Well... Im also not a big fan of it, but just for 2 reasons. I facking hate all the versions of the stock, and it has the same accuracy as my 200$ sks.
Other than that its an ok rifle, Ive seen and handled much worse crap, even dangerous to the shooter crap.
True, it isn't the worst POS but it is grossly over priced and not of the highest quality.
I know you mentioned no Ruger but throw the mini14 in a sparta and you have a pretty decent black rifle for around a grand and a bit and they hold there value as well as being reliable??
this is a mini30 but same thing as far as looks
So why mention it if the OP specifically said that he was not interested in a Ruger? As another member said, they're heavy as f**k, and not overly accurate. Not to mention they never saw service either so the stock systems available are purely for the wannabe look.. Just saying.
Not to be a smartass or rag on ya but....why does it have to be 223?
Frankly the round is a varmint rd...poor performance on anything other than..varmints..and small ones.
Once you leave the 223 rd behind there are many good choices in NR semis out there. You also have to leave behind the "tactical" thing behind too...
If you want/need "tactical" in 223 NR get out your wallet...there are plenty of companies who have created just what you are looking for..at ridiculous price for value.
If you are satisfied with the 223 as far as ballistics go...then consider leaving behind semi....do you really need it? Get better at gun handling/loading/rifle skills...and enjoy sooo much more value for your money in a 223.
Lastly...what is so repulsive with the Mini14? Good quality/handling/size/function/reliability/aftermarket support. Current models are as accurate as a similarily priced AR.
I own and shoot AR's...they are very cool/easy to shoot well, work on, play with..being able to swap out parts from gun to gun is awesome....BUT the fun stops when I leave the range....or until the law laxes and or the world goes to hell...the latter far more likely.
These are the only ways to get yer' semi 223 on outside of the range.
Frankly my bone stock as issued SKS's are a waaayyy better go for CDN real world semi auto rifle needs. Available/cheap/compact/reliable/easy to work on and repair/tough/ and fire a waayyy more suitable round for the real world needs of a CDN whether it's hunting, protection, varmint control, security, plinking etc.....with ammo both plentiful/affordable. If one feels the need/want to be cooler/tactical there is plenty of crap out there to satisfy.
Most if not all dangerous predators.... thumbs or no thumbs.... in NA can be taken down with 7.62x39....notsomuch with the 223...especially when there's cover and or the hits aren't accurate.
For smaller varmint protection/control/defense and any other use where a 223 semi fits the bill...in Canada a Mini 14 is the obvious and sole choice under or ~ $1K.
Fast follow up shots, being able to dismount the mag to satisfy the law ..on/off/in/out of vehicles, compact, reliable, quality built, practical accuracy...it's got it all in spades.
After this a lever in 357 or 3030 becomes the next to deliver these goods.
Then a purpose built bolt gun adopting the same characteristics.
The .223 cartridge is plentiful, cheap and non corrosive unlike the majority of 7.62x39.
Your assessment of the SKS is not overly accurate. It isn't compact, nor lightweight. It groups like an 8" smooth bore shotgun and the aftermarket accessories are of lesser quality than the rifle itself. Shot placement is the most crucial element regardless of calibre so the 7.62x39 has no "margin of error" advantage over .223, which has been killing people and game for over half a century just like the 7.62x39.
The mini is a ripoff and a slightly better built American version of the SKS. The VZ line is a much superior choice that weighs less, built better and groups well.
Here's one that we may hopefully be getting soon. You will have to save up a bit more though!
Another low end offering from Keltec... I'm waiting anxiously for this one......
I could say the same thing for tavor and ACR but hey that's just my opinion.
I agree, both the ACR and Tavor are also over priced and over hyped. Although the Tavor has seen service.
ha the xcr hater most of them never use one and for the few that had one didnt shot it enough , always having the main reason the poor accuracy maybe it just you guys not the rifle it more easy to blame an inanimate object than yourself ....
The XCR is a poorly designed and made wannabe service rifle offered by one of the most bat sh*t crazy people in the firearms industry. They are nose heavy, less than reliable and offer marginal to poor accuracy. Not a bad choice, if it wasn't about $1500 over priced..
Except you would be wrong LOL
The tavor has been in service with the IDF for over 14 years. As well as in:
Angola
Azerbaijan
Brazil
Cameroon
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Ethiopia
Georgia
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Macedonia
Mexico
Nepal
Nigeria
Peru
Philippines
Portugal
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
Vietnam
USA
And the ACR is in service in Poland
Shawn
The US are not fielding the Tavor with the military. Being sold to the public does not constitute being "in service".
Same with the people that hate jr's and su-16's. They never touched one, but they hate them.
Handled a few, shot one, and laughed the whole time. Wondered how anyone could legally sell such a poorly made(see dangerous) POS and still sleep at night. I had a sub 2000 for a while, it was kind of fun but not reliable and the screws that held it together would back off. Promptly sold it.
TW25B