Help me pick my first semi, round 2

[Teknik]

Ok I tried this once before, and have since done a lot of research on every suggestion everyone gave. I’ve come up with a few preferences since then.

I was dead set on a mini 14. Then I read what needed to be done to “accurize†the gun. I don’t want to take a gun out of the box and add epoxy to the stock to keep it from rattling and shooting 6 inch groups.

- I’m still trying to stay close to 800 bucks.
- I don’t want an ak style rifle
- I want a .223 cal, not a .308
- I would really like to get a folding stock like I saw available for the mini 14, but I don’t’ think that’s available for many guns.
- I’ll probably only shoot at ranges of around 200 yards.
- I’ll never hunt with this gun
- I’ll probably put a low power scope on the gun to shoot at range, and also mount a laser sight for close quarters shooting.
- I’d like the gun to be as short as possible without losing any of its mid range(200yd) accuracy.

It seems like all that’s out there is the ar15 family, which is fine. But is there anything else that’s worth looking at?

 

[biere]

I don't know if you mentioned the folding stock in your other post but current laws make it expensive to buy a legal gun that can take a folding stock, the gun would be from sept 1994 or earlier. But next september the law should go away and things get cheaper.

The ar will do what you want since everyone makes ways to attach scopes and what not to them. Your first choice is if you go flat top or not.

I am not familiar with any other decent 223s that meet your requirments, but then I only looked at the ar and an ak sar in 223.

 

[MiniZ]

Armalites AR180B is also in your price range. I don't have any first hand experience with them though.

 

[natedog]

A Mini-14 that shot 6" groups from the factory is deffective. Most will do about 2-3". However, if you have the money, I won't deny the AR-15's superior accuracy. If thats what you're into (punching paper) then go for it. Get something with a 16" barrel, from a major manufacturer (Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt, Rock River Arms) and a flat top reciever. Then mount your low power scope, get some GI mags, and go!

 

[Teknik]

I'm getting those numbers from a mini 14 "accuizing" forum. And almost everyone says the same thing, crappy groups out of the box, half decent groups after work has been done to it.

http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/index.php?showforum=55

 

[artherd]

For nothing else than sheer volume of parts, options, reliability, and wealth of available knowledge, you can't beat the AR-15.

Especially if you life where you can still own one, go for it.

 

[Jack19]

Get the AR. Everyone should have at least one. And, while I hope I'm wrong, I think they'll be the last modern military rifles we're allowed to own.

 

[dbshabo]

What everyone else said, 'Get an AR-15!' You can get a new one from Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, and maybe Colt for $800 if you're patient and look around. Check out www.gunbroker.com and www.auctionarms.com for good prices. I'd suggest getting a 20" barrel and the flat top model. 20" give great accuracy with increased velocity over shorter versions. Flat top give more optic mounting options. Ammo is cheap and ubiquitous. Aftermarket goodies abound as well. Check out www.ar15.com for LOADS of AR info.

Shabo

 

[benEzra]

Definitely get an AR. One caveat--the AR operating system doesn't allow folding stocks due to the spring tube, so even if the AWB sunsets a folder is not an option. However, collapsible stocks are an option if the AWB sunsets.

In the interim, you can also get a long buttstock and buy a short (tactical-length) buttstock to put on it whenever you're in the mood for something shorter.

BTW, as the owner of a mini-14 ranch rifle, I can attest that 6" groups at 100 yards out of the box is not an exaggeration. (6.6" for mine, off a benchrest, is typical for 55-gr loads.) And no, the barrel is not damaged, and everything else is in perfect working order. Didn't do much better with Winchester Premium 69-gr Match BTHP, so I save the money and get Win. white box 55-gr's at Wal-Mart.

 

[Redlg155]

Two come to mind...

Kel Tec SU16
Bushmaster M17 S Bullpup

You might also look at the Saiga .223. Although it is based on an AK action, it doesn't really look like one.

BenEzra...

Actually there is an option for a folding stock on an AR. The ZM Weapons makes one. But then technically the upper is not an true AR upper. Still the price keeps it from being an option for most of us.