My first centerfire was... a K-31. I still regret selling it.

If you are at all attached to your current, wkend-level loadout, I'd recommend keeping both and saving up for something modern. If you're not, SKS's have appreciated some and the sale of both would get you a decent AR even in today's market. I recommend getting a good rifle before a pistol.

I agree that a 20" AR with irons is a wonderful experience, especially in the A1 style. Using A1 parts from AR15discounts.com will net you a solid rifle that costs the same as a flat-top, free-floated build that would still need optics or jank picatany-mounted irons. I place top of limited division (irons or RDS) in the local matches with mine- once you learn to aim over the top of the sights, CQB-distance shooting is just as fast as with a red dot. Low-light is the only hindrance, but irons are still the standard of reliability everything else is measured against.

Other than that I would recommend a 16" mid-length upper from most anywhere reputable. A Holosun RDS, the 2x ACSS prism, or the primary arms 1-6x sfp scopes are probably the best deals in optics right now- but any of those is a substantial step up in $ from a rifle-length iron-sights build. Using fixed irons on mid-length system is doable, but is definitely slower/less accurate than rifle-length fixed irons in my experience. Stock up on mags for whatever you get, I'd consider a minimum of 8 as a combat load.

If you already have a supply of 7.62x39, I'd look into PSA's GF3. They are available- join the PSA AK group or refresh every day at the time they add them to the website. 30rd mags vs your SKS would be a big upgrade, with the option of adding optics later.

Regardless of what you run, everyone focuses on the gun instead of your web gear. Surplus Alice or SMERSH rigs are excellent in the field, but are slow on the square range. IMO esstac KYWIs are the best mag pouches for everything you'd want a belt-mounted pouch for. A Safariland ALS holster + nub mod can't be beat for either speed or retention by anything else made. Add a med kit, rifle KWYI's, and a double AR mag pouch, (no pistol needed) to a rigger's belt and call it good. Pair with the lightest PC setup you can afford. If you can't afford light ceramic plates, get a nice chest rig along the lines of what UW Gear offers. You need a small backpack for hydration/food/sleep kit. Get a nice pair of boots and wear wool socks. If you don't carry at least 2 CAT tourniquets on your loadout, or at least one to the range, then that should be your first purchase. Better yet, attend a Stop the Bleed class and pick up one or two for free.

If the mere concept of 30-round mags and fighting with less than a .30-cal projectile is abhorrent to you, I maintain that an M1 > SKS even in current year. The CMP sells field-grade specials with new barrels for $650, a true deal for a fighting rifle. Garand-safe .30-06 prices are the same as puny intermediate cartridges right now, and with some practice, enbloc clips are much faster than strippers while reloading. Even faster than the superior Swiss chargers for the K31. The best way to carry M1 clips is in the M1956 ammo pouches. 6 clips to a pouch, properly stacked, ensures reliably quick reloads. M2AP is still available if you look for it, as well....

My first centerfire was... a K-31. I still regret selling it.

If you are at all attached to your current, wkend-level loadout, I'd recommend keeping both and saving up for something modern. If you're not, SKS's have appreciated some and the sale of both would get you a decent AR even in today's market. I recommend getting a good rifle before a pistol.

I agree that a 20" AR with irons is a wonderful experience, especially in the A1 style. Using A1 parts from AR15discounts.com will net you a solid rifle that costs the same as a flat-top, free-floated build that would still need optics or jank picatany-mounted irons. I place top of limited division (irons or RDS) in the local matches with mine- once you learn to aim over the top of the sights, CQB-distance shooting is just as fast as with a red dot. Low-light is the only hindrance, but irons are still the standard of reliability everything else is measured against.

Other than that I would recommend a 16" mid-length upper from most anywhere reputable. A Holosun RDS, the 2x ACSS prism, or the primary arms 1-6x sfp scopes are probably the best deals in optics right now- but any of those is a substantial step up in $ from a rifle-length iron-sights build. Stock up on mags for whatever you get, I'd consider a minimum of 8 as a combat load.

If you already have a supply of 7.62x39, I'd look into PSA's GF3. They are available- join the PSA AK group or refresh every day at the time they add them to the website. 30rd mags vs your SKS would be a big upgrade, with the option of adding optics later.

Regardless of what you run, everyone focuses on the gun instead of your web gear. Surplus Alice or SMERSH rigs are excellent in the field, but are slow on the square range. IMO esstac KYWIs are the best mag pouches for everything you'd want a belt-mounted pouch for. A Safariland ALS holster + nub mod can't be beat for either speed or retention by anything else made. Add a med kit, rifle KWYI's, and a double AR mag pouch, (no pistol needed) to a rigger's belt and call it good. Pair with the lightest PC setup you can afford. If you can't afford light ceramic plates, get a nice chest rig along the lines of what UW Gear offers. You need a small backpack for hydration/food/sleep kit. Get a nice pair of boots and wear wool socks. If you don't carry at least 2 CAT tourniquets on your loadout, or at least one to the range, then that should be your first purchase. Better yet, attend a Stop the Bleed class and pick up one or two for free.

If the mere concept of 30-round mags and fighting with less than a .30-cal projectile is abhorrent to you, I maintain that an M1 > SKS even in current year. The CMP sells field-grade specials with new barrels for $650, a true deal for a fighting rifle. Garand-safe .30-06 prices are the same as puny intermediate cartridges right now, and with some practice, enbloc clips are much faster than strippers while reloading. Even faster than the superior Swiss chargers for the K31. The best way to carry M1 clips is in the M1956 ammo pouches. 6 clips to a pouch, properly stacked, ensures reliably quick reloads. M2AP is still available if you look for it, as well....