I have a Norinko sks that currently wears a cheapo non folding folder, and a few 30 round mags. I still have the original wood and mag, but the forearm guard split. I have a bolt gun in 223, and would like to sell the sks to free up some cash to put towards a 223 autoloader. I am considering either a Mini-14, Kel-tec Su16, or some form of AR. I like the idea of only needing to stock up on one common cartridge that can be used in either gun. I like the looks of some kind of M4 configured AR, but not sure about op-rod or direct imp. I like the portability of the Kel-tec. But I am most likely ot find a good deal on a used mini-14. Throw me some oppinions please.
Sks vs. 223 autoloader?
- Thread starter floorit76
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firesky101
Member
Even with the rough condition of the forearm guard, the sks will likely be worth more in stock configuration. Some pictures would help.
If you have the money, go for the AR. Quite a bit better rifle than the Mini-14 or Kel Tec. Only problem with the AR is that there are so many manufactures these days I can't keep track of which are good and which are bad. I would go with a direct impingement system though. Too many problems with the piston conversions.
I would absolutely go for a low end AR like the S&W Sport over the Mini-14. The cost is getting to the point where it is a non-issue. When Ar's were twice the price of a Mini, I could see why someone would go with the Mini 14. Forget about piston AR's if that is what you are debating. There is nothing wrong with the standard AR design.
tomrkba
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Keep the SKS. You will regret selling it. It won't generate very much cash and you'll need at least $1,000 to $1,200 for a solid AR-15. Since reliability is your priority, look at Colt and Bravo Company at the minimum. Bravo Company Manufacturing makes very good guns and you can get their Midlength Mod 0 for around $1,050. It lacks the pony on the side, but you can find Colt 6920's anywhere between $1,100 and $1,300.
The S&W sport sure has a tempting price. What parts do they "skimp" on to account for a $1000 price spread in AR's?
And to add to that, is it easier/cheaper to buy a middle of the road carbine, then add the better parts later on. Or is true reliability only going to come from a factory or experienced builder?
And to add to that, is it easier/cheaper to buy a middle of the road carbine, then add the better parts later on. Or is true reliability only going to come from a factory or experienced builder?
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+1 greenlion
Not much, basically the dust cover and forward assist.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757785_-1_757784_757784_image
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/20...ger/-gun-review-smith-and-wesson-mp15-sport/
Not much, basically the dust cover and forward assist.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757785_-1_757784_757784_image
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/20...ger/-gun-review-smith-and-wesson-mp15-sport/
Squidward
Member
My opinion:
I have a mini14. It is reliable and shoots all 5.56/223 ammo that I've put into it. Nothing fancy but good enough for defensive and range duties.
I had a SU-16. Pretty reliable ate most every 5.56/223 round I put into it. But the trigger guard split at 300 rounds and I wasn't to comfortable with the remaining overall construction. This is not to say it was unsafe or dangerous, it just didn't feel right in my hands.
I have a couple of ARs. I have put together some others for friends/family. They are plenty good enough for defensive and range duties. They're modular; meaning you can add/exchange parts to your heart's (and wallet's) content. And they are easy to put together.
Putting the accuracy issues aside, I can put together a new AR cheaper than buying a new Mini14. AR15 .com has detailed directions on how to do so.
Her are some sites to help you:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/
http://www.stagarms.com/
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/
I have a mini14. It is reliable and shoots all 5.56/223 ammo that I've put into it. Nothing fancy but good enough for defensive and range duties.
I had a SU-16. Pretty reliable ate most every 5.56/223 round I put into it. But the trigger guard split at 300 rounds and I wasn't to comfortable with the remaining overall construction. This is not to say it was unsafe or dangerous, it just didn't feel right in my hands.
I have a couple of ARs. I have put together some others for friends/family. They are plenty good enough for defensive and range duties. They're modular; meaning you can add/exchange parts to your heart's (and wallet's) content. And they are easy to put together.
Putting the accuracy issues aside, I can put together a new AR cheaper than buying a new Mini14. AR15 .com has detailed directions on how to do so.
Her are some sites to help you:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/
http://www.stagarms.com/
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/
dprice3844444
member
Gtimothy
Member
I agree, invest in an AR. Think of it as a Lego set for adults! You can upgrade it as you need/want.
As for the DI vs. Piston issue, I've had both and kept the piston guns....I'm not sure if any of the "problems" that people so quickly point out, apply to people who don't torture their guns to failure. I have thousands of rounds through both of mine and the only problem I've ever had was my fault! I was running the gun too dry.
The piston guns ARE more expensive but don't rule them out because someone says they have "too many problems".
As for the DI vs. Piston issue, I've had both and kept the piston guns....I'm not sure if any of the "problems" that people so quickly point out, apply to people who don't torture their guns to failure. I have thousands of rounds through both of mine and the only problem I've ever had was my fault! I was running the gun too dry.
The piston guns ARE more expensive but don't rule them out because someone says they have "too many problems".
Thanks guys, the AR really is starting to sound good. Still not sure about which opperating system thought. I'm not the kind that enjoys cleaning weapons. I do what needs done, but it isn't "fun" for me like it is for others. To put it bluntly, op rod guns don't seem to "poop where they eat" for no better way to phrase it. Am I seeing things wrong?
WardenWolf
member
I'd buy a VEPR: http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17821&cat=443&page=1
Reliable, accurate, easily scoped, and easily field stripped for cleaning. It's an AK in .223. What's not to love?
Reliable, accurate, easily scoped, and easily field stripped for cleaning. It's an AK in .223. What's not to love?
mgmorden
Member
I've owned both, and still own the AR. Its a better design, its a lot lighter (major point there), and more accurate. Between the two its no contest. The SKS basically filled a void as my autoloading rifle in the safe until I could afford an AR.
Gtimothy
Member
I didn't make any comment about that aspect but IMO, you are correct. I can spend a day at the range and burn a few hundred rounds, come home and the BCG is still clean. I might have to clean the front of the bolt to remove any residue from the cases but other than that, the cleaning is pretty much the chamber, barrel and the gas block. Oh, and you might have to take a rag to the inside of the hand guard.
Another nice thing is the gun runs cooler. The heat isn't transferred to the BCG and there isn't a gas tube to make the handguard hot. Just my own observations.
I'd say build an AR. They are pretty easy to build i.e., put together the lower, buy a complete upper. Palmetto State Armory has pretty good prices on components. I wouldn't worry about piston ARs. Adds to the cost with no big increase in benefit.
An alternative might be a Saiga in 223. Comparatively inexpensive, reliable AK action. Can be converted into a pistol grip AK.
An alternative might be a Saiga in 223. Comparatively inexpensive, reliable AK action. Can be converted into a pistol grip AK.
eddielewis
Member
+1 to Palmetto State Armory.
wnycollector
Member
Gtimothy
Member
Interesting article but IMHO, all I saw was an ad for Slip 2000 and Bravo Company.
I agree with your statement " Quality AR-15's can be VERY reliable", but it makes no sense to me to pay the prices these guns command and then play the "It's not really dirty" card.
After 400-500 rounds, DI guns are DIRTY and powder residue is everywhere! I would be embarrassed to show a friend any of my guns and then have them need to wash their hands afterward.
That's just my opinion....
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