I've had a couple of AR-15s and they were pretty good guns and there is a zillion after market parts for them, but I was just wondering who makes the best .223 combat/military rifle today? Sig, HK, Beretta, Aug, Galil, ......?
Best .223 battle rifle?
- Thread starter Farmer17
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gjamison
Member
i like DPMS.
bitstream
Member
On active duty, the guys are partial the ones made by FN.
gregintenn
Member
I find little to fault with my Ruger Mini 14 Ranch Rifle.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Second vote for the Ruger. Takes a lickin' keeps on tickin'. I Do love the simplicity of the garand action
m1gunner
US Veteran
As soon as we are attacked by hordes of poodles, I will consider a 223 rifle a "battle rifle".
As long as you stay with the brand names, they are all pretty good.
The Ruger has been mentioned several times, and should be, as well as DPMS.
When you move to the more expensive brands, you are getting a little more, but paying a lot for it.
The Ruger has been mentioned several times, and should be, as well as DPMS.
When you move to the more expensive brands, you are getting a little more, but paying a lot for it.
Dennis The B
US Veteran
I agree. Caliber .223 (5.56mm) and "battle rifle" are oxymoronic. A battle rifle should be an M1, M14, FN/FAL, G3, etc. Even a K98k would be considered a battle rifle.
Iraq and Afghanistan have really shown the deficiencies in the M16/5.56mm NATO platform. Too many shots to permanently take down the enemy. Engagements are taking place at much longer ranges, and the 5.56 NATO just doesn't have the punch of a larger caliber.
This deficiency is also exacerbated by the U.S. Army's lack of intensive marksmanship training.
+1 Almost as soon as the U.S. military adopted the M16, they began trying to find ways to improve the performance of the .223 cartridge and they've been at it every since. In the latest permutation of the M16 they whack six inches off the barrel which further reduces the performance of a marginal cartridge and call it "improved" again. It really doesn't matter what rifles fires the .223, it amounts to the same thing at the target.
cowboy117
Member
I have a Mini-14 Standard.AK-47 is the best however IMHO.50,000,000 terrorists can't be wrong. 
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Bullseye Smith
Member
Rock River Arms is the top of the line like S&W is 
. More matches are won with the Rock than any other make at Perry and other matches. Plus it is carried by DEA and many others.
. More matches are won with the Rock than any other make at Perry and other matches. Plus it is carried by DEA and many others.
slowburninsteve
Member
I like Stag Arms, plus you can't beat the price!
Colt manufactured M-4.
szuppo
US Veteran
M14 is my go to.
michael thornton
Member
mini 14 and ar15 bushmaster dpms i would like to have a m1a but i have a good pile of 223 ammo so im sticking with that for now
We should have stayed with the U.S. Springfield Model 1903!!
ChattanoogaPhil
Member
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I have shot with dozens of AR owners. None.. zero.. nada.. had a rifle as reliable as my Bushmaster. There have been many more accurate, more expensive, more accessorized, but none fed like my Bushmaster. I have put numerous ammo types through my Bushmaster, including thousands of cheap lacquered (with drip marks on the steel case) 15yr old Wolf ammo and it just works each and every time the trigger is squeezed. IMO, the best AR is one that goes bang every time.
jag312
Member
The Izhmash factory in Izhevsk, Russia makes a version of the AK74 in .223. It is simple, reliable, and accurate enough for close range fighting. The Heckler & Koch HK33 is also a great rifle. Not as simple as an AK, but definitely reliable and accurate. If I was in Afghanistan, I would prefer an M14, an M60, or an FN FAL. The FN FAL chambered not in 7.62 NATO, but in 7mm-08; just to be different.
Although I would not like someone shooting at me at 400 yards with an M4, I would prefer to shoot back with something a little bigger.
Although I would not like someone shooting at me at 400 yards with an M4, I would prefer to shoot back with something a little bigger.
skeetshooter
Member
LMT,,,nuff said
Which battle? If it involves open-field targets at fairly long range, I'd opt for my very accurate Wilson Combat carbine with conventional Leupold scope. In CQB, or for in-vehicle use, my MSAR AUG clone with Aimpoint 2x2MOA red dot would be preferred, because of its much shorter length and quicker aiming capability. No question that the larger cartridges are potentially more effective in longer range situations, but I've shot enough animals to have a healthy respect for the .223/5.56mm, and its comparatively diminutive platform.
