I am afraid I may be getting a bit paranoid about what the future will bring. And have been looking into a rifle with 20-30 round capacity to have just in case. Bulk ammo cost is also a point being taken .

Went to the gun show today, more or less looking for a Mini 14 since I had one back in the day and I loved it.

Didn't see any, but did look at different SKS's, a couple of Ruger Mini 30s, and even tho I am not a fan, a couple of black rifles, specifically a S&W.

I really liked the Mini 30 and have read that the new ones are reliable and shoot pretty good. Looked at a Romanian SKS, but the dayumm things are so butt ugly. I guess for what I want it for that shouldn't matter.

The S&W was in the price range I was hoping to stay within. My son says he knows a few guys that have them and they are decent rifles.

My problem is I am out of my element here, so, any suggestions, recommendations, personal reviews would be welcome to help me narrow the search and ultimate purchase.

As I said , bulk ammo cost is also a factor and I know that the 7.62x39 ammo runs about 2 bucks a box or $50 plus per thousand cheaper.

Thanks

Of the ones you mentioned I would go with the AR15 for sure. Since you are worried about what the future will bring then you should also be thinking about parts availbility. Gonna be alot easier to find AR15 parts than just about anything else.

Very good point. Also they are more compact.

Point taken and thanks

The same brand ammo in 223/5.56 is not much higher that 7.62x39.
Tulammo, Wolfe, Uly or other Russian brands.

AR will have a better resale and is more accurate IMHO.

SKS would be a close third choice behind the Mini-30.

Also accuracy the AK will work being dropped in dirt etc but I can attest from first hand experience if your being shot at more than 100 yards you may get lucky and hit your target but its not a guarantee. The AR however out past 100 yards you'll be hitting your target with open sights. Not sure your price range, but you can get a conversion BCG from CMMG that will let you fire 22 out of a standard 223 upper. I would go with the AR though personally, if your dead set on the 7.62x39 I would look into the AK there are more parts available I think its a little better design. I would still suggest the AR though.

Karla and I have decided on an AR. Just have to shop a bit now. Thanks guys.

If you want to keep your price down I would buy a cheap lower then the upper. For some reason companies like to charge extra to push the two pins together. LOL

That's because there are taxes on a complete rifle that don't apply if the upper and lower are sold separately.

Very few people know that. I will never buy a complete rifle because of that.

11% to be exact!

thats pretty ridiculous, I've never liked the way a lot of companies assembled their rifles anyways. Bobby B its fairly simple to build an AR there are only a few points on the lower that are slightly complicated. The main one is the pin that is on the spring that holds your front pin to hold your upper and lower together. If you use a pair of needle nose and a razor blade to hold it in place while sliding it in place it is a piece of cake though. Youtube is a good resource also. I'm sure there are people close to you that can help also. Beware though buying the black rifle is addictive you can't have just one or two or even three. They are a blast though!

If your talking pitman-Robertson tax, that is one that I do not mind paying at all. That money comes right back to state conservation/wildlife agencies.

You really think that money goes to what you think it does? This is the government we are talking about here. Instead of saying you are ok with it, save the money and donate it.