Sks or wasr 10/63 or dpms oracle or ?????

[TNdeerhunter96]

I went to the local gun shop to pick up a Taurus 66 I posted about in the handgun section. Anyways we all started talk about the shooting in Colorado and Wayne ( the store owner and friend ) asked if I had an ar. And I don't, so he proceded to talk me into getting one. The cheapest he had was a dpms oracle. He said if I wanted something like this I better be getting one. So the conversation went on and I left with no gun and a idea. Ive been researching about different semi auto rifles and came up with these 3 guns. I guess my questions are what would be a better shtf rifle (i dont think it will happen but better to be prepred right?) which will be the most reliable? Best bang for buck? Any suggestions under $700. The less I spend on gun the more ammo.

[planeflyer21]

I've had two SKSs...a stamped Chinese SKS and a milled Russian SKS (now owned by my nephew). Both were reliable and accurate. With a little practice a person can rip stripper clips into the magazine FAST! Don't get sucked into the aftermarket that tries to turn SKSs into AK-47s, as all are garbage.

No experience with the WASR.

A few friends own DPMS Oracles and they are good, basic ARs! It is an AR and parts are EVERYWHERE! No problems with any of the ones they have.

My Chinese SKS was like $100, the Russian one was about $85, and those prices will never be seen again. At about $300-400 dollars, that leaves you with $200-$300 for ammunition before you get that DPMS.

Ammo is about the same for both now, with a bit of an edge going to the 7.62x39.

Jon

[T-Bone]

A VZ 58 is a Czech made AK-ish rifle. They are not a clone, but they do shoot 7.62x39 Russian. They have a better gas system and are a hoot to shoot. I got mine from Czechpoint. They are amazing! They also have quite a bit of aftermarket accessories (available from several places, but the best selection seems to be from Czechpoint.) $869 shipped and FFL fees already paid for you! It comes with 2 30 round banana clips and a strap. The Czechpoint rifles are the best VZ58s you can find, much better than the kits and the CAI clones [VZ2000.]

Czechpoint - Product - Rifles - 7.62 x 39 mm - Sa vz. 58 Military Folder - polymer

Here is mine (it has a Galil-style folding stock and a few add-ons) It absolutely LOVES Wolf Military Classic JHP which I get for < $5 per 20 rounds:

[planeflyer21]

Now the VZ58 I have a little experience with. A good buy in my opinion!

Jon

[T-Roy]

Personally, for just a few bucks more than the DPMS Oracle, I would buy the Doublestar M4 instead. The Doublestar has the heavier M4 style barrel, where the Oracle has the lightweight pencil barrel (generally not as accurate). Doublestar makes excellent AR's. I have one of their MOE models, and it has functioned flawlessly. Anyway, just thought I'd give ya another one to look at. Check out the 178 Positive reviews on the Doublestar M4 Doublestar Star 15 M4 16" 6 Pos. Stock 5.56 $669.00 SHIPS FREE

ps- I would definitely buy an AR over the SKS or the WASR if accuracy is a concern.

[T-Bone]

The CP VZ58s are more accurate than your typical AK, but I have not compared them to a DPMS Oracle. I know that scoped VZs are capable of 2 MOA or better. I use an EOtech 512 and am very happy with the accuracy even out to 100 yards. Definitely minute of piggy (or deer for that matter).

[Darkker]

Ok, in order to NOT start a war, but add some levity; don't get really hung-up on the Brand name of an AR.
There are only about 4-5 companies that actually build the Lower receivers, about that many that make barrels, etc.
MOST of the "Brands" you see don't actually build their entire gun. Which is not good, NOR bad.

Personally I don't like the AK/SKS flavor of rifles, UNLESS you only want to go bump-fire in the back-40. The wolf ammo that EVERYONE shoots, has NEVER been known for it's stellar accuracy. It is perfectly functional, and you CAN get good groups sometimes; but it is a least cost deal, keep that in mind.

AR's don't have trunions to drill, etc. If you want to change barrels and such. I have built about a dozen AR's from:
akpartskits.com
Wilson/Mossberg is who makes their barrels. I've only ever had to do a wee bit of relieving on one of my Blem lowers to get the upper to function. Otherwise they have been fantastic. You can build them cheaper than buying, unless someone is running a blow-out sale.

[TNdeerhunter96]

Thanks for the replies I think I'm gonna get that double star from buds. I think its the best bang for my buck.

[T-Roy]

Thanks for the replies I think I'm gonna get that double star from buds. I think its the best bang for my buck.

You won't be sorry. They're excellent rifles and just think of all the money you'll save that you can use to buy goodies for the rifle.

Also, don't know if you noticed or not, but they also have a HB model as well for $10 less than the M4 version.

[TNdeerhunter96]

You got any rear sight recommendations? Are the front sights a universal height?