[ExGeeEye]

Something I haven't seen listed here yet: SKS. Mine is the Chinese variant, and my PC reason for keeping it is as a brush gun (hunting in a heavily wooded area-- lots of trees and/or man-high bushes that cut down on visual range).

1. Price-- low. Under $200...sometimes way under.

2. Ammo-- cheap and plentiful, especially Russian and Chinese manufacture. 7.62x39, same as used in the AK. There is at least one US-made rifle chambered for the stuff. Beware corrosive primers.

3. Range-- I have no trouble hitting a 1x1 foot target 150 meters out. Urban defensive combat should be at closer quarters just because of the buildings etc.

You can get a scope, but for your application, why?

I almost didn't mention the availability of hi-cap aftermarket mags. I personally find them over-large and inconvenient, and open the temptation to "spray and pray" which isn't a good idea in a populated area...even if you think most of the population is after you :)

[marktwain]

The SKS is the East Block equivalent of the Garand. Cheap, accurate and effective out to 350 meters or so. It is an excellent militia arm. The only thing that I don't like about them is the open sights, but Lyman, I believe, makes an aftermarket peep that takes the place of the open rear sight.