5.56/.223 intro rifle: sugesstions?

[Sergi762]

Need some opinions & recommendations
I have been shooting 308 & 8mm Mauser for a few years now. While I like the two the costs of ammo is a nuisance and I am trying to find something lighter. I am avoiding AR rifles at the moment for a few reasons but mostly it is a cost issue( I can't throw down a grand + for a a platform I am still unsure about) but given the availability and the versatility of the 5.56/223 Rem calibers I am interested.
What do you folks recommend in 5.56/.223 that use a high cap( read: more than 10 rounds) magazine? I've heard of the Ruger mini14 series and I've seen the Siaga( still don't know if they can fire 5.56 NATO without issues but I digress) but what do you folks recommend? I am trying to keep it below $700 but that isn't the main issue. I than y'all for your time and I wish you well.

[mushroom]

Never had one... but the most economical I've heard about is kel-tecs su-16...uses ar mags.. good luck

[FunkyPertwee]

Look for a $700 AR. Heres one. (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1RGM4&name=R+Guns+M4+5.56%2f.223+Rifle&groupid=11)

CDNN has Mini 14 "Tactical" models for $599 right now.

The SU-16 is a great lightweight rifle, but if your used to military steel, they can feel a bit toyish.

VEPR .223 rifles are around now. Hi-cap conversions are probably nothing but add the bullet guide and shave the mag catch. Not sure what .223 AK mags they like.

[gpwasr10]

I gotta say, I love the new Mini-14 (580+ Series), mine has been flawless so far and is inching it' way to "favorite semi-auto" rifledom since I got it.

[stubbicatt]

I think the S&W M&P series may have a rifle in your price range. Something worth checking out. S&W generally makes good quality stuff.

[El Laton Caliente]

They have about covered it except figure in mag cost for 10 mags.
Out of the choices the AR is going to win the mag price calc...

[raxar]

I think the S&W M&P series may have a rifle in your price range. Something worth checking out. S&W generally makes good quality stuff.

yes, the M&P sport, which can be had for around $650 (with a magpul folding rear sight)

http://www.gunsnet.net/photopost/data/500/smithcut.JPG

Everything you'd need for a house/range AR, excellent quality and reliability. You give up the forward assist, ejection port dust cover, and chrome lined bore (it's melonited, so it should still be way better then regular non chrome barrel) and the handguards are kind of chinsy. I would highly recommend one based on personal experience.

[silentkilla]

raxar, you can get the s&w m&p sport with a dust cover and forward assist and chrome lined for about 50 buck extra. you just have to look around. were i from academy has them either way non for 600 everything 650 to 700. still not to bad

[Schuetzenman]

Need some opinions & recommendations
I have been shooting 308 & 8mm Mauser for a few years now. While I like the two the costs of ammo is a nuisance and I am trying to find something lighter. I am avoiding AR rifles at the moment for a few reasons but mostly it is a cost issue( I can't throw down a grand + for a a platform I am still unsure about) but given the availability and the versatility of the 5.56/223 Rem calibers I am interested.
What do you folks recommend in 5.56/.223 that use a high cap( read: more than 10 rounds) magazine? I've heard of the Ruger mini14 series and I've seen the Siaga( still don't know if they can fire 5.56 NATO without issues but I digress) but what do you folks recommend? I am trying to keep it below $700 but that isn't the main issue. I than y'all for your time and I wish you well.

BYOR........Build Your Own Rifle. Stripped lower receivers $90 buks to a low of $80, transfer fees at your end are a variable I can't predict.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XCMMGLPK&name=CMMG+AR15+Lower+Parts+Kit&groupid=576 CMMG Lower Parts Kit. $60 bucks.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAR6Stock&name=Collapsible+6-Position+AR+Stock+(Commercial)&groupid=584 6 position M4 type collapsing buttstock and buffer tube, buffer and spring assembly $35 bucks.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XRGM4upper&name=R+Guns+Complete+M4+5.56%2f.223+Upper+Half&groupid=586 M4 type upper complete with bolt carrier group and charging handle, $400
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIM16GOV&name=AIM+16%22+CHF+Midlength+MOE+.223%2f5.56+URG&groupid=586, I'd get one of these, mid length gas sytem, IMHO much better than the 7" carbine length gas sytem of the M4 types. $499 when in stock.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1AP15&name=Aero+Precision+AP15+Receiver&groupid=11 or http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1RGSL&name=R+Guns+.223%2f5.56+AR+Receiver&groupid=11 Aero Precission or R Guns lowers to go with the lower parts kits. Both are $80 buck range.


You're looking at $575 for the build if you use the non chrome lined M4 upper for $400 or about $675 if you use the Mid length chrome lined Aim upper that uses Daniel Defense barrels, really good barrels from all I hear.

You would need a minimum of tools to build with. Some small pin punches, flat blade screw driver, Carbine spanner wrench or a multi tool type wrench that combines a free float tube / barrel nut wrench, carbine spanner wrench and a flash hider wrench all in one. Actualy, if you buy a complete upper you wouldn't need anything more than the carbine stock spanner wrinch to tighten the receiver extension tube, a.k.a. buffer tube locking ring. Probably you could get by with less than $50 bucks in special tools if you purchase assembled uppers. The hardest thing about a lower is the front push pin and the capture detent pin and spring for it. Assemble in a large trash bag cause when you slip that sucker is going to launch!

[5.56NATO]

A quality 20in bbl ar with the flat top.