Assault rifle recommendation...

[Smash05]

Get an SKS. THey can be had for 250 bucks, and all you need is 7.62x39 ammo and some stripper clips. Comes with the bayonet already attached. Then you can go buy a Smith M&P.

 

[erichsen]

Get an SKS. THey can be had for 250 bucks, and all you need is 7.62x39 ammo and some stripper clips. Comes with the bayonet already attached. Then you can go buy a Smith M&P.

I have some issues with the SKS, though reliable you will wear your thumb out reloading via stripper clips for a long day at the range. Pushing 500-1000 rounds through an SKS rifle will have you wanting a detachable box mag.

There are some reported slam fire issues with older and non-modified rifles, the one I handled from China was in excellent shape, but for a minor price difference I'd buy a Saiga instead ($300 Saigas come up all the time) given that a "good" SKS will cost about as much.

On the other hand, an SKS can have some fairly pretty stocks (if you are lucky, most are plain laminates) which is perhaps "better looking" than a sheet metal and plastic AKM with a monte carlo stock.

Good luck,

-E

 

[fishface5]

I have a Daewoo DR200 which I like a lot. A gas-operated South Korean AR/FAL/AK hybrid. But very hard to get these days. http://world.guns.ru/assault/as32-e.htm

I also bought a paratrooper model SKS (16" barrel) modified to take AK magazines (also tough to find). I like the harder-hitting 7.62x39 (lead core HP not steel core, assuming opponents are unlikely to be wearing body armor) over the 5.56/223 for an urban combat scenario, and the SKS provides comparable accuracy to an AR at the likely ranges (100-200 yards). Plus it's half as expensive as 5.56 for target practice
http://www.ak-47.us/223_vs_762x39-002.php
http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm#RIFLE AMMUNITION

Plus check THIS out - bullpup!! Can't wait for mine, drool . . .

http://sgworks.com/

 

[SIFU1A]

SKS's are certainly ok but an AK is a LOT better rifle, more ergonomic, imho more accurate, they use the hi-cap mags, imho look better/handle better, imho they are worth the extra $$ unless ya are really strapped for cash.

 

[erichsen]

I have a Daewoo DR200 which I like a lot. A gas-operated South Korean AR/FAL/AK hybrid. But very hard to get these days. http://world.guns.ru/assault/as32-e.htm

I also bought a paratrooper model SKS (16" barrel) modified to take AK magazines (also tough to find). I like the harder-hitting 7.62x39 (lead core HP not steel core, assuming opponents are unlikely to be wearing body armor) over the 5.56/223 for an urban combat scenario, and the SKS provides comparable accuracy to an AR at the likely ranges (100-200 yards). Plus it's half as expensive as 5.56 for target practice
http://www.ak-47.us/223_vs_762x39-002.php
http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm#RIFLE AMMUNITION

Plus check THIS out - bullpup!! Can't wait for mine, drool . . .

http://sgworks.com/

Steel core 7.62x39 mm is often thought of as "armour piercing" but the Chinese stuff being dumped on the market is not armor piercing at all. The core is mild steel and used as a cost saving measure. In some places, you have to use non-lead ammo as the cost of disposal and air filtration for lead dust in indoor ranges has become a concern and not cheap to deal with.

That SKS with a detachable mag is indeed a rarity. I like the Daewoo, very interesting. I recall Howa making a rifle for the Japanese Defense forces using a similar concept.

-E