Non-AR semi auto?

[Ponderosa2]

Hi ladies and gents. I'm just looking for a suggestion or two for my dad. I've convinced him he needs to move on a semi-auto .223. I've been trying to get him to buy one for himself for years. I have a few ARs and he doesn't want one of those. I think he likes the feel of a regular rifle more than he dislikes AR's. Just his preference, and there's no changing him at his age (65).

So my question is, besides a Mini14 (which he is considering), what options would he have in a semi-auto .223? Remember, AR's and AK's are out. Not worried about price, but he would like a 10 round capacity if possible. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

[mif_slim]

Su-16, saiga....if he likes traditional then browning Sefari BAR.

[Arkangel]

Everything .223, semi-auto and mag fed is gonna be slim pickings right now, so good luck. Look at the Kel-tech SU-16, it fits your criteria and takes AR mags.

[StuBro]

I like the Browning BAR a lot but it's a hunting rifle and the barrel is not really up to repeated firing as it gets pretty hot. I would probably just go bolt action in this rifle as it's a great rifle.

I would just get the mini 14. Hard to beat in a featureless rifle that won't get caught up in gun bans (other than the tactical model or the Target with the thumb hole stock). I just picked up a Target model from a Calgunner for a very reasonable price in stainless steel and a black, rubberized stock. I even found 3 ten round mags from another private party. However, be warned that pretty much only OEM Ruger mags are truly reliable in this rifle, and you can't buy them new right now as Ruger is out of stock.

I'm 45 and find that my accuracy goes up exponentially with a traditional rifle configuration over pistol grip options. It seems to be something about being able to really get the butt of the stock in my shoulder and still steadying the rifle stock against my cheek and allowing me to grip anywhere I want on the fore stock. I guess I'm old school, but that's how I grew up shooting.

I'm personally glad I like the feel of a featureless better as I don't worry about explaining what an OLL is to an LEO that isn't aware of the intricacies of the law.

[Nepa]

I Have a 2008 Mini-14 NRA with the Hogue stock and a 16" barrel. I love it. At one point I considered selling it and getting a handy little M-1 Carbine, but my friend, his dad, and I compared it back to back with my friend's carbine and the balance, and feel with the 16" barrel was almost identical. I was surprised because I REALLY wanted to get a carbine. I don't know what the 18" barrel would do to the balance, but I love the one I've got.

[wjc]

If you're flexible on the 5.56 take a look at these...

M1A/M14 - 7.62 NATO
M1 Garand - 30-06 Springfield

Garand uses an 8 round enblock clip and the M1A/M14 can use a 10 rounder (20 rounders in Free America). Both semi-automatic.

[smle-man]

I like the Browning BAR a lot but it's a hunting rifle and the barrel is not really up to repeated firing as it gets pretty hot. I would probably just go bolt action in this rifle as it's a great rifle.

I would just get the mini 14. Hard to beat in a featureless rifle that won't get caught up in gun bans (other than the tactical model or the Target with the thumb hole stock). I just picked up a Target model from a Calgunner for a very reasonable price in stainless steel and a black, rubberized stock. I even found 3 ten round mags from another private party. However, be warned that pretty much only OEM Ruger mags are truly reliable in this rifle, and you can't buy them new right now as Ruger is out of stock.

I'm 45 and find that my accuracy goes up exponentially with a traditional rifle configuration over pistol grip options. It seems to be something about being able to really get the butt of the stock in my shoulder and still steadying the rifle stock against my cheek and allowing me to grip anywhere I want on the fore stock. I guess I'm old school, but that's how I grew up shooting.

I'm personally glad I like the feel of a featureless better as I don't worry about explaining what an OLL is to an LEO that isn't aware of the intricacies of the law.

Shooting pistol gripped rifles can be a challenge as it is easier to accidently cant the rifle and throw shots left or right compared to the stock on a M1/14/Mini 14. I agree, the traditional stock is easier for me to shoot accurately. The AR15 is an amazinging accurate rifle but it is a bit more challenging to master.

[ufcfan83]

I Have a 2008 Mini-14 NRA with the Hogue stock and a 16" barrel. I love it. At one point I considered selling it and getting a handy little M-1 Carbine, but my friend, his dad, and I compared it back to back with my friend's carbine and the balance, and feel with the 16" barrel was almost identical. I was surprised because I REALLY wanted to get a carbine. I don't know what the 18" barrel would do to the balance, but I love the one I've got.

+1 for the mini 14. Great for the old geezers who think the AR's are for hoodlums but still want to GetSum.

[Striker]

If it has to be a 5.56 in traditional rifle configuration, I think a newer Mini 14 or Benelli MR1 are what I would look at. If he'll look at anything other than an AR, there's always the SCAR, AUG, ACR etc. I assume those are a no go as well if he doesn't want an AR, but they are worth mentioning. And as wjc said above, if your Dad is flexible on caliber, the M1A is a really nice rifle that can be customized if he ends up wanting to do that.

[Ponderosa2]

Thanks very much for the responses guys. We hadn't thought of the BAR, which is something I'm sure he'll want to check out for sure. Thank you for that. Also, the Benelli is an interesting thought as well. I've already suggested the M1a, but that's a no go for him. He wants to stick with a .223. As a couple of you said, the Mini14 really is a pretty good option for him, and really anyone looking for a traditionally configured semi-auto. Unfortunately, I suspect that this particular topic may be one that is relevant in the not so distant future. I can only hope that we have enough freedom loving and sensible lawmakers to protect us. Although, I'm nervous that here in CA, that may be wishful thinking.

[Bug Splat]

I've heard mixed review about it but you might want to look at the Volquartsen. Wood stock, semi auto 223, takes AR mags, very accurate. Most issues surround feeding but I hear once the bugs are worked out they are great rifles. I think this might be just the ticket for for an old soul type shooter. Classic look with modern engineering.

https://www.volquartsen.com/

[Ponderosa2]

I've heard mixed review about it but you might want to look at the Volquartsen. Wood stock, semi auto 223, takes AR mags, very accurate. Most issues surround feeding but I hear once the bugs are worked out they are great rifles. I think this might be just the ticket for for an old soul type shooter. Classic look with modern engineering.

https://www.volquartsen.com/

Very cool, thank you for that. This looks like something my dad would enjoy!

[Colt562]

Mini 14 would be my choice. or the Volquartsen posted above.