Your Opinion - Best 5.56 AW / Battle Rifle?

[StephanieLynn]

OK, I'll admit it... I've engaged in some panic buying. Trying to rebuild a collection sold off long ago. Of course that can only be done to a certain degree here in CA now.

Looking for the best 5.56 AW/Battle Rifle I can get (CAN get) here in CA given the current buying environment. So... if you could have only one, what would you choose? Important factors are standard: reliability, durability, quality, craftsmanship, feeding almost anything, dirt/grime resistant (still operates dirty), and of course accuracy. Was leaning toward a Colt AR/6920 as I am completely unfamiliar with all the AR clone manufacturers. Looking forward to what everyone has to say!

Thanks~!
Stephanie
; )

[Renaissance Redneck]

If I could have only one, it would be my Mini14. It's tops in regards to these criteria: "feeding almost anything, dirt/grime resistant (still operates dirty)", though it arguably lags AR's in the accuracy category (though not so much anymore with the new models).

The main thing I like about the AR is the simplicity of the platform and the ability of a non-gunsmith to build it and change just about anything.

[tuna quesadilla]

The AR15 is the gold standard of 5.56mm military-style rifles. Period.

[BHPFan]

OK, I'll admit it... I've engaged in some panic buying. Trying to rebuild a collection sold off long ago. Of course that can only be done to a certain degree here in CA now.

Looking for the best 5.56 AW/Battle Rifle I can get (CAN get) here in CA given the current buying environment. So... if you could have only one, what would you choose? Important factors are standard: reliability, durability, quality, craftsmanship, feeding almost anything, dirt/grime resistant (still operates dirty), and of course accuracy. Was leaning toward a Colt AR/6920 as I am completely unfamiliar with all the AR clone manufacturers. Looking forward to what everyone has to say!

Thanks~!
Stephanie
; )

Possibly the AR. Although right now with all these high prices, it is still available with a lot of parts available though pricy.

Ruger Mini14 is a nice platform and Redneck pretty much summed it up that I won't repeat what was posted. The only issue I have with Mini-14 is that mags are not as plentiful to find like with ARs.

You can look at those Saiga or converted Saiga (AK styles), but they are quite pricy (or just as pricy as the AR's).

Good luck in your search.

[SoCalXD]

"Can Get" is the operative. You are way too late to be choosy, even if you are rich, since you are in CA and have to purchase with a bullet button or featureless build, which you will be hard pressed to find on the National resale sights such as GunBroker, et al.

Assuming you are flush with cash, I'd suggest keeping an eye out for some of the premium AR15 rigs such as LMT or LWRC, which may show up for sale here. I personally wouldn't wait though, if I could find a well outfited AR of any flavor, including a homebuild. Since core parts for ARs are almost impossible to find (uppers, lowers, barrels, bolt/carriers), I'd buy the rig that had the premium parts of what I wanted in those areas; i.e.: I'd look for a rig with an 18", Mid-gas, 1/7 twist, Stainless barreled gun, even if it has a $20 CAR stock and MOE forend on it. Like a lens for a camera, the barrel on a rifle is by far the most important consideration... everything else is just there to support the lens/barrel.

[nitroxdiver]

I would say you are leaning in the right direction with the colt given your post info. However, when you can find them, they are selling for about 2800. They were about 1199 before the panic.

Don't forget to frequently check the CG market place. I just sold a couple rifles at pre panic prices, so there are some deals to be found.


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[bombadillo]

Get an SKS. Meets all your criteria, and cheap. Detachable mags are easy, reliable, and its far more than proven.

[weespeed]

OK, I'll admit it... I've engaged in some panic buying. Trying to rebuild a collection sold off long ago. Of course that can only be done to a certain degree here in CA now.

Looking for the best 5.56 AW/Battle Rifle I can get (CAN get) here in CA given the current buying environment. So... if you could have only one, what would you choose? Important factors are standard: reliability, durability, quality, craftsmanship, feeding almost anything, dirt/grime resistant (still operates dirty), and of course accuracy. Was leaning toward a Colt AR/6920 as I am completely unfamiliar with all the AR clone manufacturers. Looking forward to what everyone has to say!

Thanks~!
Stephanie
; )

I have a Colt 6940 and an HK MR556. I would say HK MR556. It fits everything you have posted. It is harder to get and costs a lot more though, a lot more.

But too me it's worth it. That's one rifle I'll probably never sell.

[ap3572001]

If I have to pick the very best 5.56/223 assault rifle, it would a Valmet side folder. Its a SUPER quality AK made in 5.56

It will make an AR look really bad in the field, but in the accuracy department AR platform is the best.

[Javi]

You can still get a Daniel Defense rifle at their m.s.r.p. right? So depending on the type of configuration, your looking at around $1500 for a good rifle.

[drpepper]

Scar 16.

[Lead Waster]

Get an SKS. Meets all your criteria, and cheap. Detachable mags are easy, reliable, and its far more than proven.

I was going to say this except the SKS is 7.62x39, not .223, which OP was asking about.

But yeah, SKS is nice. I don't think you can add a detachable mag legally to one in CA, but the stripper clips are probably faster than mag changes anyway if you practice (you are just shoving rounds IN with a stripper clip, not dumping a mag and replacing it). Also..no mags to buy!

[AKSOG]

I'll go with a Polish Beryl or a Galil.

[kcjr1125]

sig 556R great rifle. it takes AK mags and is chambered in 7.62x39 but looks like a AR

[kcjr1125]

just noticed you were looking for a 5.56... in that case I'd say the sig 556 patrol swat or m400. the m400 has the more classic AR look IMO.