Advice on Rifles

[klutchbuster400]

I've been entertaining the idea of buying myself my first rifle. There were two models I was looking at specifically, the AR-15 and the M4. I've never shot either of the two before, but I hear they are both very reliable guns for the amateur owner. I probably wont be getting one for another couple months but I'd like to educate myself on the topic as much as possible to make sure I get the most bang for my buck (pun not intended?). Any websites where I could read up on the subject would be a great help. All it would really be used for will be trips to the shooting range, and blasting off a few clips at my buddy's property.

Any of you have experience with either guns? I'm open to other suggestions as well.

Thanks!
Jess

[dj_pizzim]

www.ar15.com

[Anoriginal]

An M4 is an AR15. Just equipped differently and a shorter barrel. It's a carbine version essentially.

What are you planning on using the rifle for? That would help provide advice.

[gearhead400]

Check out the mini 14, fires a .223 round, a little on the heavy side compared to its other .223 brothers, but a nice rifle. AR-15's I've heard are awesome and I've also heard they are unreliable. They are wildly popular though and you have a TON of accessories. I believe FHP has the option of buying AR15 military hand downs. Do research and get plenty of opinions before you make your purchase and you should be happy with whatever you get. GL

[buythisatvstuff]

If you decide that you like the M4/Ar-15 style , there are many companies that their own variations. For instance here are a couple that looks interesting....
http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_products/mr556_general.asp
http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=69&productid=296

[Anoriginal]

Great weapons. I've had BRD (Black Rifle Disease) for years now.

[buythisatvstuff]

That's not the only disease he's got, but with all those rifles you can't make too much fun of him or you risk getting shot ! 

[Dixie Normous]

Jacksonville Sherrif Department issues AR-15's...very nice and reliable gun!

[big-daddy]

Get a PS90....   you can get a Ar15 or a flat top M4 all day long, but the PS90 is getting hard to find. Cheaper to shoot, ammo is alway on the shelfs and way more fun to shoot. 

[Anoriginal]

PS90 is definitely a neat gun. Can't argue with that at all.

[buythisatvstuff]

I'm thinking about getting a plinker myself. Thinking about this one http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=66&productid=287
Sig quality and not bad on the check book to get one. Then the ammo is cheap 

Any other suggestions for something in 22LR ?

[big-daddy]

Pinking is fun but to spend $650.00 on a 22lr ?  No way when you can buy a Ruger 10/22 for $179.99 at Walmart and more aftermarket parts then you can name. Anyway a 22lr sucks for Zombies. Get a PS90 the 5.7X28mm round is one nasty sucker. Just save me the brass  

[buythisatvstuff]

I have a few more substantial round rifles so I definitely want the cheap ammo of the 22lr to play with. I'll have to look into aftermarket parts for the 10/22 to see what the diff in price would be when it's all done. I found the Sig 22lr for under $500 so figured that was a good deal. Still looking around, no rush, just a toy.

[big-daddy]

look for a GSG5 (clone of a MP5) One of the best 22 I every own.

They got sue by HK few month back and are no longer imported in to the states as for 2010, but there are still some floating around.

each mag is 22 rounds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crk2Chne4dE

[buythisatvstuff]

The GSG5 was one of my first considerations, but I've heard good and bad about them and thought the Sig would probably be a better quality, but I've never owned that model Sig either.

[Sleazy_Rider78]

Has anyone had any experience with Stag Arms?  Just curious if they make quality rifles.

[big-daddy]

The GSG5 was one of my first considerations, but I've heard good and bad about them and thought the Sig would probably be a better quality, but I've never owned that model Sig either.

GSG5 are made in Germany with quality proof marks. I have a second gen model with over 5000 rounds thru the weapon without any problems.

Just of you information Sig are not what they use to be in quality. Triple S/N germany sigs are a lot better and worth more than ANY build in Exeter NH.

All my Sigs are Triple S/N (barrel, slide and frame) all three parts are fitted to the weapon, not the frame build in germany and the slide milled in Exeter. I even own a 1977 Browning BDA in 45acp which is the first P220 and the only weapon to have 3 counties on the slide, W Germany, USA and Canada.   

