Looking For A Budget .223

What's the best reliable .223 for under $700?

  • Cheap AR-15

    Votes: 28 54.9%

  • Mini-14

    Votes: 14 27.5%

  • Saiga 110

    Votes: 4 7.8%

  • Other; please post in reply

    Votes: 5 9.8%
  • Total voters
    51
  • Poll closed .
It's going to come to preference at a certain point. All three will be fine but they are somewhat different styles of rifle. I'm not an AR guy and would probably go with the Mini-14. Ruger is selling the 30rd magazines again. The Saiga will be good too. However, you'll most likely want to convert it to the AK set-up sooner or later. (Also, the magazines aren't always the easiest to find.

All that said, if I was going to make a "general recommendation," I would say to buy a S&W M&P-15, replace the standard grip and buy some P-mags.
 
PSA Rifle kit: http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...weight-profile-chrome-lined-mp-rifle-kit.html
PSA Stripped lower: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/receivers/psa-ar15-lower.html

No mismatched parts, the only thing you have to assemble is the lower, you are looking at $579.94 for a rifle with all the stuff you need, proper steel in the barrel, chrome lined bore, chrome lined bolt, it's a bargain. The lower should take about 30 minutes or so to put together and you really don't need any special tools. Hammer, a few punches and some instructions that are all over the internet.
 
Well if you've narrowed it down to a entry-level AR or a mini 14 (and aren't considering an arsenal AK) than I'd for sure go for a mini 14 especially the tactical.
 
For "truck gun" purposes, I'd go with the Mini-14 as well.
Get the stainless model in the Hogue stock- you can leave it in the truck indefinitely, bang it around and it'll be none the worse for wear.
 
Get an AR, Mini-14 magazines will cost you (around $40- each for new factory which are the ONLY ones you'll want to use). The magazines are not plentiful as AR mags are, Mini-14's are also not known for their accuracy when fired rapidly. Speaking based on my experience with them, I've used at least 4 different ones. Your mileage may vary...
 
Today I intentionally took the cap off of a 20 oz coke bottle at a 'walked off' 110 yds with an un-modified 581 series ranch rifle.
 
What do you guys think, the PSA or the S&W?
Click to expand...

If you can get a hold of a complete PSA rifle (back ordered) for under $700 I'd go that route. Like other's said you can build one form their kits also.

Me - I found a M&P 15 Sport for $599 at my LGS and took it home that day. IMO, one of the best buys out there. 100% function and yes it's accurate. I've only used the iron sights out to 260 yards. I usually just ring the 12x12 steel plate.

Search the forum about the Sport. Been discussed here by the satisfied owners a lot.
 
I can only say that the PSA uses 4150 steel in their barrels where S&W uses the slightly inferior 4140. PSA chrome lines their barrels and S&W doesn't. The S&W will probably be fine with these slightly lesser features for years of sevice but if you can get something better for the same money, why not go for it.
 
First and foremost I have been reading these forums for awhile and thank alot of you for your knowledge and experience sharing.

I too am in the market for a AR under $700 price point. I have seen at budsgunshop.com quite a few under that price, that ship free plus FFL fee.

They have a Doublestar Model Star 15, which has gotten really good reviews from the customer feedback there.

DPMS has a few models, Panther I believe.

On the site Impactguns.com Bushmaster has a model Carbon 15 Model 4, for $729 plus shipping.

I completely understand you usually get what you pay for. Im know theres Chrome moly barrels vs. Chrome lined etc. etc. etc.

With all the vast knowledge and experience here, has anyone had experience with any of these?

Thanks in advance for the input.

-SheepDog4985
 
I have a low priced AR, its a DPMS Panther Lite 16. I got it on a trade about six years ago and its worked fine so far. I've only got about $600 in it five quality magazines and a case.

It has a chrome lined bore, staked gas key, and M-4 feed ramps. I'm not sure about how it stacks up in other areas that AR aficionados look at, I haven't bothered. All I know is mine has good practical accuracy and has so far not malfunctioned. Having a flat top for optics would be nice, but I learned on a M16a1 peep sight, so its not that big a deal.

Last time I fired it I shot three rounds standing at one of my ISPC targets that was 25 yards away. I was just trying to hit the A-zone. When I looked at the target, I could have covered all three shots with a quarter. Thats good enough accuracy for me.

I've read some AR experts claim that the lower priced ARs don't hold up to heavy amounts of shooting. Such as firing 3000-5000 rounds (honest I've seen them say those figures) on one course, in one day. I don't know myself, as I have no experience firing an AR that many times in one day. If I do decide to start shooting courses of fire that require 3000 rounds a day, I'll be sure and upgrade.:)
 
A couple of questions you need to answer first before going on your AR-15 journety are:

1. Are you wanting to purchase a brand new weapon where you are the orginal owner?

2. Are you willing to buy one on the used market,which may maximize your buying power? You may have to wait a little longer to find one that is right for you.

You have said that you are looking at $700.00 or under, there are several makers out there that make good entry level AR-15 rifles, if you are wanting a brand new weapon. Bushmaster, DPMS, Smith & Wesson, Olympic and Double Star to name a few, all make decent entry level rifles between $600.00 and $700.00 dollars.

Be warned however that once you have bought one AR-15 it is just like a bag of potato chips, no one can stop at just one.
 
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