I've been thinking about this for a while, and it's now time for me to decide between the following two rifles. These are primarily for range/plinking, and extreme home defense scenarios (although in all honesty I would probably pick up my shotgun in that situation). The two rifles in question are the KelTec SU-16C (Kel Tec) for $549 + tax, and the Bushmaster Carbon-15 (Bushmaster - Home Defense & Recreation Rifles) for $699 with a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot scope. Both rifles are lightweight, use 5.56 ammo, and take AR mags. More importantly, both are in my price range. If these were the only two (2) rifles you could pick from, which would you choose?
If you could only choose between these 2....?
- Thread starter lilop
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the rifleer
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i'd probably go witht he kel-tech myself, it looks funny and folds up. Its supposed to be a decent little gun too.
wlewisiii
Member
+1^^^^. Without any hands on of either, that's what I'd do along with the extra $150 in surplus 5.56.
William
William
I don't know bud. I've never owned the Keltec, but do know people that have had trouble a while back with Carbon 15s, although Bushmaster is a good company. I know that you are trying to make a decision here, but I have to muddy the waters. For the prices mentioned here, I'd give some thought to a "bargain bin" AR from CMMG. At $599 it's pretty hard to beat and lots of guys say good things about them on ARF.
As for the Bushnell scope, is that the little micro? If it is, be aware that the mount/base is not removeable and it sits really low. You'll have to use a funky riser to get it in the right height on an AR type of rifle.
As for the Bushnell scope, is that the little micro? If it is, be aware that the mount/base is not removeable and it sits really low. You'll have to use a funky riser to get it in the right height on an AR type of rifle.
browningguy
Member
I like my SU16's, but I bought the "A" for $429 and the "C" for $449 when they first came out. I shoot them, although not as much as some of my AR's, and they have held up fine. So if you are talking a $450 gun I think it's a good gun, but for just a little more I would go ahead with the AR unless you need the folding ability. The advantage to the Bushmaster is will will take any AR upper, so if you want a dedicated .22, or maybe a 5.7, or a 6.5 Grendel, or even a .50 Beowulf, you can just put it right on.
There are good ARs for $700-$800. Spike's tactical has a basic model (but by no means bottom of the barrel) for right at $800.
The cool thing about getting an AR is that it's an AR. Mags are cheap. They're fun to shoot and spare parts are plentiful. The upgrade paths are almost boundless too. If you learn the platform, swapping calibers is easy too.
The cool thing about getting an AR is that it's an AR. Mags are cheap. They're fun to shoot and spare parts are plentiful. The upgrade paths are almost boundless too. If you learn the platform, swapping calibers is easy too.
Sheepdog1968
Member
I know this isn't listed in your two choices but I have a strong opinion. Out of any self loading 223 available in the USA and assuming you could get them for all the same price, I would choose a mini-14. The serial numbers starting 580 and higher are very reliable and combat accurate. I'd get it in stainless steel. Magazines cost more but how many do you really need? Price is in your range. I think they are a very reliable semi auto. I've shot lots of ARs over the last 20 years so its not as if I can't compare them. The only downside is that you can't do 10000 mods to it like an AR. Big deal. This will just save you money.
Magazines for a mini don't just cost more, they cost a lot more. How many magazines do you need? I don't know. I like to keep enough to be able to load up 1000 rounds so that I don't have to spend time loading mags when I go shooting. Minis aren't as accurate as ARs, generally speaking. ARs are easier to maintain and acquire parts for. The biggest reason to go with an AR is that it's cooler than a mini.
That having been said, I think that an argument can be made for the Mini's dependability. I think the mini is like the American version of an AK. Drag it through the mud, pick it up and start shooting. Still in all, the mini is more of a handy rifle and easier to tote than most ARs.
That having been said, I think that an argument can be made for the Mini's dependability. I think the mini is like the American version of an AK. Drag it through the mud, pick it up and start shooting. Still in all, the mini is more of a handy rifle and easier to tote than most ARs.
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
If you want mostly to punch paper and get tight groups, get an AR. If your interest is mostly tin cans, coyotes and home defense, a Mini is just as good as an AR. (I've had four Minis and I'm on my fifth AR at the moment.)
If in a social situation you find you need more than two magazines, a lack of magazines ain't the problem: You lack shooters on your side.
If in a social situation you find you need more than two magazines, a lack of magazines ain't the problem: You lack shooters on your side.
FMJMIKE
Member
I wouldn't buy either of the two rifles you listed.............
Al LaVodka
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Find a regular AR.
Al
Al
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