How many of you shoot in your spare time? What's your favorite rifle and why?

2016-06-19T21:08:40-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2016 9:27 PM

2016-06-19T21:27:53-04:00

Winchester SX-AR in .308, it is very satisfying to shoot. It's basically an FN FNAR made to look more like a sporting rifle.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2016 10:25 PM

2016-06-19T22:25:21-04:00

see above

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2016 10:39 PM

2016-06-19T22:39:46-04:00

Savage 110 FXP Custom bought as a 30-06, Changed barrel to E.R. Shaw 22 -250 Benchrest BBL in SS with fluting 1 to 9 twist rate and crowned. Bushnell 4x20x50 objective. Will reach out to 1000 yards but have to keep wind in check.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2016 10:58 PM

2016-06-19T22:58:36-04:00

My Springfield M1A .308 right now. Definitely a fun rifle!
I have a Remington 700 .222 and a Remington 597 .22. I haven't had the best luck with my Saiga .308, but it definitely is a cool looking rifle.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jun 20 at 2016 12:11 AM

2016-06-20T00:11:38-04:00

Actually my favorite rifle is the Rugar 10/22. It is fun to shoot, you can buy all sorts of accessories for it and you can shoot for hours without going broke. Not what I would choose for most hunting or for a defensive weapon but it is great for fun target shooting and I can still buy a "brick" of 500 rounds for less than a box of 25 for lots of other guns.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jun 20 at 2016 12:20 AM

2016-06-20T00:20:14-04:00

I shoot as much as I can. All calibers and weapon types. I like to plink with my 10/22s. Yes, plural. I and my boys spend most of the time shooting our AR-15s. I build them so I have a few, or more. Different lengths and set-ups. And one .300 Blackout. I have quite a few hunting rifles but it is spendy to shoot them so it is only once in a while. All calibers of pistols. Some more fun than others. And why? Because it is my right and I enjoy it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 1:54 AM

2016-06-20T01:54:06-04:00

Shoot when ever I can and have the most fun with my Henry 44 mag lever action.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 20 at 2016 3:13 AM

2016-06-20T03:13:34-04:00

Have several but this is my current version of my NM M1A that I rebuilt to accommodate senior eyes. It's my favorite long range propane cylinder buster. The scope is a Viper Vortex illuminated FFP MRAD. However for those pesky balloons, the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 is a hoot. I just let them bounce out there in a gentle breeze and hope to get them all before they make it to the trees.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 5:24 AM

2016-06-20T05:24:57-04:00

I practice with my everyday carry. I used to take my 10/22 and max the hell out of it

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Jun 20 at 2016 8:28 AM

2016-06-20T08:28:21-04:00

The AR-15, because it feels like a bazooka and sounds like a cannon. Its horrifying and menacing and very loud and it "shoots" like a gazillion times every time I pull the trigger.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-06-20T12:01:18-04:00

I shoot quite frequently, mostly to keep myself well practiced for my annual federal law enforcement 218 carry permit. But, I'm only shooting my semi-auto pistols, not rifles.

I once owned an extensive collection of rifles and shotguns, several dozen, in fact, but I sold every last one of them on December 14, 1983, the day after one of the worst nights of my career as a police officer.

Yes, I once owned dozens of longs guns, almost every one bought at police auctions where only coppers were allowed to buy the rifles or shotguns. Handguns were melted down at Armco Steel. No long gun cost more than $50, no matter how high it sold for in the retail world. Most of the fine guns I purchased ranged in the $1 to $10 range, so you can well imagine they were not engraved Belgian Brownings, though I did see one one time. Brand spanking new. Gold inlaid engraving. Fifty bucks, folks, fifty bucks!!!

On December 13, 1983, a very good friend and co-worker was shot to death after answering a call about a break-in at one our city high schools. He arrived at the scene, called in that he saw the prowlers, and was chasing one of them. When backup arrived, they found him dead, shot with his own duty weapon (we later determined from the autopsy). He and I had met at a diner just two or three days earlier. That was a one very bad night, and his death deeply and immediately affected me to the point that I could no longer stand to look at the gun cabinets I had that were filled with firearms.

On December 14th, I called a good friend who knew and had seen all the rifles and shotguns and a few pistols I had. I gave him a $$ bid, and he said he'd have two men over in a few hours with a certified check...after I got a few hours sleep. I'd been up about 30 hours straight.

