How to buy a devastating rifle.... on the cheap!

Ayoob_Reloaded · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 07, 2004 Posts: 383

Unfortunately, this is only for US citizens.

First, get together your proof of citizenship. Birth certificate, something to prove you're naturalized, Freemason card (j/k), DL, whatever.

Next, get your ass out to a shooting range and blow 50 rounds down range in full view of a range officer who will testify to your sane behavior while doing so.

Then, establish your membership at any of several thousand shooting groups located ubiquitously.

Gather up documentation of all these things, and mail all that sh!t to the CMP and get yourself a .30-06 Garand for anywhere from $300-$1400. No matter what grade you get, you'll be getting the best bang/buck ratio you can get in any rifle purchase you could get.

You can even get funky add-ons like the following

http://www.reesesurplus.com/bm59parts.html

and customize it to your particular needs.

Now how do you get in on a deal like this? Check it out at www.odcmp.com, and see for yourself.

Supposedly, the Greek Rack grades are pretty good. Also, do not shoot commercial .30-06 rounds with this rifle until you modify it to accept that ammo. I can't remember the mod right now, but check with your local gunsmith before you shoot anything but the reasonably priced and very available CMP mil-surplus .30-06 stuff.

Anyway, enjoy your perusal of this subject, and I hope you guys follow in my footsteps and pick up a great rifle for a very low and highly gov't subsidized price. Maybe even TWO of 'em!

Chocky · Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 4:56 am Post subject:

What a great program. Australia used to have one just like it, where you could buy a SMLE for about 3 pounds, which was a good buy even in those days. Once the army adopted the FN FAL however they balked at selling those to civilians, even though they were legal back then. To get around this they actually made a kind of single shot rifle that duplicated the ergonomics and sighting system of the FN FAL, so that civilians could remain familiar with it. Needless to say they scrapped the whole program ages ago Crying or Very sad

Gilatif · Tar Sands Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 57

Hmmm...have you SEEN any of these Garands?

A lot of these things need MAJOR work. We're talking rifles that saw major action in WW2 and the Korean War. A lot of the good shooters were already sold or auctioned by CMP.

...and then there's the fact that you can only feed Mil-spec ammo through it.

I wouldn't mind a Garand, but if I had to have a 30-06, I'd spend a few hundred more, get a BRAND NEW bolt action, and put a scope on it.

I'd stick with an AR-15/M-4. You can carry lots of ammo, and you have a larger your magazine. And...your thumb will thank you! If I only had 300 some dollars to spend on a battle rifle, I'd break down and get an AK. The Wolf ammo is cheap enough that the average person can actually afford to build a surplus.

Specop_007 · Expert Joined: Aug 12, 2004 Posts: 6235

seahorse · Expert Joined: Oct 15, 2004 Posts: 2196 Location: Arkansas

Oh no, the great assault weapon debate will start anew, but, if it were me, and I just wanted a cheap assault weapon, and wanted a lot of bang for the buck, I would buy the AK-47, like the Bulgarian or any that accepts all AK mags, including the 40 round mags. This is coming from someone who prefers ARs. But, buying on the cheap, you can by a new AK for under $400, the have up to 40 mags, where the garand is five shots, AK is shorter (better for close combat), AK is just as rugged and reliable, and rounds are cheaper. I know there's a lot of opinions on this subject, that's just one.

Windsun · Tar Sands Joined: Feb 23, 2005 Posts: 22

Why would I want a 50 year old worn out rifle that won't shoot most modern ammunition for $300 to $1200 when I can walk down to my local sporting goods store and buy a brand new .308 Ruger or similar for under $500?

Ayoob_Reloaded · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 07, 2004 Posts: 383

Gilatif · Tar Sands Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 57

One thing I will say though- Buying up some cheap older rifles is a good idea. I've been toying with the idea of getting an old Russian Mosin-Nagant, or a Mauser. Both are used, can be had for under 150 bucks, and pack a decent punch. Ammo can be bought in bulk cheaply (if you know where to look). I like my AR-15 and AK, but in a SHTF scenario, you're going to need some range. Let's face it, if you're firing as fast as a semi automatic rifle will cycle, you're probably not hitting much at 200 yards. So, the fact that you're using a bolt action isn't an issue.

In a long range scenario, parts and maintenance will be a major issue, and having spare rifles and parts is a big plus.

Personally, if the worst should ever pass, I plan to lay low and let the mad max wannabes slaughter each other. I'm blessed that I have both a good suburban and rural location to bug in. The people I'd be staying with already have a good system (for lack of better word). All I have to do is bring myself and my combat experience to the table.

NiKfUrY69 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:03 pm Post subject:

Windsun · Tar Sands Joined: Feb 23, 2005 Posts: 22

NiKfUrY69 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:28 pm Post subject:

NiKfUrY69 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:56 pm Post subject:

Gilatif · Tar Sands Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 57

In terms of AR vs AK, I seriously say, get them both! I think the AR is a much better weapon, but the AK's reliability in poor conditions guarantees its place at the table.

As for revolver vs semiauto, I say semiauto...but, I've never had a revolver fail to fire because of a stove pipe. Crying or Very sad

I think it really depends what you're used to.

Ouizel · Coal Joined: Aug 16, 2004 Posts: 2

5 round integral magazine, bolt action, ballistics similar to .30-06 (actually between .308 NATO and .30-06) and can be had for under $100.00.

Mosin-Nagant M44. Sure, It's former Soviet, but with surplus ammo at less than $3.50 for a box of 20, ya just can't beat it. (7.62x54R, get the Czech silvertip, and don't forget to clean the rifle immediately after shooting, since the primers are corrosive)

Of course, you'll learn to hate Cosmoline.

I really enjoy mine.

Ouizel · Coal Joined: Aug 16, 2004 Posts: 2

Oops.