what's a viable inexpensive Non-Restricted .223/5.56x45 rifle?

R

raoufhakam

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probably been asked before,

but it seems there's a decent non-restricted .223/5.56x45 rifle that doesn't break the bank (sub $1,000)?

it seems the only options out there are:
1. Norinco T97: chinese with few niggles (my only experience with Norinco was a JW-2000 that failed after first shot, breaking the stock and f*cked up trigger)
2. Kel Tec SU-16: seem to have some feeding issues and some people reported upper receiver fail/break at the back where it pins to lower)
3. Ruger Mini-14: non AR-magazine and limited parts/accessories

any other options im missing?

everything else is either Restricted or outrageously expensive (XCR, Tavor, PE90, ...etc.)

i do have Restricted PAL but would like a NR rifle to take to the woods or the free outdoor DNR ranges we have here.
 
Probably your best bet is a used Tavor on the EE - I've seen them as cheap as $1650. A bit over your budget, but wayyyyy better than any of the other options in the price range. They're a bargain at anything under $1700 - the introduction of the X95 killed the resale price on them.
 
The problem is that any GOOD rifle that is a semi auto 5.56 AND is non restricted carries a significant premium just because its a good semi auto 5.56 that is non restricted.

Tavors aren't worth half of what people are paying for them, but thats the NR premium people are willing to pay.

AR 180B would be exactly what you are looking for, but they were never made in any great number and are pretty rare, as a result they carry a hefty premium as well for both the NR 5.56 crowd wants them, and the history buffs who missed out on owning the original AR 180 want them as well.

Any way you slice it, $1000 bucks is a bit of a low ball for a good centre fire semi auto.
 
BadLieutenant said:
Mini 14 / Mini 30 ..... a good and reliable rifle

Many options if you want to make it more "black"

(I have many rifles, and still enjoy my Mini 14)
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i'm not really lusting to go down whole "tacticool/black rifle" road. i get my hand on C7's almost everyday at work, so looks and tacticool gadgets aren't really what i'm looking to make out of my next purchase (or any rifle in my cabinet).

i've thought of the Mini-30 for a bit, but then i'd feel bad about shooting nasty surplus ammo down a Ruger barrel, i keep that for my SKS. and clean 7.62 ammo is almost as expensive as .223, so might as well stick with that ?
 
Gatehouse said:
What is it you want to do with the rifle is my question?

Hunt coyotes? Shoot beer cans? How far?
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you pretty much answered your own question, hunting coyotes and shooting cans/punching paper (more of the second though).

i'd say 200m is as far as i'll shoot in 99% of the time (most DNR Ranges i go to are 100-120m even)
 
raoufhakam said:
you pretty much answered your own question, hunting coyotes and shooting cans/punching paper (more of the second though).

i'd say 200m is as far as i'll shoot in 99% of the time (most DNR Ranges i go to are 100-120m even)
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Nothing wrong with a new generation Mini 14 then. Easy to scope, accurate enough and doesn't sound like you need more than a handful of mags, so you are good. :)
 
CoonT said:
What about the Mossberg bolt? Are you sticking to semi auto?


MVP I think?

Doesn't ruger make one as well?
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I was going to say this as well, unless I missed somthing about only want a semi. Another option is the 858 in .223/5.56, if you can find a used NR one on the EE. Kel Tec SU 16's seem to go either way, but my experience with Kel Tec has been less than stellar although I've never owned the SU 16.
 
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