Glock Talk banner

No rifles...

2K views 28 replies 28 participants last post by  DeraldR 
#1 ·
Started shooting in late 2017 with pistols and currently only own pistols. I have no long guns of any kind. So, I’m thinking about a rifle though I don’t really have a use for it. It would be a range gun and maybe home defense.

An AR or tactical shotgun seem like fun options. Not sure about the different ones currently available or costs and ammo availability.

I shoot some USPSA so a more practical option would be a PCC since I’m focused mainly on 9mm pistols. Anyone been down this road? If so, what did you choose?
 
#2 ·
I own both pistols and rifles, but to be honest, I couldn't tell you the last time I fired one of the rifles.
I have just always preferred pistols.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Staffordshire
#4 ·
If you want it for things like practical shooting you'll have to ask someone else. If you just want to have fun shooting a rifle I'd recommend a .22, preferable a semi-auto because it is fun to shoot them fast sometimes. :) You can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22 because of it's cost, and loads of aftermarket parts to upgrade it with.
 
#6 ·
I was in the same way as you. Up until around 6 months ago I only had handguns also.
I went and bought a .22 for plinking and a 12 gauge shotgun for whatever I want to do with it.
Maybe someday if prices become reasonable and ammo becomes available again I’ll invest in a few more.
 
#7 ·
I have 1 “true” rifle. I spent a lot of money on it, and bought an expensive optic for it. I figured I “should” have one just in case.

I rarely shoot it. It’s just not that much fun for me. I’m glad I have it around, but if money was tight I’d really be regretting the purchase.

I think your idea of getting a PCC is a solid one. I would suggest either:

  • Picking up a PCC that shares mags with one of your favorite pistols.
  • Getting a PSA AK-V if you just want something cool and fun.
Why?
  • You will likely use it a lot more than a rifle you’re not interested in.
  • You don’t have to get into a new caliber of ammo.
  • A 9mm rifle has a MUCH quieter report than a rifle-caliber weapon. Somewhat quieter even than a pistol. If you’re ever in a place where you have to use it, in an environment where there is some sporadic shooting going on, you will attract much less attention. Not a huge advantage, but one that might be situationally useful someday.

Since you asked about my experience. My favorite PCC I own is my Beretta PX4 Storm. So much fun. I plan to pick up an AK-V though, once things settle down.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I bought two 556/223 rifles this year.

First was a 16 inch barrel 556 Nato chambered budget build my Gunsmith was selling that I set up as a HD gun. Light/sling/vertical foregrip/optic/pop up sights. Ballistic advantage barrel and lower and various other parts bin stuff.

2nd is a 16 inch 223 wylde with just sling, backup sights, cheap optic and hand stop. Aero precision upper, Anderson lower, both bought complete from different vendors at different times. Will be a range only gun that gets stored empty.

A Buddy who has a rifle wanted us to he able to go play together at the 100 yard outdoor range instead of just always shooting pistols at the indoor ranges. He sold me on buying the first one, then I picked up the 2nd kind of on a whim after reading up on 223 Wylde. Both fun to shoot, whether in combat drills, un-supported at 25-100 yards or 100-plus yards supported for optimal groups.

I entertained the idea of a pistol caliber carbine but just didn’t go that route. The first deal I found was on a 556 chambered rifle. My gunsmith was doing builds until mid summer for 699 to undercut all the local shops who only had 1200 dollar and up ARs left available. He didn’t put anything together in a pistol caliber, only 556 and 223 Wylde pistols and rifles of various lengths, all 699.

If I do an AR pistol next year I may do that in 9mm. Just seems easier than finding the right rifle caliber and barrel length combo to get an enjoyable gun that will perform somewhat like a rifle at longer distances that I’ll probably just use my rifles for anyway. Probably gonna be set up for Glock Mags since I keep a G26 as one of my HD guns and have a pile of glock Mags.

I bought two rifle caliber guns and now want something in a pistol caliber. Had I started with a pistol caliber I’d probably now be online shopping for my chance to step up to a rifle caliber.
 
