Something Different than an AR in 5.56

[KomboJoe]

Looking for another rifle in 5.56 for under $2000. Besides an AR I have a Mini-14 and a CETME-L. If you were going to buy one today for that price range what would you buy?

 

[chef1231]

I’ve always liked the idea of the Mossberg bolt action 5.56 that runs with pmags. I just got into bolt rifles a year or so ago I do not really shoot past 100 yards often so figured it would be a cheap way to have fun and slow down my rate of fire. That coupled with the fact I already have the ammo and mags.

 

[Route 45]

 

[DadSmith]

Galil Ace II In 5.56

Some kind of bolt action rifle that accepts AR-15 magazines. Ruger American Ranch or Predators, CZ 600 has a model I think that accepts AR-15 magazines.

 

[two70]

I'd give the Bren II a long hard look first, then I'd consider an Ace, Makasi or Zpap 90 if you want to stick to standard rifles. If you're willing to consider a bullpup, I'd slot the X95 in right behind the Bren and then the AUG in order of consideration.

 

[NyleRN]

Tavor
Galil
Jakl
Aug
M90
Not necessarily in that order

 

[Expat]

I have 2 of the AKs in the 5.56, the Beryl and the Zastava.

 

[Itchytriggerfinger]

I really like my Aug.

 

[tcecil88]

I have always been curious about the Kel-Tec RDB, but have only seen one in the wild.
https://www.keltecweapons.com/firearm/rifles/rdb/

 

[Ark]

Bren 2 is a battle proven heavy hitter at the top end of that price range.

Jakl is the ACR at home.

BRN180 can be a pretty cool build with the retro lower and a folding stock.

They aren't cheap but a current production Zastava M90 is a whole lot of slick for the price and will be a lifelong 5.56 AK for you. Just depends on your desire for AK manual of arms.

 

[kaveman]

Prolly an RDB Survival or whatever they're calling it now. Just picked up my second one last week. Yeah, it's non-standard in form and appearance but it fills a niche no other rifle does. I know,...I know,....you think it's freaky looking. Absolutely, it is, but it's the coolest lil' rifle I've ever held/fired and I have a small room full of SBRs. This thing rocks.

KelTec also makes a very similar rifle with a longer handguard and 20" barrel instead of the 16". If anything, I like that one even better but it doesn't quite fill the same niche as a non-NFA 22" rifle with a 16" barrel. Oh, you can buy one of each for the $2k you're considering.

 

[kaveman]

This is pretty much how I have my RDB-Cs rigged up with 1-4x variables. The Survival has a tiny 3x PA MicroPrism on it. Prolly do the same with the second Survival I just picked up.

 

[DDadams]

Bren 2 all day.

 

[Colt556]

CZ Bren II is all you need to look for.

 

[Methane Herder]

Unfortunately near unobtainium:

Valmet M76
Galil vasa pre.

HK SL6


MH

 

[Dean C.]

I'd give the Bren II a long hard look first, then I'd consider an Ace, Makasi or Zpap 90 if you want to stick to standard rifles. If you're willing to consider a bullpup, I'd slot the X95 in right behind the Bren and then the AUG in order of consideration.

I would pass on the Bren 2 , good luck getting spare parts right now. All the CZ guns are going to Ukraine right now.

 

[Ark]

Prolly an RDB Survival or whatever they're calling it now. Just picked up my second one last week. Yeah, it's non-standard in form and appearance but it fills a niche no other rifle does. I know,...I know,....you think it's freaky looking. Absolutely, it is, but it's the coolest lil' rifle I've ever held/fired and I have a small room full of SBRs. This thing rocks.

KelTec also makes a very similar rifle with a longer handguard and 20" barrel instead of the 16". If anything, I like that one even better but it doesn't quite fill the same niche as a non-NFA 22" rifle with a 16" barrel. Oh, you can buy one of each for the $2k you're considering.

I like my standard RDB a lot, but the chamber access issue has it off the table for a serious gun. Great range and competition toy though.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Now that's a long list! I will limit it to 5 suggestion **twitches, blinks, twitches more* No order


1. How about locally grown excellence? Centurion CM4 Lightweight

Lightweight CM4 Complete Rifle with Hammer Forged Barrel- Standard Specs (No options)

Centurion's Lightweight CM4 Rifle is specifically engineered as a lightweight, practical, durable weapon with a long life.

centurionarms.com

2. Colt M6920SOCOM

https://www.colt.com/api.php?action=specsheet&product_id=24040&title=M4A1%20SOCOM

3. CA Bren II

CZ Bren 2 Ms Carbine - CZ-USA

The rifle variant of our piston-driven Bren 2 Ms semi-auto.

cz-usa.com

4. MilitiaWorks Dissent:

DISSIDENT™ Mk2

A premium turnkey solution for the discerning shooter.

munitionworks.com

5. Sionics Patrol Raffle 3

SIONICS Patrol Rifle Three » SIONICS Weapon Systems

The SIONICS Patrol Rifle 3 is a precision-built AR-15 that has been trusted by law enforcement professionals for years. It is built with durability and performance in mind, and it comes standard with everything you need to outperform any other AR-15 on the market. IN ORDER TO SHIP YOUR LOWER...

sionicsweaponsystems.com

I have more, many more if you want them.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Galil Ace II In 5.56

Some kind of bolt action rifle that accepts AR-15 magazines. Ruger American Ranch or Predators, CZ 600 has a model I think that accepts AR-15 magazines.

Both strong recs.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

BRN180 can be a pretty cool build with the retro lower and a folding stock.

And you can put AR-16 furniture on the BRN180! So cool.