I am looking for a .223 ranch gun

If you think the mini 14 isn't a good value then I'm sorry but nothing will ever satisfy you bro. The mini 14 is hands down the best value NR semi 5.56 available. And let's get real, mini 14 mags are not 70 bucks a piece.
 
EchoAlpha said:
It is a rather big deal. 5 rounds only and $60-70 a mag. F that.
Don't mean to be overly confrontation just really not impressed with that.
This gun is not just a carry around and hardly ever shoot, I'd like to use it as a fun plinker as well.
If I was going to get a gun with non ar mags I'd probably be looking at a vz 58.
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Any of your choices are going to be limited to 5 rounds. Mini-14 mags are available in pinned 5/20 and 5/30 varieties, just like AR mags. Aftermarket mags for the Mini-14 are generally garbage however, which isn't true of AR mags.

I really like my Mini-14. It shoots 3-4 MOA with Norinco bulk 5.56, and 1.5-2MOA with commercial 223. I haven't bothered to try reloads for it yet. The trigger is only OK, and there doesn't seem to be a drop-in replacement available.

If you've given one an honest evaluation and don't like it, then fair enough.

ETA: Have you looked at a Remington 7615? Fast slide action, but still limited to 5 rounds thanks to the AR mags.
 
Silverado said:
ETA: Have you looked at a Remington 7615? Fast slide action, but still limited to 5 rounds thanks to the AR mags.
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With LAR and .50Beowolf mags, you are limited to 10 and 14 rounds. Not 5. Hence why the OP wants something that takes AR Mags I would assume.

Also, I would think a t97 would be comparably accurate. Its not rocket science to make a decently accurate gun after all, its not like you are striving for benchrest accuracy.
 
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RobertMcC said:
Problem with AR180B be the best if it wasn't for the polymer lower. Just simple built.
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I don't think I would go with a polymer lower as a trunk gun. I would be afraid the constant changes in temperatures come winter time would weaken the lower making it more brittle over the course of time. Im sure its cold weather tested, however i would still be paranoid.
 
Ebola said:
I don't think I would go with a polymer lower as a trunk gun. I would be afraid the constant changes in temperatures come winter time would weaken the lower making it more brittle over the course of time. Im sure its cold weather tested, however i would still be paranoid.
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What I was saying, The lower is what kills it, I like how simple designed it is.
 
Kind of looking for the same thing.
Settled on trying a mini14 whenever I find one.

Next up if I don't like it is a MR1
After that I'll give up and buy an xcr.

SU16 is over priced and inaccurate, and vz58 has bad irons and just doesn't seem ideal for me either.
Another odd recommendation, M1 Carbine? 5rd magazines but lightweight and handy to carry.
I like the 7615 for what it's worth. Nice irons, 10rd magazines, but still, it's no semi.
 
After hunting with a HEAVY Brownig BAR Shirtrac Hogstaker I decided that I wanted something lighter and more handy. I've gone with a VZ58 (yes, no AR mags) in 7.62x39. I've only put 20 rounds through it but so far I like it ALOT, very handy, very light, and a nice trigger.

You can get the VZ in .223 and there are AR mag adapters that can be had for it.

Another option I suppose.
 
EchoAlpha said:
It is a rather big deal. 5 rounds only and $60-70 a mag. F that.
Don't mean to be overly confrontation just really not impressed with that.
This gun is not just a carry around and hardly ever shoot, I'd like to use it as a fun plinker as well.
If I was going to get a gun with non ar mags I'd probably be looking at a vz 58.
Click to expand...

mini 14 mags
SFRC has Tapco 5/30 for 39.95 each
Westrifle has metal 5/30 for 45.00
HiCal has the Tapco 5/30 for 39.99
HiCal has metal 5/30 for 49.00

while i will agree with you im not impressed with the increase in price of the mini14 over the last year if you can find them for $700-800 thats the route to go.
i got mine for that price, $80 for a Hogue stock and 10 mags and its my go to gun for the bush. wish i had it growing up on the farm.
but until they make ARs NR the mini14 will be my beat around gun.
 
Although out if your budget, I must highly recommend the Tavor. It is perfectly suited for farm/Ranch work. It is just so compact and we'll balanced it rides perfectly in any tractor or pickup.
 
I think a lot of guys read this thread and think it's a question of "name your favorite rifle". A 3000$ bull pup has no practicality on a farm. If the calibre is .223/5.56mm I would use a stainless mini. Honestly though if it were me I would go the bolt action route. The mini is a practical semi, durable, doesn't require maintenance or cleaning but is easy to do so, and you're not going to cry if it gets dirty or scuffed. I would personally rather have a good bolt action varmint rifle but to each their own.
 
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