Help in deciding my next rifle purchase

[frontman117]

I need help deciding on my next rifle. I purchased a Mosin Nagant a few months ago and I think im ready to move on to something else. Let me give a few of my wants in my next gun:

Either 7.62 or 5.56/.223
Semi auto
Magazine fed
Easily able to mount a scope
Less than $600 (This is pushing it but are there cheaper options out there?)

Ive looked at AR15 and Ak varients, any recommendations?
Any recommentations are appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Johnny Falcon]

What is the rifle's intended purpose?

 

[DIEBYTHEBU11ET]

AR-15 is a good rifle.

 

[frontman117]

Just for target shooting, accuracy good for at least 100 yards, doesn't need to be super accurate.

 

[frontman117]

Any thoughts on the Saiga .223 ? I have been looking at this VS. the Mini 14. I know there are other threads comparing the two, but are there other, similar options?