[gearhead400]

So triple s/n would be engraved into the parts? Reason I ask is I've always been a fan of the sg552, or I suppose now the better choice is the 553. Nothing beats quality, but is there a significant price change between the two? Thanks! Great thread!

[big-daddy]

So triple s/n would be engraved into the parts? Reason I ask is I've always been a fan of the sg552, or I suppose now the better choice is the 553. Nothing beats quality, but is there a significant price change between the two? Thanks! Great thread!

SG 553 has one key advantage, the recoil spring is now wrapped around the piston rod like in the SG 550/551 models, which address several reliability issues encountered in the SG 552

[gearhead400]

I remember reading that on wikipedia. Now do those rifles (sg553) have an advantage over your other 5.56/.223 rifles? I'm doing research on it, but you guys know your stuff so I like first hand opinions as well. I would assume that they don't have nearly the same amount of support as the AR-15 does. My wifes dad just got a mini 14, and though they are nice, they are a little on the heavy side I think. Anyway, If I answer my own questions before you guys make it on the forum again, I'll post up.

[gearhead400]

Man, What a difference in price if you want a .223/5.56 compatible gun! Looking at weight, The Mini 14 is really only a pound heavier give or take a few ounces, which I guess could be significant, but I don't have enough experience in handling assault rifles to know. Too light and you'll lose accuracy, i know, but too heavy and the same will happen because of fatigue. But even on the light side, I think a 20rd mag will make up the difference lol.

[gearhead400]

OLYMPIC ARMS INC Model GI16 Rifle $758
Olympic Arms 30 + 1 223 Rem. Semi-Automatic w/16" Black Barrel/Collapsible
Identical to the Plinker Plus model. The GI-16 features an A2 forged upper with A1 rear sight, 16" button rifled barrel and M4 collapsible stock.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Mfg Item Num: GI16

Category: FIREARMS - TACTICAL RIFLES
Action :Semi-Automatic
Caliber :223 Remington
Bbl Length :16"
Capacity :30 + 1
Trigger :Single Stage
Safety :Thumb safety
OAL :31 3/4"
Weight :6.61 lbs
Stock :6 Point Collapsible
Finish :Black
^^AR15 knock off

RUGER & COMPANY INC Mini 14 Ranch/Mini 14 Tactical Rifles $713

Ruger 20 + 1 223 Rem. Mini 14 w/ATI Folding/Collapsible Stock

Rugers Mini 14 Ranch and Mini 14 Tactical autoloading rifles include a Garand style breech bolt locking system with a fixed pistol gas system and self cleaning moving gas cylinder. Ruger patented scope rings, adjustable sights, patented scope bases, non slip rubber buttpad, an instruction manual and gun lock are included in the standard accessories. Mini 14 Tactical includes a flash suppressor.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Mfg Item Num: 5846
Category: FIREARMS - RIFLES
Action :Semi-Automatic
Caliber :223 Remington
Barrel Length :16 1/8
Capacity :20 + 1
Trigger :Standard
Safety :Garand Type Safety
Length :38
Weight :8 lbs
Stock :ATI Folding/Collapsible
Finish :Blue

That olympic is a deal if the quality is up to par.

what do you guys think?

[big-daddy]

Get what you can afford. AR are a dime a dozen right now. My advise is to get a PS90 while you still can.  

[Anoriginal]

If you do go with an AR, buy a good one. Not the cheap junk. I am a huge LMT fan. Absolutely the best AR on the market these days.

I agree with Ricky though, if you think you want a PS90, you better get it now.

[big-daddy]

Matt, we must be thinking the same thing about 5.7X28mm round. For years the store bought ammo has been water down to sh*t. First ATF ban sales of the SS190 ammo (saying it was a cop killer round) second came the SS192. Third they started to water down the SS195 (white box) ammo. Now all you can get is SS195LF and SS197SR sporting rounds. "Hell" you can get AP 223 all day long on the internet. Why the 5.7x28MM ammo? Because the PS90 holds 50 rounds no recoil in a small package and the FiveSeven pistol holds 20 rounds and shoots the same rounds. Matt, have you prices a 5.7 pistol lately? Soon 5.7 rounds will be ban for public sales completely. heres FN ammo site see for yourself

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/ammo.asp