I'm having a hard time deciding between the 2 or possibly 3..

[Dave68RT]

I'm looking to buy either Springfield M1A Socom 16 or II (not real sure if I need the extra rails), Mini-14, or just possibly an AR15. I've shot an AR15 but i've never shot the other two. Not really sure what I want..this will be my first gun so i'd like to get something I'll enjoy shooting. So basically my question is am I looking at the right rifles? I'm 20 so I can't legally buy a pistol yet either.

[DriveTOOfast]

The M1A uses ammunition that costs more than the AR as well as having a bunch more recoil.
For playing you would be hard pressed to beat an AR-15.
You can get stuff to modify it just about whatever way you wish, parts are readily available and not too expensive.
You can switch out the upper part an AR by just pushing out two pins and installing a different upper to have anything from a long range rifle to a 16" lightweight carbine.
If you want something with a bit more stopping power than the 5.56 cartridge you can go with a number of alternate calibers for the AR by simply switching out the upper assembly and getting different magazines and ammunition.
The AR is simply so versatile that it makes the other choices seem boring and plain in comparison.

Don't bypass the possibility of building your own AR from a pile of parts.
Real simple.
Get one of the AIG assembly DVD's and go to town.
Buy the parts in whatever "legal" configuration floats your boat.

[RokX]

My first firearm was my AR-15, and out of my all my rifles, my AR is definitely my favorite. Although, the SOCOM II is a close second! If you get a SOCOM, I don't think the extra rails are worth it. If you're not going to put anything on them, its just extra dead weight on the rifle. The M1A Scout is pretty equivelant to it also, my buddy has one and after shooting them both its pretty close comparison from what I remember. They are great fun to shoot, has good recoil to let you know you are firing a .308, but not too much, so you can shoot quite a bit without worry of a sore shoulder (although that always happens anyways by the end of the day with me, hehe).

I've had my AR in so many configurations, I can't decide what I like best on it. So I've decided to get my spare upper fixed, buy another lower, and build another one! I'll have one with my ACOG, and the other straight irons or aimpoint M2, not sure yet. I know guys that have anywhere in between 1-20 ARs in their safe! Its addicting.

[oodn-oodn]

I bought a Mini14 several years ago because it was cheaper than an AR, but that didn't quite do it & I got into ARs anyway. So btwn Mini14 & AR, just get the AR.

Haven't had an M1A (or old Garand) yet, but they call my name when I'm near them in gun shops. I wouldn't care for the SOCOM rails on that M1A, they're heavy enough already without hanging a bunch of crap off of them. The hold up for me on the M1A is the price vs need (they're expensive & I don't really need one).

So, I guess I'd recommend an AR for general purpose zombie blasting, then for the 308 consider a bolt action CZ, Rem700, or such.

[greg'sgoat]

Out of those 3, it would be an AR15. They are very versitle and you can change them to any configuration you want. The ammo isn't bad (you can find some cheap ammo still).

For your first gun, I'd shy away from an M1A, mainly because of the initial expense of the rifle, and .308 is a much pricer round. Although I love the M1A and really want one, they are pricey to buy and shoot. They also aren't as configurable the AR. The Mini14 also doesn't really do it for me. They cost around the same as an AR, shoot the same ammo, but aren't as fun or cool looking.

You can build your own AR if you want, but since it's a first gun, I don't know how into it you want to get. The AR was my first gun, and I bought a full gun already built, I have since built me other two.

And you can get a handgun leagally in Texas. Check your state laws first, but I'm pretty sure you can buy one private party under 21 or recieve one as a gift. That is the way things are in Florida and I'm 99% sure Texas is the same.

AR15.com has all your answers. From reviews or the guns (AR, M1A, and mini) to build guides to everything in between.

[Dave68RT]

thanks guys, lots of useful information. I think i'll go with the AR and work my way into the M1A!

I've read some stuff on AR15.com but I feel like i'm way in over my head lol. I guess that's why you read and learn.

Any AR brands yall would recommend? I think i'll stick with buying a complete gun before I start putting one together.

[RokX]

thanks guys, lots of useful information. I think i'll go with the AR and work my way into the M1A!

