Looking for advice

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kennerjones

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I am looking at getting a new semi auto rifle in the .223 caliber. I am an Air Force Reservist and always liked the way the M16 handled, but with my budget around 700$ I am afraid that getting an AR in my price range (interarms, DPMS, doublestar) I would compromise on functionality and reliability. So I dont know if I should go with one of those or maybe just go with the Ruger mini-14. Any advice?
 
Welcome, from an active duty AF guy. I have owned 3 AR's and one mini 14 and by far, I would rather have an AR anyday of the week; however, it depends on what you want to do with it. Nothing wrong with the mini, it's just not in the same league as an AR...I'm going to catch flak for that. DPMS makes a great AR; I think you would be happy with one of those, and in no way would you be sacrificing quality and reliability.
 
If you really like the M 16 platform, I would suggest you scour the "pre owned" market for one that you can afford.

To me (my opinion and we all know about opinions) buying a firearm is like buying an automobile. There is "what I really want", "what I really need", and "what I can afford". Now, since any .223 semi auto would probably fit your needs, you are left with what you want vs. what you can afford. Surely, there is a nice pre-owned M 16 platform gun out there that you can afford.
 
From my gun show table daze, I've owned many and many a good used rifle--including a couple of ARs and a couple of Minis. Never had a problem.

The AR is a better paper-puncher, for tight groups. Otherwise, it's a matter of your own dislikes for pistol-grip vs. conventional. From the standpoint of hunting, plinking and reliability, six of one, half-dozen of the other.
 
I purchased a DoubleStar...so far its been a great rifle I got it on special for $560.00 They sell online for about $649.00. The only thing I had to do was buy a $5.00 extractor upgrade kit for it. I wouldn't hesitate to order another one.
 
I am looking at getting a new semi auto rifle in the .223 caliber. I am an Air Force Reservist and always liked the way the M16 handled, but with my budget around 700$ I am afraid that getting an AR in my price range (interarms, DPMS, doublestar) I would compromise on functionality and reliability. So I dont know if I should go with one of those or maybe just go with the Ruger mini-14. Any advice?
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greetings from active duty navy,
I personally own a DPMS sportical(about $600). it has never failed me once through 500 rounds of M193, M855 and cheap lake city reloads. it has nailed deer at 250 yards and I would sooner pack this into hte desert than a colt or FNherstal. despite what the colt chest thumpers will claim, DPMS is a quality gun and is more than reliable enough to be a battle rifle. if you want the closest thing to a M4 as possible you can do a build it yourself rifle from palmetto state armory, they are mostly an FN Herstal AR with a few of their own parts mixed in to hold it all together.

a mini14 is good but about the only thing they have over an AR is a stronger extractor so you can shoot cheap russian steel cased ammo without worry. other than that I would go with an AR any day of the week and twice on sundays.
 
+1 for the M&P 15 Sport. Best bargain AR15. Shoots accurate, functions 100%. If you look around, you can find one for $599.
 
Don't forget, you can order a separate upper and lower, and forego paying a $100 tax - at the loss of a warranty for the assembled gun. That's a small risk from the viewpoint of someone who built his own from a stripped lower.

Rather than let budget dictate your circumstances, you might outline what you intend to use it for. Once the average range and target are quantified in numbers things get clearer about what you use that fits. A $400 M16 kit and $60 stripped lower might fill the bill - new barrel, semi auto lower, all the rest $100 milspec. After all, a M4gery isn't necessarily the best choice - it's just one of many ways to do it.
 
It is simple to build an AR15 ,there are high quality lowers for $69.99 if you look . IMHO do not settle ,if you like the AR platform get or build an AR.
check out www.AIMSURPLUS.COM ,THEY HAVE THE SPIKES ar15 FOR $769.99.
If it is out of stock ,get on the wait list .It is a great rifle for a great price .
 
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I purchased a Stag Model 3 some months back, no failures as yet,less then 1 moa with my reloads, life time warranty, $735, it fits my needs.;)
 
there are plenty of AR options in your price range. If you're familiar with tinkering with them, I would suggest the build-your-own AR route so you can pick and choose the parts yourself to your liking.

otherwise, the Smith n Wesson sport AR15 looks like a decent platform, along with others mentioned above. I know DoubleStar sells AR15's around $700 or less. Check Budsgunshop.com for some good deals.
 
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