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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:25:56 AM EDT
[#1]
I don't know if CA laws will let you get a SKS, but if you can they are lots of fun.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:25:57 AM EDT
[#2]
10/22, or an AR.
You can buy/build an AR for under $600. Please, don't do the "SKS and a 12 gauge" route. ETA: sorry, didn't see that you're in CA, at first. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:26:51 AM EDT
[#3]
I built my first AR for $450, had a Colt upper and an Eagle lower.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:27:12 AM EDT
[#4]
An SKS (fixed mag only) is fine in California last I knew, and plenty of fun. An M1 Garand is VERY cool, and still one of the best deals in rifles going (even if you can't get them from the CMP right now). Those Keltec SU-16 rifles are a hoot, and legal in California. A Mini-14 ain't so bad, and you can pick them up cheap.
For REALLY cheap stuff (like $50 - $60), head over to your local Big 5 and pick up one of the many C&R rifles they always seem to have. For "cheap to shoot", you can't go wrong with a .22. You could always build a fixed mag (bullet button equipped  ) off-list AR-15, and throw a .22 upper on it. Maybe even consider a 9mm upper, since 9mm is still reasonably priced, all things considered.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:29:00 AM EDT
[#5]
that shit was $15 at wal mart yesterday...reasonably priced my ass... to the original poster: Go SKS, 10/22 or some kind of surplus rifle/ammo combo. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:30:28 AM EDT
[#6]
The bolt action Nagant is a good choice for cheap, shoulder bruising, fireball spitting fun. Some ranges will not allow steel jacketed/magnet attracting ammunition due to fire hazards, so ammo should be checked before taking it to the range.
No argument with the 870 for a pump shotgun. Buy a great shotgun once. It will cost a little bit more than a Mossberg 500 but you will never need or want to replace it. can't always say the same about the Mossberg. A 10/22 is an excellent choice but can be pricey compared to other .22s out there. A Marlin model 60 has a 17 round tube magazine (yes, it's CA legal) and is about half of the price of a Ruger. You have made some good, solid choices to start with. eta Keep in mind the cost of ammunition for the rifles you choose, especially with the C&R rifles. The K31 and Enfields are great rifles BUT price .303 British and 7.5x55 Swiss and you won't do much shooting on a budget. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:31:15 AM EDT
[#7]
Mosins are awesome, as you already know, Also Swiss K31, Mauser K98 are great and relatively cheap. Can't go wrong with a shotgun either, mossberg 500, remy 870, or Winnie 1300 will do and are cheap.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:31:55 AM EDT
[#8]
Get a Savage for your first hunting rifle.They're inexpensive and rock-solid! Orrrrr, a Marlin lever gun in 30/30.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:33:23 AM EDT
[#9]
870
SKS 10/22 Mosin AR AK Hi Point Carbine!! Any of those would make for a great plinker! |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:33:41 AM EDT
[#10]
How old do you have to be to get a C&R? I'm guessing 21 (I didn't worry about it because I'm twice that age
 )There are a lot of C&R options that I would consider both good and inexpensive (K-31rifle, CZ-52 pistol, etc.) You can build ARs inexpensively if you shop carefully/use the EE. CZ-452s (.22 bolt guns) are great rifles for the money. I absolutely love mine. A 10/22 is a must have |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:34:32 AM EDT
[#11]
 Gew. 98 Mauser, SMLE No.4Mk.I*, Mosin-Nagant 91/30 (From left to right) |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:35:58 AM EDT
[#12]
Definitely get a 10/22. I was going to tell you to get a .22 pistol through a private sale, but you're in California so that's a no-go. I'd definitely get an SKS if I lived there.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:36:14 AM EDT
[#13]
If I was turning 18 in California tomorow the first thing I would get would be a Mosberg 500 or 590. Put a side saddle on it and have fun.
The second thing I would get would be a 10/22. Then I would think about getting an SKS or tricking out a Mini14. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:39:33 AM EDT
[#14]
Kel-tecs. I love my SUB 2000 in 9mm Glock and I loved my P3AT until I sold it. I look forward to getting the PF9. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:41:44 AM EDT
[#15]
CZ 452 Trainer. These are perfect to learn marskmanship on. They are about as accurate out of the box as anything you can buy. Don't get sucked into high capacity mags for 22s they are fun for a little while but, nothing beats a good bolt action. After buying my CZ, I keep the 10/22s in the closet.
If you get a Nagant, spend some time researching and get yourself a Finnish Nagant like an M27 or M39. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:41:57 AM EDT
[#16]
Buy a Marlin .357 mag Lever gun. Then purchase a Dillon Square Deal press. Load ammo and proceed accordingly. The friendly looking "cowboy gun" should be ok in Kalifornia. It is also a little beast when you stuff it full of Gold Dot magnums. (125 gr @ 2000 + fps)
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:43:46 AM EDT
[#17]
Ruger Mark III pistol.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:44:32 AM EDT
[#18]
SKS
Reminton 870 Ruger 10/22 maybe a Savge rifle you you want a hunting rifle |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:48:49 AM EDT
[#19]
Your order is a little mixed up there ;-) |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:51:27 AM EDT
[#20]
Mini-14.
They are common enough on the internet sales sights. Cut the barrel to 16" or whatever CA min is, and add a muzzel brake at the same time. This is to improve the mini's notorious accuracy. These are relatively cheap gunsmithing jobs. If you want RDS optics, add a ultimak cout rail, but those are another 100 each. Skip any type of magified optics for the mini platform. Buy a ciener 22 kit for the Mini-14. Shotguns? I'd skip them unless you hunt or shoot skeet. Just not a shotgun fan, and as a range gun they are not all that much fun once the novelty wears off. They are relatively cheap if you go want one. Get a common type that has lots of aftermarket accessories. 870 or mossberg for example. My buy list: 2 Mini-14's used (450 ea) -shorten barrels and add muzzel brakes (75 ea) -buy a ciener mini-14 22 kit for cheap shooting (140) (35ea for extra mag) -14 mags (10 ea) -1 extra 22 mag 2 Ishapor Enfield (these are indian Lee Enfields made in 308/762 NATO(275 ea) -unless you are collecting, a cheapo ATI sporter stock (60 ea) (makes them much more comfortable to shoot) (longer pull) Total: $1,365 for 2x mini-14's (16" bbl and brake), 1x 22 bolt with 14 10 round 556 mags, and 2 10 round 22cal mags $670 for 2x Ishapor Enfield 2A's with sporter stock ---- $2,035 for 4 guns, 2 556 capable , 2 308 capable and 1 22 conversion - not bad at all Buy two of each, two is one. The Keltech SU-16 is a nice CA rifle, but there is no 22 kit for it which is why I don't recommend it, and its more expensive than a used Mini-14 which have been around forever. Note a new in box price of a mini-14 is NOT worth the money. 450 is a fair price for a used mini, and add 75 bucks for a barrel cut and brake added. If you have lots of money get M1A's for your 308 guns. Edit: If you just want to get into shooting, get a single mini-14 and a 22 kit which would cost you $770 for a used mini-14 with cut barrel/brake job, 7 ten round mags, a 22 kit with 2 mags. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:53:28 AM EDT
[#21]
Any 22 rifle is fun to shoot and so cheap to keep loaded. Also just for a fun plinker a SKS is always good since 7.62X39 can be had pretty cheap compared to other ammo.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:54:34 AM EDT
[#22]
Look for a Garand, or if you have money buy an M1a. Those are the only Cali legal firearms I would consider.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:54:41 AM EDT
[#23]