The only long gun I now possess is the 16-gauge, bolt-action, 3-shot clip, Mossberg shotgun that my Dad gave me $17 to purchase on my 14th birthday. I haven't used it since 1966. It's all pistols now.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 2:24 PM

2016-06-20T14:24:04-04:00

I qualify semi annually, for work, on my Glock 23, and Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun. I recreational shoot my 556 AR and 9mm AR. I think I like the 9mm AR better, but that is just to have fun and let off stress. I think my 556 would be a better home defense tool though.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 20 at 2016 2:42 PM

2016-06-20T14:42:48-04:00

I shoot as much as time, weather and budget allows.

Response by MSgt John Grollimund made Jun 20 at 2016 3:20 PM

2016-06-20T15:20:57-04:00

I have 3 favorites. Model 1892 lever action 44-40 (its freaking cool and fun to shoot), Springfield XD 40 (pistol.. guess this does not count), and Steyr Mannlicher Hunter 30.06 (added Viper Vortex 4x16x50, I can reach out and touch something). Picking up a S&W shield in 9 this week as my new CC(currently use Taurus 740 slim). AR is fun, but everyone has them now. Custom built mine.. good at 300+, but the guys at the range base their "Johnson" size on what they have done to their AR.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 3:34 PM

2016-06-20T15:34:56-04:00

rifle 30-06 bolt action savage, it has many grains to fire, i prefer 150 gr bullet, bolt action more accurate, but my favorite weapon compound bow 70#, accruate out to 50 yds, and silent

Response by SFC Charles Temm made Jun 20 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-06-20T16:57:34-04:00

Perhaps I'm overly paranoid but such questions are ones I don't dare answer anymore.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Jun 20 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-06-20T18:50:33-04:00

That's a tuffy!
I have my home built 5.56 "Skull" gun (skinned with tiny grey skulls), that usually has a CMMG .22LR conversion in it, that I can pick up, walk out the back door, and dump bullets into a trap about 60 yds away. Easy and always fun, day or night.
I am also now on a quest for 1000M+ with a LR308 that I built (24" SS fluted HB 1 in 10") 2 stage trigger, Atlas bi-pod, Vortex 6-24x50 FFP XLR reticle and the usual etc. Now at 500M collecting chrono data to develop the final round. It's a blast to ring that 10" square plate. I also have a custom built Hi-standard 10B bull-pup shotgun and a few pistols that I enjoy. They all have their appeal and purpose. I have collected my guns over decades, some taking years to come by rare ones. All have a story in my life, and all are favorites.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 9:14 PM

2016-06-20T21:14:39-04:00

I don't have a lot, I have Remington .22 for plinking and my other one which is my favorite to shoot. The Scar-16 is very nice for a stock rifle, no mods as of yet except for the EOTECH red dot which I don't use all the time. I like the adjustable stock it came with, works well with wife and girls shooting same weapon.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 20 at 2016 10:21 PM

2016-06-20T22:21:32-04:00

One mind any weapon.

I like a 10/22 for fundamentals and cheap ammo.

I like a .223 for a balance of accuracy, range and maneuverability.

I like a .308 for range and accuracy.

Response by SrA Conrad Fairchild made Jun 21 at 2016 7:02 AM

2016-06-21T07:02:36-04:00

Katy and Susan, my AR-10 and AR-15. They are very accurate and fun to shoot!

Response by Cpl Craig Smith made Jun 21 at 2016 8:46 AM

2016-06-21T08:46:54-04:00

I try to get to the range once a week. Practice with various pistols & rifles types.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 8:52 AM

2016-06-21T08:52:47-04:00

Since we are talking weapons and shooting. Anyone know of a good place to locate a bolt for a 1944 Enfield .303? Mine is the original and needs serious replacement before I'll even attempt to fire it again. The bolt face has a almost perfect circle from wear/usage of the cartridge. I've checked a couple of web sites, and the best I can find so far is in $250-300 range.

Response by A1C Ronald Harris made Jun 21 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-06-21T09:00:54-04:00

I love shooting in my down time. I am particularly fond of my Spikes Tactical ST-15. I also have a Noveske N4 but it's more for looking at and drooling on.

Response by SrA Lauren Kresse made Jun 21 at 2016 9:49 AM

2016-06-21T09:49:16-04:00

I try to shoot as often as possible. Our range master has "open range" every month and sets up different courses for us to fire. Our department makes it so everyone can get in the range whether they want to or not! I carry an AR-15 for my job, it's compact for my car, it's easy to shoot, and I can add all types of lights and scopes to it!

