Best/Most Useful Combat/SHTF Rifle under $500

[Steve1968LS2]

Can build an AR for $550.. since you have high caps.. just keep it featureless.

[jvpark]

Saiga or SKS. 7.62x39 ammo readily available.

+1

[Jason P]

Would I be better off with with an AK or bolt rifle? I don't necessarily need to look cool. I handle that on my own

[Eastbayguy]

Get Draco.

[jvpark]

Would I be better off with with an AK or bolt rifle? I don't necessarily need to look cool. I handle that on my own

AK... if SHTF the Zombie* shooting back at you will likely have an AK or AR.

*I did not want to say "Guy" because I might of offended some left wing wack job.

[xxINKxx]

You can buy 5 mosin nagants for 500$ (they go for 89$ to 99$) lol

But an AK is your best bet in that price range.

[Cato]

You can probably find a used AR or AK for that price.

[bombadillo]

SKS IMO hands down. Simple, utilitarian, no crazy features so it doesn't look TOO evil, bayonet on it that lets you get up and personal if you run out of ammo, and easy to work on yourself.

[ScottsBad]

Wow, lots of good suggestions! Leaving out a shotgun, this would be my list in order.
1. AK-47 - Unbelievable reliability.
2. Saiga & lots of magazines - I like 7.62X39 because of the cheap ammo.
3. AR-15 - Buy extra bolt. Expensive relative to AK
4. Used Mini-14
5. Used lever action rifle
5. Kel-Tec Su16

[twinjetguy]

Get a AK for sure. You can pick up WASR-10's for under 500. Don't listen to anyone trash talk them, they are exactly what you are asking for. I have one and it has been nothing BUT reliable. Works just like a AK should, all the time.

The only other one I agree with is a Saiga. I would get it chambered in 7.62x39. Ammo is extremely cheap and readily available all the time.

The thing you have to keep in mind about building a "cheap" AR is you are going to end up with something cheap. Go with the AK style gun. Those were intended to be cheap and tough.

[coltn46920]

Wow, lots of good suggestions! Leaving out a shotgun, this would be my list in order.
1. AK-47 - Unbelievable reliability.
2. Saiga & lots of magazines - I like 7.62X39 because of the cheap ammo.
3. AR-15 - Buy extra bolt. Expensive relative to AK
4. Used Mini-14
5. Used lever action rifle
5. Kel-Tec Su16

Do ar 15 bolts break often?

[DannyInSoCal]

Any of the HiPoint carbines are a good choice.

I have one in .45ACP and the damn thing is suprisingly accurate out to about 100 yards.

They come in 9mm, .40, and .45 -

Or grab one of the KelTecs in 5.56 -

Ive got the PLR16 (pistol) and same story -

Suprisingly accurate out to about 150 yards.

Fits in an old Bellagio backpack on the floor behind the drivers seat -

With all 10 mags GTG....

[Sunday]

SKS IMO hands down. Simple, utilitarian, no crazy features so it doesn't look TOO evil, bayonet on it that lets you get up and personal if you run out of ammo, and easy to work on yourself.

I wish I bought a dozen in the early 90s when they were dirt cheap!!!

[Mamluke]

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Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22



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.... oh wait, did you say 'center fire'?


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[Jason P]

Any of the HiPoint carbines are a good choice.

I have one in .45ACP and the damn thing is suprisingly accurate out to about 100 yards.

They come in 9mm, .40, and .45 -

Or grab one of the KelTecs in 5.56 -

Ive got the PLR16 (pistol) and same story -

Suprisingly accurate out to about 150 yards.

Fits in an old Bellagio backpack on the floor behind the drivers seat -

With all 10 mags GTG....

I actually like the HiPoint carbines, but I really want something that shoots a pointy projectile at rifle velocities