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