trying to figure out what rifle to buy

BlaqueJacqueShallaque

BlaqueJacqueShallaque

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First rifle for me.

Thinking 223

Thinking semi-auto

I know the Mini-14 comes well recommended, and I may well end up getting it, but there's something about the appearance of the Mini-14 that I find unappealing.

To me the look of the gun is part of hte appeal, and I prefer the classic lines and classic look, wood stock, etc. Not the assault rifle / tactical look.

Price is not really a major consideration, within reasonable limits. Reliability is much more of a priority.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
BJS
 
I know the Mini-14 comes well recommended
Click to expand...

You need to do more reading.

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Mini-14's are pretty dependable, but as has been noted above, they do tend to shoot minute of barn. I know cause I've got one. Even with all the improvements over the years, 3-4" at a hundred yards seems to be pretty common. I have a Ruger compact in .223 that I love, but it's a bolt. Just took a quick look through the 2010 Buyer's Guide that I picked up a couple days ago. If you want .223, semi-auto and wood/classic lines, about the only option I see is the Browning BAR. Don't know how they shoot and I don't know if this is your thing, but it might not hurt to take a look.

Good luck in your first (but probably not last) search for what you consider to be the perfect gun for you.
 
KePet said:
..I know cause I've got one. Even with all the improvements over the years, 3-4" at a hundred yards seems to be pretty common...
Click to expand...
Out of curiosity, is that figure based off of firing from a supported (bipod, rifle rest, etc) position while seated at a bench? What would the grouping be if were fired from prone (unsupported)?

I read people relating to a grouping size, whether in general or specific, while rarely ever mentioning what firing position that figure is derivative. There's many factors than can affect a grouping, however the exact firing position adversely affects the result.

I don't own a Mini-14, but I own a Sabre Defence XR15 subcarbine (5.56) and on average I get a 70-100mm (3-4") grouping at 100m with iron sights in a prone unsupported position. All things concerned I find that as a pretty decent grouping average, while I do work to better my marksmanship and hope to tighten my average grouping to at least 45-75mm (prone, 100m) by next summer. I just replaced the front sight post with the slimmer 200m-profile post, which'll allow the retention of a better POA and help towards my marksmanship goal.
 
$900.00ish for the ranch rifle and over $1000.00 for the target... Before optics and options.

Thassa lotta green for an out-of-the-box-lead-flinger.

SKS? PolyTech M305 / Norinco M14? CZ 858? FN-49? BAR? A nice Garand that does that neat-o "DIIIINGGG" thing when it ejects the en-bloc clip?

The SKS and 1100 rounds of Milsurp 7.62x39 for $350 at Lever Arms or $375 at Milarm. Similar accuracy, bigger bullet, just as ugly.

You can do SOOOOOOO much better for way less $$$$$$

edit: sorry, just noticed I'm in the Black and Green forum - Check EE for a nice AR180b. If you have lots of the afore-mentioned $$$, Classic Green.
 
Thanks for the input.

Yep, I knew that the mini-14 is not the most accurate of rifles. But dependable it is, supposedly. And easily available.

Need to check out some of those other options. The Browning BAR looks very nice. Literally - I really like the looks.
But it does not seem to come in 223


Need to read a bit


Very much appreciate the input
 
If you want wood and semi auto in .223 then you are thinking hunting rifle. Berretta has a new rifle in .223, CX4? It's plastic but doesn't look traditional black/green.

Honestly either bump up to a 7.62/308 and get a m14 with a pretty boylds wood stock or down to a 7.62x39 and get an sks or vz58, all can be had with wood. But really suck it up and get a real black/green rifle cause that's what you really want or you wouldn't be posting in here. ;)
 
I know the Mini-14 comes well recommended,

By whom???

I had one, once. It was a 6" gun at 100m, on a good day.

Personally, if you want the same performance, for 25% of the cost, I'd say go with an SKS for $200...
:pirate:
 
If price isn't a concern and you want an awesome .223 (5.56) rifle, then go big or go home. Get a Swiss Arms Classic Green in 1/7 OR a IWI Tavor. Don't waste your money on Mini 14's or other substandard garbage.

I would lean more to the Tavor simply because it has the ability to use 10 rnd mags and is much more compact while still retaining it's rifle length barrel.

Just my 2 cents ;) but don't listen to me, do what you want...in the end it's your money.
 
Well, thanks for the input guys.

Browning BAR Short Trac .308 is what I ended up getting. Wouldn't have thought of it unless people had mentioned it (KePet and others).

EDIT: 'fraid I'm not a Tavor / Swiss Arms guy - awesome guns and all, but I like the classic lines.
 
What an excellent choice Jacques. It is a better choice, IMO, than any black rifle for your first gun.

My first REAL gun (beside milsurp beaters and used bargain basement garbage) was a beautiful Ruger No.1 in 25-06. Came from the factory with a bull barrel and I dumped deer with it like pro. Problem was it was a monster on the range too! That damn thing went 1/2~3/4 MOA all day long without missing a beat - and I shot it so much that I plumb wore it out. Velocity fell off, accuracy went to pot, and a trip down the pipe with the bore scope showed a mess kinda like an oil lease road in spring! I may rebarrel it but there are no guarantees that it will shoot like it used to.

If you are going to do lots of target shooting, get a .223 black rifle in your favourite flavour and burn THAT up rather than a fine sporter. I would also recommend a restricted one like the AR15. A purchase like does a couple things for you: it is a clear message to the liberals that they can shove their gun grabbing agenda up their collective rectum - and if they do manage to strangle off the supply of such guns in the future yours will almost certainly be 'grandfathered'. You will also have a fine gun to defend your home and family if the occasion ever arises.

Just my two bits, hope that Browning works out well for you.
 
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