What's the Best Compromise in Semi-auto Rifles?

[CoyoteCreekGuns]

Okay I am going to go down a slightly different path

<PUTTING FLAME SUIT ON NOW>

The SKS, albeit somewhat inexpensive $300-$400 is too darn heavy for a SHTF rifle and honestly even for pinking for a significant period of time.

My suggestion, although it's not down the AR/AK route, is the Hi-Point 995TS carbine.

NOW WAIT, HOLD ON, Just hang with me for a minute.

Let's look at the OP's needs and resources. He noted that he is looking for:

- something inexpensive (Check for Hi-Point, not so much for AK or AR)
- Someone noted that there is no need for more than a 10rd mag on the SKS (the 995TS is also a 10 round mag and additional mags don't weigh nearly as much as the SKS/AK/AR Mags do)
- If he already has a 9mm firearm, there's no new ammo to introduce
- The thing is lightweight and compact (huge bonus for plinking and SHTF)
- As for reliability, mine's been 100% reliable with all types of ammunition, oh and these things are tack drivers with their iron sights.....

Well, I am sure that this will get "shot down" but hey sometimes we need to look for what we need not what we "want" or what, to someone else, will look cool.... My

 

[Unoid]

cmmg bargin bin ar-15 under 700$. Or go with an inspected wasr 10/64 ak-47 for 450-500. I own both including a 1k ar-15 and ar-pistol.

SKS? No thanks. Too cumbersome its a real rifle. Get a pistolized ak-47 or ar-15 for tight home defense. or best bet? Saiga-12 converted to ak format with folding stock.pistol grip.

Semi-auto 12GA is unbeatable for home defense.

 

[CorvetteTom]

no problem im just sittin here anyway. can you tell its driving me nuts already. im looking a another month and a half at least.

I had my back operated on a few years ago... bed bound for a while... I got sick of the internet. LOL

Heal quickly!

 

[sloughfoot]

I don't disagree with any of the options. However, the SKS becomes a lightweight, easy to handle rifle after removal of the bayonet. It becomes a totally different animal once you get rid of the knife.

I never bought one when they were everywhere for less than 100 bucks in the 1990's. I pretty much turned up my nose at them because of my perceptions at the time.

I got one from a customer to clear up his toolbill a couple of years ago. I changed my opinion of it after giving it a chance.

 

[booey50]

Okay I am going to go down a slightly different path

<PUTTING FLAME SUIT ON NOW>

The SKS, albeit somewhat inexpensive $300-$400 is too darn heavy for a SHTF rifle and honestly even for pinking for a significant period of time.

My suggestion, although it's not down the AR/AK route, is the Hi-Point 995TS carbine.

NOW WAIT, HOLD ON, Just hang with me for a minute.

Let's look at the OP's needs and resources. He noted that he is looking for:

- something inexpensive (Check for Hi-Point, not so much for AK or AR)
- Someone noted that there is no need for more than a 10rd mag on the SKS (the 995TS is also a 10 round mag and additional mags don't weigh nearly as much as the SKS/AK/AR Mags do)
- If he already has a 9mm firearm, there's no new ammo to introduce
- The thing is lightweight and compact (huge bonus for plinking and SHTF)
- As for reliability, mine's been 100% reliable with all types of ammunition, oh and these things are tack drivers with their iron sights.....

Well, I am sure that this will get "shot down" but hey sometimes we need to look for what we need not what we "want" or what, to someone else, will look cool.... My

this plus one...

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Okay I am going to go down a slightly different path

<PUTTING FLAME SUIT ON NOW>

The SKS, albeit somewhat inexpensive $300-$400 is too darn heavy for a SHTF rifle and honestly even for pinking for a significant period of time.

My suggestion, although it's not down the AR/AK route, is the Hi-Point 995TS carbine.

NOW WAIT, HOLD ON, Just hang with me for a minute.

Let's look at the OP's needs and resources. He noted that he is looking for:

- something inexpensive (Check for Hi-Point, not so much for AK or AR)
- Someone noted that there is no need for more than a 10rd mag on the SKS (the 995TS is also a 10 round mag and additional mags don't weigh nearly as much as the SKS/AK/AR Mags do)
- If he already has a 9mm firearm, there's no new ammo to introduce
- The thing is lightweight and compact (huge bonus for plinking and SHTF)
- As for reliability, mine's been 100% reliable with all types of ammunition, oh and these things are tack drivers with their iron sights.....

Well, I am sure that this will get "shot down" but hey sometimes we need to look for what we need not what we "want" or what, to someone else, will look cool.... My

I can see your point. However, the high point fires a pistol caliber. To me the point of the rifle is to fire a larger and harder hitting cartridge. I'm not saying that the pistol cartridge is inaffective. Or, I would not own pistols. If weight is an issue. Then the AR would be the better choice in my opinion. I know the rifle and ammo will cost more. However, it's still fairly light and packs more punch. My

 

[CoyoteCreekGuns]

If you really have your heart set on an AR for this fuction, My suggestion <again putting on the flame suit> is an Olympic Arms AR. These are some of the least expensive AR's out there and everyone here realizes that Olympic makes some of the best shooting barrels for an AR.

With that being said, there is nothing inexpensive about an AR as the rifle itself is simply a down payment for the accessories that you will be putting on it.

If you're really looking for overall larger cartridge, lighter weight, mobile rifle, that is less expensive than an AR, the AK would be your best choice, however you'll want to save weight by replacing the wood with some type of polymer furniture.(this option will always be heaver than the AR or 995TS.

~$215

~$350 - $400

~$650.00