No rifles...

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.

 

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.

 

AR's are very versatile and easy to shoot. Change uppers and you can shoot lots of different bullets from the same lower. And if you get into customization, you can blow lots of time and money on that.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I think an AR is a must but if you want to ease into it slowly maybe look at an AR-9 that takes glock mags. CMMG Banshee or something of that nature.

 

That's what I did. Then slapped an 80% lower on it.

 

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.

 

A friend of mine told me he shot an AR recently and said he liked it. I asked if he was going to get one and he said no. Said it was a little much. I replied that no it's the bare minimum.

 

Well, you could always get an AR pistol, which would still be a pistol while allowing you to shoot 5.56 (rifle cartridge) or similar out of a pistol format.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

^^^ 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Kel Tec sub 2000 glock 19. I got one and it's great.I paid $379. and it folds upinto a computer case.

 

+1

Inexpensive (well, when the market settles down), reliable, versatile and fun to shoot. If the SHTF, I’m sure you’ll be glad you did.