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) . 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"

Thanks and enjoy the upcoming weekend!

[islandermyk]

My first rifle was a SOCOM16... and it literally is a blast shooting .
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

[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 . 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 . 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"

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

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:




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. 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.