plus, I don´t condone killing poor deer just to eat. It´s preposterous. Eat cow, eat pork, eat chicken, turkey. Leave poor deer alone.

I'm just curious; what's so special about deer? They're pretty much just like any other animal.

I'm just curious; what's so special about deer? They're pretty much just like any other animal.

My point exactly. While I lived in the US, I was offered some deer and I refused it. I felt like I was eating Bambi. I´ve beed told by those who like it thought, that it´s very tasty and good meat.

Yeah, but they sure as heck are fun.:D
Plus, I don´t condone killing poor deer just to eat. It´s preposterous. Eat cow, eat pork, eat chicken, turkey. Leave poor deer alone.

It doesn't work (at least, not in a lot of areas). If left unchecked, the deer population can outgrow its food source (and end up starving), cause property/auto damage, and spread disease.

Besides, venison tastes good. :D

It doesn't work (at least, not in a lot of areas). If left unchecked, the deer population can outgrow its food source (and end up starving), cause property/auto damage, and spread disease.

Besides, venison tastes good. :D

I completely agree. My dad was pretty upset after hitting one in his new truck. He saw two, slowed down, and hit a third that came out of nowhere. Deer are like retarded ninjas.

I completely agree. My dad was pretty upset after hitting one in his new truck. He saw two, slowed down, and hit a third that came out of nowhere. Deer are like retarded ninjas.

Just how much are deer like retarded ninjas? I drive a postal vehicle for work. It's big, loud (engine, exhaust, and the body rattle), mostly white, and oh, did I mention loud? There have been many times in the past month that I've almost hit a deer in broad daylight when it decided to get its buddies and all dart out in front of me. The only thing that saved me was the fact that the postal vehicle has a MASSIVE 92 HP and gets from 0-60, maybe if I floor it.

Just how much are deer like retarded ninjas? I drive a postal vehicle for work. It's big, loud (engine, exhaust, and the body rattle), mostly white, and oh, did I mention loud? There have been many times in the past month that I've almost hit a deer in broad daylight when it decided to get its buddies and all dart out in front of me. The only thing that saved me was the fact that the postal vehicle has a MASSIVE 92 HP and gets from 0-60, maybe if I floor it.

Well, I meant to emphasize the "retarded" part, but some of my relatives have been caught off guard in the past. It can get especially bad at night in rural areas.

Besides, venison tastes good. :D

I echo this statement.

My point exactly. While I lived in the US, I was offered some deer and I refused it. I felt like I was eating Bambi. I´ve beed told by those who like it thought, that it´s very tasty and good meat.

Cuteness makes it taste good.

It's getting more expensive for surplus, and for the civilian equivalent (.308), but I don't know if it's because of supply, or due to the costs of the materials (like brass) going up.

The US military is placing huge orders from civie manufacturers. Leaves less surplus for us, and it cuts down on the time they make other cartridges.

I am considering (prospectively, it's not going to happen tomorrow or anything) purchasing a firearm.

What I'm looking for is a rifle for hunting, and/or target practice. I'll be honest, I'm not teh uber gun aficianado, hence my request for assistance.

I am wondering, to those of you informed/educated enough to have a good answer, what type of gun should I consider getting, and why?

Thanks for your help!

First thing's first, make sure whatever rifle you choose it's not bigger than you! For a good solid first rifle I'd go with a Ruger model 10-22 .22rem rifle. It's got very little kick and great accuracy. If you want to do some actual hunting though, I'd choose something in the way of .223Rem or .308Win. I'm partial to the .308Win myself as it's got great range, knockdown power, and can be found in most popular brands.

As a note: brand recognition amongst firearms is a big deal. Go with name brand such as Remington, Winchester, Kimber, or Marlin. I'd stick with Remington simply because my department's snipers are all Remington model 700. This is a great all around rifle and comes in wood or synthetic. If you're in a place that has a lot of inclimate weather, go synthetic!