Inexpensive but not cheap 5.56 semis?

[PlayMaker]

I like the 5.56 cartridge but all the AR and mini's run up in the thousands of dollars. Are there any inexpensive but not cheap alternative semi rifles out there under $500? Preferably with 20" barrels.

Any info, advice, input or suggestions are welcome.

 

[Hoppy590]

Saiga rifle

AK47 in hunting stock.16 inch barrel, i dont know if they have 20 inch barrel option

SU16
Keltec rfle, folding hunting stock, accepts AR mags. 16 inch barrel

 

[gotime242]

Galil maybe?

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/products_id/1624

 

[CoRoMo]

+1 Hoppy.

Saiga will do it for you. Just shop around and get the best price.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Definitely Saiga, it's just an actual Russian-made AK put into a "sporter" format. Way better option than the Kel-Tec, and the Saiga can also be converted to the more traditional profile with a bit of dremel work, and *presto* you get a genuine Russian semi-auto AK in 5.56, 7.62x39, or 7.62x51.

This is yet more evidence as to how illogical the panic is: cutting off of Russian "assault rifle" imports is far more plausible than an actual AWB, and yet Saigas are still running as low as $400, despite being the closest thing to an evil Rooshan AK on the market.

 

[dscottw88]

I Bought my Saiga for $265 in Feb of '07. You can find them for about $400 in stock condition, and with another $130 you can convert them to this.

 

[KBintheSLC]

Ruger Mini 14 (have seen used starting around $550), Saiga, Kel-Tec

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Hoppy, the .223 Saiga does have a 20" option. Really excellent guns, by the way.

 

[geojap]

Saiga all the way.

 

[mcwjr13]

I agree with the mini 14 but I have zero experience with a saiga. Great now I am curious.

 

[bdg146]

...mini's run up in the thousands of dollars

Ruger Mini? Where the heck do you do your gun shopping at??

 

[Girodin]

+1 on the saiga. It is IMO a better rifle than the mini or the SU 16. They used to be an amazing deal (I paid 250 for mine) they are still a very good buy.

 

[Autopistola]

I love saigas, you can get them in 20" bbl.

Why not support american industry and get a newer model Mini with the tapered barrel? They are comparible in accuracy and reliability with the saiga, plus you can get factory 20 or 30rd mags now.

 

[PlayMaker]

Ruger Mini? Where the heck do you do your gun shopping at??

At there website

Why not support american industry and get a newer model Mini with the tapered barrel? They are comparible in accuracy and reliability with the saiga, plus you can get factory 20 or 30rd mags now.

yeah love the idea but how much will that run me?

Now I'm totally new to Saigas. Where can I find them in the 20" 5.56 or do I have to convert them myself and if so, how? Also are the barrels marked 5.56 or .223? Kinda important because I've heard you can fire .223 outa barrels marked 5.56 but not a good idea the other way around.

 

[RP88]

in today's and yesterday's market, a converted Saiga AK is hard to beat.

 

[Handgunner]

No complaints with my .223 Saiga. Love it.