First post

[Miss Debbie]

I everyone first post I am looking for a automatic rifle.I already have a handgun a sig p229 .40cal.Now I need a rifle there are a couple I have looked at AR type of rifle a FN-2000 I think thats what it was called. Here is my criteria I am 4"9' I need something that is short like me . Which one is a better system a piston or gas rifles? Is a piston type of rifle worth the extra money?

 

[RnR]

Howdy, Deb - and welcome!

For reliability, I like the SKS... and for ease of use I like the Mini-14. For some more $$$ look at a light-weight AR-15 which opens up a whole new world of parts availability and customization options, although be prepared for a little more effort spent on maintenance. A piston operated AR is yet to be a proven concept in my book and most of us civvies might not find it particularly cost-effective even if it were.

My SKS operates on a pushrod/piston basis and is very easy to maintain. While in most circumstances maintenance is every bit a matter for concern as is shootability, I would tend toward a common gas operated platform for parts availability reasons. A Ruger Mini-14 has the standard stock platform that some may prefer (as does the plain-jane SKS) but is of the gas variety and unfortunately, parts availability is largely dependent on cooperation from Ruger.

That's my 2-cents!

 

[turdfergason]

Might i suggest a stag arms AR. I have the stag15 version, its a M4 AR15 and my wife is about your size and she can fire it just fine, and its a very reliable firearm. here is a link for ya http://www.stagarms.com/rightrifles.htm

 

[RNB65]

I think this is what you are seeking:

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bcwa3y16sl.asp

 

[nwilliams]

Welcome!

The FS2000 is a nice gun, but kinda expensive I think. For about half the cost of the FS2000 you can buy a real decent AR from Colt, Stag, Bushmaster and a few others. Also you may want to look at a shorty AR with a collapsible stock so you can adjust it for you arm length, I think you'll find it will fit you better than the FS2000.

Good Luck I'm sure you get more suggestions on here

 

[Miss Debbie]

Thanks everyone for the replys, one of my friends that suggested a gun called XCR,or XRC anyone know what kind of rifle this is?

 

[Oleg Volk]

For 4'9", tele-stock would be helpful.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

My wife is about 5'3" and she handles her AR15 I built for her pretty well. It's her favorite rifle to shoot.



Something like that should work out well I would think.

 

[FourNineFoxtrot]

Miss Debbie, I believe the rifle you mentioned is the XCR, from Robinson Arms.

http://www.robarm.com/

Looks interesting, but I've never heard about it. Now I'm kinda curious, myself. They seem to take great pains on their website to distinguish themselves from the m4/ar-15 platform.

Anybody know about these things?

 

[Miss Debbie]

Thanks for the replys every body.Well I went to local gunshop and looked at a M-4 Colt and a Bushmaster, I was set on getting one or the other tomorrow then I saw this ad in AIM http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/New_Rifles_.html
The Clot I looked at was around $1,700.00 and Bushmaster $1,400.00 and this XRC rifle is in the middle as price wise. In AIM ad is this true about M4 bolts and exteactor problems? I need something that I can rely on in case of emergency situation. Thanks

 

[iamkris]

There's no reason to spend that much. You can get extremely high quality...Stag or DPMS...at less than $1000.

Stag-15 with Carry Handle
Model 1 Pre-Ban
Caliber...5.56 Nato Chamber
Upper.....Forged and Mil Spec.
Sights..... Carry Handle/Front Post
Barrel.....16" Chrome Lined 1/9 Twist
Selector...Standard
Magazine...30 Round**
Stock......6 Position Collapsible
$920

Heck, you can buy a fully assembled DPMS lower for $205 and a fully assembled upper for around $450. Push 2 pins together and you have a fully assembled, high-quality, functioning AR15 for less than $700.

 

[ugaarguy]

Debbie welcome to THR.

First thing, don't get in a rush. $1000+ is a big chunk of money. Take your time, and do some reasearch. Where are you located? Let us know and I'm sure some THR folks in your area will let you shoot their rifles so you can see what works for you.

That stuff in the XCR ad about M4 bolts & lugs shearing is a load of bull $h-- from Robinson Arms trying to make their XCR look better. Beyond that I'm not much help.

Talk to Zak Smith, Correia, Bartholemew Roberts, Jeff White, and Booner here on THR. Those guys run their carbines hard and train folks in their use. They can tell you what to look for, whats a waste of money, and whats a good value in add ons & optional features.

