Which Semi-Auto .223

cote_b

cote_b

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Hi,
I am currently looking for a non-restricted semi-auto .223. I have been looking at the Ruger mini-14 and armalite ar-180b. Both are under 1000$ and non-restricted. Which of these two would be the best bet? or should I save a bit more money and bother with att's and stuff to get a colt or bushmaster ar-15? I may also consider going .308, since the Norc M-14 is relatively inexpensive. Would taht be a better choice over, lets say, a Mini-14, which is only about 200 bucks more?
I also have been looking at a ruger pcr9, which is sorta like a mini-14 in 9mm. Would this be a good choice? For now I can only afford one, since I am only 18.

Any input is apprecated.
 
Do you only want to spend 1000. There are few options at that price. You could add the norinco Type 97 which is .223/5.56 which also takes AR15 mags so no problem finding mags for it. Canada Ammo is bringing them in for December at $849 and if you preorder he even throws in a picatinny rail for mounting optics. Did I mention it is also non restricted and its a bullpup rifle. If you want to spend more there are a few more options other than what you have mentioned. There are the Swiss Arms Black/Green Special, the Tavor, The Robinson Armaments XCR all non restricted.
 
The ruger mini-14 takes proprietary mags i think. Plus the mini-30 is not very accurate. They are good guns, but not great. I say go for Swiss Arms or XCR. Both great guns with my personal rating of 90% or better. 100% would mean I would not change a single thing on it if I had all the money in the world.

Personally as an XCR owner the only 223 I may consider would be the Type 97. I wanna bullpup and the price is right compared to the tavor. I've hear a lot of disapointment over the tavor so that kicks it's 2k price out the window.

AR180- B is even cheaper than the mini. If you are stuck on going the cheap route, go for the mini 14. But remember these important words. "Buy cheap. Buy twice."
 
drvrage said:
AR180- B is even cheaper than the mini. If you are stuck on going the cheap route, go for the mini 14. But remember these important words. "Buy cheap. Buy twice."
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Cheaper than the Mini 14? Not the last time I checked. At least you can hit what you are aiming at with the AR180B.
 
Cheaper than the Mini 14? Not the last time I checked. At least you can hit what you are aiming at with the AR180B.
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My AR180b is quite accurate. I have the Bushnell ACOG knockoff( 0 magnification) on it and, can shoot 3-4 inches all day like that. When I actually briefly put a 12x scope on it, I was consistantly shooting 1-2 " 5 shot groups with it.I am sure that could shrink with handloads.
On the other hand, I have fired a couple of mini14s and they shot minute of pie plate at best!
 
I have one of the new "580" series mini 14's that was made in 2008 and has a heavier barrel profile (not the target). It will shoot 1.5" all day. Balanced nice and never jams. Certainly not the mini 14's of yesteryear.
 
Except for the Mini14 ($700), why a semi in .223? For the price, just get an AR for the range since it's the same, cheaper or just a little more than the alternatives. Then save up for a good old fashion bolt gun for non-R useage.
 
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