Serious Rifles

13 June 08

Getting into serious rifles:

In talking with friends in the retail gun business, I make it a point to ask what it takes to get into a serious, Western-built, military rifle. Most tell me the absolute minimum for any kind of AR-15 is $700.00. A really good rifle, from top-line manufacturers I recommend, is going to run between $900.00 and $1,500.00. Gas-piston rifles, like the RA/XCR and SIG/556 will generally be higher than Stoner rifles, but that is just the beginning!

Once you buy the rifle itself, you discover you need an adequate complement of magazines, a dozen at least, at $30.00-$75.00 each. Of course, your new rifle may also not come with sights, because there are so many individual preferences, so a good set of iron sights will be an additional $75.00-$250.00. Add another $50.00-$100.00 for a tactical sling and forward attachment-point/wire-loop.

Those who, in addition, want a Micro-Aimpoint, EOTech, or other high-tech optic can add another $400.00-$500.00.

Don't forget ammunition! One-thousand rounds of 223 will run $300.00 and up. Service ammunition, like Cor-Bon DPX, will be close to $1.00/round. In 308, prices are, of course, proportionally higher.

Of course, you'll need training! Our weekend Urban Rifle Course will be over $500.00. Ammunition consumed during the Course will cost nearly as much as the Course itself. Other well-known instructors charge similar rates.

So, to get set-up in a serious rifle, and get trained to use it, will cost the average consumer $2,500.00, and up!

An alternative is to buy an inexpensive Kalashnikov in 5.45X39. The rifle itself is around $400.00, and probably already comes with acceptable iron sights, a sling, and at least two magazines. Additional magazines are relatively inexpensive. Cheap ammunition is available in quantity and is suitable for both practice and serious purposes.

It is rude and crude by Western standards, but still a good starting point for those with limited resources who still want to get started in this Art.

Serious rifle skills are, in the minds of many, becoming increasingly important with the passing of each day. One way or another, one must find a way.

/John