Looking for a new Firearm

[Black2003SS]

I'm in the market for a new firearm. I'm looking for something to target practice with long gun wise. I want something as a conversation piece. I'm looking for something along the lines of an AR-15 style firearm, yet, I dont want a .223 caliber. I would like to have the option to take it out hunting once in a while for deer if I wanted to. I only shoot about 100-150yds max from my treestands usually as anything further the forest/brush is just to thick and a risky shot. I have a .300winmag for long distances and a big punch anyways. Just want the option. I have heard that these types of weapons can be found in 308 or 7.62 calibers. Any help or input would be appreciated. I would like to keep it under a $1,000 if possible. I think I heard Colt manufactured an AR-15 style rifle in 308. Am I correct on that? Where should I look? My regular auction site www.auctionarms.com is lacking in selection lately, probably due to tightening restrictions of state to state etc.

Edited February 19, 2007 by Black2003SS (see edit history)

[TheGunny]

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=13

 

[Black2003SS]

Thanks man. I'll look at it tonight when I get home, work is funny about firearms sites on the internet. You know...employees looking at guns...lol.

[Bad Bowtie]

What about an investment like an old M-14 or M1 Garand? That's my style of weaponry....

[Black2003SS]

Thought about it. I even thought about a Ruger Mini 30. The Ruger is still an option, but not the M1. I want to shoot it and I can easily blow through a 1,000 rounds in a weekend. You dont do that to an investment firearm. Also, you dont take them out in the elements etc. I want something I can abuse, it will take it, and me not have to worry or feel bad. Kind of like making an original 1967 Corvette 427 your daily year round driver in the salt/snow belt...you just dont do it. I may end up with an M1 down the road as I do have several classic/antique firearms, one of which is worth thousands to the right buyer. I also have a 6.5mm italian mauser picked up in WWII. I have a winchester 22 rimfire "special" manufactured in 1894...handed down through the generations. In excellent condition. Shorts are too short for it, longs are too short, but mags are to long and stressful on it. Its a round that no longer exists and finding ammo for them is very difficult. Its worth alot. I had it appraised at over $2k about 6 years ago when I inherited it from my grand father. I have several others as well that older, like a 1963 Marlin 30-30 (when they used forged internals, not stamped steel), Ithaca shotgun, a single shot 16gauge from the 1920's etc. The list goes on and on. I want something composite, easy maintenance, accurate, fun to shoot, 30 rd clips are available, but necessary stock, 5 round clips are available too. Something I can put a scope on etc.

[Black2003SS]

I looked over the spinrfield armory and I liked most of what I saw. I liked the syntehic/ss M1A which is at the top of my price range. I like the fact that it is in .308 and has many options/capabilities. The one I really liked was the M25, but retail is aroun $3,500-4,000...way too much for me. I found some mini 30's, but they're not a .308, they are 7.62x39mm, a shorter cartridge than the .308 and not what I'm looking for. Maybe I should just pick up a mini-14 or armalite .223 for plinking fun and stick with the big boys I already have for hunting.

[ShortBus]

smith and wesson have an ar version in 223. Colt does make a .308 ar,but .308 is't anywhere near as cheap to shoot as 223. Which is why I made my decision.