I've been waiting on the sidelines trying to see how the new restrictions, buybacks etc. would play out and I'm wondering if there are many options out there left in the $2500-3000 price range that are semi auto, decent quality and non restricted? My research so far doesn't return much outside of an AR180 clone or Bren2 if they ever make it into Canada. I'm far from an expert though and would really like to have 1 quality rifle that I can take with me somewhere other than to a range and back. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I'm a bit flexible with calibre but .223 or higher is preferred.
Quality NR semi auto fifle options around $2500-$3K
- Thread starter thepress83
- Start date
onetwentyish
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- East Central AB (AKA Northern Texas)
Up to 3k is a solid budget. An x95 is probably your best bet, although for some it's a bit of a learning curve if they're too stuck on conventional rifle layouts. Accuracy isn't its strong suit but it's acceptable as long as you're using it for what it was designed for, a dead nuts reliable 3moa compact rifle...
If accuracy is your shtick then I would save up some more for the APC223, but be forwarned that it is significantly more bulky in front heavy.
If accuracy is your shtick then I would save up some more for the APC223, but be forwarned that it is significantly more bulky in front heavy.
You’re pretty much stuck with a bullpup or a 180 variant.
The kodiak gen 2 seems to be the new hotness with a bunch of the problems ironed out. SBI makes are pretty nice and light lower (can’t fit a beavertail grip though), but their uppers are made with the pic rail slightly higher than pic rail on a handguard which makes it look absolutely terrible. I don’t know what they were thinking with that move?
Sterling Arms R18 MK2 is definitely the nicest looking option, with familiar egros, and checks all the boxes for a modern semi auto. It’s down side is the weight, but all things considered it’s a Canadian NR and a 18.5” barrel and associated weight is the cost. It’s definitely a DMR, would be a great coyote gun with a bipod and LPVO. Probably not going to be something you slap a red dot on and use it for 3gun. It also seems to be the rifle with the most piece of mind, as JR has been top notch in customer service and support.
Best Frankenstein option imo would be a SBI lower, with gen 1 kodiak upper, MRA handguard, and light profile barrel from ATRS.
The kodiak gen 2 seems to be the new hotness with a bunch of the problems ironed out. SBI makes are pretty nice and light lower (can’t fit a beavertail grip though), but their uppers are made with the pic rail slightly higher than pic rail on a handguard which makes it look absolutely terrible. I don’t know what they were thinking with that move?
Sterling Arms R18 MK2 is definitely the nicest looking option, with familiar egros, and checks all the boxes for a modern semi auto. It’s down side is the weight, but all things considered it’s a Canadian NR and a 18.5” barrel and associated weight is the cost. It’s definitely a DMR, would be a great coyote gun with a bipod and LPVO. Probably not going to be something you slap a red dot on and use it for 3gun. It also seems to be the rifle with the most piece of mind, as JR has been top notch in customer service and support.
Best Frankenstein option imo would be a SBI lower, with gen 1 kodiak upper, MRA handguard, and light profile barrel from ATRS.
jagermyster
CGN Regular
- Location
- British Columbia
In the same boat as you and the only gun i was interested in was a non restricted bren which isnt happening anymore so ive settled on a type 81, cheaper,not a bullpup, reliable, and will do the job for the time being. In the slim slim the NR bren gets delivered next summer ( probably wont) ill get one but until then im slinging combloc ammo
I had the same dilemma, x95 is my choice but while waiting and fear of having another $$$$ paper weight(the wife loves that) I grabbed a Sig Cross in .308\.277 SIG fury and a base model Ruger PCC to tame to the brand new semi itch and fomo. The X95's reliability is the main factor for me . But the rumors of what's next on the hit list, I have heard any semi with a military pedigree will be banned ( Male knitting circle type rumors) and semi's designed just for civil use are OK, example Kel-Tec RDB. All just rumor and speculation but the words of a gentlemen I trust cost me a god damm Tavor, I should go after the Government for pain and suffering lol.
Another vote for the X95. It has been rock solid reliable for me. I can feed anything through it and it shoots with no issues (aside from putting slight dents in the brass during the ejection process, which apparently is normal). I clean mine regularly though I have since found out I can go many thousands of rounds between cleaning, and even then it is not necessarily needed. The worksmanship on the bullpup is great as is the ergonomics. It was a fair chunk of change, and my kids and I ended up eating cat food for several months as a result (kidding), but it was one expenditure I absolutely do not regret.
I handled a Crusader Arms 180 based rifle. A little front heavy but overall I'd say best bang for the buck going on any of the 180 designs. $1,800 with a good trigger. This is a handling only comparison and going from reviews I've had of the other 180 designs, as well as owning a WS-MCR.
i m like you the tavor 21 second gen is great ... and less expensive if you can find one,.
