Searching for a rifle *updated with pics 6/23*

[84ta406]

Well Ive always been a pistol guy and shoot them very well etc. I keep getting drawn to rifles lately though. Keeping it sort of on a budget but the two I am mainly looking at is the M&P 15 sport and the Mossberg MVP patrol in 7.62x51. So which would you guys choose? Im leaning more towards the MVP myself but you also cant beat a solid AR.

 

[Snora]

What are you looking to do with it?

Also avoid 7.62 x 51mm if you want a cheap shooter.

 

[SJan]

If you don't yet have and AR, get one.


Or 7

 

[FreeWillie]

If you have no rifle, an AR would be a good first choice. I wouldn't discount some of the commie rifles though. An SKS or a Saiga would be a close second.
A good bolt gun should also be considered. Maybe a Rem 700, Savage or Teika?

Sent from the depths of Hell using TapaTalk

 

[84ta406]

I have a sks right now and a 1896 mosin but dont really shoot them much for other reasons. I dont have a AR which is why I chose the sport. The MVP is a bolt gun. They also offer it in the 5.56.

Intended uses are target and maybe some hunting if I get the time. Which is another reason I was leaning towards the .308 on the MVP.

 

[FreeWillie]

.308 is going to get expensive to shoot unless you reload.

Sent from the depths of Hell using TapaTalk

 

[jkelly1229]

Personally ar is my favorite gun but I'd get a high end one if you get the mp you'll like it then you'll be like but that one is cooler and progress your way up to something high end anyways at least I did

 

[ToddDubya]

Lever gun in a pistol caliber you already shoot.

 

[7.62x39]

Don't overlook the Ruger American series If you are considering a bolt gun. I have seen nothing but rave reviews on them and at under $400 they are a steal. There is one in my future.
But I already have several ARs, so I'm not really in the same situation of having to choose one over another. The reason I mention it is because they are so inexpensive, you might be able to swing both.

 

[beaker]

Everyone needs an AR or an AK if you swing commie gun-wise.

 

[Queen Bee]

If you have the mosin and sks.. the mosin can cover the hunting if you want.. so go with the AR

 

[headednorth]

Everyone needs an AR or an AK if you swing commie gun-wise.

Both!

 

[84ta406]

Well I went down to the gun parlor today and checked out a few rifles. I did really like the MVP, action was smooth and it was well balanced. He also tried talking me out of the .308 in favor of the .223. They didnt have a 15sport but he made a good point that Ill end up wanting to upgrade it anyways so better off spending more for better. He also showed me a IO Inc. Ak, seemed like a nice firearm but after reading the reviews amd such I think Ill pass. Id really like having the .308 but the .223 is probably more practical for my needs. Most likely going with the MVP, just wish there was more feedback on them.

 

[mac1911]

Well I went down to the gun parlor today and checked out a few rifles. I did really like the MVP, action was smooth and it was well balanced. He also tried talking me out of the .308 in favor of the .223. They didnt have a 15sport but he made a good point that Ill end up wanting to upgrade it anyways so better off spending more for better. He also showed me a IO Inc. Ak, seemed like a nice firearm but after reading the reviews amd such I think Ill pass. Id really like having the .308 but the .223 is probably more practical for my needs. Most likely going with the MVP, just wish there was more feedback on them.

which model are you looking at. Here is one review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lZPzqKEQIY you will find others also. Any rifle you buy you will want to look to up grades. If you find the accuracy of the MVP to not be up to par you will restock it or new barrel or some other stuff.

What you dont want is to end up with a rifle you dont like and cant recoupe much on resale.

Also finding a ammo either gun shoots well is key then stocking up on it.

I had to call my friend who just picked up a 223 rem bolt gun for coyote, he had sent me some pictures of some targets he shot with some 62 gn Nosler Varmagedon ammo.... nice tight 1" groups. this is what he picked up. I dont know what he has for a scope.
http://www.weatherby.com/products/rifles/vanguard/vanguard-carbine.html

 

[Varmint]

Personally ar is my favorite gun but I'd get a high end one if you get the mp you'll like it then you'll be like but that one is cooler and progress your way up to something high end anyways at least I did

And that will be different if you spend more on your first rifle?

 

[84ta406]

which model are you looking at. Here is one review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lZPzqKEQIY you will find others also. Any rifle you buy you will want to look to up grades. If you find the accuracy of the MVP to not be up to par you will restock it or new barrel or some other stuff.

What you dont want is to end up with a rifle you dont like and cant recoupe much on resale.

Also finding a ammo either gun shoots well is key then stocking up on it.

