General purpose 5.56 rifle, can't decide between....

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As for saigas, I have 3 of them. i had a 223 about 3 yrs ago when they first started showing up, then sold it , figured after my cz boltie , I wouldnt need it anymore. the Saiga was damn accurate. So about 1 yr ago , i realize I need to get one back, another ar type, and got the Saiga in 223 again. It will shoot a minimum of 4 mfgrs moa. Black hills, winny 45 grns, tcw 56 grn polymer tip, and remmy psp's.
i only have the 16 in bbl models, so I cannot attest to their longer bbl accuracy, but nevertheless, the ones i have are all moa capable, with the 223 being the easiest.
With open sites, i loaded up several mags, with all diff types of mfgrs, and bullet types. I loaded up 100 rounds. I then went to the 100 yd line, and put up 1 3 inch shoot and see target. Line went hot , started to fire.
I fired 1 shot per about every 5 to 10 seconds, long enough to get a good look , good cheek weld, good breath , and fire. after the line was down, went downrange, and had hit the target 96 out of 100 times. I would not hesitate to say my first Saiga 223 was this accurate as well.
No they aint pretty, but they are cheap, and have a well made bbl, and in my opinion , are very consistent. As long as they keep making those bbls/chambers the same way...
 
Save and get an AR. You will pay anywhere from $100-1000+ more than the other rifles, depending on make and model, but you will have a much finer rifle.
 
Sort of a hi-jack...

Regarding the Mini14, has anyone handled newer ones? I thought that there was a major retool done in the last few years and wondered whether the mini still suffers the same past problems. If it didn't, I'd probably consider one myself. They can be had NIB retail for about $435 in Houston last time I checked (about a year ago).

Personally, I think the way to go is AR kit if money's tight. They're pretty simple to put together as all the really important decisions have been designed into the parts for the most part. Assembly info is redily available via the web and it has a big online following. You can probably find someone in your area to help you throw it together to who will loan you a couple of tools that are necesssary or even host a build. Plus as $ permits, you can go as mild or wild to suit your tastes instead of selling it later.

$550 is also about right for a budget build. You can find separate used uppers and lowers with a lot of luck for less. Best I've been able to find was $475 for a complete upp and a complete lower FTF in TX. That was REAL hard to pass up.
 
Well I didn't really give a price maximum for this rifle, but it seems like $600 is reasonable. Does that change anybodys suggestions?


Still not much input on the m17, I'm also curious on the 'newer' mini-14s. If they are accurate then that might still be a possible choice.


If I can build an ar-15 for around $500, that will probably be my best bet. Now, where can I get the parts to build one for that price?

This is a great thread, very informative...thanks for all your input and please keep it coming!
 
SS,

Not having read the entire thread, if I were you, I'd stick with either an AK or an AR, operative word being AR. Those are the proven designs. Mini-14's are ok if you aren't looking for great accuracy/sights, ergonomics, or mag availability. AK's don't have great sights or mag availability in .223, but should be solid otherwise. IMO, a good AR really is worth saving/waiting for if you are set on .223/5.56. A $500 AR build might be pretty suspect as well. Normally, about $700 is the price floor for a build with new quality parts.

On the other hand, you can get a very solid AK for $600 or less. The biggest downside there is the sights/accuracy. Personally I would want to stick with 7.62x39 or 5.45x39 in an AK due to mag availability. Let me know what you decide!

-ny
 
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