AR-15 or SU-16?

[Zero_DgZ]

Well, as above.

I'm in the market for an EBR before all this stuff gets banned again. I can't settle between the Kel Tec SU-16 (probably the type C or CA) or an AR variant. No, I don't have enough money for both. Unfortunately.

Pros of the Kel Tec:

- Gas piston design, runs cleaner
- Folds in half
- Cheaper

The build in bipod feature doesn't excite me much.

Pros of the AR Variant:

- Different uppers available for different calibers, only need to buy 1 lower (usually)
- Oodles of parts available

However, all AR variants seem to be pretty expensive, and the type I'd want (evil, black, and festooned with rails) is prohibitively expensive. Plan B (maybe plan B-and-a-half) is to get one with a decent lower and decent barrel, and work on rails/handguards/tactical can openers later.

Plan C is to wait for the Beretta RX4 and hope we don't go through another AWB come November before then.

Thoughts?

 

[ArmedBear]

AR-15 is most likely to be banned, and also the most likely to have parts available.

A ban that includes the SU-16 might be a total ban on semiautos or semiautos with detachable magazines, maybe even on possession. If they stop making the SU-16, you won't get parts for it.

Forget all the Tactical Tommy crap for now. Just get a high-quality, basic AR-15 rifle, with a detachable carry handle. Quality, quality, quality. You can hang all the garbage on it later; just make sure that what you buy now is WORTH accessorizing later.

Then you can shoot it now, without going bankrupt, and add what you want to when you have the dough.

 

[swingcatt]

Go with plan B 1/2. Kel-Tecs are really fun guns and have their desirable attributes, but if you can afford either, there is no replacement for a true AR platform. Once you get the platform, you can go any direction you want, or change directions mid-stream. my $0.02. SC

 

[Justin]

If you can swing the cost, go for the AR.

 

[Nhsport]

The ar is a known,parts and "stuff" will pretty much always be available. The kel-tec has many big question marks that go along with it.
Shop hard,you can even go with a brand name used AR if you have the knowledge or know somebody or some smith that you can trust.
The kel Tec might very well end up being a second rate toy that might be hard to repair and trust as time goes along .The AR can be brought up to snuff to do about anything you need a SHTF rifle for and can be a wonderfull toy to play with. It is near impossible to wear out an AR (in reasonable semi auto use) and parts should be available for rebuilds for a long time .
To be honest I don't know a lot about the Kel tec but the AR is an all around solid performer

 

[ArmedBear]

What do you want the gun for, BTW?

 

[geekWithA.45]

Get a basic AR of reasonable quality, and tinkertoy it at liesure.

 

[AK103K]

I'd go with the AR. I owned one of the early Kel Tec's. They shoot OK, especially with the factory mags, and mine was as accurate as most of my AR's, but the Kel Tec is more of a specialty gun. Its more of a have a lot, and use little rifle, than one for constant use.

 

[silverlance]

kel-tec

If you are in any state that allows a full AR, get the AR. I've owned both.

However, if it's between a castrated AR and an SU, get the SU.

 

[Avizpls]

If you want a light gun.
Keltec

If you want a formidable combat weapon
AR

If you cant afford an AR
KelTec

If you want to extensivly customize
AR

If you are happy with two rails
KelTec

If you'll be camping with it
KelTec

If you its illegal to have the kind of AR you want
KelTec

If you want my personal choice: both, but the KelTec first.

 

[rangerruck]

also keltec has lifetime wrrnty stuff, and their service dept is second to none.

 

[Zero_DgZ]

Well, the above has me leaning towards an AR and my noodling about on the internet has me leaning towards getting a Panther Arms, because of cost and availability of bull barrels on most/all of their models.

Good, bad, or indifferent?

 

[P99guy]

+1 on the AR15, I personally went with the Rock River Arms "tactical Entry"
as a good features set for the money,good reputation,and Used by the DEA, has an accuracy garentee!...and was safely under the 1000.00 mark. And added stuff I wanted to it with each paycheck.

 

[ArmedBear]

Bull barrels are a mixed bag. They can be muzzle-heavy.

I would not buy based on price. The prices just aren't that different. If you spend $600, you may well wish you had the $600 back to apply towards an $800 gun you can keep for life.

Some less-expensive guns are fine. But if you aren't absolutely SURE, pay a little more to MAKE sure. Again, the idea is, buy basic features but top quality, and add stuff to it later.

Again, it depends on what you want to do with the gun.

 

[Larryect]

I have the Kel-Tec and it's a great, fun shooter. But, then again I didn't have the option of an AR


.

 

[nighthawk2099]

Well, I too am worried about a possible AWB again in Maryland, so my plan is to atleast purchase 2-3 stripped recievers and then save up the cash for the kits to finish them. Since the reciever has the S/N, then to the Gov, I will already have 2-3 AR15. They'll never know.....

MMMWWWAAAHHHHHHHAHAHAHA !!!!!

 

[10-Ring]

Go w/ the AR

 

[EvisceratorSrB]

I also can't have an AR, or one that would be practical. So, for me, the Kel-Tec is one of the must fun rifles I've used. I love the fact that it's air light and reliable.

 

[1911user]

If you have the option, go with the AR even if it means starting with just a lower receiver and adding more parts every month or 2.