Hey there, MrPink. I'm from your neck of the woods (east bay) and am disgusted by the gov't here, too. You'll have to double check about online ordering of ammo, because AB962 is specifically for handgun ammunition. Since 7.62x39 is not handgun ammo, you may very well still be able to order it online. Also, that bill doesn't go into effect for a while (February 1, 2011). If you want to help repeal it, go hear:
http://nramemberscouncils.com/petition/Also, here's some info on it that says it would ban mail order of only handgun ammo:
http://nramemberscouncils.com/legs.shtml?summary=ab962&year=2009As for my recommendation, I'd get a .30-06 rifle. I know most are bolt action, but a lot of reviews I've read say that semi-autos are less accurate. For a real shtf scenario, I'd say go with a 12 gauge shotgun. I just shot my friend's Benelli shotgun today, which is semi-auto, and it was nice! A recent Big 5 ad had them for about $350. I've had other friends recommend the Benelli Nova, too. To me, especially here in CA where hi-cap mags are banned, I think a shotgun is a better shtf gun than a rifle. Just my 2 cents.
As a side not, I shot my friends double barrel 12 gauge today, both shots at the same time, and that kinda hurt!
