Best 5.56 Semi-auto

Ohno

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Hello B&G rifle buffs

Just looking for some input/opinions on a new plinker.
Parameters:
Price: Aprox $1K
Non-restricted or restricted semi-auto = I have restricted class PAL, but prefer the ease of a non-restricted
Calibre: 5.56 = cheap to shoot
Accuracy: 1-2MOA

My question is what is out there? Or am I dreaming to think I can get the above?
Are most restricted AR type guns because of the barrel length?

I researched a bit and found the following, but wonder if I'm missing something? How do these guys stack up against one another?
- AR 180B-2
- Kel Teck SU-16
- XCR
- Ruger Mini M-14


Thanks,
O.

PS. Don't beat me if this has already been discussed to death. I searched the B&G forum and didn't find much.:onCrack:
 
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AR180B
Loose the Mini-14, accuracy measured in minute of football field
To my knowledge, the XCR costs more and is hard to get.
Isn't the Kel-tec restricted??

( Don't ban me for this, I am only answering to the best of my knowledge )
 
Pretty much dead on, Slowbalt, if you're dead set on 5.56mm. If you're open to 7.62x39 look at Marstar or Wolverine for their Czech Vz 58 non-restricted versions. 7.62x39 is substantially cheaper than anything but .22lr if bought by the case.
 
Forget the mini 14 - I just traded mine away and was glad to be rid of it. If it wasn't for old A-team reruns nobody would own one anymore. I've got no experience with the rest. As has already been suggested, why stick with .223? It costs more than 7.62x39 and also limits your choices. If you're willing to go either .223 or 7.62x39 you've got way more options. You can get a way pimped up SKS and about two cases of ammo for the cost of an AR 180-B.
 
I had an AR180B and sold it but I now wish I hadn't. Easy to clean and accurate enough, I really enjoyed it. It is what you are looking for with the criteria you list above.
 
I had an AR180B and sold it but I now wish I hadn't. Easy to clean and accurate enough, I really enjoyed it. It is what you are looking for with the criteria you list above.

That was me too... I went back and am not regretting it. It's more than 7.62x39, but I don't need to worry (as much) about corrosion either ;) hehe
 
I now have Steve's old AR180B and love it....muhahaha!

This rifle is the most unbelievable to clean. I was in the CF and was used to the brutal fouling that the C7 produced in the receiver, barrel, mag well, trigger....heck just about everywhere. The AR-18 design leaves practically nothing behind in comparison after firing comparable amounts of ammo.

I can massacre pop cans shooting offhand 75 yards with comparative ease.

Nice, incredibly light weight, ergonomic, mean looking and easy to maintain.

Nothing comes close to the AR-180B in its price range.

Also its Non-Restriced.....I've hunted gophers with a friend who also had an AR-180B....amazing to see people's faces seeing us walking about with 'em.

Wholesale sports had 40 rounds Winchester .223 55gr. FMJ for $13 a box....can't beat that....SKS ammo costs as much.
 
While I do love my XCR, scarecrow is right, the pe90 is available as well. I personally don't like the pe90, mostly because of the mags. My xcr has an H-bar, and the pe90 is plain heavy. meanwhile the Ar-180b has a plastic lower. choices choices.

The cz858 is awesome (have two of em) but mounting optics is a #####, plus 7.62x39 is not a good gopher round (rainbow like trajectory imho) but can be used on deer, and black bear to some extent.

with the xcr, you may someday be able to pick up a 7.62x39 kit, and have the best of both, plus non-restricted to boot.
 
I now have Steve's old AR180B and love it....muhahaha!

Glad to hear she is working out for ya MR! I shall get another someday! :rockOn:

I think there is no question you are going to get a better quality rifle with the Swiss Arms/Robinson stuff but for around a grand, the AR180 is great for what it is.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

Just wondering what the reasoning is behind the restriction class on AR type rifles? (Like our F/A laws make sense).
Would a restricted open up more options?

O.
 
There is no reason in any of our gun laws, and any attempt to apply logic to them will only result in migraines. You should get a restricted PAL anyway - eventually you'll want what you can't have now.
 
i'm in the same market and you really either really expensive option EI XCR tavor SIG etc or ones that seem to have a bad rep EI mini 14 and ar180(not so much but no one like the plactic)
 
Best .223 available in Canada.... Hmmmm .... :runaway:

  1. Swiss Arms Black Special / Green Classic or the Red or Blue variants ($3K)
  2. HK SL8-4 ($2K)
  3. AR15 variant ($1.5K RESTRICTED)

... but in and around the $1K mark you have the AR180B. Doubt anyone has alternate options that are as available. AR180B also seems to keep value, also has a growing list of cool rails and stock options... :shotgun:

*** All of the above except the Swiss Arms have some ability to take RRA 10 round mags.

If its value then go the SKS route (7.62x39) thats hours of cheap fun....
 
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