I had to call my friend who just picked up a 223 rem bolt gun for coyote, he had sent me some pictures of some targets he shot with some 62 gn Nosler Varmagedon ammo.... nice tight 1" groups. this is what he picked up. I dont know what he has for a scope.
http://www.weatherby.com/products/rifles/vanguard/vanguard-carbine.html

I was looking at the MVP patrol that comes ready with a scope. Im sure the optics can be upgraded but I was looking to just shoot it right now and enjoy it. I think the furthest I would want to reach would be about 500 yards which is another reason I was leaning towards the .308

I have crossed the 15sport off the list after talking with the guy. It sounds like its too entry level and leaves some to be desired. Might step up to a different model. My budget is around 700 right now.

Any thoughts on the Ruger mini 14 or 30?

 

[VetteGirlMA]

My first and right now only rifle is a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 sport. I have been using the 5.56 ammo lately because for some reason I like it more than the .223. I find it's a lot of fun to take to the range especially once you pick up some pre-ban 30 round magazines for it. After owning one for a short time I see what people love about them. They are easy to shoot, low recoil and just a blast for range fun. I can picture myself owning more than 1 in the near future.

 

[84ta406]

From my readings the .308 stuff is hotter than the 7.62 ammo so perhaps the same goes for the 5.56 vs. .223

Well I have decided on the MVP Patrol in 7.62 x 51 with the 3-9x32 scope. For the price it seems like a great gun and I think I'll enjoy it quiet a bit. Going to start my search this week as I feel my LGS is a bit overpriced with theirs. Cant wait to grab one though. The only thing to derail me would be finding a PTR91

 

[mac1911]

From my readings the .308 stuff is hotter than the 7.62 ammo so perhaps the same goes for the 5.56 vs. .223

Well I have decided on the MVP Patrol in 7.62 x 51 with the 3-9x32 scope. For the price it seems like a great gun and I think I'll enjoy it quiet a bit. Going to start my search this week as I feel my LGS is a bit overpriced with theirs. Cant wait to grab one though. The only thing to derail me would be finding a PTR91

I think you will enjoy the mvp vs the PTR at least for accuracy. I have not seen anyone shoot all that well with their PTRs.

Your right there is not a heck of a lot of actual write ups on the mvp. This is the best actual accuracy test I found with the patrol model.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/gun-review-mossbergs-mvp-patrol-7-62mm-308/

I'm looking into a not so expensive bolt gun myself that's not 60 plus years old.

Does the MVP come with the same warning as the PTR and tell you not to use surplus 308 NATO?

 

[84ta406]

I think you will enjoy the mvp vs the PTR at least for accuracy. I have not seen anyone shoot all that well with their PTRs.

Your right there is not a heck of a lot of actual write ups on the mvp. This is the best actual accuracy test I found with the patrol model.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/gun-review-mossbergs-mvp-patrol-7-62mm-308/

I'm looking into a not so expensive bolt gun myself that's not 60 plus years old.

Does the MVP come with the same warning as the PTR and tell you not to use surplus 308 NATO?

From what I read its fine to use the surplus ammo. I read a bit of people using it for the 5.56 version. Still couldnt find much about the 7.62 version. But for 700 with scope you really cant go wrong. I looked at the Ruger Gunsite scout but for 100+ more with no optics I'll pass on it.

Hopefully pick it up this week. Once I get it Ill do a write up. Ill be the first to admit my accuracy may be off but any bit of info will help. I do like the external magazines on this rifle though. From what I can tell just use quality mags and theres no issues.

 

[Beansie]

Any thoughts on the Ruger mini 14?

It's fun, but the AR sees a lot more daylight. The MINI is a pain in the ass to clean and mags cost a good chunk.

Get an AR instead, IMO. I do like mine, don't get me wrong, but I like my AR and MVP Predator more.

 

[mac1911]

PTR is a battle rifle designed around surplus 308 NATO..... if it can't handle it that's a problem for me.
I do like the looks though.

I found a good amount of a,accuracy testing for the 223 mvp in varmint model and was actually a little impressed. IDK I get a little put off by rifle companies that don't even state what type of accuracy to expect. Even if they just say " our rifles have shot X moa on average from our testing bench using X ammo. Like my AR claim and guaranty is .34 moa on their test bench in a 100 yard enclosed range with 77 grain match ammo....I forget what ammo want to say hornady match.

Also the weatherby rifle claims MOA? It's all good

Oh and for the mini 14 or 30 for the money NFW! Mini 14 good for mag dumps Hanibal style!
Mini 30 not much better and with no really decent x39 ammo.....well that's just MHO

 

[84ta406]

I agree. I thought the whole point was using surplus rounds and such in the PTR. Its just one of those on my want list or a real HK91.

