Looking for an Inexpensive...

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jwalker497

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Tactical style Semi Auto Rifle for Range and Home Defense chambered in 5.56/.223 that can be had for under $1K. I don't really know what my options are other than the AR15. I saw the Mini 14, but I wouldn't consider it tactical. Are there any other rifles worth considering in my budget??? I do want it to be able to shoot both 5.56 and .223. Thanks in advance.
 
I just bought a new Rock River Entry Tactical at the gun show from a dealer for $925 out the door. The AR's are going down in price all the time. If u don't want a AR u might check out Sagia(spelling)but I know nothing of them.
 
It may not look "tactical" or shoot .223/5.56, but I feel that the M1 Carbine is superior to most other rifles in a home defense role. It points well, is lightweight, is relatively short, and has pretty decent sights, making it very quick (at least in my hands). It is also fun to shoot, and ammo doesn't cost a fortune (about $0.40/rnd), making it a good range rifle. Assuming that you are intent on a .223/5.56 (nothing wrong with that), I would consider the Mini-14 a close runner up, as it has most of the characteristics that I favor in the Carbine. That said my home defense long gun is a Saiga-12 shotgun, with the M1 Carbine sitting in reserve.

:)
 
If you don't want a Mini14 or AR-15, there are still a lot of options. Even the venerable vz-58 is coming out in .223 in December, with a 22lr conversion kit early next year. OTOH, wasn't there a company doing "bargain bin" ARs for $500 or so, nothing fancy but works well type of rifles?
 
You can get AKs in 5.56 pretty easy. Saigas are supposed to be great rifles and are about half your budget. Im an AR guy myself and you can get a nice AR for under a grand without much difficulty. Mini 14 is a good rifle as well.
 
Century International Arms also makes an AK variant in .223 and those run about 500-600 bucks...but then again, they also make a CETME in .308 for around the same price (cheaper than dirt sells German HK g3 20 round mags for 99 cents each)...and personally that's what I'd go with.
 
What do you mean by tactical? The mini does exactly the same thing as an AR, EXACTLY the same thing, it is a semi auto, detachable magazine, 223 or variant, can have dozens of different configurations including pistol grip, adjustable stock, quad rails.

In fact, if I had to choose I would recommend the Mini. They are incredibly rugged, known for reliability, but then, look at what design they are based from. They are not know for being highly accurate, but they take the usual Ruger mentality, make it work, make it tough, and then worry about accuracy.

But there are so many options available don't limit yourself. Try them all.
 
can't comment on quality as I never shot either of them but the c93 and century galil fall in your price range and look tactical and diffrent (to me at least)
 
One option is Kel-Tec's SU16 rifle. Might be a good back of the truck gun with it's folding stock. I've only handled one, but my local gun shop has them on sale this week for 650$. That gives you an extra 300 for ammo, mags, and optics.
 
Saiga Rifle with a Magnoila State Arms adapter to AR-15 magazines.

http://magnoliastatearmory.com/products-page/magnoliastatearmory/

An AR-15 that you can bet your life on is available under $1K. The best option for your situation is a S&W AR-15 from CDNN Investments for their deal, it comes with 5 PMAGs, too. That's a phenomenal deal. Don't get the versions with the cheap rail and reddot sight, save for quality items in those departments.


Don't forget for HD you need a white light and preferably a quality red dot (Aimpoint, find used since you are on a budget).
 
+1 M&P 15 from CDNN and get 5 free pmags. Great deal on a quality Ar. I just bought one myself. Great rifle very good deal. Also I see the same rifle (optic ready flat top) on Gun broker in the mid $700s.
 
If you want a "tactical" 5.56 then you really only have one choice. Get an AR from one of the many respected brands out there that all have plenty to offer with different options well within your price range. RRA, DPMS, Colt, Bushmaster, S&W, Stag,.... IN NO ORDER (lets not start that up).

I prefer carbine length, lightweight government profile barrel, with a flat top for eotech, acog, or scope and BUIS of course.

If you get over the tactical bug then the mini-14 is awesome. I like those like I like an M1A, nothing on it, iron sights. You can dress them up too but in my opinion it looks silly and takes away from what I like about the mini - simplicity, rugerness (read ruggedness) and great irons. Its a ranch rifle people, wood is good!

Saiga's are sweet too, but I like 7.62x39 for my AK variants and have no experience with 223 Saigas, although I would expect they are good too.
 
+1
S&W M&P15's can be had for $799 new w/5 Pmags right now.

I just bought a new MP15X with an Eotech and 7 Pmags for $1300. Although I spend a good deal more to get my AR just how I wanted it, the M&P15X w/5 Pmags can be had for $899 right now. I would advise going with the 15X if you are going to want any mounted accessories.
 
If you want inexpensive, you can't go wrong with a Model 1 kit. Put it together yourself, and it's already headspaced, so no hassle with that truck. Seems like a good deal to me. Some surplus parts, etc... but it leaves you enough for decent optics afterward completion.
I'm eyeing the 24 incher. (no homo)
http://www.model1sales.com/item-det...ge=s24prek.gif&CFID=56769736&CFTOKEN=28877565

That with a cheap lower and you're good to go. ;)
 
M-1 Carbine or an M4-gery from CDNN.

I picked up a Plainfield M-1 Carbine for $525 last year. I wasn't looking for a true service weapon from the period, as this was more as a camping rifle/HD weapon for my wife and eventually my kids.

CDNN was selling CMMG rifles for $899 not too long ago, and they always have some great deals, so its really to your benefit to check them out as soon as possible.



Kris
 
I own a 580 seriies mini 14 i wouldn't call it tactical but i also wouldn't feel unarmed with it.
I am also considering an AR to add to my collection that would fit into the tactical group.
The Saiga looks like a cool rifle, price wise it's the least expensive of the three i mentioned .
Thats my 2 cents.
 
Saiga, then m-1, then the best deal in ar's right now, is the dpms ' sportical' , flat top , 16 inch bbl, lighweight pencil bbl. all for 700 bucks, or less. A great deal, in a very handy and light rifle.
 
1. Why 'tactical'
2. Why 5.56/.223

Home defense.. you need a 12 ga. Look at a Saiga 12, pretty effective at putting up a wall of lead in a hurry.
 
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