Quoted:
I figured I would ask this group as it pertains most closely with the interests I have in the firearm. I will try to avoid the "Tell me what to buy" and keep the thread reasonable- I feel like the gun I want should exist, I just can't think of it.
My wife recently jumped on board with prepping, so I got a green light, sort of. We are hitting debt much harder, which limits funds- Due to this, and my nature, I am looking for as flexible of firearm as possible, such that I only need the one. My wife will be using the firearm too, but she is alright with recoil.
purpose- in order of need
1. Ranch/home defense
2. some hunting
3. some plinking
Here is what I am looking for-
-Common caliber, as in buy at Walmart if need be- (I lean 308)
-sub $1000, less the better, I like to keep my money as much as possible
-0-300+ M functional range, not to hunt, but wouldn't want to be on the wrong end, even at distance
-reliable- worth note on this- My wife HATES AR's, I have had a few crap out on me while shooting, and my buddy had a Kaboom, all with nice reputable ARs, and trust is something she doesn't gain back quickly, especially when her life may depend on it.
-Iron sight capable, not needed, but a nice touch
-light enough to carry, a distance, I live in CO and hike/shoot at 9000+ feet, I am too lazy to deal with a 12 pound gun
-I'd ideally like to be able to hunt deer sized game with it, but at close range <100 yards. I tend to stalk hunt and come from a recurve bow realm, getting close doesn't bother me.
-Robust, as in, maybe give it to my kids someday.
-I would like to avoid depending on corrosive ammo, I am heading for the Pacific Northwest and saltwater/constant rain has me worried
Heres what I don't care about-
It can be bolt action/lever, I am on board with that, it can even be a shotgun if this is the best bet
Here's what I am leaning towards, and where I need some help,
I like the idea of the 1903A3, but the only ones I can find are the $750 Gibbs one's, which I have heard less than stellar things about (if wrong, please correct me, I would love to be done thinking about this and start shooting).
I also like the idea of the Zastava M63 Mauser, but I can only find that from Mitchells Mauser, and his prices are steep considering the product.
I have looked into a few Enfields, but I am not too know sure on which are OK with modern loads and which may blow up in my face, especially considering they are converted
I owned a Ruger Gunsite, and it was alright, but found a way to get it heavy and expensive fast, and I just turned it into a heavy and expensive hunting rifle eventually (may still be my best bet).
As of this moment, I am leasing towards a Mossberg 500 or a Win 870, and just give up on the ability to get range for the sake of everything else.
If you all could think of something similar that I am missing I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Matt
Semi auto 20ga if wife intends to use it. If it's just for you then go 12gauge.