Thinking about my first Machine Gun

dk8019 · #1 01-15-11, 16:48

So tax season is upon us, as well as my annual bonus, and I'm in the market for a machine gun, after the relatively painless process of my first suppressor. This gun will be for shooting, not a safe queen, and not an investment per se, I just want to own one, and to possibly compete with it.

I'm looking to stay below 11K for the gun itself, taxes excluded. Here's my thoughts so far:

AC556 - Plentiful, relatively cheap, and from what I've read decent machine guns, with factory support

FNC - Same price range as AC556, perhaps more military grade

AR - I've seen a few what I think are lower end M16s conversions out there for under $11K, any reason to stay away from the lower end guns? Ultimate flexibility, with many different uppers etc available for one gun.

MAC - Much cheaper, I'm a big fan of the Lage uppers from a looks standpoint, seems practical as well.

Any others I'm missing that I should consider?

Thanks!

subzero · #2 01-15-11, 19:31

An SMG like a Sterling will be cheaper to buy and feed and just as fun, if not more, to shoot than an M16 or other assault rifle.

The American AM180 is in 22lr, and I always though it would be a neat MG to pick up. The drums are pricey though.

The cheap way into a machine gun in an AR is the Lightning Link. Last time I looked they were going for around 7-9k. Buy a couple of uppers and a few cases of Wolf and you're still under the 11k mark.

brett · #3 01-15-11, 20:22

My first and only SMG is a M11/9 with Lage upper. So much you can do with it. I have the 22 conversion kit and it's bad ass. I have a cool ass suppressor for it as well. I'm in line for the Max-31 so I can use a 72 rd drum.

Having said all that if I could afford it I would go for the M16. There is no limit to what you can do with that platform as well. And you can always buy the M11 later.

You should shoot both and then decide. But remember both platforms have plenty of support and parts available. Good luck.

dk8019 · #4 01-15-11, 20:33

Hmm, Sterlings seem to command a decent chunk of change.

What about something like this:

http://www.subguns.com/classifieds/i...uery=retrieval

SteyrAUG · #5 01-15-11, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk8019

So tax season is upon us, as well as my annual bonus, and I'm in the market for a machine gun, after the relatively painless process of my first suppressor. This gun will be for shooting, not a safe queen, and not an investment per se, I just want to own one, and to possibly compete with it.

I'm looking to stay below 11K for the gun itself, taxes excluded. Here's my thoughts so far:

AC556 - Plentiful, relatively cheap, and from what I've read decent machine guns, with factory support

FNC - Same price range as AC556, perhaps more military grade

AR - I've seen a few what I think are lower end M16s conversions out there for under $11K, any reason to stay away from the lower end guns? Ultimate flexibility, with many different uppers etc available for one gun.

MAC - Much cheaper, I'm a big fan of the Lage uppers from a looks standpoint, seems practical as well.

Any others I'm missing that I should consider?

Thanks!

Uzis and S&W 76s are in your price range. It is generally cheaper to shoot a SMG and more ranges accommodate them. I'd take an Uzi over a MAC every time.

AR-15 conversions are always cheaper than factory M16s. Non Colt rifles (both factory MGs and conversions) are always cheaper than factory Colt rifles. Keep in mind there are several ways to have a Title II conversion, registered receiver, drop in sear or lightning link. Things like lightning links are cheaper because they are more easily broken.

The M16 is one of the most practical select fires but your budget may not allow it.

FN FNC is a very cost effective, but parts can be scarce and expensive. AC556 might be more practical, but I haven't seen one that will perform as well as a FNC. Not really anything wrong with it, just that better guns exist.

Given your budget I'd decide if you want an assault rifle or a SMG. They are two very different things.

If you decide you want a SMG, I'd recommend a registered receiver Uzi. If you decide you want an assault rifle I'd recommend spending a little more and getting a quality Colt AR conversion or a factory 16. Prices are slightly depressed right now so it is the time to buy.

dk8019 · #6 01-15-11, 21:11

Steyr,

What makes the Uzi better than a MAC with a Lage kit? I do like the looks of the Uzis for sure, but they are nearly double in price.

Thanks!

Ilove2shoot · #7 01-15-11, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk8019

Steyr,

What makes the Uzi better than a MAC with a Lage kit? I do like the looks of the Uzis for sure, but they are nearly double in price.

Thanks!

Uzi's used to be fare superior then the mac....until Lage came around. the double stack Uzi mags are a little easier to load and cheaper then the Recon Ordanance mags.

Having shot a far amount of various size Uzi SMG....I am perfectly happy with my Mac 11 and Mac 10.....At the last SAR show though, did see some Non-Colt RR for $8500....and if I had the cash.....with all the caliber conversion availible for M16s.......

Greg Bell · #8 01-16-11, 01:42

I would go with the Mac. They can usually be found cheap and they are still being actively catered to. I would definitely get the 9mm.

Iraqgunz · #9 01-16-11, 02:57

How about something more collectible like a Reising or MP38-MP40. I think they are close to that range?

SteyrAUG · #10 01-16-11, 04:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk8019

Steyr,

What makes the Uzi better than a MAC with a Lage kit? I do like the looks of the Uzis for sure, but they are nearly double in price.

Thanks!

IMO a much stronger, more reliable SMG. Barrel changes are much simpler, parts are everywhere. The LAGE has made the MAC much more relevant than it used to be due to the optics platform and things like that.

Coleslaw · #11 01-17-11, 20:19

SMG: Swedish "K" tube or MP40 tube, Sterling or Uzi, STen, in no particular order other than price from higher to lower. All are good stuff and 9mm is relatively cheap to shoot.

Rifle: Factory Colt M16, some of the non-Colt recever guns are good, Colt reg receiver, "drop-in sear" (a misnomer but we'll go with it), and I personally would not get a lightning link. Remember most Colt reg receiver guns are large hole uppers.

Other Rifle: FNC, Ruger. The advantages the Ruger is that you still have factory support for repairs and parts. If you go the Ruger route, go blue versus stainless.

dk8019 · #12 01-17-11, 20:45

Thanks!

Why blued instead of stainless on the Ruger?

TOrrock · #13 01-17-11, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk8019

Thanks!

Why blued instead of stainless on the Ruger?

Actually more durable. Carbon steel handles the heat better.

Coleslaw · #14 01-17-11, 21:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk8019

Thanks!

Why blued instead of stainless on the Ruger?

Stainless steel tends to gall. Better lubricants currently available reduce that more than in the past, but I still prefer carbon. I don't particualry care for stainless barrels in full auto mode either.

az doug · #15 01-18-11, 23:49

I would go for the AR RR. You can install a pistol caliber upper (22, 9mm, 40, 45) on it and have your subgun. Granted I like shooting some dedicated subguns more than the 9mm AR, but the versatility of the AR is what makes it the best buy in my mind. I would also consider a drop in auto sear with an MGI lower. It may be the most versatile yet.

Ilove2shoot · #16 01-19-11, 00:56

DIAS would be the Sheeeeet....if there was ever a kaboom, chances are great the DIAS would be just fine and could easily be given a new home......

Dolphinvet · #17 01-23-11, 09:52

If you have 11 thousand to spend, get both an SMG and an assault rifle, I have an MK760 and am in the process of transfer on a AC556 folder in blue. I'm under 11k on those 2, even with the silencer for my MK760. Just a thought.

JoshNC · #18 01-23-11, 14:08

My vote is for either the registered receiver fullsize UZI or the M16. Non-colt registered receiver M16s can be found for around $9-10k right now, with some recently even going as low as $8.5k.

The M16 is just so versatile, that is my recommendation over anything else. I agree with SteyrAUG re: the UZI over the MAC. I have both and would take the UZI any day over the MAC.

dk8019 · #19 01-24-11, 08:55

Thanks for the feedback guys. I saw a Colt SP-1 conversion sell for 9.7K late last week, I should have jumped on that.

I think I'll just keep building up the bank account, and go with an M16 of some sort in the end. The allure is there for resell if it ever comes to it, and the flexibility is untouchable.

Are there any restrictions in regards to the uppers you can put on a registered lower?

m249saw · #20 01-24-11, 10:31

A registered machine gun is not limited in barrel length. Machine gun trumps SBR.