For a newbie I would say: 1. Ruger 10/22 - get a basic light barrel model at the pawn shop or gun show. If you get the Williams sight set from Brownells that contains a peep rear and correct height front sight to match it you will be good to go. Part number 962-602-130 2. Ruger Mark II Standard Auto pistol - get the basic model with 4" barrel. They are cheapest and will shoot very sell if you master the basics 3. Marlin 336 - a super carbine that can be bought cheap used. You can set it up with a peep rear sight, scout scope, or conventional scope. The 30-30 round it fires is good for all but the largest North American game out to 200 yards. The ammo is cheap and on sale even cheaper after the hunting season. People make fun of the 30-30 but it is no joke. Another good thing about them is lever people tend to be easy going and if you go to www.leverguns.com you will be in good company. Any of these guns are about as cheap as you can find but are quality. Other choices are used Smith and Wesson or Ruger 38's. You can shoot commercial reloads pretty economically and they give you the ability to load 4 live 2 empty to check for flinching. A lot of people never shoot enough to be good because of time constraints and ammo costs and now ammo is even higher. The main thing you need as a newbie is an experienced guy to get you started and keep you from getting screwed on stuff. If you can find such a person he can help you locate good used guns among the people he knows and make sure you don't fall prey to gun sharks. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:58:33 AM EDT
[#24]
+1 on the Ruger 10/22
+1 on the KelTec sub rifle. I got out the door for just under $300 with the SR 2000. It takes my 9mm Glock mags, and 9mm is stil reasonably inexpensive (around here). The 9mm can double as a home defense cal. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 11:03:20 AM EDT
[#25]
Ruger 10/22
OR
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Posted: 6/12/2007 11:04:20 AM EDT
[#26]
AR's are a bit much right now for the time being.
Looking for 300 or so or less for now. Most likely wont be working for a while as I have a medical condition I have to work to getting managable. SKS might be a future gun, but not on top of the list The Keltec SU-16 looks fun but is a bit much, unless I could find it for cheaper? Cost of ammo is why I'm looking at .22's and rifles with relativly cheap (remeber I said "relativly") ammo/surplus ammo. Are the Keltec Sub-2k's CA friendly? Am I stuck waiting until im 21 for a handgun, or is there any way I can purchase them? So far I'm looking at: MN 91/30 either a 10/22 or a Marlin 60 870 in 12 Possibly a Keltec sub 2k depending on if they are CA friendly .22 handgun if I can CZ-52 if I can also Sound good to start out? ETA Shooting isn't a HUGE priority for me at the moment. Just looking for fun stuff to go to the range for fun every now again. Got some other stuff I'd like to have more than several rifles and etc (minus a few) |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 11:07:04 AM EDT
[#27]
My thoughts exactly. 
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Posted: 6/12/2007 11:55:37 AM EDT
[#28]
California
 I would say WASR 10.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 12:22:27 PM EDT
[#29]
First, move out of California...
While a 10/22 is a "must have", I'd recommend a bolt action 22 for the beginner. Patience and the ability actually hit your target on the first shot are virtues. For the money, I think that a Savage Mk II is an excellent rifle. If you must, the 10/22 is an excellent choice. Buy LOTS of 22LR ammo when it's on sale for less than $10 per 500. Buy LOTS of 10/22 hi-cap mags (if can you buy those in CA). If you don't plan to hunt, a shotgun should be pretty far down the list. The Remington 870 is hard to beat when the time comes. A Marlin 30-30 levergun is a beautiful thing. There are so many of them out there that you should be able to get one used (not abused) for under $300. The last one I bought was $250, and it came with 2 boxes of shells, a pair of cheap binocs and a nasty old soft case. Has CA banned all FTF sales? If so, you really do need to move. Strike that smiley at the top. A 30-06 bolt action of some sort is another "must have", IMO. At the risk of being branded a blasphemer, I'd say that an AR should not be a high priority for a beginning shooter. That said, it's your money--do what you will. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 12:28:13 PM EDT
[#30]
No legal FTF sales since about 1992(?). Not sure of the date. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 1:18:08 PM EDT
[#31]
1. Mosin Nagant M38/44
2. Remington 870 3. Ruger 10/22 You pretty much have it down as far as further down the line: 1. SKS 2. Ruger MKII/III 3. CZ 75 |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 5:38:22 PM EDT
[#32]
Thats sad news there is no face to face
.I might just stick with a .22 and a MN for now. Thanks for the advice |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:19:40 PM EDT
[#33]
Best that you buy an M1 Garand from the CMP while they are still for sale.
