My Dad likes the AR and the .223, but wants something that packs the same punch at under $400. I know Ruger makes a decent .223 bolt, and obviously the semi- Mini-14. But, after questionable reviews of the 14, I'm looking for some more suggestions for a good <300 yard setup.
It'll be a scoped gun, probably low-mid magnification (3-9x, 4-15x, etc). So a gun with a good setup for a scope base and rings is an absolute must. He's not too picky about the action of semiautomatic vs. bolt, and he's more into hunting rifles than he is military ones. Does Ruger, Marlin, Savage, or any other brand make a good recommendation for him? Thanks guys.