Response by SrA Ken Brown made Jun 21 at 2016 10:01 AM

2016-06-21T10:01:39-04:00

Every chance I get. It is so different now that I must wear glasses. LOL

Response by 1stSgt Edward Jackson made Jun 21 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-06-21T10:07:43-04:00

I shoot when I can. I like the AR-15 and M-1 Garand (.30-06 and .308) rifles. My favorite hand gun is the M-1911A1, but I also like the Model 29 .44 Magnum.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Jun 21 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-06-21T10:12:19-04:00

I love to shoot at home. We've got land and our own target range for guns or bows. Favorite rifle? A simple Winchester 30/30, lever action. Kind of cliche since I live in Colorado but there you have it!

Response by SGT James Hammons made Jun 21 at 2016 10:41 AM

2016-06-21T10:41:02-04:00

Crossbow if that counts

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Jun 21 at 2016 11:06 AM

2016-06-21T11:06:06-04:00

Being retired fo m the AF and civilian job, I have the opportunity to shoot when I want to. Living in Vermont where it is legal to have guns and to shoot them. My favorite gun?...a 1898, 7mm, Mauser internal magazine, bolt action...one of the sweetest guns ever made. I also own 3 revolvers, .22/.22magnum single six, .38 cal. a . 44 cal hogleg. I also own 2 shotguns, a 12 gauge, and 20 gauge,each gun with multiple barrels. I currently have two .50 cal. muzzleloaders, a .375 Winchester lever action, a bolt action 30:06, a single shot .22 rifle (my first gun, 60 years ago), and a AR-15. I was introduced to shooting early, my father was a Infantry Officer in WW2 and Korea, wounded in both conflicts. Still...my favorite is that old 7mm Mauser, one of the finest, most accurate, basic rifles built...the bolt is a Hong of beauty, other gun manufactures still compare the ire to the Mausers,

Keep shooting my friends, but be safe...a bullet doesn't car who shoots it or where it impacts.

Response by Cadet 3rd Class Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-06-21T11:15:17-04:00

It's pretty hard to beat the good old M1 Garand.

Response by Sgt Jim Weeder made Jun 21 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-06-21T11:28:39-04:00

Just my Remington 870 and Glock. With the shotgun it is great home defense, bad guy comes in the door, rack the action and out the door they go if they have a brain, if they don't well 00buck takes care of that. Rifled slugs are good for hunting also. The Glock is great for me or the little woman.

Response by 1stSgt Daryl Allen made Jun 21 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-06-21T11:40:35-04:00

When I was active duty several of us would hit the range on our weekend off. We ran through every kind of weapon each of us owned (.38/.357, .45, 12 gauge, and maybe an AR or .308). When I went civilian law enforcement it was less time but at least 2 times a year. Now I haven't been in a few years.

Response by Capt Joseph Olson made Jun 21 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-06-21T13:00:15-04:00

Yes I shoot. Favorite riflrs are FN-FAL in 7.62 and the Israeli Tavor in 5.56.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Jun 21 at 2016 1:11 PM

2016-06-21T13:11:21-04:00

Guilty!
Of my 'collection', my favorite rifle is the Model 1871 Mauser as it is the very first Mauser turn bolt, the one that, arguably, started it all. Yes, I do have to reload my own ammo, 11.15x60R mm just is not all that common anymore, but when I do that properly and do my job as a rifleman properly, my "19th century assault rifle" will make one hole with a string of shots at reasonable ranges (which have gotten progressively shorter as I have aged). The rifle was given to me many years ago by a girlfriend looking for promotion. I still have the rifle.

If I hit the lottery, one of my first purchases would be to replace the Steyr AUG I had to give up many moons ago with a brand new one. I carried an XM16E1 many years ago, "they" paid me to do that, and, By God,, that is exactly what it would take to get me to carry any of the AR variants, even the SIG version, 'they' would have to pay me.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 2:55 PM

2016-06-21T14:55:15-04:00

I gave my rifles to my son, I did Kip my shotguns a 12 and a 20ga,,I'm sa pheasant hunter

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 4:01 PM

2016-06-21T16:01:44-04:00

Personally, I am a big fan of the Winchester 308 bolt action. My old man turned me on to bolt action rifles when he was in BSC, and I got hooked. But for general plink-shooting, I like a good Colt AR15, and the Sig MPX. Both are great weapons for just maintaining the basics. I also recommend Ruger SR9 and the SR40C for good handgun shooting. Hope this helps!

Response by SrA Kenneth Staup made Jun 21 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-06-21T16:11:06-04:00

308 bolt action, savage axis. Distance hunting.

