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.223 compact semi auto

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JohnnyCal55

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I'm looking for a .223 semi auto truck gun that will be in the truck when I drive in the country or up to our cabin. I will generally be using this gun for shooting coyotes, varmints and defense up at the cabin. I really want a semi auto rifle, but I can't seem to find the perfect blend of:

1. Accuracy - varmint and coyote sized targets, preferably around minute of prairie dog
2. Compactness - I want a short rifle that is easily manuverable in the truck and for getting out of the truck to take the shot, I've thought about a folding stock as a possibility too
3. Robustness/reliability - pretty much goes bang every time

The closest thing that comes to mind is the new mini14 tactical but I am worried about the accuracy issue and if it will be good enough for coyotes and varmints. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
I actually like your idea of the Mini14 tactical model.

Modern day firearms are more accurate then most shooters. In my opinion you won't have any accuracy issues with the new mini14 tactical model. I have experience with older mini14s and have had great success with them both with optics out to 200 yards, and with iron sights at 100. Irons at 100 standing I can manage 2-3 inch groups.

I thought about suggesting an AR variant, I don't think police will question a mini 14 with optics on it, as much as an AR with optics on it. Plus, the mini 14 will cost less and do the same as the AR.

just my 2 cents
good luck with your search
 
Sounds to me like you need a 14.5" AR with collapsable stock. It's pretty compact as long as you don't go hanging all sorts of "tactical" stuff on it. Considering the price of a Mini these days, I'd take an AR any day. I think an AR would do better as a truck gun too.
 
An sbr may be a viable option for me, but I'm not sure if I will be able to drop the extra cash on the weapon and tax combined at this time :(
 
1. Accuracy - varmint and coyote sized targets, preferably around minute of prairie dog
2. Compactness - I want a short rifle that is easily manuverable in the truck and for getting out of the truck to take the shot, I've thought about a folding stock as a possibility too
3. Robustness/reliability - pretty much goes bang every time
Click to expand...

You just described the SU-16C. They can be had new for around $550.
 
After doing some research last night, I think that an SBR really could be what I'm looking for, and the cost isn't as bad as I was thinking. What would the accuracy and range of say a 14.5" or 10.5" ar be?
 
If you go with a 14.5" barrel and have a muzzle device that measure 1.5" or greater permanently attached, it would not be defined legally as an SBR and that would save you some time and money.
 
For "minute of prairie dog" I would not recommend a Mini 14, they are too hit and miss with accuracy. However, I have a 16" AR that cost around $700 that shoots 1.5" groups at 200 yards. Most AR's are very accurate and shoot around 1-2 MOA
 
I personally own one of the new 591 series mini 14 tactical carbines. Its light weight, has a small footprint (no pistol grip), robust reliable action (requires very little maintenance to keep running, think ak), offers serviceable iron sights, and best of all has solid accuracy. Out of the box with a leupold vxiii 1.5-5x20mm scope mounted I got 1.5-2 moa with various standard range fodder. With the addition of a $70 accu-strut groups shrunk by about 1/2 an inch on average with longer strings of fire opening up groups a lot less. Some higher grade varieties of ammo got me within 1 moa. It has been a joy to shoot and with 20 round magazines to be found at reasonable cost it makes a great handling rec sport/hunting/defense carbine! I lovingly call mine the practical-tactic(ool)al! Oh ya, just got a nice three ppoint sling for carry ability in the field......a trigger job is in the works, see if I can shrink those offhand groups a bit!
 
Over time, an AR will be less expensive to own. I also don't buy into that whole thing about ARs being less reliable than other rifles. I have enough rounds through my AR truck/4-wheeler gun to know better. I've used ARs with 14.5" barrels to shoot at targets as small as minute of angle out to three hundred yards with success. I know quite a few guys that shoot their 14.5" ARs beyond 300 yards to bang steel. Regardless, a 14.5" AR will do anything that a mini will do, with more accuracy.

