5.56/223 multi purpose?

[Pizzapinochle]

I have been looking to get two rifles:

1. Target rifle in 223 for punching holes at 100-200 yards
2. Semi auto for shooting iron sights

I was leaning toward a H&R single shot for #1 and a pistol caliber carbine (perhaps HighPoint Carbine) for #2.

Looking around, it occurs I may be able to fill both roles with somehting like a Ruger Mini-14 in 223.

I know they are not amazing for accuracy at 100+ yards, but I am not an amazing shot, so for learning it would work.

I'd have to pull the scope to shoot with iron sights, but I'd be able to get one nicer gun rather than two lower end guns, which seems like a better idea.

Would the Ruger serve both purposes decently?

Are there any other similar rifles I could look at?

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I know its the trendy thing, but the AR-15 rifle fits the exact role that you require. Nothing more needs to be said, great accuacy, ease of mantinence, and great iron sights that can be upgraded to match grade.

All in one, lego-like package!

 

[Pizzapinochle]

P.B., you read my mind. It is the "trendy" thing, which leads me to shy away from it.

I guess I just need to carefully build a bare bones AR that is a basic, functional rifle and not a display piece of endless accessorizing for no significant purpose.

 

[mtrmn]

Looks like you've come to the most logical conclusion. May I suggest a 20" rifle with fixed stock and removeable carry handle?

As for the Ruger, I love the mini-but in my experience even the target version will struggle to reach the accuracy of an out-of-the-box AR. In either case, reloading will net you more accurate ammo.

 

[Robert]

Nothing trendy about an AR. They simply work, and work great for what you are looking for. I get the whole being different thing, I really do. Well, I don't get guys in skinny jeans and stocking caps in August but I digress...

The irons on an AR are more than capable for use at short ranges like 100- 200y. The AR has the largest selection of parts and accessories in this country. You can literately dress one out in almost any configuration imaginable. Even bone stock.

Mine is fairly simple, 20" gov't profile barrel, Magpul CTR stock, Troy Alpha float tube and an ACOG. Light, simple and very accurate. Give one a try, I mean really give it a chance, you might be surprised.

Minis can be hit or miss, pun intended. My mini is rather accurate as long as I don't over heat the barrel. But only Ruger makes decent mags and accessories are some what limited.

 

[briansmithwins]

It's silly easy to get a AR to shoot tiny groups and they are like LEGOs. Pop a part off, pop a part on.

I don't really like ARs in general but I can't argue those points at all.

BSW

 

[jmr40]

There is nothing wrong with a Mini, and when they were selling for 1/3 the price of an AR were an excellent low cost alternative. But at todays prices there is no reason not to just buy an AR. I have yet to see even a budget AR not shoot 1 MOA with quality ammo.

 

[eldon519]

As others have said, the AR-15. The tidbit I would add to the conversation is that with a flat-top AR-15, you could keep your scope in a quality Quick Detach mount which would allow you to remove and re-install it with minimum change to zero and no tools required. You could use a folding rear sight to get it out of your way when using the scope or just have a removable fixed-rear and take it on an off as you swap optics. You could also have other optics like an ACOG, Eotech, Aimpoint, etc all in separate QD mounts and just swap them out for whatever suits your fancy that day. If you want to get extreme you can even outfit it with lasers, night vision, flashlights, etc but that is definitely beyond my needs. My point is that if there ever was a rifle that can be easily dolled-up to fill a variety of needs, it's the AR-15.

I feel like the term trendy often refers to a pointless fashion or something trivial of that sort. There are definite, real reasons why militaries and LEOs are issuing AR-15s in mass and not Mini-14s.

 

[strambo]

A good quality AR would be perfect and is also an outstanding home defense/SHTF weapon. http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=COLT-LE6920

Crazy price for a Colt 6920 which is the same quality as a military issue M4.

 

[Cee Zee]

An AR is infinitely superior to a Mini-14 IMO. And I don't even own an AR. I got into battle carbines when AR's were very expensive and the SKS was very inexpensive. I invested heavily in rifles and ammo now I can't see me swapping over. But then I don't expect target accuracy out of the SKS either. I do have a .223 for that but it's a bolt action rifle.

