Looking for a .223 , but not an AR-15 type.

[chetrogers]

In the summer I am thinking of buying a rifle. I am just thinking about the future, but would love some suggestions on what should I be getting. I don't want to buy an AR-15 type, but do want it to be semi auto. Is the Mini-14 my only option? I want to purchase something that I can take to the range and practice. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Armor Snail]

Hk93 clone
AUG
Tavor
SCAR
ACR
XCR
FS2000

Not wanting an AR is fine but may I ask why?
I have a friend who asked me the same thing. Wanting a Mini instead because he doesn't want something with a lot of accessories.
I suggested a simple 20" A2.

Fixed sights, solid feel, simple.
Now he is very interested in an AR once he realized it doesn't have to be a doohicky laden floppy adjustable carbine.

 

[HGM22]

Saiga in .223/5.56 (AK clone).

Don't know much about them but I believe Galil is in .223.

There are also bolt actions in .223 obviously.

 

[Monkeybear]

vepr in .223

 

[Plastikosmd]

Sig

 

[bldsmith]

How close to the ar15 are you willing to get. Sig is not an ar15 but very close. Also keltec has a folding stock carbine I just saw as the LGS for $1200 IIRC. There are many out there besides the mini 14.

May I ask why not the AR15??

 

[WestKentucky]

I once had an arsenal ak in 223. Was a good gun but I traded it for an ar.

 

[MistWolf]

The Keltech SU16 isn't very durable. I watched a friend break his just from shooting.

I've never shot one, but I looked at a Tavor and I find that an intriguing rifle

 

[chetrogers]

The main reason I am not looking for an AR is the Design. I don't care for the looks. I know most people like them. Just by looking at them it seems to me that they would have a ton of parts. I like things really simple. Not to say I will never get one. Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[ugaarguy]

Just by looking at them it seems to me that they would have a ton of parts. I like things really simple.

AR-15s are actually incredibly simple. They're extremely easy to field strip and clean. Also, because of the fixed gas tube, and using the tail of the bolt as a stationary piston they have fewer moving parts than most other semi-auto rifles.

Edit to Add: Here's an 11 year old field stripping one in 24 seconds, then reassembling it and doing a function check in 1:11 .

 

[Dmitri Popov]

If money is a factor, SU-16, mini-14, C-93.
If not, FS2000, SIG 552, Steyr AUG, Tavor.

 

[Jackal]

They're extremely easy to field strip and clean. Also, because of the fixed gas tube, and using the tail of the bolt as a stationary piston they have fewer moving parts than most other semi-auto rifles.

This. Even though the AR has more overall parts, they are far easier to replace components/parts on than most other designs such as AK, SKS, HK, etc. No welding or rivets needed. Only a couple "special" tools required and they are not expensive. Heck, a couple punches and AR combo tool are all thats really needed.

 

[Dmitri Popov]

I understand where he's coming from. I hate the usual look of AR's. They just don't appeal to me.

 

[Jackal]

I hate the usual look of AR's. They just don't appeal to me.

Problem solved.

 

[tactikel]

Keltec SU-16, as durable as a Glock, lighter, less expensive than an AR, with acceptable accuracy. I have 5k rounds thru my 16C, 4.2kg, 25" OAL, what's not to like?

 

[dvdcrr]

That thing almost looks like it needs a marbles sight on it!

 

[goon]

I had a VEPR K .223 back in the day. It was my first "black rifle" and though it had some things that should have been addressed, I should have kept it and had someone like Krebs make it more AK-ish. Looking back, I do regret selling that one.

Mostly, it was front heavy and the sling swivel/forearm screw would heat up during firing and burn me a little. But it was utterly reliable with modified AK-74 magazines or Bulgarian Circle 10 .223 magazines and it would shoot! Ten shots from a hot barrel, prone on sandbags from 100 yards, group just over an inch with the issue sights. And IIRC, it had a great trigger in it. They got a lot of press among AK guys back then and they were very high quality. I'm not sure who's importing them now though.

Though I'm liking AR's these days for a lot of reasons and want to start a build or at least get a lower soon, I'd like to have a Mini-14 eventually too... just to round out the collection. I may add one of the thumbhole stock VEPR's shown above too.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

H&K SL-6 or 630 if you can find one. One of my great gun owning regrets having let them go.

 

[benzy2]

Here is the problem. If you are picking based on looks, go to google image and search there. Find the one that looks the best to your eyes and buy it. We can't tell you what you like cosmetically and all we will do is offer what we like.

If the issue is fear of parts, it's unrealistic. A standard cleaning includes pushing one pin, sliding the bolt carrier group out, and maybe pulling the bolt out of the carrier. That assembly has 5 main parts to field strip. It all goes back in and you're done. Other systems are going to be at the same relative complexity to do standard field maintenance. A detailed strip has a few more pins coming out but is still on par or less complex than most semi-auto systems out there today.

If you're building from parts, the AR is one of the easiest semi-auto rifles to assemble and fit. There is practically no fitting required when using quality parts. No presses required, just simple hand tools and one proprietary wrench (which is common and cheap).

There are many good options available that aren't an AR. I wouldn't avoid an AR due to complexity as it is a rather simple system in the world of semi-automatic firearms. If the looks are simply too wrong, then by all means pick the one that is most appealing.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Sig is not an ar15 but very close.

Depends on what SIG.

SIG 556 is closer to an AK than an AR
SIG 516 is just a Piston AR
SIG M400 is just another AR-15 clone

 

[HammsBeer]

I used to think the same way, wanting something different than the AR. After researching a bunch of .223s I got a stainless mini 14. Later on finally got an AR and found it to be a superior rifle in nearly every way. Mechanical complexity they are fairly close. Main difference is the AR is much more ergonomic, parts easily available, more platform flexibility, more accuracy, and very reliable.

But if you really dont like the AR, there are plenty of other options.

 

[Plastikosmd]

Sorry, should have been more specific
Sig 550/551/552/553 p

 

[Baldman]

I went through this same exercise a few years ago and ended up getting an AR. Standard no nonsenes M&P 15 with a carry handle and front post sight, I have yet to modify anything on it.

The reason I bought the AR was the ability to get parts and accessories from many manufacturing companies. From mags to sights to accessories and internal parts, it just made more sense to me. I don't regret it for a minute.

Before you discount the AR, shoot one a few times, if you haven't already, and the ergonomics may changes your mind.

No matter what you buy, good luck with it and enjoy.

 

[ExTank]

Now he is very interested in an AR once he realized it doesn't have to be a doohicky laden floppy adjustable carbine.

I'll have you know, good Sir, that my doohicky laden adjustable carbine is not floppy!

 

[chetrogers]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Is it possible to buy a AR-15 type rifle around $700 Total ? I really didn't think much about the AR's , but since in just looking into everything I might as look at all my options. I wouldn't need it any thing fancy. Not even what brands i should be checking out for my needs. Thanks as always thanks for your time.