Also, consider buying a Marlin 336 chambered in .30-30 Winchester for hunting. You get wild pigs in some parts of California. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:21:49 PM EDT
[#34]
Consider buying a muzzle loading rifle or musket. Check out dixiegun.com/
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:23:11 PM EDT
[#35]
Make sure you check out www.calguns.net and the California Hometown Forum for CA specific info. Most responses in GD will consist of "move to another state" or "everything is illegal."
This thread seems to be an exception.Like others have said, various .22 rifles (Ruger 10/22, Marlin Model 60) and other rifles such as the SKS and Mosin Nagant 91/30 or M44 are all good choices for a budget conscious and/or new shooter. When or if you are ready to get a California legal AR, AK, or FAL, check out calguns. You could build a gripless or MonsterMan grip equipped Romanian AK for around $300 with an NDS receiver, Romanian "G" kit, and a few compliance parts. You'd have to use 10 round magazines if you didn't have any standard capacity ones before the ban, but the only other difference from a free state build is the lack of pistol grip. My advice would be to stick with more "traditional" firearms until you are VERY familiar with the various lovely gun laws we have here. |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:24:48 PM EDT
[#36]
I give you a big +1 on the Mossy 590, and I fixed the second part. -Ben |
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:29:35 PM EDT
[#37]
M1 Garand
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Posted: 6/12/2007 10:30:35 PM EDT
[#38]
I'd also like to add that FTF transfers are legal on long guns over 50 years old. You can easily find a Mosin, Garand, or perhaps a Russian SKS this old.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 11:01:26 PM EDT
[#39]
Forget guns for now. Save your money for a bus ticket of that state.
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Posted: 6/12/2007 11:20:35 PM EDT
[#40]
10-22 for sure, then maybe mini 14. do not know what a sub2k keltec is, but their .223 carbine is cali legal, but known to be fragile. did not hold up in carbine course, minis and ars did.
no love for the mini here in ar land, but mine does about 2 moa with shimmed stock. cryo for the stringing. seriouly, if you can move out of this state, you should.
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Posted: 6/13/2007 1:13:10 AM EDT
[#41]
Its been years since I had one, but I think I will get myself a nice Norinco SKS when I get home from overseas. It was my first real rifle bought with summer job money in 1988. It got stolen while I was at basic. I have had such crappy luck with AK clones being innacurate or unreliable or out of control expensive (SBR Krink) that this seems like the best way to blast with that caliber and be satisfied with the hardware. I say give the SKS a try!
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Posted: 6/13/2007 1:32:09 AM EDT
[#42]
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Posted: 6/15/2007 10:38:09 AM EDT
[#43]
I'm in Long Beach for a while longer ( year or so). Do you happen to shoot at burro canyon? Thats where my friend and I go when do (which sadly isnt much at all havnt been sense december). I'd be willing to throw in a few bucks for some ammo on stuff to try out. That sounds like a good idea to me. And to everyone who says to leave Cali, I plan to eventualy, just not now. Have college in about a year for 2.5 years then how ever long untill I can get enough to leave. Also depends on if I can find a job in my field there |
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Posted: 6/16/2007 1:38:17 AM EDT
[#44]
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Posted: 6/16/2007 1:45:07 AM EDT
[#45]
I'm gonna say Swedish Mauser, 6.5x55
Easily one of the best bolt action rifle you will ever get your hands on. |
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Posted: 6/16/2007 9:22:51 PM EDT
[#46]
I'll see when my shooting buddy can go next and I'll let you know. |
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