Help me 2 decide

[lostone1413]

I was thinking of getting a new 45acp for my CCW gun but having a feeling no matter how the election goes the AWB will be back. I'm thinking maybe better off to get an AW. Something to have around just in case. Being retired and on a limited income I was wondering about what price range I would be into getting either AR 15 or an AK 47. I know nothing of either of the two but could you tell me the advantage and the disadvantage of the AR 15 and the AK 47. What would you get and why? Also how much would you think I would have to spend?? I want one that is reliable but on a fixed income I can't buy top of the line either Thanks

[1911crazy]

I would buy a good used handgun for a carry gun because its going to get beat and holster worn anyway.  There are plenty of good used 45acp's out there that are really cheap too.  Now for a rifle right now I would look for an SKS because their reliable/dependable and cheap to feed you can buy 1,000rds of 7.62x39 for under $100 plus the sks is a cheap gun to buy too.  You could probably buy an sks and a 45acp for what an AR15 would cost you and probably cheaper too.  I've always bought new handguns and their too good to holster so they sit in the safe for many years still in the box new?  Now I buy used guns instead and i just found a CZ85B in new condition for $299 of course i was looking for a well used 45acp when i found the CZ.  I've seen 45's used for around $200 with the bluing worn off from holster wear but their still very functional and that what counts.  New handguns just aren't cheap anymore?  I would say a 45acp used handgun and an sks should run you around $400+ or -.
                                                                           BigBill

[hylander]

Rifle: For the purpose you descibe= SKS about $200.00
Not Chinese as they are not made as well as say a Russian or Yugo.
They are more reliable than both the Rifle's you mentioned
and will take a beating and keep going.
Like Big Bill said you can get an SKS and probably still be able
to afford a .45 ACP, which is a great CCW weapon.

[glock fan]

First off don't get an AR.  You can get an AK, SKS and a decent .45ACP handgun for less than you'd pay for the AR.  You can get a SAR1 or WASR for about $300 or less from J&G Sales, CDNN, SOG, CAI, FAC, Classic ARMS, Centerfire Systems, etc.  You can get a Yugo SKS 59/66 or M59 for $100- $160, depending on grade the of rifle you select, from any of the above as well.  You can get a Rock Island Armory hi-cap 1911 model .45ACP from Kiesler's Wholesale for about $300.  Springfield 1911 WWII G.I. models can be had for about $350-$450 off GunsAmerica.com.  As far as what to get?  Since I've got all the above and had a chance to compare them over the last couple of years, I'd recommend a Yugo SKS and a Springfield 1911 model handgun.  Both would be very reliable and accurate.

[1911crazy]

A russian sks refurb NIB(new in box) will cost around $250 i've seen them showing up at gun shows lately.  There is a chinese sks that is built/assembled with russian parts its called a "SINO SOVIET SKS"  that is a chinese sks thats actually a russian sks that sells for a chinese price at around $200.  If you do a search for sino soviet sks an article will come up that describes what to look for.  I have one fully manufactured chinese sks that i constantly beat the snots out of and it just won't quit.  I think the chinese became better at manufacturing the sks towards the end and made a better sks than the russians if not better than it was equal.  The romanian sks is a pretty close second but some do say its a better one too.  Then there is the yugo's and the albanian sks's too which are all pretty much the same while they will differ in accuracy but if you get a good cycling one which most of them are your good for a lifetime of fun. If you keep the gun clean they just won't quit.  The yugo is the only one without a chromed lined bore (barrel) but its no biggie either but we must pay special attention to keeping it clean(bore/gun) too.   With buying an sks i would price shop for sure and get a deal on one.          BigBill