Response by Capt Chuck Ward made Jun 21 at 2016 4:40 PM

2016-06-21T16:40:56-04:00

Remington .270 BDL

Response by MSgt Jonathan Stump made Jun 21 at 2016 4:48 PM

2016-06-21T16:48:20-04:00

Ruger Gunscout and AR-10. There is NOTHING like an AR-10 with no compensator on the end on a 24 inch barrel. That and my Savage .338. Go big or go home.

Response by Sgt Jason Edwards made Jun 21 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-06-21T18:11:13-04:00

Bushmaster M-4, Springfield M1-A with national match barrel and Sig P226/8. I also like archery.

Response by SSgt Roy Jones made Jun 21 at 2016 8:16 PM

2016-06-21T20:16:46-04:00

I shoot when I get the chance to. I have an AR 556, and Glock Gen 17 9mm. I just love the sound of it when I fire my AR. However, I need to practice more.

Response by PO2 Richard Quickle made Jun 22 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-06-22T09:38:58-04:00

I just recently bought a Henry Big Boy in .45 Long Colt. I love it. Very little recoil, plus I can use it for deer hunting!

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jun 22 at 2016 11:39 AM

2016-06-22T11:39:34-04:00

when I was younger it was my fathers MP-5 and AK-47 but since I separated from the Air Force it's my M9-A2 and my AR-15

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:01 PM

2016-06-22T23:01:46-04:00

I shoot every weekend... Mostly Mosin Nagants.
I'd have to say that my personal favorite would have to be my first 91/30 (not pictured - the fireball of the M44 is just awesome), mostly because it is probably one of the most accurate of my collection as well as the fact that I've become quite proficient in hitting the 400yd target with whatever cheap surplus ammunition I can find.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jun 24 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-06-24T11:30:50-04:00

I shoot a single shot, bolt action 7mm Remington Savage 110. It's accurate and there is a great deal of satisfaction with placing one well aimed shot exactly where I want it to go. That's the challenge and the beauty of it. Of course, if I was worried about Aliens, the Zombie Apocalypse, Drug Cartel ninja assassins, rampaging minions, Spetnatz troops, Black FEMA helicopters, airborne Jihadi Corps or marauding illegal immigrants come to murder me one fine afternoon, then I might want an assault rifle. I just don't say any of that happening this year, or next. I'm just a little concerned about all the folks who believe those are real and present dangers....

Response by SMSgt David Lawrence made Jun 29 at 2016 7:14 AM

2016-06-29T07:14:55-04:00

I shoot more often than I clean weapons LOL

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made Jul 9 at 2016 6:13 AM

2016-07-09T06:13:51-04:00

Shoot as often as I can; favorite rifle? You mean I actually have to decide? Favorite rifle caliber is the venerable 7.62x59; aka .308 Winchester. It is a versatile round; and the caliber I have the most rifles chambered in it. Here's a list of my .308s: Spanish FR8 (bolt gun), FN SPR (Special Police Riifle - Sub-MOA bolt gun), Custom FAL, Italian Beretta BM59 (box magazine M1 clone), Steyr Scout Rifle, Sig Sauer Model 716 (piston driven AR type), and a DPMS AP-4 (.308 AR).

My favorite pistol is any varient of the good old 1911. I have more then 50 different 1911s; in calibers from .22 LR, .38 Special, .38 Super, .357 Magnum, 9MM, 10 MM, and .45 ACP of course! I have them in sub-compact, Officer's, Government, and 6" barreled configuration.

Guns? Heck yeah...

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 31 at 2017 8:19 PM

2017-10-31T20:19:30-04:00

Have my own range, benches at 100 and 200 yards. Shoot ARs I have built. From simple M4 style to one with HB, Timmey trigger and more. It shoots 1/2 MOA with right ammo. Also shoot my M1 Garand and M1A quite a bit. When do I shoot ? Couple times a week, weather permitting.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Dec 3 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-12-03T11:51:00-05:00

I haven't picked up a weapon since 1968,but my favorite was the M14 ,mainly because it wasn't an M16 piece of junk.

Response by SP5 Larry Morris made Dec 3 at 2017 6:28 PM

2017-12-03T18:28:06-05:00

my is the travor then ar15, ak47, sks , ar10, got them all love them all

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2017 10:10 AM

2017-12-22T10:10:46-05:00

Ruger American .308.
Moss burg 12ga

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Dec 22 at 2017 11:39 AM

2017-12-22T11:39:36-05:00

I actually have 2 favorites. I enjoy both my AR-15 chambered for .22LR (it's fun for short range target shooting) and my mosin which I added a x32 scope. Both are fun to shoot and have relatively easy maintenance.