Hoping to be a rifle guy

[DuperKent]

Not really experienced with rifles. I’m trying to find something that needs to be effective for defending my property and also enjoyable for target practice. What are some solid options that are legal here?

 

[coffee_black]

Colt 6920 AR-15 with 14.5" SOCOM barrel, pinned & welded muzzle device to ATF-&-Hawaii-legal 16". 5.56 NATO, shoots .223 just fine.

very good choice for first starter rifle. If you could score a military surplus USED Aimpoint CompM4 red dot (appx $400-$500 USED), you are good-to-go. just needs a half-dozen 30-rd window PMAGS.

This is as close as you're going to get as a civilian, to a military-issue battle-proven M4A1, short of full-auto.

 

[Hitman01]

When it comes to defending your property, simple lever action rifles often get overlooked. They’re reliable and still plenty capable for shooting at everyday distances.

 

[punajon]

I have experience with the older Marlin-Marlin model 1894 in .357 magnum. That is, pre-Remington Marlin. Compact, reliable as can be, no feeding or ejection issues, can be fired very quickly without using to lose sight of your target. .357 mag ammo is super common and easy as pie to reload your own. And, of course, you can fire .38 special ammo, and use the same reloading dies for both. Been reloading these calibers for over 50 years now. The 1894 hold 8-10 rounds or so depending in which caliber. The only slight drawback is the same for any lever action with tubular magazines. Stay away from pointed bullets. There is a danger of the Pointed tips hitting the primer and setting off the round in front in the magazine. Self defense. Totally. It will not be as accurate as a good bolt action. At 50 yards and less, for self defense, you are well armed. And, in pistol calibers, there are 357 mag, .44 mag, and .45 Long Colt. I've not seen any in .41 mag. I read quality under Remington ownership took a dive, but since Ruger acquired Marlin, all is well, though you'll have about $1000 or more into it for a Marlin. I think I paid around $300 new for mine. Reloading is slow compared to semi-auto, but 8-10 rounds should be enough. Never had a miss fire, but if I did, just a quick rack of the lever loads a new round. There are other makers of less expensive lever rifles, such as Rossi.

 

[Adaams]

I’d start with something straightforward to shoot and maintain. A basic rifle lets you focus on learning the basics without battling the gun. You’ll figure out what you like pretty quickly.

 

[Greyjoy]

If I were picking out a firearm, I’d start by looking for something simple and dependable. Something like a basic bolt action or a light semi-auto rifle usually gives you what you need for practical use and enjoyable range sessions without making things complicated.

 

[Alan]

I have experience with the older Marlin-Marlin model 1894 in .357 magnum. That is, pre-Remington Marlin. Compact, reliable as can be, no feeding or ejection issues, can be fired very quickly without using to lose sight of your target. .357 mag ammo is super common and easy as pie to reload your own. And, of course, you can fire .38 special ammo, and use the same reloading dies for both. Been reloading these calibers for over 50 years now. The 1894 hold 8-10 rounds or so depending in which caliber. The only slight drawback is the same for any lever action with tubular magazines. Stay away from pointed bullets. There is a danger of the Pointed tips hitting the primer and setting off the round in front in the magazine. Self defense. Totally. It will not be as accurate as a good bolt action. At 50 yards and less, for self defense, you are well armed. And, in pistol calibers, there are 357 mag, .44 mag, and .45 Long Colt. I've not seen any in .41 mag. I read quality under Remington ownership took a dive, but since Ruger acquired Marlin, all is well, though you'll have about $1000 or more into it for a Marlin. I think I paid around $300 new for mine. Reloading is slow compared to semi-auto, but 8-10 rounds should be enough. Never had a miss fire, but if I did, just a quick rack of the lever loads a new round. There are other makers of less expensive lever rifles, such as Rossi.

Great points! Marlin Model 1894 in 357 Magnum is reliable and great for close-range work.

 

[coffee_black]

for AR's, this is probably as simple as they come:

"Harrington & Richardson" Palmetto State Armory Retro 723-style carbine, 5.56, BLEM, $985.99

BLEM Harrington & Richardson 723 Style Carbine 5.56 Rifle, Black

ETA: 100% legal here in Hawaii, even with 30rd mag. or 40rd mag. or 60rd mag.

 

[coffee_black]

incidentally: