Tactical or Traditional Rifle?

[Wyowanderer]

The most enjoyable rifle I've ever owned was a post ban Bulgarian AK47. It didn't shoot very well, but was reliable and simple. Second was my Winchester 30/30 model 1894. Reasonably accurate, and reliable.
I behave so that I don't draw attention to myself, and I'm aware of what I'm doing and where I am. It's never been a problem.
Seems like it's the attitude of the person.
I've been around folks that I wouldn't trust with a slingshot, and others that I would trust if they had a piece of artillery.
Frank

 

[ECVMatt]

Traditional and hybrid...

I have two I like to camp with. One is a Marlin 1894P in .44mag. It has a 16" bbl and is very compact. It packs a good punch, the ammo fits in my Redhawk revolver and it is ultra PC for other folks to see. I have had groups of ultra liberal Santa Monica, CA folks pull up on my camp and not be concerned. They started taking pictures of it and comments about how cool it is to see a real cowboy (I live about .5 miles from the beach). What a crack up.

If I am going into an area where the meth cookers or pot growers are active, then I switch to my Saiga 7.62x39. It has a traditional stock and short 10 round mags. It looks kind of PC, but is basically a very well made AK. It is very light, compact and accurate. I carry extra mags in my backpack. It is becoming my favorite expedition rifle and I take it most time now.

I have been stopped and had my AR run (it is a legally registered assault rifle in CA) and it was a pain. Everything was OK, but it is nerve racking. I don't want to go through that with my wife and kids there. Both rifle work just as well and draw almost no attention.

I vote for the low profile route.

 

[Bullsnake]

x3 or 4 or whatever it is. I have AR's in several different configurations and calibers, and love to get them out and shoot with the boys, but if I am going anywhere where I think I'll encounter the general public during my hikes or off-roading excursions I'll take my lever action Browning in .223, or a .308 bolt action, along with a pistol du jour.

Funny as it seems, I get more strange looks when I am carrying a 1911 or HK USP vs. a revolver or .22 pistol then I do with the AR vs. lever action. I am a firm believer in carrying whatever you want, as the end result when you pull the trigger is all the same...

 

[1911]

Thanks all for your input.. I was wanting to put a rifle(cased) in the truck for plinking, survival rifle if needed, self-defense (maybe). Just didn't want trouble, if lets say, Johnny Law pulls me over and asks, "Why the M16 boy?"

A carbine of some kind makes a good truck gun because they are shorter than a traditional hunting rifle and hence easier to store and faster to get out if needed. A military-style one with a collapsible stock even more so. Personally, I'm always armed (everywhere it's legal to be of course), but no one who doesn't know me pretty well is ever aware that I am or what kind of weapon(s) may be in my truck, so the color or style of them is never an issue, including "Johnny Law". In any event, as long as you're in any U.S. state that still recognizes the constitution and the bill of rights, it's no one's damn business what color or style of otherwise legal weapon you may have.

 

[BigAl]

kind of related.., but when I think about a menacing gun, I think of my 1903 Springfield 30.06, with a wood sportorized stock and 3-9 scope. I have put some large holes in deer with that gun. I think I would want to be shot twice with an AR 15, rather than once with the '06. Actually I don't think i want to be shot at all.:elkgrin:

 

[backcountrycruiser]

You know that is a critical observation that I forgot to mention! As far as I know (at least in my state - Virginia) if your on public land with a loaded weapon...during hunting season...your hunting and all the firearm rules apply...even if your just camping or carrying for some sort of defense. If your caught...a fine and your firearm just became property of the Commonwealth.

WOW that sucks, in my state if you are doing that without a tag, you are shooting targets. No tag means your not hunting, or you are poaching, if you have a dead animal.
Mike

 

[Metcalf]

split the difference....

M1A scout, direct connect flash hider, gas lock front sight, ultimak rail, 2 moa aimpoint on a QD low ring to co-witness the stock irons. Get a nice wood stock and have the pull shortened about 1-1.5" and an adjustable comb. Then add a nice QD reciever scope mount with a higher power optic for 300+ yard stuff.

Its not the cheapest to purchase or shoot, won't be light, but will do 99.9% of anything you could ever ask of a rifle.

With just irons and a 5-round mag it looks almost harmless:Wow1:

Just a thought.

 

[stevo]

Tactical or traditional

Here in the People's Republik of California, if John Law finds you with a "black rifle", prepare to take a big bite of a **** sandwich. I have learned to be "comfortable " with a .45 auto. A lot less hassle. Mini-14's also tend to work real well.
Cheers, Stevo

 

[robert]

Never worried about it myself but I have had Fudds make stupid comments or give the evil eye when shooting at public ranges (which I very rarely go to). Depending on which AR, I can easily shoot targets as well as they can with their traditional bolt guns.

We did have a "thug gun" day one time where we all brought our best thug guns- it turned out to be pretty funny as these two older guys where talking crap until we invited them over to try them out and explained that they were just range toys. We always offer to let others shoot just to help break down stereotypes and I've always been surprised how many folks will try them and admit that they're actually pretty fun. Anyways, they ended up admitting they had a good time and enjoyed shooting them even though they'd never buy any of them themselves. Watching some seventy year old guy rip off a mag with a full auto MAC was great (a buddy of mine had it; SC is a class III state and transferable Macs still sell for around $4,000); he had the biggest cheese eatin' grin on his face. Nobody wanted to shoot my chrome plated(?) Davis .22mag derringer for some reason (I won it in a poker game years ago). :snorkel:

That said, I more apt to carry a .357 lever gun than I am an AR just because I like them.

 

[Mlachica]

Here in the People's Republik of California, if John Law finds you with a "black rifle", prepare to take a big bite of a **** sandwich. I have learned to be "comfortable " with a .45 auto. A lot less hassle. Mini-14's also tend to work real well.
Cheers, Stevo

"black rifles" are becoming quite popular these days and as long as you know and follow the law, have and use common sense you are just fine with a black rifle in California.

 

[squatch]

i have a m1a scout. the thing is awsome! great ranch rife loves mil surp ammo. so fun to shoot too.

 

[Corey]

Mine will end up drawing a little more attention now since Santa paid me a visit.

Here is what it looked like less than a month ago, only a picatinny rail on the bottom of the stock hand guard, and a Grip Pod bipod.

After a few upgrades over a weeks time, all that is left is to install an Acog TA31H-G.

 

[bobcat charlie]

M1A, had it built in 1990. Fulton Receiver, broach cut barrell, NM trigger, Operating rod and sights, reinforced GI fiberglass stock, picanary (sp?) mount replacing front sling swivel (allows bi-pod mounting), USCG muzzel brake (to keep it legal in California). I have some .75" groups with 168gr match ammo; <2.0" 5 shot groups all day with German mil surplus 147gr FMJ, from bench or prone. A couple thousand rounds (at least!) through it and NOT ONE FAILURE. Just plain fun to shoot!