I've shot quite a few AR's though. They will do everything you ask of them and more. 200 yards is very easy with those rifles. Very easy even with the least expensive manufacturers around. And if the accuracy isn't good enough for you then simply buy another barrel and it will be. It's crazy simple to build the gun you want with an AR from a super light spray and pray model to a long range, accurate rifle. And you can change calibers when you want. You can mix parts together and get what seems like several different rifles if you buy a few different parts. You can't do any of that stuff with a Mini-14. The Rugers are more accurate than they were from what I hear. But I wouldn't be on one besting an AR at 200 yards.

Personally I just can't see buying 2 rifles when 1 will clearly do both the things you want to do. And that 1 rifle should be an AR. There are other ways to go but keep in mind that not many center fire rifles are semi-auto actually. There are some obviously but it isn't like bolt action rifles. Getting an accurate semi-auto either means getting an AR or an M1 IMO. There are some other rifles around that will do it but they are hit and miss on quality and you have to be a weapons expert to know which is which. If you know someone who is an expert on rifles from the eastern bloc you might be able to get what you want cheaper. But that sounds like a lot of risk to me when you know what you're getting with an AR. There are well known brands like Saiga but the price on those has gone up to the point where it makes more sense to get an AR IMO.

BTW I have been thinking about buying an AR. But I'm afraid I'll want to spend $10k on parts for different setups. But then I'm your typical compulsive type so you won't see most people have that problem.

 

[almherdfan]

The AR is the better option in most every way...but I enjoy the Mini so much more.

Heck, you could pick up a Savage Axis in .223 and a Hi-Point in your favorite pistol caliber for less or equal to a entry level AR.

The great thing is you have many fine options and will have to try pretty hard to really screw this up.

 

[Stevel]

At the price of that Colt in the Adv though ($895), If I were buying today I would likely buy one. One real advantage to the AR system is parts availability and magazine prices.

That said I like the mini 14. One advantage, to some at least, is you can get a wood stock and it's not so "black rifle" looking if that's a concern to you. I know the new mini's can do 1"-2" with a scope at 100 yards; basically the same as an AR. Anything 3" or better is plenty accurate enough for a general purpose rifle imo. That's 6" at 200 and pie plate at 300.

 

[chris in va]

I have a S&W Sport and haven't 'tacticooled' it up at all. It just has a red dot on it.

Frankly I really miss having a 9mm carbine to plink cans and steels with. Not giving up the AR but it would be nice to have something I could cast my own bullets for.

I would even enjoy a levergun in 45 auto if they made such a thing, but alas.

But anyway 'yes' on the AR suggestion.

 

[Pizzapinochle]

BTW I have been thinking about buying an AR. But I'm afraid I'll want to spend $10k on parts for different setups. But then I'm your typical compulsive type so you won't see most people have that problem.

See, THAT is why I am looking at the axis/high point option. Once I have them, I won't keep spending on them.

Hmm... gotta think about it.

 

[fragout]

If you like Ruger then this might be worth looking at....
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr556/index.html

 

[sirgilligan]

It seems you have studied and have some interest in the Mini-14.

My wife has one and I like it a lot. You could beat open a door with the butt stock, point is that the stock isn't as delicate as what is found on other .223 semi-auto rifles.

I have shot AR-15 Colt's, Mini-14's, SIG 556's, and SCAR 16S's. If you don't get a lemon they are all good. If you do get a lemon the factory will make try to make it right.

 

[sappyg]

I'm glad the OP said 'multi purpose' and not 'general purpose' rifle (GPR). That could be a problem.

An AR makes a great multi purpose general application platform for most anyone. Everyone should have one whether they like it or not.

 

[Roadkill]

I'm with ARs like I am with Glocks. Don't particularly care for them but somehow have ended up with several of each and shoot them all the time cause they are perfect for what I'm doing with them.

 

[tactikel]

I grappled with the same question a year ago, I didn't want an AR but with the political climate I thought it's now or never. I built it over 7 months (took 6mo to get a BCG ). That little bugger shoots! Anything breaks I can fix it. If I'm bored with 5.56 I can swap to .204 or .458 easily. The true cost of ownership is what you paid for vs what you can get for it. IMO you can't shoot cheaper than an AR.

 

[Panzerschwein]

The AR sounds like it's the platform for you. It can pretty much do anything and everything asked of it out to a reasonable distance.