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

Benelli mr1 in .223 is not too crazy expensive (especially second hand/used) and is decent. I like mine , it’s not an awesome rifle but is decently accurate and ultra reliable. Can take AR/Stanag mags as well.
 
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.

save your money, think the first 2 choices you would regret, wait and see what comes up after the shot show and maybe your a fan of cz...cz 805 bren
 
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.

X2

Buy once, cry once.

Similar deal on the HK SL8, I’ve gotten used ones for under $1700. Fantastic deal, match grade barrel.
 
Troy PAR. Ar ergos, accurate, 16” barrel, and you can run that pump pretty fast. And for coyotes you can be a little quieter than dropping the bolt. I love mine, took it coyote hunting today. No luck, too warm, and cuz I’m a terrible coyote hunter, but mostly too warm. Saw a Martin though.
 
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.

Yep, just picked one up for $1700 with an aftermarket AAC flash hider. Good deal at that price. The X95 has some nice features over the Tavor but not $1000 nicer.
 
I have a Ruger American Ranch in 5.56/.223 that is accurate as a laser (almost LOL).
Inexpensive and solid.

Queue the Ruger American haters as I'm sure they chime in to mock me - but don't believe them.
 
The Gen1 T97s are absolutely worth the ~$750 they're going for now in most places. Mine is *very* accurate with Aguila 62gr. The Gen2 fixes 90% of what's wrong with the Gen1s, and they don't cost that much more.
 
A year ago, I would have told you to stay away from the T97. After owning one for a year, I started to experience the feed issue where it would push the bullet into the casing. Sent it back under warranty, and have put thousands upon thousands of rounds through it since without out even a single issue.

It's also proven to be more accurate than my Tavor. I run an XPS on the Tavor and Aimpoint on the T97. Same ammo. Groupings on the T97 have consistently been tighter at 100 and 200 meters. It's also fairly well built.

I can't say I know all the differences between a Gen 1 and Gen 2, aside from the most obvious being that the Gen 2 comes factory with a flat top upper, which IMO is pretty ugly in the way it protrudes out the front, compared to the T97.ca FTU.

It's just not left handed friendly.
 
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.
agreed
 
Just buy a T97 on the EE for around 6-700 bucks, brand new they are $750 from Tenda. Use the rest of the cash for 1000rounds of ammo.

This is what I did. I have a nice AR15 and just wanted something NR to shoot 556/223 and also use the same mags. I have learned and adapted to the shortcomings of the T97, and if you accept it for what it is it is pretty decent, especially for 750 ish, ( I picked up a carry handle model for 600 on EE). It is a rifle that has grown on me and I am a guy who really doesn't like bullpups.
 
Will you be using iron sights or an optic?

The SU16 is both relianle and accurate.
However it is so incredibly light that it feels cheap.
The cracking issues had to do with some bad batches of material, although I suspect it may have had more to do with owners opening the stock and hitting the pin while opening it.
The bolt carrier is limited by the piston and spring, so should not be touching the back of the receiver.
If you want to stay with the super extreme light weight concept, get a Teksite rear M16A1 sight that forms to the back of the receiver and locks into the last rail and just use it as an iron sight.
The rail does make it optic ready, but it is soooo light,,, that you might want to rethink about putting an optic on it.

The T97 again is relable and accurate. It is also a bit more sturdy and to me at least, far easier to maintain and clean.
If you like iron sights, the Gen 1 with the carry handle are the way to go.
Watch the EE boards and make an offer, only important thing to ask is if it loads and feeds ok.
At the ranges of 200m or less, irons should be ok for you.
If you are set on an optic go with the Gen 2.
***If you are left handed,,, the T97 is niot for a leftie! Ejection to the face problems!!!***

Accuracy on either was more dependent on the shooter, down to 2 to 3 moa is not too hard.

Cobra had a good suggestion about a used Tavor.
A little more versatility, but I found the T97s to be as accurate if not better at times!
The short and compactness of the bullpups are awesome after playing with a C7.
I did feel the Tavor felt near fat and chunly after hanfling my T97s though.

I will say flat out that I love everything in 5.56.
While I sold my SU16, I still have my T97s and Tavors and most everything else.

The first black rifle is always the hardest decision to get over the sticker shock.
Once you do though, you will never look back.
I hope I haven't muddied the waters too much.
 
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.

+1. I’m taking a hard look at the Mossberg MVP. Bolt action but AR mag fed, small and scouty, good reviews, sub $1k.
 
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.


This right here.
 
What ever happened to the folks who were going to start building AR-180 NR uppers? If those become available A) they'll get rich and B) we'll be able to put together an all metal AR-180B with very little effort.
 
If ur budget honestly is around $1000, I would stand by what I always recommend and that is the SU 16 TACTICAL. Been using it for years, nothing bad to say about it. As crazy as it sounds, I enjoy it more than all the ARs I've shot and owned.
 
Back
Top Bottom