It's not just Texas my FRiend. Collectively, as an extended family, I have access to an impressive arsenal, most of which are pretty old guns, some dating back to the 1800s. Most are in firing condition when you can find ammo for them.
“when you can find ammo for them”
Reload.
There is a huge resurgence in loading “cowboy” rifles. (mostly levers action)
You can buy reloading dies for almost everything ever made and it is pretty easy to cast lead bullets for them. Makes some cheap shooting. You can load 30-30 with cast bullets for from $.10- .12 per round if you have the brass and a reloading press.
There are a lot of fine old Mausers and vintage bolt action rifles. They have more knock down and longer effective range than the AK’s & AR’s.
Brass for vintage rifles is often a problem, but it is out there. I even found some new brass for my Model 71 .348 Winchester recently.