Calling on the PBB gun smiths for opinions.

Here's the scenario:
I own a Mosin 91/30, Win 1300, NE 12ga single, random 22s. None of these fit the spot I'm trying to fill.

I'm looking for a semi auto in a respectable caliber. Clip/mag fed is preferred.

My wife and I just purchased a home on approx 5 wooded acres. There are plenty of coyote tracks at the back of the property, I'd rather leave them be... But I have two small dogs and they are both pretty slow.

Also - The area is known for meth labs... In fact, I think this county is number 1 in the state. The 'subdivision' (I use the term lightly as all lots are 3+ acres) is one of the nicest in the area... It also happens to be one of the most secluded, and my house is at the end of a dead end street. I hate use the term self defense, but this gun might offer some peace of mind.

I want to store the gun unloaded... But keep the mag full (stored in a different place.) This way If I need to chase off a coyote I can pop in a mag, chamber one, and make some noise.

Because of trees and brush most shots will be taken at 60 yards or less.

I'm not sure what to look at... I'm thinking about the hi point carbine in a 40 or 9, but am considering alternatives such as an SKS or low cap AK variant.

What say the PBB?

Also - what should I look for in an SKS? Any known trouble spots that can be avoided?

SKS is what you want.

I have an M1 carbine for this purpose... it's a shame you can't find them for $250 anymore. The .30 cal is perfect for close range coyotes, deer, etc. But, the SKS will probably be more in your price range. Heck, I wish you could still get the sks for $99 at every pawn shop in the state like you could ~10 years ago.

SKS is what you want.
That's one of the first thing I'd look at, too.

SKS is what you want.

Yup, just keep a few stripper clips of ammo laying around(don't get detachables, they suck), and practice feeding it with them. You can load an SKS with a clip in about the same time it takes to slap a mag into other rifles.

Thanks for the input everyone.

The more I think about it... the more I like the idea of the additional stopping power the X39 has over a 9mm at this distance.

I did a quick google search and found a local dealer that has an SKS in on trade that is priced below the 200 mark in 'good' condition.

Anything in particular I should pay special attention to when looking at this gun?

SKS is what you want.

X3

They can be had for cheap

Anything in particular I should pay special attention to when looking at this gun?

If it's Chinese, just check for broken stuff. If it's a Yugoslavian with the blade bayonet and grenade launcher, then check it for a rusted out barrel, and check the gas switch for leaks.

If it's a Russian, buy it and run- quickly.

I agree...the sks is a solid gun that is fun to plink with and 7.62x39mm is well known for taking out people, small game, and even some larger game such as bear with a good shot. At my local gun shop, they typically have sks's anywhere from 150-300$ depending on who made it and condition.

I cant think of too many other cheap semis that throw a decent caliber bullet for your price range, outside of used stuff. I like to take a stroll around the gun shop after work occasionally and look for the cheap used stuff...if anything catches my eye and i dont buy it immediatley i tend to go read as much about it as i can on the net and such.

SKS is what you want.

Yep. Just dont pay $300 :laughing:

If it's a Russian, buy it and run- quickly.

So the Russian that a buddy tried to sell me for 225 I should have grabbed?

Was in good condition.

what about one of these?

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=86017230

they make em in 9 or in 40. they use glock mags, so you can share with the pistol you know you need to buy :)

that or a ruger pc9 or pc4. good luck finding one for 250 though :) maybe you'll get lucky at a show.

So the Russian that a buddy tried to sell me for 225 I should have grabbed?

Was in good condition.

Yes, very yes.

Thanks for the input everyone.

The more I think about it... the more I like the idea of the additional stopping power the X39 has over a 9mm at this distance.

I did a quick google search and found a local dealer that has an SKS in on trade that is priced below the 200 mark in 'good' condition.

Anything in particular I should pay special attention to when looking at this gun?

look into 922 compliance parts.

922r doesnt count on C&R guns such as SKS's unless you modify them I believe.

So the Russian that a buddy tried to sell me for 225 I should have grabbed?

Was in good condition.

So... Does he still have it? Can you PM me his number? :D

My wife and I talked about me purchasing another gun yesterday... She said I'm not allowed to buy anymore toys until I see what Santa left for me :D

This means one of two things... Either she (or her dad who is an avid shooter) bought me a gun, or she's trying to keep me from spending money until after the holidays.

Either way, I'm probably going to pick up an SKS soon...

As much as I'd hate to 'sportsterize' (not sure if that's the right term) a nice mil surp gun, I'm going to need a scope of some sort. I'd rather make 1 good shot with optics, than 1 or 2 OK shots with iron sights... I guess what i'm trying to say is I'd rather get a clean kill (even if coyote's are pests) than take the chance of the varmint suffering and running off into the thick.

I'll do some research on how to properly attach a scope on an SKS...

At that range (60yds or less) I wouldn't use a scope. An aimpoint or something like that would be a good optionl

My last sks was the most accurate and naturally pointing semi I have ever shot. On par with my 10/22...

how about something like a saiga in 7.62, .308, or whatever? they have a buncha cheap ones out there....

You should take a look at the Saigas. I like my SKS's just fine, but if I were to only have one rifle for what you describe, it would be a Saiga.


http://www.stanleysproshop.com/Saiga_Rifles_C4095.cfm

http://onpointsupply.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=2435

Please excuse my ignorance... but until now I've never really seen nor heard of a saiga.

From the looks of it, it's pretty much what I'm after.

Small rifle, mag fed, med. cal., simple design.

I need to make a run to my local gun store to pick up some more x54r, I'll see if they have one of these in 223.

I love a SKS and a AK variant but have you thought about a Marlin lever in 44 mag? I also heard of one in 357 mag but never seen one. My brotherinlaw has one in stainless he picked up in a pawn shop for 200 bucks. The thing will drive tacks on iron sights and I dropped a running doe at about 70 yards or so last year with it in 2 shots. Very natural feeling.

Just pop 4 or 5 in it and all you do is grab it, lever one in and go for it. They look really nice as well.

Rattlecan...54R rocks...im gonna save my pennys for a tiger...and probably pick up a few more m44's as well.

I just got a saiga chambered for .308 winchester, i havent fired it a ton yet, but it is a very nice rifle and seems quite reliable.. There are 20 round mags available for the .308.. The 7.62x39 can be modded to use standard ak mags, or saiga proprietery 30 rounders without mods. .223 version also has high capacity mags available now i think. Very close to the operation of an ak47 and its variants.

Can be had cheap as im sure your seeing... I see the x39's going anywhere from 275-350 and the .308's tend to go 300-400.

I also heard of one in 357 mag but never seen one.




my dad has a lever action .357 mag :smokin: its fuggin bitchen

i think its a henry? could be a marlin? i dunno. think it has a octigon barrell too. havent seen it in a while, but i do remember shooting it