Help choosing a .223 platform

K

KaNcEr

New member
Im an AK man, but I would like to add a .223 to the family. Problem is, I dont know a whole lot about them. I remember trying to research AKs when I decided that I wanted one, it was a nightmare... So much BS to sift through, it took me months to get on the right track. And I would like to start on the right track with my .223 venture instead of aimlessly doing google and youtube searchs.

Im debating on these 3 currently:
AR-15
SCAR
ACR

This is information Im currently seeking:
Pros/Cons
ergonomics
bang for my buck
brands/models to consider

Like I said, Im more of an AK guy... and theres alot of brands and models to choose from, not sure if its the same story with the SCAR and ACR since they are pretty new, but if there are, Id like to know about them.

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
I have the SCAR 16.

Pros:
Balanced
Not heavy
Simple take down for cleaning
Accurate
Robust components
Zero recoil
Tight fit
Exudes quality
1 in 9 Twist: Shoots 55 grain and 62 grain equally well. Can stabilize heavier rounds.
Monolithic rail
Front and rear sights flip down and are rugged and useful
Charging handle can be on either side
Folding Stock - weapon still operates when folded
Collapsible stock
Adjustable check weld/comb
Plenty of sling attachment points
Chrome lined barrel
Muzzle Brake
Chamber and bolt carrier group stay clean and cool
Bolt is slightly different that AR15 bolt and said to be heavier.

Cons:
Loud - because of Muzzle Brake
Charging handle is high enough that some optic mounts leave little clearance
P-MAGS do not allow bolt catch lever to lower correctly (and damaged mags or out of spec mags can do likewise)


Notice that I did not mention price as a pro or a con. Spend what you can afford to spend, risk what you can afford to loose.

I have only shot three AR-15's in my life. They shoot fine. I have never cleaned one. Since I have no training with an AR, the battery of arms, the way it functions, the location of the controls of the AR were not a selling point for me.

I have owned a SIG 556. If you are pleased with the AK world you might like the bolt carrier group of the SIG 556. The Robinson Arms XCR is also similar.

I will some day get an AR-15, most likely a S&W, Rock River, or similar.

During my research I emailed several gun reviewers that I felt are independent and would give me solid advice. My results of their recommendations are listed in order:
1) SCAR
2) LWRC
3) ACR

I asked them which the liked the best, which gun they wanted to shoot.

Good luck with your quest. I recommend you lay out your budget.
Consider the entire package, weapon, optic, sling, mags, and ammo, etc.
(This is from a $1200 AR to a $2500 Piston Rifle)
Weapon price $1200 - $2500
Optic price $500 - $1000
Sling price $35 - $120
Mags price $10 * 10 mags = $100
Ammo price $300 for 1,000 rounds

Low end is $2135
High end is $4020

Of course these are just estimates and guesses, but it all adds up fast. It is all just to illustrate things to consider.

Buy what you can afford. Set a time for when you want to make your purchase and then buy within your means and stay within the amount. Being too deep into something price-wise can result in extreme anxiety if there are any issues with any of the components, especially if the rifle has problems.

BTW: Here is the link when I was asking a similar question:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=457456
 
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I really like the ar platform. The ruger sr556 is great. And u can change uppers for different calibers.

Also get a saiga in 223!!! Basically an ak
 
Find an Arsenal SLR-106 and you'll have a sweet AK 101 and a 5.56mm rifle. Otherwise get a DI AR.
 
I have only shot a SCAR a few times. No experience with the ACR. I have two AR type carbines (BCM upper on spikes lower and S&W upper on spikes lower). Also, I have shot some piston ARs.

I would stay with an DI AR. I like the feel of the regular DI AR the most compared to the SCAR and piston AR. Also, DI AR cost less than others. It is a proven design. The newer design have some advantages over the DI AR but too little gain to warrant the cost.

My first AR is a .223 BCM SS mid-weight mid-length 1/8 twist upper on a spikes tactical lower. It is on the heavy side. It is more accurate with 62 grain bullets than 55 grain (easily does 1" at 50 yard rested).
My other AR is a S&W 5.45x39 carbine length --- just/almost as accurate as the BCM at 50 yards with surplus corrosive ammo. A lot cheaper to shoot but must clean after range trip (not difficult but Iam lazy). I would only recommend this if you shoot a lot (enough so that the savings will worth the cleaning).

Both are plenty accurate for the type of shooting I do with these carbines - more action type than seated shooting for groups.

If I were to have only 1 AR, I would get a regular .223 BCM mid-length DI AR upper (1/8 or 1/9 twist) + a 1-4x scope with illuminated reticle. Spikes lower or build my own (maybe with a Gisselle trigger). It would be plenty for what I would want to do with it. Spikes upper are good, too.

How do you plan to use the carbine ?
 
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Im debating on these 3 currently:
AR-15
SCAR
ACR

This is information Im currently seeking:
Pros/Cons
ergonomics
bang for my buck
brands/models to consider
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

I have no experience with the SCAR so I wont comment on that however
ACR
Pros/Cons mostly cons in my opinion. every single switch and lever on that thing is either in an awkward location or awkward to operate. it is(or at least the one I shot) highly inaccurate and the compactness was not that great considering the fact that it weighs just as much(if not more) than an AR15 of equal setup)
ergonomics were alright for me but nothing impressive.
bang for my buck not great, IMO it costs way too much for what you get.
brands/models to consider bushmaster is the only one that makes it.

AR15
Pros/Cons requires a bit more lube than most rifles and most come with a poor trigger from the factory(my 5.56 came with an alright trigger but my 9mms is atrocious)
ergonomics your average cookie cutter AR isn't that great but aftermarket has a lot of options, both of my ARs are the most comfortable guns in my collection
bang for my buck a cookie cutter is going to be the cheapest option of your 3 choices but you can improve what you want and leave what you like, it is the most customizable of the 3 and has the most caliber options.
brands/models to consider for high end I would suggest colt and armalite. for more generic companies I would recommend DPMS and rock river arms. if you are left handed STAG mags left handed ARs so you wont have brass flying into your face the whole time.
 
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