Budget,reliable semi-auto .223 rifle

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jlangton

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I'm looking at a few options here for a .223 rifle for range duty, plinking, defense, etc...just a good all around rifle.
I think I've narrowed it down to a couple:

Ruger Mini-14
Some kind of AR-15

My budget is approx $700.
I know I can buy a new Ruger for this(and a used one for less than that easily), but I do like the flexibility of the AR-15 for magazines capacity, spare parts availability, etc...but I don't want to end up with a $700 AR-15 with el-cheapo non mil-spec parts that will cause reliability issues in the case of a SHTF situation. Any input?
JL
 
Personally, I would go with the AR-15 for the mentioned flexibility. You can get used ones or assemble one yourself using a stripped lower and del-ton "rifle kit" for ~$600. There are also econo-versions from DPMS and CMMG (I think) in that price range.
 
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The biggest consideration in choosing between the Mini-14 and AR15 for me would be magazines: price Mini-14 mags vs AR mags.

Any price advantage the Mini-14 has will be gone by the time you buy a half-dozen mags, assuming you can find reliable mags for the Mini.

Add the modular flexibility of the AR and the choice is clear.

BSW
 
While I prefer the Mini to the AR for some things, range duty isn't one of them. My Mini has been a good gun for everything but range duty. Not accurate enough for paper punching. You don't know if it's you or the gun that's all over the paper.
 
Add the modular flexibility of the AR and the choice is clear.
Click to expand...

+1

Having both its sometimes a hard position,it depends on the person's preferences.I like the RRA LAR-15 over the Mini-14,but the wife is 'in reverse of this' (go figure)she likes the Mini over the AR.Yep,mags for the AR much easier (and cheaper too IMO but...)
 
I'm not gonna be competition shooting with it,mostly just plinking and varmit extermination with an occasional trip to perforate paper.
And of course...if there's a break-in of some sort....
Looking at Mags-I see 30 round AR mags for approx $18.00 each with good reviews,and I see Mini 14 mags with good reviews for approx $30.00 each. That's only $70 difference in magazines if you buy a half-dozen.
When I'm referring to an AR-15, I'm not referring to a non-mil spec gun that has cheapie parts..and I'm certain that a good AR-15 that has reliable mil-spec parts in it will far exceed the $700 budget,or am I looking in the wrong places? I don't care about a collapsible/adjustable stock or any of that mall-ninja add-on junk, I'm just after a simple, functional gun that might get a scope or other optical device mounted at a later date.
JL
 
I've decided to have a local AR15 specialist build me one. My needs and yours appear to be similar and from what I have seen your budget is reasonable for one that's put together for you.
 
I'm certain that a good AR-15 that has reliable mil-spec parts in it will far exceed the $700 budget,or am I looking in the wrong places?
Click to expand...

I believe you are.

Get a lower for $125 or so. DoubleStar lowers (same company as sells this kit) are good; I have one with lots of rounds through it now. Get this kit: http://jtdistributing.net/store/more_k_c16k.html with a removable carry handle (+$65).

$660 plus a $12 for a roll pin punch set here: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/GNS043-55723-902.html and a little time to put the parts in the lower, (instructions at AR15.com) and you'll have a fine carbine. I have their 20" HBAR rifle set up like that (flattop with removable carry handle) and it's worked quite well. Accurate, too.

Or get the rifle version if you don't mind the extra size and weight. Everyone wants a carbine with a collapsible stock since the ban expired, but the heavy barrel AR-15 rifle is a great shooter. I prefer shooting with the solid rifle stock, but, like everyone else, I got a collapsible M4 stock for another lower, because now I can.:)
 
I saw a NIB 189 series mini 14 ranch rifle go for $560 at a gun show last weekend. I can build a 20" AR for $550. Either is an excelent choice. Overall, I'd say go with the home assembled AR for what it sounds like you want. There are parts you can buy for a mini to upgrade it, but the selection and price for AR parts is far better including magazines. Cheap mini mags can be crap, where as cheap milspec ar mags are $10 from the CMMG bargain bin and work very well (from my experience).
 
I have an Ameetec put-together that was about $700 total including the FFL transfer of the lower. It would be slightly more today. I just saw in some magazine that the DPMS "Sportical" has a sticker of $699, so presumably you could buy one for less. It is an AR, but the upper is extruded and missing some standard features that aren't essential (e.g. brass deflector).

You could also consider a Saiga or an STG-2003-C from inter ordnance. Magazine reviews of the STG are great, but the few individual posts I've read are not so glowing.

I would get an AR for magazine and parts availability.
 
Saiga.

It is simply the best value for your money, no questions asked.
 
I think the saiga is a much better buy than the ruger and I am rather curious as to why you would never buy one.

In a contest between an AR and a mini I would get the AR even if you end up going slightly over your budget initially. As stated the price of mags can quickly eat up the price advantage of the mini. There are options that will keep you pretty near $700 though.
 
If what you want is milspec parts, you'll have to spend quite a lot more than $700. Colt Defense and Lewis Machine and Tool sell milspec rifles which start at over $1,200 plus tax or shipping and FFL transfer. There are some other companies too, but they're just as expensive.

I have an LMT 16" carbine that is milspec with the exception of a 16" barrel (as opposed to 14.5") and no full auto parts. I bought it for a little over $1,300. It only has a peep sight and no fancy optics.

A less expensive way would be to buy a rifle from DPMS, Stag Arms, Rock River Arms, Bushmaster, etc. and then replace the bolt carrier group with a milspec bolt carrier group.

LMT and BCM sell milspec bolt carrier groups for $130. You'll get a milspec bolt carrier with properly staked carrier key, bolt, extractor, cam pin, firing pin, etc.

I've seen a Stag Arms Model 2 on GunBroker.com new in box for $780. Add $130 for an LMT or BCM bolt carrier group and the total is $910. You'll need to factor in around $40 for shipping and around $25 for an FFL transfer if you buy the rifle off the internet.

So in other words, expect to pay a little under $1,000. Maybe an AR isn't the best option for you right now?
 
Saiga=Foreign made import. Not gonna have one for that purpose. There's no negotiation there-period. I don't mind having imports for historical collections and fun shooting, but for everyday guns, no.
Ragsdale85 answered the question(s) I had-thanks.
JL
 
Budget,reliable semi-auto .223 rifle

I'm looking at a few options here for a .223 rifle for range duty, plinking, defense, etc...just a good all around rifle
Click to expand...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Excuse me for making such a miserable suggestion of a Saiga.
Your stated mandates in the original post included:
a) Budget
b) reliable
c) semi-auto .223 rifle

to be used for:
a) range duty
b) plinking
c) defense

Hmmm...
I don't think anyone involved in this thread was aware of your feelings of Foreign made FA's until post # 23. Perhaps including those details in your original post would be helpful and would help avoid you from receiving unwanted suggestions.
Just a suggestion.
 
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