Help a noob choose a rifle

[Crank1000]

Ok, so I'm pretty new to SA rifles, and I'm having trouble putting together a list of rifles that meet my criteria, so I'm hoping the encyclepedic mind of CG can help me out here. I'd also like your opinion of the rifle (why I should or shouldn't buy it) if you don't mind. Here's the criteria:

1. Shoots cheap ammo (.223, 9mm etc)
2. Be around $1000 at the top end (not a strict limit)
3. Will accept easily found parts (ie. magpul stock, AR magazines/clips...doesn't have to be those parts specifically, just examples)
4. Prefer not to have a BB, but not a requirement.
5. I don't want to build anything. I just want to write a check.

From my research, it seems like the Mini-14 should be at the top of the list, but I'm just curious what else is out there since a lot of folks really seem to dislike them. Also, please let me know if I'm not asking the right questions too. Thanks in advance.

[23 Blast]

If you want something that's easily customizable, one of the less expensive AR variants would fit the bill - I'm thinking either a Del-Ton, or a M&P Sport (IIRC they run in the area of $700-ish. However, you'll be stuck with the BB unless you go to one of those awkward-looking featureless stocks. People who use them say they work great, they just look funny.

As far as the Mini-14, don't let the haters dissuade you. If the design and ergonomics of that rifle appeal to you, then go for it. Check out the recent thread talking about the Mini-14 Tactical. The newer-manufacture Minis are far better than their forebears, as the barrel is thicker and more accurate, less prone to stringing shots when it gets hot. IME people who hate on the Mini either have never fired one, or are going on 20-year old stereotypes about when the original Minis indeed had accuracy issues. The downside of the Mini platform is that fewer aftermarket parts exist for it, and you can't generally slap on Magpul parts like you can with an AR. Magazines (or good ones, anyway) for the Minis are expensive. On the other hand, you don't need a BB and can drop mags freely the way the gun was intended to be used.

[dieselpower]

S&W M&P15 Sport + a .22lr Conversion Kit .. Cheap to shoot, effective, quality, economic and can be found at most gun stores through-out California for under $800 out the door. Simply write the check, wait ten 24 hour periods and its yours.

You now own the works most versatile firearm.

edit...forgot about the flash hider/stock on the M&P... takes a bit of knowledge to convert to featureless....

[zfields]

Dont forget about Saigas.


7.62x39 is cheap, 5.45x39 is even cheaper.

[dascoyne]

1. Shoots cheap ammo (.223, 9mm etc)
2. Be around $1000 at the top end (not a strict limit)
3. Will accept easily found parts (ie. magpul stock, AR magazines/clips...doesn't have to be those parts specifically, just examples)
4. Prefer not to have a BB, but not a requirement.
5. I don't want to build anything. I just want to write a check.

Ruger 10/22

spend the rest of your budget on ammo and accessories

[/thread]

[CessnaDriver]

My first rifle was a Mini-14 back in the eighties.
Years of enjoyment and reliability, bought a second one this year.
I think they make great first rifles and are keepers no matter
how many other rifles you add in the years to come.

[thomasesmith3]

IMHO For $1000, build your own AR, if you just cut a check you will spend more money later to get the things you want, trust me everyone does!!! I just did that and it's VERY EASY!!! It's more versatile and you can customize it for specific situations without buying 10 rifles... My cost: Adams Arms complete 5.56 (more variety of ammo loads) 1:7 twist (handles heavy loads better) gas piston (easier cleaning) mid-length (smoother shooting) @ $600 in hand. Magpul MOE stock and buffer Kit @ $70 in hand. Franklin Armory Lower @ $180 in hand. Daniel Defense Lower Parts Kit @ $80 in hand. Daniel Defense fixed sights @ $110 in hand. Magpul MOE mid-length hand guard, vertical grip and light rail @ $55 in hand. Raddlock mag release $40. Total: $1130 and 1 hour to put it together with a large nailset, small screwdriver, small hammer and tape... You could save a couple hundred with a different lower and LPK. But my build is great quality Mil-Spec...

[CSACANNONEER]

Ruger 10-22! It will provide you tons of fun while saving you a lot of money over centerfire ammo. You can mod it any way you can imagine. Save 20% of the money you'll save on ammo and put it towards a centerfire gun in the future.

[someR1]

doesn't matter if you want to build or not, eventually we ALL have a AR15

That being said, find a local gun shop and buy a decent AR. If you don't like the BB you can always go featureless.

[Crank1000]

I guess the main reason I don't want to build one is that I don't have a clue where to start. I don't know enough about the different manufacturers and specs of each part to know what's good and what works with what.

I'm also not particularly interested in the 10/22 as I would like the option to use this rifle in a SHTF scenario in the unlikely event I need to.

I guess it's down to buying an off the shelf AR or a Mini-14. What is everyone's opinion of the Sig 556 SCM?

[thomasesmith3]

I was in your position, I did a lot of research!!!!! If you want I can help you get started and walk you through it... Trust me when I say it's very simple, after you have your AR you will look back and laugh... I will say though if you go off the shelf, go with high quality like Colt, Sig, LMT, or Daniel Defense... Their Quality Control is second to none...

[GW]

Benelli MR-1
Uses AR mags
Does not require a bullet button
Very reliable and accurate
Has rails for lights scopes lasers etc
Used ones pop up at around $900
Not a lot of accessories (folding stocks, pistol grips or flash hiders would require a BB anyway)
As mentioned before Ruger Mini 14 is a good choice but can't use AR mags Lots of other accessories, are available though.
Kel Tec SU-16 is inexpensive and uses AR magazines

Kel-Tec

[MrPlink]

S&W M&P15 Sport + a .22lr Conversion Kit .. Cheap to shoot, effective, quality, economic and can be found at most gun stores through-out California for under $800 out the door. Simply write the check, wait ten 24 hour periods and its yours.

You now own the works most versatile firearm.

edit...forgot about the flash hider/stock on the M&P... takes a bit of knowledge to convert to featureless....

good recomendation, and yeah with just a little bit of tweaking you could go featureless, all for less than 1000k.

And for even less, you could buy an AK and a fin grip and call it a night

[ZX-10R]

Cheap AR...However, a Mini 14 and Saiga are not bad choices either.

[Norsemen308]

honesty the saiga's have won me over,

get a 223 saiga and call it a day, i would have told you a mini14 before... but since you can get a saiga 223 for half the price, put a nice rail on it and a nice scope and they tack nails for 100 yards even have a decent grouping at 200. and still got about 200 bucks for 1000 rounds