[bobusboy]

Alright, I tried searching so I apologize if this is a double post,

But I was wondering if there is any one on here who owns or has used (frequently) more than one brand of rifle/model of rifle which utilizes the 5.56/.223 rounds. And can provide input on their preferences and why they prefer that rifle.

bonus points if it accepts the same mags as the AR-15.

I'm partial to sig, and S&W.


thanks

PS: not interested in hearing about AK/AK variants or any thing of the sort unless its chambered 5.56/.223
PPS: I have settled on a S&W 915 as a side arm, because its almost identical to my dads service pistol which I enjoyed shooting and has been reliable for him if you have critique on this one as well please speak up.

 

[stant]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=411537958

 

[sailinghudson25]

I personally don't own any AR's. However, rock river arms has been very good to people I know who uses AR's. Some models can be a bit on the heavy side though. It is a top choice for small police departments. The larger ones usually go for deals like large cities.

 

[Duelist]

SIG556 or SCAR, if you feel like dropping some serious cash

 

[FrightenedWolfe]

PS: not interested in hearing about AK/AK variants or any thing of the sort unless its chambered 5.56/.223
.

Saiga in 5.56/.223.

Good quality inexpensive 5.56 weapon that can be easily converted to a standard "AK" look.

Price is about $325, and they are horribly reliable.

Best 5.56 weapon for the money.

r m

 

[ExNav]

I'd reccomend whatever platform you decide on, get a piston operating system, the direct gas impingement is not very reliable. Just my .02 and worth what you paid for it.

 

[sailinghudson25]

My usual reccomendation for folks is to get what their friends or family uses. This way you have a common base of knowledge, ammunition, and parts. From what I hear, there is a lot of good AR's brands out in the market today. The gas piston operated ones are very popular for several reasons. However, I would not buy one relatively new to the market.

 

[bobusboy]

Where does one even find a SCAR? I've never seen one for sale.

I was thinking sub 700, for this rifle there is time for a 2,500+ rifle later on.


are there any other short stroke designs that you can rattle off besides the sig, and the Saiga


also: how can the Saiga be "horribly" reliable that sentence to me says they're unreliable. (Which i don't think is what you meant)

 

[fragout]

Alright, I tried searching so I apologize if this is a double post,

But I was wondering if there is any one on here who owns or has used (frequently) more than one brand of rifle/model of rifle which utilizes the 5.56/.223 rounds. And can provide input on their preferences and why they prefer that rifle.

bonus points if it accepts the same mags as the AR-15.

I'm partial to sig, and S&W.


thanks

PS: not interested in hearing about AK/AK variants or any thing of the sort unless its chambered 5.56/.223
PPS: I have settled on a S&W 915 as a side arm, because its almost identical to my dads service pistol which I enjoyed shooting and has been reliable for him if you have critique on this one as well please speak up.

The Kel Tec SU16 can use AR mags, and is a gas piston design.
Ruger Mini14 is another, but takes it's own mags.

11B

 

[bobusboy]

Kel Tec SU16

Did some reading and i am sold on the Kel Tec SU16 I think, thanks (if any one else has other recommendations please let me know.


*Edit*

the only thing is I'm a lefty, and i don't think its ambidextrous.... and i heard they're not as reliable as some other rifles.


*SECOND edit*

i was looking at the Saiga IZ-110 .223, and there is a mod to adapt it to accept AR-15 mags with some machining. this looks like a much more reliable platform to work from.

 

[glockrocks]

Mini-14. Uses .223 AND 5.56.

 

[Bravo Whiskey]

Are You Kidding? AR piston has yet to be determined better. It may or may not. The basic AR platform is a bench mark as far as operators the world out go by.

 

[Bravo Whiskey]

Any one can buy a great STAG or RRA ar for about $800.00
Step it up and $1200.00 will get you a fantastic LMT BCM type carbine.
Just check it all out for your self.

 

[fragout]

Did some reading and i am sold on the Kel Tec SU16 I think, thanks (if any one else has other recommendations please let me know.


*Edit*

the only thing is I'm a lefty, and i don't think its ambidextrous.... and i heard they're not as reliable as some other rifles.


*SECOND edit*

i was looking at the Saiga IZ-110 .223, and there is a mod to adapt it to accept AR-15 mags with some machining. this looks like a much more reliable platform to work from.

I would contact a member here by the name of MikeK regarding the SU16. ( I dont know if he is a lefty or not, but he does own one, and can give you first hand accounts of what he has learned about his SU16.

I cant help you with the Saiga/AR mag conversion. Have no clue if it is reliable or not.

I am a lefty myself, and can tell you that most of the semiautomatic rifles aint all that bad for us southpaws to shoot.
The Mini14's safety location is very lefty freindly, and the rifle can be manipulated rather easily by keeping the left hand on the grip, and using the right for everything else, with execption of the safety, which is best done with the trigger finger. ( empty mag dump, lock and load......followed by the trigger finger pushing the safety fwd...thus dis engaging it.

M4/M16 rifles that I use at work are fairly simple to operate, but with use of the left hand to manipulate the controls while the right stays on the handgaurds (In my case at least) An ambi safety switch is a little better to have, but then again, any joe can go and buy a left handed AR from stag arms. ( A purpose built left handed semiautomatic rifle if there ever was one)

My left hand stays wrapped around the pistol grip of an AK type rifle, while the right hand does everything else, to include working the safety.

Hope this helps a little

11B

 

[Cryptophylaxis]

This is the best review of popular AR brands I've happened across. The author has really done his homework! He tells you what to look for and why its important.

http://forums.officer.com/showthread.php?t=81462

Since I've only used 5.56 in AR's I can't personally recommend a mini-14 or whatnot.

 

[AKpredator]

Colt 6920 or 6520.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159044025

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159306734

-Get a handful of Colt 20 and 30 rd Pmags.
-A tritium front sight.
-Decent light (El Zetta mount w/ Surefire LED is great)
-Good 2 or 3 point sling

All of the above accessories can be had for $250.

When you get the bread, get a Trijicon ACOG, Aimpoint, EOTECH or something else that will enhance your hit potential.

 

[FrightenedWolfe]

My usual reccomendation for folks is to get what their friends or family uses. This way you have a common base of knowledge, ammunition, and parts. From what I hear, there is a lot of good AR's brands out in the market today. The gas piston operated ones are very popular for several reasons. However, I would not buy one relatively new to the market.

The Ruger SR-5.56 is a good piston system to go with if you decide to go the Piston route, however, the DI system is going to be fine for most users...

 

[Long_Hunter]

I started with a Bushy, but have replaced most of internal components with LMT parts and externally with MAGPUL and Knight Arms. If I had the money, I would purcahse an LMT or Neveske; if I could save the money, I would wait on the H&K416. If you are set on your budget, get a Rock or Panther, shoot the **** out of it and learn the platform, then upgrade later.

LH

 

[FrightenedWolfe]

STAY AWAY from the H&K...

It is insane to spend 2 grand on a rifle that our troops do not like.

If you want a piston system you can get a very good one for under $1500, like the SR-556.

 

[longshadow]

I'll second Stag Arms... great bang for YOUR buck (pun intended). I have models in both 5.56 and 6.8 and they are pretty much GTG.

However, I don't like their policy of not selling parts to the public for their new piston AR. In fact I don't like it so much that I'm buying a Bravo Co rifle instead of a Stag. My dollars are my vote!