What is the best 223 battle rifle for me?

[Coal Dragger]

I have a mid length BCM and carbine length BCM. Subjectively, recoil feels the same to me in both. Both have been reliable performers. In theory, component lifespan should increase in mid length gas systems as compared to carbine gas systems. But, I've not seen hard figures or studies to indicate how much longer parts should last or that they even do. ( I believe that they likely do, btw.)

In short, if both systems are reliable and one might have longer parts life/less recoil it makes sense to go mid length. However, well made carbines are still a viable option in my opinion and I feel adequately armed with either of my rifles.

If you really want a soft shooting AR stick with the rifle length gas system. Plus the parts last longer!

I have a Daniel Defense DDM4 V11 PRO with the 18" S2W barrel and rifle length gas, it is very soft shooting. I love me some rifle length gas systems.

 

[Theohazard]

And the likelihood that they will be around to address any warranty issues with a carbine/rifle is more than a bit higher with anything with the prancing pony rollmark.

Financial troubles or not, Colt's probably not going anywhere. And I've seen no drop-off in quality recently. We sell tons of Colt ARs and 1911s, and the quality appears to be just as good as ever. In fact, I've had more than one 1911 guru tell me they think Colt 1911s are as good as they've been in decades.

 

[Ibmikey]

It seems this thread has moved into the same " everything vs Colt" category. The original question seems to be identification of the best main battle rifle for the OP, I would think that must be a decision only the OP can make and he should be doing his own research along with this info. The responders can give opinion, experience and tech data but they will also include their personal biases, I for one like Colt products but own over twenty five AR's of many brands and personal builds. One of the rifles that has performed far beyond my expectations is a ATI Omni that I paid $450 bucks for. This plastic lower and very basic rifle does shoot...and does it well in the accuracy department ( not punching holes in paper although I have shot a few moa targets with it) with fast moving shots at cans etc. and 50-60 yard ranges.
Even though I have high end rifles and a few entry level, even though those I build are mid length gas mostly, I still feel both systems operate their rifles in an efficient manner and will last more rounds than I can put through them. My Colts have shot every bit as well as my mid length BCM.....but if I were going to recommend one rifle only for the novice shooter who is not going to fill the safe with exotic AR platform rifles......it would be the S&W Sport II.

 

[Pilot]

My stock Colt Magpul M4/LE6920 shoots sub MOA, and is reliable as heck. Nothing wrong with carbine length gas systems.

 

[Averageman]

I would suggest that the OP take some time and look at some more AR centric boards and do some real research of the data available.
M4 Carbine.net would be my first choice of where to go for this information. I would caution you to read a lot (because there is so much information available) become well informed of specifics and then ask the same question there.
In the end you very well may come to the same general consensus that was given here (Colt 6920 for the most part) but, you will know why that's your best choice.
Making a decision and knowing exactly why that decision was the best one for you are entirely two different things, the major difference being that you have the power of knowledge behind your decision.
Good Luck and enjoy your new rifle/carbine.

 

[Bobson]

A 16" AR15 with midlength gas is all you need.

AK? No. The controls aren't as user friendly to learn up front.

What?? I agree with the recommendation of the AR15, but using this as a reason is downright disingenuous. The AK must be among the most intuitive battle rifles in existence.

"It's so easy, even a child can use it - and they do."

 

[md7]

Making a decision and knowing exactly why that decision was the best one for you are entirely two different things, the major difference being that you have the power of knowledge behind your decision.
Good Luck and enjoy your new rifle/carbine.

Well said. Great overall post averageman.

Good luck, OP.

 

[DeoreDX]

If I had $1500 to build a personal defense AR I would be tempted to build a PSA 11.5" (or maybe a 10.5") which can be done for about $600 throw in one of the new Radical Firearms sub $400 556 suppressors and another $400 on tax stamps.

 

[MikeInOr]

What?? I agree with the recommendation of the AR15, but using this as a reason is downright disingenuous. The AK must be among the most intuitive battle rifles in existence.

"It's so easy, even a child can use it - and they do."

I don't think the AK controls are THAT intuitive... every time I pick one up I can't remember if I am supposed to pull the trigger backwards or push the trigger forwards.... stupid commy junk! ;-)

 

[Skribs]

I shot a Saiga once. I actually liked the safety design (and if I designed my own shotgun that's the type of control I'd want for the safety) but I didn't like the rock-in magazine. I like one that goes straight in.

 

[C.R.]

Skip the A.R. 's and get yourself a nice Ruger Mini 14 . (donning Nomex underwear now,flaming begins in ..3.2.1 )

 

[Gtscotty]

Financial troubles or not, Colt's probably not going anywhere. And I've seen no drop-off in quality recently. We sell tons of Colt ARs and 1911s, and the quality appears to be just as good as ever. In fact, I've had more than one 1911 guru tell me they think Colt 1911s are as good as they've been in decades.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/04/05/breaking-remington-wins-m4-contract-review/

If doesn't sound like Colt is out of the woods by a long shot. According to that article, Remington just won a protest against the award to FN and Colt.... Which colt was relying on to come out of chapter 11. They might pull through, but it's something that would be on my mind if I were looking for another AR.

 

[Robert]

There are a lot of good responses here and a lot for the OP to think about. Let's call it a day before we get into non THR territory.