Rifle - iron sights - what should I get.

[wacki]

I have a .308 Varmint with a telescope on it and a shotty. Now I want something a little more close range (i.e. iron sights/scopeless) that has more power than a .22 and doesn't scream "preparing for alien invasion". This makes woods stock guns ideal. Pops will freak out if I show him an M-16 but will grin from ear to ear if I show him a M-1 Garand. The gun is for me but I would like to take him shooting.

I want it to be accurate out to 100-150 yards. Anything greater will be nice but not necessary. I want to be able to carry a LOT of ammo. 5.56mm seems ideal, but Zeno's mini-30 talk has me wondering about 7.62x39. Anything in .308 Winchester is way too much. I can carry 100 rounds in cargo pockets with 5.56mm. Need a backpack to do that with .308 win. Semi-auto is also a must.

Unfortunately this doesn't leave much.

Right now I'm looking at:

The M-1 Carbine:
http://www.auto-ordnance.com/ao_aom110.html

Mini-14

and possibly the mini-30 (not sure if I want the bigger ammo. I want to carry a LOT of bullets.).

I've heard the "Mini-14's aren't BAD, but they have barrels like a licorice whip with only marginally more accuracy." This makes me worry about the Mini-14. Any gun owners here have one?

[jakethebake]

I've heard good about the mini-30 and mini-14. Also, if the Garand is a possibility check out The CMP.

Personally I'd love to have a Garand. But i used to love my .22 Hornet I had when I was younger. Great varmint gun and might be what you're looking for.

[Phat Mack]

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Personally I'd love to have a Garand. But i used to love my .22 Hornet I had when I was younger.

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[wacki]

The garand would be awesome, but the bullets are way too big. I wan't to be able to carry a lot in my pockets. .22 hornet isn't enough firepower.

[ILL34GL3]

Build your own.
Not as hard as it sounds.

[slamdunkpro]

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The M-1 Carbine:

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Run away screaming!!!

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Mini-14

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Nice rifle - very accurate a lot of guys used them in the steel challenge because they pointed faster than the AR-15. The Mini-14 is accurate out to 200+ unless it’s really windy. If you’re worried about barrel whip, consider having it rebarreled with a heavy barrel. The sights are not nearly as good at those on an M1 or M/14. Have you considered an Aimpoint or other optical dot sight? They allow you to keep both eyes open and also to focus on the target instead of the front sight and are very quick.

The only drawbacks to the Mini-14 is the short stock (if you’re tall), the semi crappy trigger pull, and the fact that Bill Ruger is a gun rights sellout.

If you want something in-between .223 and 7.62 x 39 look at a BAR in .243. These are beautifully made and real tack drivers. The only drawback is that .243 ammo is not Mil Surplus, therefore expensive.

[Zeno]

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The only drawbacks to the Mini-14 is the short stock (if you’re tall), the semi crappy trigger pull,....

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I am 5'7" and the short stock on my Mini-30 is perfect for me. Now that crappy trigger pull is also evident on the Mini-30. I have to squeeze the trigger down some, then get all set, then do a final squeeze. A pain if you want to be accurate at target shooting. I'm thinking of taking the rifle to a gunsmith and having the trigger pull smoothed out and made slightly easier to pull. Any advice?

Years ago I use to shoot a friends home built, Hawkin-style muzzle loader that had a set trigger and a 'fire' trigger. I loved that.

-Zeno

[slamdunkpro]

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A pain if you want to be accurate at target shooting. I'm thinking of taking the rifle to a gunsmith and having the trigger pull smoothed out and made slightly easier to pull. Any advice?

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Only advice I can give you is take it to someone who has done a few. 3.5 to 4 pounds with no creep and a crisp break is about the best you'll get.

[wacki]

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I'm thinking of taking the rifle to a gunsmith and having the trigger pull smoothed out and made slightly easier to pull. Any advice?

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From some of my gun nut friends:

http://www.accuracysystemsinc.com/
Can also try:
http://www.shilen.com/index.htm
and:
http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/
and:
http://www.gunaccessories.com/Mini1430/index.asp

[wacki]

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/m14svcalac.htm