SU-16CA a good buy?

[The Dutchman]

I am considering buying a .223 rifle. The only rifles I can buy in california in that caliber are the Kel-Tec SU-16CA and the Ruger Mini-14. Which one would you guys recommend for reliabilty,upgrades and overall good value. Also are any of these rifles capable of firing military 5.56mm ammo or are they just spec for .223 rem. Thanks

Sean

 

[HighVelocity]

Go with the Keltec. It uses AR15 mags which are a dime a dozen. Mini 14's were made for the A-team (notice how nobody ever got shot).

 

[DMK]

The SU-16 will shoot 5.56 ammo, not sure about the Mini-14.

 

[KaceCoyote]

I'm looking for an SU-16CA myself. They're handy, accurate and very light. Though they're not battle rifles, as long as you dont need a battle rifle they make excellent carbines. Light, pointable and easy to feed. Really how can you go wrong with such an incredibly simple package?

 

[chopinbloc]

my mini-14 works fine with 5.56mm. it is my understanding that the only time you'll have any problem with the chamber is dedicated match chambers (mostly ars) and the mini-14 is definitely NOT match. i like my mini-14 just fine. it's not a tack driver but it gets the job done. it is rugged as hell for a rifle of its size and weight. people say that it is hard finding reliable hi-cap mags but all the ones i have work great and the ruger 5 and 10 round mags are, of course, the definition of reliability.
since you live in KA, mags won't be much of an issue either way. the su16 looks like a pretty solid rifle and if you ever move to the US you can get cheap, reliable GI mags everywhere.
guess it just depends on what you want it for. btw, there are other CA legal rifles. there are the turn bolts, of course and California legal ar15s there are several companies that make these and i know that at least one of them accepts stripper clips, though i'm not sure if the one i linked to does. run a search, i'm sure you'll find something that is legal in your country that fits your needs

 

[KaceCoyote]

SU16 has the following over the Mini
Lighter
Built in bipod
Weaver bases for any number of optics
uses AR-15 mags which are plentiful
Is not made by a company that supported the clinton gunban
does not have a small novel of safety info stamped into the barrel
and it folds! Rawk awn
No POA shift
FAR-far- more accurate to boot!

 

[artherd]

The SU is better than sharpened sticks.

 

[CBX]

SU-16 great gun.