Q: Budget
A: Not unlimited. Let’s say the $500-750 neighborhood. Used is fine if gun smith approved.
Q: What have you shot that “feels” right to you?
A: 32-30...but I’m not that particular.
Q: Are you urban, suburban or rural?
A: Survival, multiple environs. Want versatility, but with the option to reach out.
Q: And where do you plan on “bugging out” to?
A: Rural
Q: Now select the round:
7.62x39
7.62x51
7.62x54
30-06
Well, that’s sort of the base line to decide the other. Again, inexpensive (easy to obtain) and reasonably accurate at a distance. The x39 may be acceptable. Let’s try it this way; would the x39 reach as far as accurately as the 5.56 M-16A1? With a scope option, that would be more than adequate.
Q: Next, action.
I’m fine with bolt, but if it’s just a little more semi-auto I’m fine with that too.
Savage bolt rifle in .308
Pros: Accurate +/-1.25 MOA (great barrels/crown/accu-trigger), Durable, common USA ammo and still good mil-surp out there
Cons: No removable mag/low cap mag, low mag capacity
Here is a nice one at $500: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=241246883
Saiga in .308:
Pros: Semi, Fast reloading, Can be converted to AK configuration yourself with a little effort if you are mechanically inclined, 8 & 25 round mags, Reasonable pricing
Cons: High cap mags are after market and not cheap but not too expensive.
AK47/AKM in 6.62x39
Pro: Lots of factory mags, still relatively cheap, Nearly indestructible, Doesn't require much cleaning, easy to use, Ammo is lighter you can carry more, fast follow up shots
Cons: Not as accurate as .308 and not as much range
Nice: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=240932425
Norinco hunters are still one of the most accurate AK ever sold, look like a sporting rifle but takes all high cap AK mags even drums.
Some place to look for AKs:
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/category.aspx?cid=90
http://www.classicarms.us/
Romanian PSL
Pros: Hard hitting, Long Range, Cheap ammo
Cons: 10 round mags, .308 is more accurate - expect 1.5+ moa
Atlantic and Classic have them
PTR91
Pros: Cheap mags! Likely as accurate as the bolt gun. Common .308 ammo and mil-surp
Cons: Most expensive rifle of the lot
Atlantic stocks them
I'm not doing AR10, M14 and others because we have reached the $1K mark. There are other rifles that serve your needs that you could find a deal on; these are some to look at...
Feel free to drop by www.gunsnet.net and talk with the guys. They will talk guns all day...
My 2 cents -
Get an SKS or variant.
Cheap, accurate, cheap ubiquitous ammo, versatile.