Beginner .223/556 Semi Auto Rifle

[CUatTheEnd]

So since I saw the Keltec SU-16c yesterday, I watched some youtube videos and it seemed like a "beginner" semi auto, "AR's little brother." Ever since I watched those videos, it looks like a pretty cool little rifle.

So my questions to you is what would your recommend for someone looking for a beginner semi auto rifle in a .223/556? I have only shot hunting rifles for big game at this time but I am becomming more interested in the AR line of rifles. Want to keept it fairly inexpensive (yeah I know...no need to comment on that) [ROFL1]. Something under $600.00 if possible (Plain Jane if you will)

I was checking out some simular threads about this last night but want your imput since the CO AR-15 members are "All Knowing" [Beer]

Thanks and enjoy the upcoming weekend!

[islandermyk]

My first rifle was a SOCOM16... and it literally is a blast shooting [Muaha].
I'm not all knowing... but it would make sense to get an AR that is chambered in 5.56 so that way you still can shoot .223 in it. AR's are so much fun shooting, breaking down, building up, etc... get and an AR and see yourself.... I don't think you'll regret [Beer]

[CUatTheEnd]

Yeah, everyone keeps telling me that, which scares me a little. Can't afford to get too hooked or I may end up getting a divorice [ROFL2]. A memeber here (Dive) said he has two AR's and was willing to take me out for "the experience of a lifetime." Any additional feedback is greatly appreciated.

[trlcavscout]

Yeah, everyone keeps telling me that, which scares me a little. Can't afford to get too hooked or I may end up getting a divorice [ROFL2]. A memeber here (Dive) said he has two AR's and was willing to take me out for "the experience of a lifetime." Any additional feedback is greatly appreciated.


Never trust a man that offers you the "experience of a lifetime" [ROFL1]

You can get into AR's in the $600 range for DPMS's. You can also buy in parts, by the complete lower, save your money up and buy the complete upper, it will save some money, get what you want the first time, and get better quality. Or buy all parts individually and their are a lot of guys here that will help you get it together. I would do the upper/lower or parts options over the bottom of the barrel option trying to find the cheapest new one complete.

[CUatTheEnd]

Thanks Scout. There is a lot of options for sure, and those weren't Dive's exact words [ROFL1]

I'm not in any hurry I am just looking to get some suggestions. I have a few Glocks I would be willing to bring to the table for trade (19 and 26) + $$, once I get a better feel of what I exactly want. Which may never happen.

[cms81586]

If your budget is $600 either save some more or buy something other than an AR. Cheap AR's tend to have issues. For a couple hundred more you can get a Bushy or Colt from CDNN, or find a good one here in the marketplace. There's also building one yourself and buying quality parts on various sites like here and the EE on ARFCOM. Otherwise, look for a used Arsenal SLR-106FR. It's a 5.56 AK that would serve you well.

CMS

[Zombie Steve]

Do some research and build one...

I'd recommend you get a stripped lower and buy a parts kit (I'm sure there would be more than a few folks that would help you out here), then buy a complete upper. It will be headspaced and test fired from the factory. Attach upper to lower and blast away.

I'd make sure you got one chambered for 5.56mm and a 1:7 to 1:9 barrel twist. That way it will stabilize the heavier bullets.

I've bought a few AR's complete in the past... built my first a few years ago. The nice thing is you get exactly what you want. What I wanted was a "KISS" lightweight A2 with a mid-length gas system. Here it is:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x214/sbecht/DSCF1914.jpg


Ask a bunch of questions along the way... good luck.

[CUatTheEnd]

Thanks CMS & ZOMBIE

Very helpful. I will continue the research and ask questions along the way. Appreciate the feedback everyone! Keep them coming!

[Zombie Steve]

Give us an idea what you're looking to use it for... varmint / target, HD, 3 gun matches... just a good all-rounder? That will help us get into topics like chrome lined barrel vs. chrome moly, et cetera.

Even thought I went with an A2 top on mine, you'll probably want to look at an A3 / flat top... much easier to mount optics should you go that route.

Don't get all hung up on "the chart" floating around the internet. If your castle nut or gas key isn't staked properly, it takes 5 minutes total to do so. Does it matter if it's parkerized under the front sight base? Probably not.

By the way - mine was about $700 to build, including the MIAD grip. I probably have a regular grip or two lying around if you're interested. Might save you a few bucks.

[CUatTheEnd]

Zombie,

Right now, everything you just said....over my head! Just a good reliable HD/Target Semi-Auto Rifle...then who knows. It's first and foremost, knowledge that I am looking for, understanding and knowing the difference between one or another. Hands on, the building of a gun, allows me to understand each part and it's overall function. The internet is a beautiful thing. I need to find the book at Barnes and Nobels that reads "AR for Dummies" those black and yellow ones. [Beer] A list of uppers/lowers/kits would be helpful, what to look for etc. Thanks again, looks like I got a lot of work ahead of me. Once again, appreciate the feedback!



Give us an idea what you're looking to use it for... varmint / target, HD, 3 gun matches... just a good all-rounder? That will help us get into topics like chrome lined barrel vs. chrome moly, et cetera.

Even thought I went with an A2 top on mine, you'll probably want to look at an A3 / flat top... much easier to mount optics should you go that route.

Don't get all hung up on "the chart" floating around the internet. If your castle nut or gas key isn't staked properly, it takes 5 minutes total to do so. Does it matter if it's parkerized under the front sight base? Probably not.

By the way - mine was about $700 to build, including the MIAD grip. I probably have a regular grip or two lying around if you're interested. Might save you a few bucks.

[beast556]

I guess I will be the first to say Get a mini14 Wally world has the new 580 series for 617$. It will serve your purpose well. My experence if you use the cheapest AR parts you can find, you will probly have problems. You will not be happy, and it will ruin your AR experence. Cuat the end shoot me an IM or give me a call if you still have my number, I have a bunch of 223/556 rifles you can try out and get a feel for what you want. I have all of next week off if you wanna go out to pawnee and get some trigger time in.

[CUatTheEnd]

Hey Beast,

I have shot a Ruger Mini 14, my dad recently got rid of it, I was pissed. It was sweet. I leave for Omaha on Monday and I will be heading back and forth from Monday June 13 - July 2 for work. My first trip, I get back Friday morning early and should have that day availabe until 5pm or so when I have to pick up the kiddos. I'll send you a PM



I guess I will be the first to say Get a mini14 Wally world has the new 580 series for 617$. It will serve your purpose well. My experence if you use the cheapest AR parts you can find, you will probly have problems. You will not be happy, and it will ruin your AR experence. Cuat the end shoot me an IM or give me a call if you still have my number, I have a bunch of 223/556 rifles you can try out and get a feel for what you want. I have all of next week off if you wanna go out to pawnee and get some trigger time in.

[Zundfolge]

If you're in no hurry, keep an eye on the CMMG Bargain Bin (http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cat=161) ... they often have nice ARs there for a good price.


AR's may not be as beginner's wallet friendly, but they do tend to be good guns for a beginning shooter to learn on.