Which 5.56/.223 rifle?

[Dionysusigma]

I swear, one of these days I'm goig to get one. I already have the general mid-power cartridge area covered with my SAR-1, but the appeal of 5.56 has been building for a while now. It'd just be used for target shooting, plinking, and fun... no .00342" groups at ten gazillion miles or anything like that. Of course, nothing that would have trouble shooting a watermelon from 8 inches away, either.

Listed are only my realistic considerations. The Mini-14 is not included because I don't want to buy a rifle just to send it somewhere else for a while to make it "better." I don't prefer the AR-15 series because I have never liked the idea of a direct gas impingement system, and because (for some reason) I find them somewhat uncomfortable.

So what would y'all recommend? If nothing on the list suits, or if I forgot anything obvious, please list below.

 

[Steve Smith]

Just get an AR and be done with it. Direct impingement is not a concern. A well built AR will run just fine.

 

[Fumbler]

I would have voted the AR, but you didn't like the gas system, so I picked the AR-180b

My friend has one and loves it. It would be a good rifle if you don't plan on tons of add-ons.

My second choice would be a bolt gun, preferably a Tikka T3

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

The AR15 would normally get my vote, but since you find them uncomfortable the nod goes towards "something bolt action".

Most of the guns on your list don't yank my crank, so it'd have to be a Tikka T3.

-Jim

 

[SnakeEater]

How about Daewoo?

 

[Dionysusigma]

I thought Daewoo made cars or something...

 

[SnakeEater]

Think again my man.

 

[artherd]

AR-15! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Direct-impingment ain't so bad. Infact it makes recoil about non-existant, and a VERY accurate gun (because the bullet has generally left the barrel before the pressure wave even hits the bolt, let alone starts to move it).

Shoot CLP in there and they'll run 10k rounds before cleaning. Can't ask for much more than that.

I'd go with a 16" or 18" bbl, and just find a stock you like (and/or proper set of scope rings. ARs need big rings to feel right generally.)

 

[CZguy]

ARs should be on the list

I really do have to agree with everyone else. Just get an AR.

 

[rbernie]

I recently went thru this, and decided that a good 223 bolt-action would be far more useful and fun. I got a NIB Weatherby Vanguard for about half of what you'd pay for a bottom feeder AR, and used the delta to buy a decent scope and a bunch of ammo.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I voted for the 16" AR

Highly recommend CMMG !

http://www.cmmginc.com/

 

[Kramer Krazy]

I've got the 20" and 16" inch ARs and a bolt-action 223.......The ARs are a lot of fun......definietly a LOT of fun......but, I feel like my bolt action is a more "serious" firearm. The AR is almost like a toy to me. I go through a LOT more ammo with the ARs. The bolt-action just seems more precise, and I tend to take more time between shots, too. I don't use a scope on my ARs, whereas I do on the bolt-action.......I'd say it is pretty much a personal preference for you........I really think you NEED both an AR AND a bolt-action to fully enjoy the 223 cartridge.

 

[SteveS]

I have a 16" AR and it is definately fun to shoot, though not to clean.

 

[ny32182]

If you can only have one, I vote 16" AR. Clean it when you feel like it; it will run for way more rounds than you will ever go between cleanings, or could possibly carry on your person.

I'd pass on the M96, but the VEPR is a very good product... .223 mags for the VEPR are a little hard to come by though. Mine is a 7.62x39.

I'm anticipating the XCR, but not ready to buy one until it is proven to be a substantial step up from the M96.

 

[vanfunk]

I've gotta vote for the AR, too. I used to be leery of the AR direct gas impingement system, too, until I actually bought one and started to get to know it. A well-built AR that is made of quality parts will run very, very reliably. Routine maintenance takes all of ten minutes - don't be put off by the stories of endless cleaning and constant jamming when dirty. It's a simple, robust design that offers excellent accuracy, low recoil, high reliability and great ergonomics. Save up and get one from the A-B-C-R family and you'll be well served. Ah, the black rifle...dark mistress....

Vanfunk

 

[The Grand Inquisitor]

BE DIFFERENT --- DON'T GET AN AR!!!!!!!!!!

I personally don't like AR's, and I am always happy to see someone who is not involved with the cult of the AR. I personally voted for the AR180B, I bought one and I am entirely happy with mine. It's a great rifle for a good price and is accurate as can be. It's probably the easist rifle ever to put optics on and is pleasing light (only about 7lb's).

Outside of the 180B I would say to get the Galil. I've wanted one for a while but they tend to be pretty expensive. Outside of the price, everything I've heard about them is good.


If you don't mind waiting you can save up and get an FN P2000.

 

[Mulliga]

Join the cult...join the cult...

 

[ny32182]

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

LMT, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

 

[NMshooter]

Hey, Dionysusigma, if you can wait until you pass through NM you will have the chance to shoot several AR type rifles...

You are bringing ammo, aren't you?

 

[Black Snowman]

AR works. For a general plinker, HD gun, and just plain evil looking rifle I really enjoy my M17S, which has been 100% reliable so far, even with cheap crappy magazines (used Orlites from CDNN $7 each) and some reloads that turned out a bit warmer than expected.

 

[artech]

SU-16!!



Really though, after a long and very extensive relationship with the AR, the SU is a refreshing change.

Reminds me of the M1 carbine, but in a much better caliber. Nice little piece!

 

[Rexrider]

I have never liked the idea of a direct gas impingement system, and because (for some reason) I find them somewhat uncomfortable.

I am an AR fan and will of course recommend the AR (sorry, but you put it in the pole). The AR works, plain and simple. Once you pick one up and run some mags through it you will care less what type of gas system it uses.

As for as being uncomfortable, there are many different types of aftermarket stocks available they may help with the comfort issue. I don't know what type of setup you felt was uncomfortable. The M4 style collapsible has become very popular but I will admit it is not the most comfortable stock to use. My next AR will be a 16" with an A2 stock.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Ahh...what the heck. I may as well use this thread as another excuse to post a picture of my latest AR.

 

[Gunnutz13]

My 2 cents...

JOIN THE CULT

Olympic Arms CAR97 M4 .223rem / 5.56mm Nato 1:9 twist topped off with your choice of red dot or 4x scope and a headlight.

...sorry...the devil in me just comes out now and then !

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

I guess due to the popularity contest, Dionysusigma is going to be purchasing an AR15 variant.