I've read some stuff on AR15.com but I feel like i'm way in over my head lol. I guess that's why you read and learn.

Any AR brands yall would recommend? I think i'll stick with buying a complete gun before I start putting one together.

I'd go with Rock River Arms if I was buying a complete gun right now. It comes with the match trigger, which I love. I put one in my Bushmaster, well, whats LEFT of my origional bushmaster lol. As far as models go, its all personal preference and what you will be using it for. I'd get a nice 16" carbine, probably something like this:

RRA Entry Tactical (http://rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cat egory.display&category_id=217)

[speeddemon]

Ar15

[greg'sgoat]

Any AR brands yall would recommend? I think i'll stick with buying a complete gun before I start putting one together.

Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt, DPMS, RRA, Spikes, Cav Arms. There's lots. It'd probably be easier to find somethign you like and then ask about it. There are a few I'd stay away from, like Olympic Arms. They've been having some quality issues lately.

[SANman1911]

Stag Arms is another great choice. Make sure you go dont do over a 1:9 twist rate, or you will be stuck with shooting 55 grain ammo. I prefer 1:8 twist in a SS 20" barrel.

[oodn-oodn]

I agree that the Rock River 2 stage trigger is nice, I've put it in all my ARs. If you're looking to buy a turnkey gun, The Rock River guns seem to be priced competitively with all the other decent ones, & from what I've seen they're good guns, so you might as well shop for one of them.

If you get an AR from a different supplier, you can buy a Rock River or other performance trigger for $120 on up to around $200.

[DABLACK1]

how bout a m1a with a SAGE EBR stock


http://www.athenswater.com/images/MK14_SEI_Mod-0-.jpg

[greg'sgoat]

I know there's a lot of fans of those types of M1A's, but it hurts my heart everytime I see it. Just like when I see a tacticool'd M1 Garand or something. *sigh*

[Dave68RT]

I'd go with Rock River Arms if I was buying a complete gun right now. It comes with the match trigger, which I love. I put one in my Bushmaster, well, whats LEFT of my origional bushmaster lol. As far as models go, its all personal preference and what you will be using it for. I'd get a nice 16" carbine, probably something like this:

RRA Entry Tactical (http://rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cat egory.display&category_id=217)

this looks like a nice starter AR

Stag Arms is another great choice. Make sure you go dont do over a 1:9 twist rate, or you will be stuck with shooting 55 grain ammo. I prefer 1:8 twist in a SS 20" barrel.

so a 1:9 twist rate is alright?

[oodn-oodn]

so a 1:9 twist rate is alright?

1 in 8 is better. That gives the bullet more spin, which the heavier bullets tend to like for stabilization. & the cool thing is that there isn't a downside; the 1 in 8 twist doesn't make the lighter (55 gr) bullets any less accurate.

Nesikchad or some really smart ballistics guys could do an endless dissertation about this.

[gametech]

Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt, DPMS, RRA, Spikes, Cav Arms. There's lots. It'd probably be easier to find somethign you like and then ask about it. There are a few I'd stay away from, like Olympic Arms. They've been having some quality issues lately.

You were overly kind to Olympic arms. Their quality has always been crap. I had one about ten years ago that was crowned so poorly that the bullets would tumble at less than 15 yds.

[RokX]

how bout a m1a with a SAGE EBR stock


http://www.athenswater.com/images/MK14_SEI_Mod-0-.jpg

These may look cool, but actually holding one in person is a totally different story. They are so front heavy that its just rediculous, I can't imagine they would be any fun to shoot.

[speeddemon]

wood furniture FTW

[bondosgto]

i run a vulcan v-15 cf lower, stag 6.8 upper. i highly recomend you get a 6.8, so much of a better roun than the 223. and STAY AWAY from the mini 14.

[Quantim0]

i run a vulcan v-15 cf lower, stag 6.8 upper. i highly recomend you get a 6.8, so much of a better roun than the 223. and STAY AWAY from the mini 14.

Except that Vulcan is a terrible company, so don't buy any of their crap. Also 6.8 being a better round is debatable, but what isn't is the fact that it's almost $1/round to shoot unless you reload.