.223 rifles, pluses and minuses

[Don Roley]

Hey folks!
I have some knowledge and some opinions, but I would like others insight into making some choices.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the various rifles you know of chambered in .223 caliber?

I am thinking in terms of accuracy, reliability, human engineering and other aspects.

Anyone who has an opinion will be greatly appreciated.

[Mekugi]

What is it's intended use? Hunting, plinking, home?

[Don Roley]

What is it's intended use? Hunting, plinking, home?
The typical things you do with a AR-15.:up:

But if something is better for one use than another, that would be something I would be interested in hearing.

[Mekugi]

The typical things you do with a AR-15.:up:

But if something is better for one use than another, that would be something I would be interested in hearing.

I see. The .223 is not my choice hunting round for anything bigger than a coyote or defense round (unless spraying or sniping from relatively close range) so to me(a civilian) the .223 round us a "target" round ....but....don't focus on the round! We are talking about an AR here and that changes everything, think like Stoner did and see it as parts. We can get conversion kits to change the round it uses, making it an all around awesome rifle with a myraid of uses. So with the AR it's a great choice almost anyway you cut it . Plus full auto is an option for you up there (unless things changed)...huzzah!!!
Kits like these (added, I'm using my iPhone so I had to go get it) :
http://www.ar15-kits.com/

[Michael J. Bray]

:bow:Well, opinions are sort of like noses and butts. Everybody has there own but nobody else really cares...:t2: But here is mine: The AR15 is a good platform and is available in a multitude of configurations. The 5.56 round is a bit light, and some better "mouse traps" are out there. With regard to the AR, the new piston design is a good improvement but at this time these are not standardized, which makes parts interchangability an issue if something breaks (and it usually does). The new FN Scar rifles are likely an improvement (I have not yet personally seen or handled one). If one is looking for a protection rifle an AR 15 is not a bad choice. Neither is one of the AK 47 variants of quality. One drawback to the 5.56 round presently however is that because of military demand the cost of ammunition has risen significantly. Another good rifle to consider would be one of the M1A variants like the Springfield Armory "Scout". My patrol rifle is a Colt M4 with an Aimpoint M4 sight. A pretty nice package. I have an AR and an AK in my personal gun safe.I thought highly enough of both to lay my $$$ down for them. :bow:

[Mekugi]

:bow:Well, opinions are sort of like noses and butts. Everybody has there own but nobody else really cares...

Heheh! I love the variations of that sentiment. There are so many! My HS gym teacher's favorite was a toilet reference...everyone has one and they're all full of..well...you know. My grandpa had his own, but I come from a Navy family so I'll leave that out.
Good post, thanks for that...very up to date. I've been out of the loop for a bit, good to have fresh info.

[Cliff Hargrave]

Hey folks!
I have some knowledge and some opinions, but I would like others insight into making some choices.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the various rifles you know of chambered in .223 caliber?

I am thinking in terms of accuracy, reliability, human engineering and other aspects.

Anyone who has an opinion will be greatly appreciated.

They are a lot of fun. You can do a lot of things with them including hunting if you want, but for hunting there are much better guns out there. The round is more accurate than you are. They are light and don't kick at all. I have two .223s, an AR15 and a Ruger Mini14, plus I have another AR15 issued to me from work. They are pretty much the standard when it comes to rifle self defense/tactical/military/SWAT/Zombie slaying, etc...

From the left to the right, #4 is my company gun (Colt 6940 with EOTech holosight) and #6 is my personal one (DPMS with Aimpoint clone).
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs755.snc4/65529_447961988009_507558009_5210873_203757_n.jpg

Here is some fun with 223s :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcT1mw0i4fE

[Cliff Hargrave]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u97NR--kr-0


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=segtXBwglj4

[Don Roley]

I have two .223s, an AR15 and a Ruger Mini14, plus I have another AR15 issued to me from work.

I have never fired the mini14. How does it compare to the AR? I know the AR, but is one more accurate, reliable or anything else than the other in your opinion?

[Cliff Hargrave]

AR is more accurate and there are a million different things you can customize them with. Mini14s are just a good solid all around rifle and they are about half the price of an AR. My Mini14 was my first "assault rifle." It was a gift from my dad when I was 15. It's still kicking after almost 30 years.

[Chokushin]

I use my two M-4's for IDPA competition ( Multi Gun Matches ) the one I use for outdoor matches is a .223 and I have no complaints what so ever, my other is a 9mm and I use it at indoor events. However by using the same platforms for both I maintain the same muscle memory regardless of the type of venue. I find the .223 great for target shooting inside 200yds ( yes I know it is capable of farther distances but if I am shooting beyond that I usually use one of my .308s ). If I am competing in a urban counter sniper match I will shoot my Winchester M-70 Heavy Barrel Stealth in the bolt action division and my M-14 ( some would say M-21 sniper as its been all re worked ) in the semi auto division. Lots of ARs in .223 being used in the sniper matches but I prefer to save my .223 ammo for my M-4.
As for hunting, I like to use my Ruger Mini-30 in 7.62x39 ( ballistic-ally similar to a 30-30 cartridge ). I like the Ruger Mini platform as Cliff said it is rugged and appears a little less out of place at the hunt camp than an AR. The AK caliber on the Mini 30 lends itself better to hunting dear etc. and I have added a houge rifle stock and a scout rail with red dot scope for quick close shots and I have up graded the iron sight to a williams peep that I use on longer shots.

Back to the main points..I think the AR .223 combination is hard to beat for most uses but it is not the be all and end all by any means. It really comes down to matching up both the caliber and the rifle to the mission and then going from there. But if I had to pic only one rifle for an all around multi purpose rifle..an AR in .223 would be in my top 3. The others being a Ruger Mini 30 or a tuned M-14 in .308.

Anyway that is my 2cents worth for what ever value may glean from it.

And if you read my signature lines you know I have been agreement with you on the opinions issue for some time LOL

Take care everyone and shoot straight :-)

[Michael J. Bray]

Does anybody here have any expirience with the new 6.8 rnd? I have NONE, but am curious.

[Don Roley]

Does anybody here have any expirience with the new 6.8 rnd? I have NONE, but am curious.

Nope. But I went to a gun show last weekend and saw that they make upper receivers for both the AR and the Sig. Putting aside an upper receiver in a different caliber has some appeal to me. It gives me more flexibility while allowing me to stay with one familiar platform.

Does anyone have anything to say about the Sig 556? I have kind of a fixation on them, but really don't know if they are more accurate, reliable or anything like that.

[Cliff Hargrave]

Does anyone have anything to say about the Sig 556? I have kind of a fixation on them, but really don't know if they are more accurate, reliable or anything like that.

My brother just bought one but he hasn't shot it yet. I might just have to borrow it and wring it out for him.

[Don Roley]

I appreciate the sacrifices you go through to help fellow members out Cliff.

[Michael J. Bray]

:bow:When you make that sacrifice Cliff, can you fill us in about your perceptions of that round. Thanks in advance! By the way, yesterday I finally got the chance to shoot a .50 BMG rifle for the first time. Man, I GOTS to get me one of those:wink2::bow: