I don't know what the market is right now post-election, but a few years back,you could get a solid AR with an aluminum lower for under $1000. You might also consider buying a lower and a parts kit, and shopping uppers separately to get a combo that suits you, but sometimes a prebuilt gun is just the simpler option, too, so I get that.
Minnesota is one hell of a nanny state when it comes to modern rifles, so be aware that legal issues may arise. You might consider a more traditional-looking Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle for around $1,000. Mags will be a bit more expensive, but hoplophobic Karens might be less triggered. I hear quality control has improved, and they can be quite good carbines nowadays.
MN is not CA/MA/etc bad. A permit to purchase is required for a long gun with removable magazines + pistol grip, which is stupid, but permits are free to obtain and usually don't take long. Carry permits count as permits to purchase.
If it please the crown, might I purchase a modern musketoon?
Yeah, maybe in the future I'd go that first route, but "just gimme the damn thing", is about where I'm at right now. I told the wife I'd wait until one of crypto investments could cover it before I'd get it...hoping that's only like a week away, or less 🤑
We are king of the nannies. Unless of course you're hosting the super bowl, then Sunday liquor sales are made legal immediately. We had only been wanting that for decades before the SB came and made it happen. As they say, money talks.
I don't think there are any legality issues though regarding this particular gun. It's being sold here in MN for starters, so what did you have in mind as far as possible legal issues?
I'll check out that Ruger, you're the second person to recommend a Ruger, albeit a different model.
You just have a lot of hoplophobic Karens in your state legislature, and 6-decade-old ergonomic carbines scare them.
Roger makes a decent rifle in any category, although they do have some historical QC issues and political missteps. The 10/22 is one of the most customizable rifles out there, and it's a fine plinker. The takedown model is, as already noted, ideal for backpackers. The Mini-14 is basically a scaled-down M14, and can be a solid tactical carbine with a traditional-looking wood stock.