Last week I was made aware by my lovely girlfriend that herself and my mother are going to each spring the cash to get me a new firearm for christmas. She went ahead and told me now so I could be narrowing down what I wanted to get.
I immediately said I wanted a combat rifle. I have multiple handguns, a shotgun, and a .22 plinker rifle that my mother had given me when I was 10. So obviously there's nothing with good range in my household. I live in the suburbs but hey, I could wake to find zombies shuffling down the street.
That being said, my mind instantly clicked to one of my all time favorite guns...the AK47. No, I've never even fired one. In fact the only rifle I've ever fired was the .22LR Marlin I own.
So I sent my step-father an e-mail. He was the a police officer for 22 years and the range instructor and armory supervisor in the town I live in for half of that time. Not to mention he is a certified Sig and S&W armorer.
An excerpt from his e-mail response: "As far as assault rifles, there is only one to own. Springfield SOCOM 16. But it is pricey. The AK is a good gun but a symbol of anarchy and terror. Would not own one. Best bet would be Ruger Mini 14. Used ones are reasonably priced. Ranch rifles are already set up for optics. Standard rifles will need to have the rear sight replaced to be really accurate. This is easily done and cheap. As far as AR15/M4 rifles go, if I had the interest in one, I would build my own. Lots of books out there on how to do it and it is not that hard if you have the tools. That way you build as you get money.... an upper receiver now..... lower receiver when you get more money. You also get your gun with all the features you want made your way."
My question is...what are your opinions? Keep in mind it's my first combat rifle, I'm a big boy (6'2" over 260lbs) and there is somewhat of a money cap for the ladies (I'd say close to $1500).
I'd really appreciate any opinions and/or advice!
Also, what do you think about the Sig 556?
I immediately said I wanted a combat rifle. I have multiple handguns, a shotgun, and a .22 plinker rifle that my mother had given me when I was 10. So obviously there's nothing with good range in my household. I live in the suburbs but hey, I could wake to find zombies shuffling down the street.
That being said, my mind instantly clicked to one of my all time favorite guns...the AK47. No, I've never even fired one. In fact the only rifle I've ever fired was the .22LR Marlin I own.
So I sent my step-father an e-mail. He was the a police officer for 22 years and the range instructor and armory supervisor in the town I live in for half of that time. Not to mention he is a certified Sig and S&W armorer.
An excerpt from his e-mail response: "As far as assault rifles, there is only one to own. Springfield SOCOM 16. But it is pricey. The AK is a good gun but a symbol of anarchy and terror. Would not own one. Best bet would be Ruger Mini 14. Used ones are reasonably priced. Ranch rifles are already set up for optics. Standard rifles will need to have the rear sight replaced to be really accurate. This is easily done and cheap. As far as AR15/M4 rifles go, if I had the interest in one, I would build my own. Lots of books out there on how to do it and it is not that hard if you have the tools. That way you build as you get money.... an upper receiver now..... lower receiver when you get more money. You also get your gun with all the features you want made your way."
My question is...what are your opinions? Keep in mind it's my first combat rifle, I'm a big boy (6'2" over 260lbs) and there is somewhat of a money cap for the ladies (I'd say close to $1500).
I'd really appreciate any opinions and/or advice!
Also, what do you think about the Sig 556?