Looking for First Rifle

If you could find a used one of these: http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct814.aspx
Arsenal Inc AK 47 Rifle SLR-107F 21 -762x39 Rifle Side Folder

It is a very good AK from Arsenal with a side folding stock.
Small enough to fold up and put in a large backpack to carry around with you if need be.

 

Would you rather reach out and touch something in the distance or have closer range and higher round counts?

Forgive me if you are angling for an EBR, but a good bit of your list says scout rifle. The only difficulty there would be stowage. A take-down lever or bolt action perhaps?

 

I don't have one but for the purposes you propose an AK is the way to go. I have shot the kel-tec su16 models and they are fairly nice. Piston driven AR type action that is very reasonably priced and reasonably accurate. Still I think AK is the way to go.

Can't go wrong with an AR-15 but will be a bit more spendy than the AK or the SU16.

I do have a DPMS Panther AP4 that is fantastic but is even more spendy for both the gun and the ammo. But if you can afford that and 1000rds or so of surplus 7.62 AND don't mind the extra heft you cannot go wrong with an AR10 style rifle like the Panther.

 

Evil Black Rifle

 

If your number 1 is carrying in a backpack the SU16C all the way.

 

I just had a thought. Surprising I know, but if ya wan't 308 and backpack carry perhaps a Kel-Tec RFB is in order.

 

My vote is for the AK (not taking anything away from the other choices) because....

7.62 x 39 - cheap and plentiful (very important in a shtf situation)
reasonably accurate out to a reasonable distance
magazines - cheap and plentiful (you could keep a couple loaded at home and a couple in the backpack and a couple in the car)
with folding stock and removing the magazine you should be able to fit it into a good sized back pack
if it's a real shtf situation the AK will run just about regardless of the conditions (whether you clean it or not, lube it or not etc.)

Would Samuel L. Jackson lie????

NSFW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z2ucmARq-k

did I mention cheap plentiful ammo?

 

Just a thought here, if you are looking for something to have when times go bad, might you possibly ponder a relatively portable carbine that shares the same caliber as your primary sidearm.

This is exactly what I did when streamlining calibers, I purchased a Colt 6450 AR in 9mm to share the ammunition with the only semi auto pistols that I own, which happen to be GLOCKS.

The match is a natural one and works very well, you could go the KelTec route if so inclined, you would still not have a reach out and touch caliber but when the defecation hits the rotary oscillator, a matched side arm and carbine will be worth their weight in gold.

Just a route to think about.

 

I think if you could get 200 more you could get a RFB for 1200. I have heard of them selling for that price. I am strongly considering one. After a PMR30 and then perhaps a KSG. Kel-Tec has certainly introduced some interesting items in the last couple of years.

 

Ruger Mini 14 - You can get a side folding Choate stock, collapsible stock like an AR, or an underfolder. Mags aren't cheap, but ammo is. It's in .223/5.56 and very quick handling. The gas system is self cleaning and based on the Garand action. They run about $500-600, and you can pick one up at the local Wal-Mart.

 

Any reason to not look at the Sub 2000 matching a pistol caliber (and magazine) you already own? That would be the ultimate in backpack stowaway rifles.

I can't yet justify an EBR but the RFB is the front runner if I were going to. You'll find prices from $1250 up to $2150 or so. It shouldn't be hard to find one for $1250-$1400 if you shop around.

 

So, just out of courisoity, why is a SKS not on your list?

I mean, you can usually find them in the $300 range, giving you a lot more to spend on ammo and accessories. With a side folding stock, they tend to break down pretty small, and they are a breeze to break down for cleaning. Accuracy is comparable to a AK, and like the AK ammo is cheap and plentiful.

Just something to think about.

 

Not a huge fan of those... A buddy of mine had a mini 30 that could do a "tactical disassembly" if you fired it without the magazine in. The trigger grouping would fall straight out the bottom. It was also kinda particular about what ammunition was put through it. Might have just been one of Ruger's duds, but it really put me off.

 

I'm a little biased on this one, but i sold an AK and kept my Yugo SKS because I liked the SKS so much that I never really used the AK. They're a lot more accurate than AK's, but they don't have the high magazine capacity and are a bit heavier. Some of that weight can be alleviated by removing the bayonet, and if you remove the 10 round internal magazine, you can purchase detachable magazines. I keep mine in the original stock, but I have a tap-crap stock and two 20 round detachable magazines for it that function well. 30 and 40 round detachable magazines are available, but i have no experience with them. I'd imagine they'd function just like the 20 round magazines.

An SKS is an excellent first rifle... I'd know, it was my first. =)

EDIT:
A forum member is conveniently selling one:
https://www.georgiapacking.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=55436

 

Get an AK47, its a must, get an AR as well, these will be popular weapons one day here in America, and you will need to be compliant with however you are around.

Get a Remington 700 in .308 like I have, you will not be disappointed. Just make sure you don't have one with a safety issue.

 

Couldn't agree more with AK, cheap and easy to get ammo. I own several, as well as lots of ammo. You can buy two for the price of one AR. They are good for MOM (minute of man) and easy to operate. I am a lefty and have no issues with manual of arms with either.

AR should be on your eventual list as well as a R700. If you are budget minded, buy a used one. Don't forget about a reliable repeating shotgun (pump/auto/both).

Pistol/Rifle combos like Keltec are cool, but no thanks in my book...each has its purpose. Pistol rounds are great close in, but at distances, I prefer rifle calibers. Each to his own. Good luck!