After more research I strayed away from the minis. I do have a sks but it was my fathers before he passed and to be quite honest I dont like using it.

I looked at the MVP flex as well but I wasnt a fan of the tool less break down system. Im never going to use it so I dont need that. Time to order some ammo. Ill be trying different brands to see what it likes best. Hopefully the store is open tomorrow.

 

[mac1911]

I agree. I thought the whole point was using surplus rounds and such in the PTR. Its just one of those on my want list or a real HK91.

After more research I strayed away from the minis. I do have a sks but it was my fathers before he passed and to be quite honest I dont like using it.

I looked at the MVP flex as well but I wasnt a fan of the tool less break down system. Im never going to use it so I dont need that. Time to order some ammo. Ill be trying different brands to see what it likes best. Hopefully the store is open tomorrow.

see i like my SKS rifles? accurate not really....... fun shooter though. Im thinking of shooting my russian SKS in the next CMP mondern military match at Old Colony in Pembroke Ma

 

[84ta406]

Well I bought a rifle. And it wasnt a MVP patrol. Got a good deal on a Mossberg MVP TALO edition. Has a different stock, 18.5" barrel and a 1:9 twist. No optics or even iron sights which sucks but I have my own optics to throw on anyways. Does come with a nifty bipod though. Initial thoughts so far are that it seems sturdy, workmanship looks good. Cycles the bolt well. Only thing I dont like is it seems you have to ram the bolt pretty hard to get it to close properly. Going to clean it and oil everything before I pass judgement. It has the lightning adjustable trigger which feels AMAZING. No take up, clean break, almost too clean.

 

[dcmdon]

Personally ar is my favorite gun but I'd get a high end one if you get the mp you'll like it then you'll be like but that one is cooler and progress your way up to something high end anyways at least I did

I would recommend against this path if you decide you want an AR.

My first non Colt, non standard AR was a high end LMT MRP carbine. Its as good as it gets as far as a military style AR goes.

But I discovered quickly that I didnt' like quad rails and didn't like military style ARs in general. (I prefer target triggers, stainless barrels and handguards with only a top rail)
So I sold it. At a loss.

The Sport is as good as it gets under $1200. Its more accurate than most ARs in its price range, it runs like a top, and it comes with the S&W lifetime service policy, all for $575.

How can you go wrong?

The Sport will teach you what you like in an AR. Worst case is you sell it for $500 and move on.

I would suggest that you add a Rock River Arms match trigger for $80 and then just learn to shoot it with irons.

Don

 

[dcmdon]

Oops.

Just saw that you bought the Mossberg. I don't know anything about it other than your picture looks nice and they are still made in North Haven, CT.

Good luck with it.

Now learn to shoot it. If you don't know what the following terms are, sign up for an appleseed.

Natural point of aim
sight alignment
sight picture
how to properly squeeeeeeeeeeze the trigger
follow through

You will learn all of these things at an appleseed. You didn't say what the caliber was, but I'm assuming .223.

If its a .308 and you are new, then I'm afraid you made a mistake. It will recoil hard enough that learning proper technique will be difficult.
It will also be difficult to prevent bad habits from creeping in if you intend to fire more than 2 or 3 shots for your initial range sessions.

Don

 

[84ta406]

I did get it in .308 actually. Im not new to rifles, have shot lots before just always been more of a pistol guy. Decided I wanted to get into rifle shooting. I have the mosin so I know what to expect recoil wise. All in all it seems like sturdy and I cant wait to shoot it. Hopefully get some optics this weekend for it and I already ordered some ammo.

 

[84ta406]

**Follow up**

Havent had a chance to go to the range and honestly glad I havent. Been having some trouble cycling the bolt. And upon further inspection I see a few problems. 1.) The feed ramp has a ridge at the top for some reason and the bullet tips are hitting it and getting stuck, some bullets have gouges and scratches. 2.) The bolt is also taking a lot of brass off the cases and has severely damaged them. 3.) The bolt itself looks damaged. Ill be posting some pictures. Not pleased at all, taking it in tomorrow and probably going back to MB. Honestly the damn thing is brand new and I dont even want it now.

 

[Andreas]

From what I read its fine to use the surplus ammo. I read a bit of people using it for the 5.56 version. Still couldnt find much about the 7.62 version. But for 700 with scope you really cant go wrong. I looked at the Ruger Gunsite scout but for 100+ more with no optics I'll pass on it.

Yeah, and the other HUGE advantage that the MVP has over the Gunsite Scout is that it uses standard AR mags rather than proprietary.