.223 Rifle Options (non-AR)

[zstephens13]

Here's the situation. I'm looking at getting a .223 carbine/rifle for my wife and I to shoot. I'm looking at the .223 because of the availablity and low recoil so my wife can enjoy shooting it.

I like having different styles and operating systems of firearms.
I currently have an AR in .308, so no AR-15
I currently have an AK-47, so no AK-74.

I'm really interested in a bullpup style but the only one I really found was the MSAR 556 but that's a little out of my price range.

What are my options at $900-1200 for a .223 that my wife and I will both enjoy?

 

[Red Tornado]

There's always the Ruger Mini-14. Accuracy gets bad reviews, but reliability and fun are high. Daewoo makes a 5.56 rifle, but I can't remember the model. Remington 7615 pump action feels great to 'me' in the store, but I haven't shot one. Good reviews, mostly.
RT

 

[happygeek]

The Sig 556 is going for right around a grand currently (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/60741).

*Unless I'm mistaken, the weight Bud's lists on that page is incorrect; the model with the full length railed handguards is 8.3 lbs, the shortened handguards model weighs more like 7.5 lbs. I got that model and if I recall correctly its manual listed that weight.

 

[7thCavScout]

I'm currently saving my pennies for a MSAR STG-556. (Bull pup design).
http://www.msarinc.com/

 

[Grunt Medic TXARNG]

The MSAR is available for under $1100-
http://www.gunforall.com/shopcart/mcartfree/product.asp?intprodid=156048

If that's out of your price range, you probably aren't going to find a bullpup centerfire rifle you can afford.

Cost aside, other bullpup options include -
Bushmaster M17S
Semi FAMAS
Semi L85/SA80
FN FS-2000
Tavor
Mini 14 in a Muzzelite bullpup stock

Note that some of the above have never been imported, or only in very limited quantities and are thus very expensive if/when they can be found for sale.

 

[Carter]

I know you like different systems, but you could get an AK in .223 then buy a high end bullpup kit for something different.

Other than that I'd say mini 14, sig 556, stg 556 (can be found in your price range if you look hard enough), look for a used bullpup, or some other oddball rifle I'm forgetting.