#16 ·
^^^ THIS ^^^ +PLUS+ if you start out with an AR pistol you can legally convert it to rifle configuration then BACK to pistol configuration and vice versa 'til the cows come home, which is NOT LEGAL to do if you start out with a RIFLE - because once a rifle always a rifle, unless you SBR it.

:D
 
#13 ·
Consider a 300BO pistol. It uses standard AR magazines, and the cartridges can be anything from heavy low velocity to light high velocity. Plus, they don't require a long barrel to be extremely effective. Very versatile and interchangeable with your AR's.
 
#14 ·
Check out the Extar EP9. 9mm PCC that takes Glock mags and isn't stupid expensive. They usually restock them on Thursdays around 3-4pm on their site. You have to act quickly though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pag23
#15 ·
I would buy a basic ar 16 inch value s&w or ruger. And you will be able to use it for defense and some fun.
I would say that there are still great surplus rifles to own and shoot and collect..
Mosin
Garand
M1 carbine
Mauser k98
03 springfield
Sks

Some of the prices have gone up now but will go up in value.
 
#17 ·
Personally, I would consider something like this (https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...-56-nato-1-7-phos-m4-classic-rifle-black.html). It is inexpensive and decent quality. All you would need to do is throw an inexpensive decent quality red-dot on it and call it a day. You could add a simple BUIS (MAGPUL MBUS) if you wanted. I built something very similar using the same PSA upper assembly. It shoots very well. The optic is a Primary Arms SLx Advanced Push Button Microdot Red Dot Sight with a Primary Arms Absolute Cowitness Micro Dot Riser. It also has the MAGPUL MBUS rear sight.

Gun Firearm Trigger Assault rifle Rifle
Gun Firearm Trigger Rifle Assault rifle
 
#18 ·
I'd get a S&W M&P Sport II AR-15, when the market settles down. A pump 12ga home defense shotgun is a good choice too. The Mossberg Maverick is effective and affordable.
 
#22 ·
I have had firearms since I was 21... I never thought of having a rifle of any kind, never needed it. I always figured if you can't fix it with a sidearm then give up. This is INHMO, same as if you can't take care of an issue with 15 or 17 rounds give it up put your gun down and hope for the best.
 
#26 ·
I shoot some USPSA so a more practical option would be a PCC since I’m focused mainly on 9mm pistols. Anyone been down this road? If so, what did you choose?
You could use a PCC in USPSA, IDPA and steel challenge.

If you reload, the PCC is just as cheap/easy to load for as, well, a pistol; the rifle caliber carbine isn't as easy or cheap. Even if you don't reload, a pistol caliber is going to be a less expensive than a rifle caliber.

I assembled a .300 AAC and as it turned out, it really wasn't what I wanted for most shooting. The PCC is one of my most used firearms. I chose a MPX SBR. When I bought it, I could buy it for about what I could assemble a Angstadt blowback based PCC. (not including the NFA stamp or stock).

There are advantages and disadvantages for home defense compared to a rifle caliber carbine or a shotgun.
 
#27 ·
I would get a ruger 1022 and build your own AR. Buy a completed lower and replace grip and trigger. Then build your own upper or purchase a completed nice upper. If no rifle then you cannot beat the ruger 1022. Entry rifle and small game hunter. Easy to feed it too. Then get AR. If building take your time and get quality products. Hopefully by then ammo will be available and for decent prices.
 
#29 ·
I have no long guns of any kind. So, I’m thinking about a rifle though I don’t really have a use for it. It would be a range gun and maybe home defense.

An AR or tactical shotgun seem like fun options. Not sure about the different ones currently available or costs and ammo availability.

Anyone been down this road? If so, what did you choose?
I was in the same situation last year, and all of my pistols are 9mm glocks.

I bought a PCC Wilson Combat AR-9G which runs 9mm glock mags all day long, and a Remington 870 12ga. I only have one caliber of ammo to keep, and any of my mags will fit any of my guns (except the 12ga)... No regrets at all.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top