 

[lamazza]

Wow Miss Debbie. Nice choice, that is one hot looking rifle.

 

[glockman19]

Miss Debbie,

Welcome to THR.

First, let me also say that an AR-15 style rife would be good for you. I would recommend calling my friend Chris @ www.landworldinc.com I have purchased two Stag AR's and I'm very happy. He offers great customer service has a good selection and very good prices.

 

[GunTech]

An AR with a MagPul collasible stock is idea. Easy to shoot accurate,y, and the stock is much more adjustable than the standard M4 stock.

Also, if you are of short stature, consider an AK. They are simple, reliable and designed for shorter Russian soldiers. They lack the accuracy of the AR.

Another possibility is the Keltec SU-16. While not as accurate as the AR, they are very reliable and use easily obtained M16 magazines. They are very light - around 5 pounds, making them one of the lightest military style rifles made.

The Mini-14. like the AK, is not particularly accurate, but is fairly light and reasonably reliable. It lacks the after market parts the AR family has.

I've had a chance to evaluate a number of AR rifles made by the better known manufacturers. Believe it or not, one of the better ARs now made comes from Smith and Wesson. Armalight, Rock River Arms, DPMS all make good rifles. Colt is not at the top of my list.

What is your budget and intended use? My personal feeling is that a well maintained standard AR is just fine. The piston operated variants don't offer a significan advantage. If you want utter reliability above all else, get an AK.

 

[turdfergason]

I gotta say i agree with iamkris, i love my stagarms stag15

 

[thereisnospoon]

Bud's Gunshop

Miss Debbie,

try www.budsgunshop.com

specifically

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_60/products_id/13230

Their prices are great. You can have a rifle shiped to your FFL and beat the socks off their prices. Your FFl may charge a fee, but it surely won't be $3-400.00, more like 25.00 or so.

Hope that helps. BTW, welcome to THR. I believe woman have a major role to lpay in the RKBA...

 

[meef]

My dog likes your cookies.

 

[Miss Debbie]

Thank you everyone for the post's my location is in San Antonio,TX.iamkris & ugaarguy thanks for info since I am rained in today will do some research on where to buy a AR-15 rifle cheaper.Is it really that simple buy a lower and a barrel or upper and push two pins together?GunTech since you brought up different rifles the sales person at gunshop I went to tried to sell me a gun called a SP-90 I this something to consider? Meef I am glad your dogs like the cookies mine are fond of sugar cookies forgot about the cookie company when I ckoose my name

 

[Oleg Volk]

Another possibility is the Keltec SU-16.

Length of the stock is too long even for a 6'1" user, and it cannot be changed or shortened.

 

[Oleg Volk]

Do you mean FN PS90? It uses relatively rare ammunition, not .223

 

[jkingrph]

I've had a chance to evaluate a number of AR rifles made by the better known manufacturers. Believe it or not, one of the better ARs now made comes from Smith and Wesson. Armalight, Rock River Arms, DPMS all make good rifles. Colt is not at the top of my list.

Guntech made some good comments. I have Colts and have no problems with them at all. One has been rebarreled, free floated, custom triggers by a company called Accuracy Speaks. The other is simply a stock H Bar competition model. Both are extemely accurate and reliable. Durability has not been an issue. On the other hand if you want to do modifications, the pin size on Colt commercial models differ from the Gov't and most other manufacturers. This model is long and heavy, in fact I have a 1" stock extension added because I am 6'1", so at opposite end of height, arm length extreme.

I would suggest one of the collapseable(sp) stocks especially if it can be adjusted to any length.

It's a matter of preference and I can afford them, so I prefer the AR 15 to the SKS /AK-47 types. You could try seeing and handling some at some of the gun shops. There should be some around that area especially with all the military presence there, and certainly plenty of knowledgable folks around, you just have to find them.

 

[Miss Debbie]

Thanks Olge Volk on FN SP-90 I checked on 5.7 ammo it is kinda expensive so will go with a AR style rifle.

 

[ACP230]

No one has mentioned the Ruger Mini 14 yet.

It's a short, light, wood-stocked carbine. Not the same platform as an AR and often reported as not as accurate.
The ones I've handled feel good and they cost less than most AR type rifles.

CDNN has big magazines for the Ruger Mini.

It might be worth trying to shoot a variety of rifles before making your decision.