Which .223/5.56 Would You Pick If You Could Not Have An AR15 - Page 2

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Which .223/5.56 Would You Pick If You Could Not Have An AR15 (Page 2 of 2)

Posted: 5/8/2003 10:15:46 AM EDT

[#1]

M96 Recon Carbine would be choice #1

It has even more modularity [b]potential[/b] than the AR-15. Now if only they would exploit it a bit more.

[i]Edited to add some comments on the other options[/i]

The Euro carbines are nice and all - but over priced and over hyped IMHO. Mini-14 lacks durability for hard use (and several of the parts the factory won't sell you) and accuracy.

The AR-180B would be my second choice. It light and inexpensive. But it doesn't have the modularity of the AR or M96, and I've not seen an optics rail for it yet. That and it lacks chrome lining. But it [i]is[/i] a fun rifle to shoot.

Posted: 5/8/2003 10:28:28 AM EDT

[#2]

Galil ARM---oh, but wait---I already have one, and I often pick it---to take to the range[:D]

Posted: 5/8/2003 10:39:47 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
Mini-14 lacks durability for hard use (and several of the parts the factory won't sell you) and accuracy.

View Quote

I'm not so sure on the durability issue mentioned above.
Also, I'm unaware of [i]any[/i] part(s) of the Mini that Ruger will not sell. Hitch is you must send the firearm to them for fitting [i]of some parts[/i].
That said, I know that spare firing pins and extractors can be had from Ruger, with the abovementioned proviso.
Combat-grade accuracy (and sometimes better) can be achieved with the Mini, for a little expense and effort.

Posted: 5/8/2003 11:48:34 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
I'm not so sure on the durability issue mentioned above.

View Quote

I know several Prof Trainers that will tell story after story of Minis that won't make it through an urban rifle class. (they will also tell you same for the 2nd & 3rd tier ARs).

Also, I'm unaware of [i]any[/i] part(s) of the Mini that Ruger will not sell. Hitch is you must send the firearm to them for fitting of some parts....
That said, I know that spare firing pins and extractors can be had from Ruger, with the abovementioned proviso.

View Quote

Bingo!! all the parts you are likely to NEED in case they brake in the field can only be fixed in the factory - because they will not sell them to you - they sell you the service of installation.

So if you dammage an extractor during a class or in the field you have to send the ENTIRE rifle back to Ruger? So they can install a simple part?

Fine rifle for shooting pests around the ranch - however its lacking for a defensive arm.

Posted: 5/8/2003 12:33:05 PM EDT

[#5]

mini 14

TXL

Posted: 5/8/2003 1:13:33 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'm not so sure on the durability issue mentioned above.

View Quote

I know several Prof Trainers that will tell story after story of Minis that won't make it through an urban rifle class. (they will also tell you same for the 2nd & 3rd tier ARs).

Also, I'm unaware of [i]any[/i] part(s) of the Mini that Ruger will not sell. Hitch is you must send the firearm to them for fitting of some parts....
That said, I know that spare firing pins and extractors can be had from Ruger, with the abovementioned proviso.

View Quote

Bingo!! all the parts you are likely to NEED in case they brake in the field can only be fixed in the factory - because they will not sell them to you - they sell you the service of installation.

So if you dammage an extractor during a class or in the field you have to send the ENTIRE rifle back to Ruger? So they can install a simple part?

View Quote

No. Simply send the rifle off and have the spares fitted [b]before you need them[/i].
A little foresight goes a long way.
[b]Every[/b] combat rifle owner ought to have spare parts for their rifle, especially those that are prone to failure. In the case of the Ruger, the parts fitting that description that must be fitted by Ruger are the extractor and firing pin. Virtually all other parts can be purchased outright.

Fine rifle for shooting pests around the ranch - however its lacking for a defensive arm.

View Quote

Slightly tweaked, the Ruger would be an [i]adequate[/i] combat firearm.
Not my first choice, even in 5.56mm, but adequate.

Posted: 5/8/2003 1:22:29 PM EDT

[#7]

Robinson Arms M96
Uses GI mags which is an advantage.

Posted: 5/8/2003 1:34:33 PM EDT

[#8]

M-96 Recon. That s one bad ass looking rifle! I wonder if they work as good as they look?...

Posted: 5/8/2003 1:52:00 PM EDT

[#9]

I only own one other semi-auto 223, a Steyr USR. Since I'm in Cal, that will have to do. But for target shooting, any bolt action varmint gun will do. I'm shopping for a 223 bolt gun (I think either a custom or a factory custom).

Posted: 5/8/2003 2:03:31 PM EDT

[#10]

Another vote for the Bushmaster M17S - it's pretty rare, but only because people don't buy them - not because they're hard to find. So I'd put them in the "commonly available" category.

Cheaper than an AR, more reliable than an AR, and with a little work, a great rifle for all circumstances. (Okay - I guess with the obligatory modifications and optics it costs about the same as an AR).

Unless you're a lefty - then you'll just have to learn to shoot righty. [;)]

Posted: 5/8/2003 2:39:08 PM EDT

[#11]

Black Steyr AUG, the 16" carbine.

Not commonly available enough for you? OK, then a Robinson M96 Carbine, an HK 93, or a Daewoo K2. How 'bout all 3 plus the shorty AUG? [:)]

Posted: 5/8/2003 3:50:19 PM EDT

[#12]

HK93 [:)]

Posted: 5/8/2003 4:45:22 PM EDT

[#13]

I'm in the "If it ain't an AR..." class.

I have an M1A, an M1 Garand and an AR. If I couldn't have the AR I wouldn't cry too hard. But I'd probably buy a DSA FAL type carbine to replace it. The Kalashnikov system has no appeal for me; it's the weapon of our enemies and I'll reject it on those grounds alone.

Posted: 5/8/2003 5:15:25 PM EDT

[#14]

[img]http://www.kel-tec.com/images/SU-163viewsmerged.jpg[/img]

Kel-tec's new SU-16 Sport Utility Rifle.

Uses AR Magazines.

Posted: 5/8/2003 5:24:58 PM EDT

[#15]

First- Sig 551
second- HK G36

Posted: 5/8/2003 5:28:56 PM EDT

[#16]

The M17s, for lots of reasons but the main one, it never fails to make an anti say,"now that just can't be legal".

It's worth it just to piss people off.