Just keep in mind that I'm referring to a quality AR. If you just get the cheapest kit out there, you can expect to get what you paid for in terms of accuracy. If price is a concern, I'd call Ranier Arms and see what they'd charge to put together a basic 14.5" rig based on a White Oak 14.5" barrel. That will almost certainly meet you minute of dog needs and more.
 
I don't think police will question a mini 14 with optics on it, as much as an AR with optics on it. Plus, the mini 14 will cost less and do the same as the AR.
Click to expand...

Why raise an issue about police perception? Also, have you priced Minis versus entry-level ARs lately?
 
The difference between 14.5" and 16" at legal length is the amount of the A1 flash hider, about 1 1/4" inch. Add in the loss of range at the limit of effective expansion, which might amount to 30-50 yards, I have to ask, why bother?

A CMMG Bargain Bin carbine for $599 will shoot just as well and be almost virtually interchangable in a gun rack behind the seat as one an inch or so shorter. I think what the 14.5" crowd is really selling is the cost to play with an arbitrary BATF rule and think they are getting away with something they really aren't.

Minute of praire dog to me is 3" at 200m+, the money is better spent on a quality barrel and good optic with at least 4X. The scope mount won't be cheap to match being on a bang it up truck gun, consider Larue as a standard.

An AR with pistol grip and mag isn't as compact as a lever gun, which is an alternative. The Browning BLR could be considered, it offers some interesting calibers, along with the traditional Winchester and Marlin. Something a little smaller and faster than .30 would fit the minute of dog standard, as bullet drop comes into play beyond 200m. Nobody likes skipping dust at them ten yards short.
 
JohnnyCal, where are you located? If in the Kommunist Kollective of Kalif, your options are slim :(

The SU-16 fits your original description. We need a better description of "Robust". If that means dirt and rust resistant (truck gun, no maintenance) - that's one thing. If it means prying open the barn door, that's another?
 
BrocLuno, I live in Idaho, so I have a lot of options available to me.

To me, robust means that it won't break when it's dropped, that it can handle the abuse of being a truck gun, and that the stock and forearm are solid as can be
 
I have owned the Mini 14 tactical for a year now and she's a good shooter. Haven't done any hunting with her but I can hit a beer can at 100 yards 9/10 times with irons. That seems good enough for me to hit a coyote. She takes the rough stuff too :D. I don't mind the scratches...IMO the Mini is a perfect truck gun: low maintenance, simple and rugged, accurate enough, and reliable. You could throw a folder on it if it's too long with the 16" barrel. I think it'd be perfect for a rack or under the seat.
 
well the new Mini-14's are allot more accurate than the older ones for sure. i bought a new 1 last year chambered in 6.8 and i'm very happy with the accuracy.took a 100lb doe at 135yd and dropped her right in her tracks. now i will admitt i'm a huge fan of the AR-15 and if i was going to get a truck rifle i'd get a new mini14 or a quality AR (if i got a great deal on it $500 max) u don't wanna spend $2000 on a rifle thats gonna bang around behind the seat of the truck etc. infact i would not buy a brand new mini for a truck rifle. shop around and find a good deal on a used mini or AR
 
Id go for an AR, 16". The new mini-14s may be more accurate, but the old ones were also not the most reliable rifles when used with aftermarket hi-cap mags. If defensive use is on the menu, I wouldnt limit myself to low round mags, or expensive factory hi-cap mags.
The AR also is available with the faster twist rate barrels, so it would stabilize heavier bullets than a 9-1 twist barrel of the mini-14.
There aer other choices that may fill the category well, but none that have the modular versatility, or aftermarket support that the AR platform has.
 
I dont think $25 is that much for a 20 round ruger mag. Especially since I have never had any malfunctions with any of mine. You're right though, ARs definitely beat out the 14 mag-wise, and modularity. But I think a mini beats out the AR in the "truck gun" arena, easy. JMO
 
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