Semi-auto 223 options

MiniMe

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I was thinking of getting something different than my ARs that I can use outside of the range (for hunting/cottage)
I'd like it to be a .223 semi-auto that uses AR mags, because I already have tons of that. Under $2k would be nice. It doesn't have to be a sub-moa wonder, but I also don't want something that will make my targets look like a shotgun pattern.

I can think of:

T97
Tavor (ouch $)
ACR (ouch $$$$$$)
XCR (ouch $$$)
Benelli MR1

AR180B (only used)
Bushmaster M17s (only used)

Mini14 looks nice, but doesn't use AR mags.

Am I missing any rifle or are these all the ones that fit the criteria?
What rifles are worth the money? It seems a few of them are just expensive because they are NR but are not worthy of their price tag.

Thanks for your help.
 
Should be able to find a used XCR for 2K, think there is one on the EE now. Plus future caliber changes available when money permits.

Some complain about accuracy but it's fine for what it is. It's not a MOA shooter but not that far off.
 
If you are patient, the old gen xcr rifles go for under 1800 bucks, and they are still good rifles. If I am not mistaken you can change the buffer system to the new one from the latest gen xcr as well.
 
Yeah a used XCR would be a good bet. For new there is also the vz58 (not AR mags but I believe an adapter exists), keltec su16 (AR mags and decent aftermarket) , h&k SL8 (closer to Tavor pricing). Not too much else in the NR 223 class that I can think of.

If 1,000$ was your budget I would suggest mini 14 (minus the AR mags) but if 2k is it, look for a used XCR.
 
I had a XCR-L HB keymod, reliable and 1 Moa was a piece of cake. The only downside , IMO was the weight , for offhand shooting and carrying around in the bush. I sold that and bought a SU 16 predator at 5.5 lbs it's nice for offhand shooting. I just put the first 300 rnds through it using lar mags. Zero issues. I think I can get this under 2 Moa . When I get back from work I'll do some hand loading tests.
 
There's the H&K SL8--you can get AR-compatible maxwells for (or at least you used to...not sure if they're still available or not). The odd NR FS2000 shows up now and then, but I haven't seen one on the EE for months.

There's a significant gap between the sub-$1000 cheapies like the T97 and SU16 and the bunch that are $2000+...it's only the MR1 really. The popularity of the AR in the States makes it tough for any other manufacturer to develop a competing rifle.

Oh right, I just remembered the JARD. Does anyone have one here yet?
 
There's the H&K SL8--you can get AR-compatible maxwells for (or at least you used to...not sure if they're still available or not). The odd NR FS2000 shows up now and then, but I haven't seen one on the EE for months.

There's a significant gap between the sub-$1000 cheapies like the T97 and SU16 and the bunch that are $2000+...it's only the MR1 really. The popularity of the AR in the States makes it tough for any other manufacturer to develop a competing rifle.

Oh right, I just remembered the JARD. Does anyone have one here yet?
Had one for a day, they have issues that need to be worked out . And the design is not the greatest.
 
I was starting to like the xcr suggestions until I saw the jard and lower price tag. Lol
I hope they fix the issues...
That would be a nice option in a better price than a xcr

The MR1 also has a better price, any know issues with it.

How good Is the SU16? I'm not a big fan of polymers, but for that price I think i should at least check it out

I'll check out the h&k and fs2000.
 
I have the new predator it's my second su16 . You should have no problem shooting a yote at a few hundred yards . There was a few issues of cracked receivers but I havnt heard of any lately. Anyway it's a non issue if your the origional owner as it has a lifetime warranty. The predator is OD green with a folding stock which I'm not fond of. I'm going to replace my folding stock with a pistol grip. At 5.5 lbs it's nice and light for offhand shooting and lugging around all day. There's lots of haters of these but I've had no issues. I've had the XCR and the Jard and now Im on my second SU16.
 
I had a XCR-L HB keymod, reliable and 1 Moa was a piece of cake. The only downside , IMO was the weight , for offhand shooting and carrying around in the bush. I sold that and bought a SU 16 predator at 5.5 lbs it's nice for offhand shooting. I just put the first 300 rnds through it using lar mags. Zero issues. I think I can get this under 2 Moa . When I get back from work I'll do some hand loading tests.

How heavy was the new keymod XCR with HB???
 
If cheap mags is your main concern I wouldnt get hung up on the price of Mini-14 mags if you're willing to spend 1000$ more to get a rifle that uses AR mags. Ask yourself "just how many magazines do i plan on buying?". A 1000 bucks will get you a chit ton of Ruger factory 20 or 30 rounders.

Just to be clear Im talking about a 581 series or later Mini-14, the older ones arent worth even talking about. Theyre not even the same rifle, despite sharing the same name.
 
I've noticed a lot of t97's and tavor's in the EE lately , there might be a little panicking going on

I'm in the exact same position as the OP and shopping the same guns; never really gave much of a thought about changes to gun laws with changes to gov't, but after reading no few threads on the topic on CGN I'm more and more wary of such a purchase right now too. Crazy system we have.
 
Very cool. I thought they were all the same, quality-wise. Would love to get one, if for no other reason than angry beard hates them. Will have to dig into this a bit more.
If cheap mags is your main concern I wouldnt get hung up on the price of Mini-14 mags if you're willing to spend 1000$ more to get a rifle that uses AR mags. Ask yourself "just how many magazines do i plan on buying?". A 1000 bucks will get you a chit ton of Ruger factory 20 or 30 rounders.

Just to be clear Im talking about a 581 series or later Mini-14, the older ones arent worth even talking about. Theyre not even the same rifle, despite sharing the same name.
 
IMHO, bad timing. Too much uncertainty around semis until after the election.
My advice for fun cottage plinking - get an sks and a crate. Lots of pew pew and limits your exposure.

I disagree. Given the pending political uncertainties I think that buying non-restricted semiautos prior to the election, especially from private sellers is the smart thing to do.
 
Wasn't thinking about that, but NRs would be an even better option considering NDP is going up in the pools.
I thought about the mini, but the 5 rounds mags are really boring and I like my Beowulf mags.
If the SU16 isn't that bad, I could get one and a mini.....lol

The T97 looks nice, specially with the FTU, but I wonder how good the accuracy is.
 
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