Looking To Buy My First Rifle...

[Anthony W.]

Well next year as a birthday present I'm going to buy myself a rifle. I've always loved the look of rifles and I no longer care what the woman says. I've told her that either I'm buying a rifle that I'll keep by the TV, or a pistol that I'll keep under my pillow. She said the rifle is fine.

I love bolt actions - military issue stuff like Lee Enfields, Mausers, ect.

I'm looking to spend about $700, so I'm here to ask which gun would get me the most bang for my buck? I'm talking condition, ect. I don't much care how expensive or hard to find the ammo is - I only plan on using it for home defense, and occasionally going with my friends to the range.

I really haven't fired a gun in about 10 years... I mean, I've used some target pistols, but it was a long time ago since I took the Boy Scout rifle class

[Sailor Steve]

You really don't want to use a rifle for home defense, especially a bolt-action. They're unwieldly, slow and if you have even a .30 cal it can go through the burglar, through the wall, through the other wall and through the neighbor. Rifles are good for long-range shooting. Up close they make a handy club, but a baseball bat is better.

Proud owner of an ought-three springfield, five-shot, bolt action, built by Remington in September '42. Got it at a gun show for sixty bucks, about twenty years ago.

[Anthony W.]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

You really don't want to use a rifle for home defense, especially a bolt-action. They're unwieldly, slow and if you have even a .30 cal it can go through the burglar, through the wall, through the other wall and through the neighbor. Rifles are good for long-range shooting. Up close they make a handy club, but a baseball bat is better.

Yeah, but, like I said, I also just love the look and feel of military issue rifles

[FIREWALL]

Pistol grip 12gauge shot gun with short legal barrel is the ticket if it's legal in your state.

I keep it barrel pointed down within reach of my side of bed.

[Feuer Frei!]

@ Anthony,
no matter what rifle you go for in the end, just remember: You have a rifle? Learn to shoot with it!
Train with it day in, day out, get to know it, inside and out.
But before that, take some gun safety courses.
Learn how to shoot, how to handle a gun and proper posture etc.
Learn to shoot with open sights.

[Castout]

Gun sounds like a hobby to you. If that is your aim instead of self/home defense practicality then go ahead get a rifle.

I'm a fan of SVD Dragunov myself but I simply can't afford any gun or rifle. I prefer marksman sniping rifle or sniper rifle than assault rifle. More fun in the range as the first requires more skill somewhat.

Google could be useful. Don't forget easy and cheap maintenance(including ammo) or durability/wear resistance like barrel wear before getting them as well as comfort level and feel while shooting. Rifle is a pretty costly hobby and requires committed dedication to maintain them(strip and clean and oil).

For rifle the optics alone could set you back more than 400 bucks. A pistol on the other hand is a much cheaper hobby.

If I were you I'd get both a pistol(handgun) and a rifle. A pistol could be turned into a hobby too(fast reaction shooting) and it's more practical.

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Pistol grip 12gauge shot gun with short legal barrel is the ticket if it's legal in your state.

I keep it barrel pointed down within reach of my side of bed.

This. ...or get a rotweiler.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

This. ...or get a rotweiler.

Or move to a more friendly country...

[Hottentot]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

or get a rotweiler.

No. Just no.

[Armistead]

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Pistol grip 12gauge shot gun with short legal barrel is the ticket if it's legal in your state.

I keep it barrel pointed down within reach of my side of bed.

Yep, I have several, but keep a pistol grip 12 gauge auto under my bed. If it's home protection and you wake up half asleep you want something you can point in the general direction and get a hit. I would hate to shoot a burglar with my 3006, being doing a lot of wall repair through several walls.

[Feuer Frei!]

Originally Posted by Anthony W.

I've told her that either I'm buying a rifle that I'll keep by the TV, or a pistol that I'll keep under my pillow

Bad neighborhood?

[GoldenRivet]

I would advise against keeping a firearm under your pillow.

Though I'm pretty sure you were not being literal.

[Anthony W.]

Originally Posted by Feuer Frei!

Bad neighborhood?

Recent string of break ins and vandalism and arson in my rather "good" area

[CaptainMattJ.]

how bout a vulcan minicannon with some high velocity armor piercing 20mm rounds



or how bout a nice, simple satellite phone.........thats speed dialed to an AC-130 circling above? no?


Desert Eagles are nice. they slick and shiny. but you only get one chance to fire at someone, cause the recoil on this baby will send it flying without serious effort. it would usually take one shot before the burglar knows that he should get the ^&*( outta there. It will surely wake up the neighbors.

a shotgun will definitely blow a hole through a burglar, but it will most likely blow a hole through your house if you either miss or fire from a distance.

a pistol would be sufficient. There are many rifles that fire hefty slugs. Personally, if i had my pick, id choose an m1 garand, if it wasn't an antique. it would be easier to buy and its been battle proven. even a colt .45 1911 would be my choice. an m1 garand is pretty cheap too, if you dont buy it like a collectors item. Though i wonder where youd get the ammo........

[CaptainMattJ.]

Woh!

I thought i was the only one thinking of the Garand and the M1911. seems im not the only one who appreciates such weaponry . but, true that the bullet would cause some damage. not as much as a shotgun perhaps, fired at medium range, but itll put a hole in the wall. its better than getting shanked by some lowlife in black fatigues, who proceeds to run around the house like a child in a candy store and steal all your stuff.

however, a German Shepard, or another active dog would also be a must-have. hell, it could even be used (somewhat) in lieu of a weapon, granted he doesnt somehow get the upper hand before the dog severs his jugular. if you simply dont want a firearm around, get 2 or even 3 German shepherds. a man has to be one HELL of a trooper to take on 3 dogs at once, and win with his life or even most of his innards. German shepherds can be extremely vicious and will tear you up.