Weapons: I want a SHTF rifle.

[Elwood]

Been slimming down my collection some, and I think I'll use the $$$ for a semi-automatic rifle of some variety, but I don't really even know where to begin. I'm torn from the start about wheather I should save more for an ar-15 variant or pick up an SKS or AK of some type. Hell, maybe go CETME or FAL? Gunstore around here has a Century CETME for $350, bore is in good shape, but I don't know shit about CETMEs...


So, any suggestions?

[Gumpokc]

CETME's _can_ be good, but you can also get screwed on them very easily.
www.gunboards.com go to message boards, cetme section for alot of info, and soem very knowledgable people on them if you are really interested.

FAL's are good, and it tends to be easier to find a decent one.

as for a SHTF rifle, pick what you are comfortable with, that has a readily available ammo supply and you should be set.

[IchWarriorMkII]

I'd go with an AR-15 just for simple fact you change it, quick to better suit you. Irons are a good start, optics are easy to add. I know you can't hunt (all game?) with AR's in PA... but you can tune one up for coyotes out west easy...

Multiple uppers, work too... one for home and one for the range... .50 Beowulf for Zombie Bison... Just about any damn thing you want to bolt on to a picatinny rail (and God knows you can put a lot of picatinny rail on an AR) you can.

You have a .223 already? That CZ 550 or something of the sorts... so you can throw some reloads in your AR and vice versa and you are good to go. Mags are cheap with a good hookup, and with a good hookup you get damn good mags. Buying shit to carry AR's and AR mags is easy, and full of choices.

Whats not to love about an AR? I was an asshat and got an AK more or less on a whim... its okay. It has a purpose of being the Oh-Fuck-Bear! gun... but hell... a 16" Beo upper would put the boots to my VEPR. Its got cheap mags and ammo going for it... other than that... Its the only gun I've had serious thoughts about selling, but its just not there for killing anything besides zombies, cows, and maybe bear.

I know AK's are allegedly uber reliable, but I have just as much faith in my AR. I've never subjected them to harsh treatment, but neither have let me down. I just prefer my AR all around the boards, and really wish I had more better tailored to the roles I subject it too.

[Karaya1]

I echo what Ich says.

AR15.

[SWATJester_os]

+1.....go with the AR15. I've treated an m16 through some of the worst conditions one can imagine, and it works fine for me.

[GoatChomper]

I'm torn from the start about wheather I should save more for an ar-15 variant or pick up an SKS or AK of some type.
The latter, as they'd fill the same role as an AR-15 in addition to being a better hunting weapon.