how many AR type rifles are there

[lostsniper308]

theres dozens of AR-15 varients out there, but what about others like Kel-tec SU16s?
who else makes autoloading magazine fed 5.56/223 rifles?

[84jeepj10]

Saiga makes a modern sporterized AK action rifle in .223rem (5.56mm nato), .308win, 7.32x39mm, 12ga, 18ga, 20ga. All magazine fed based off a AK47 action but more modern design features and materials, more accurate. Very nice rifles I hear, Guns Galore carries them priced new from $200-$400.

I have a Kel-Tec SU-16D. Love it, better than an M4 by far.

[lostsniper308]

better? really, coupleguys here say they're terrible, while they've never owned one either, they still swear to AR15s

[84jeepj10]

The drawbacks are that they' aren't as modular as M4's. They've only got one 6" rail on top of the receiver and you can't get other rails for them besides those that clamp around a smoothe AR15 type/size barrel.
As far as mine goes
-it kicks less.
-a bit louder, because of no suppressor. However, mine is the SU16-D which has  threaded muzzle that can fit any AR15 standard threaded attatchment.
-Sites are very crude, especially if you have the SU16-A model with the red plastic sites, beware that I had one of these first and the site was DOA, would rotate 360* around barrel right out of box, I exchanged it for the current D model.
-lighter
-fires a bit cleaner because of the gas piston operating system instead of ARs direct gas blowback
-takedown is a bit more complicated, but still very easy
-ambidextrius safety
-has 2 10 rnd mags fitted into buttstock, will fit a GI 30rnd mag there in place of them, very convenient
-forearm folds out into a fixed bi-pod, marginally useful
-single pin pull and the whole thing folds in half, great backpacking/backup rifle

I mostly love mine because of the compactness, light, easy to maintain/operate, accurate, and INEXPENSIVE, costing about 1/3 to 1/2 as much as a basic AR15.

[lostsniper308]

well i did some research, i think i'm gonna find a relatively inexpensive AR-15 and get a 50BMG upper for it as well

[84jeepj10]

Where you plannin on shooting it? You can't shoot it here on Ft Hood, and I doon't know of any local ranges that'll let you shoot it either.
Are you gonna buy a built upper and lower, or build one from parts? The advantage of building one is you get to select your parts and custom build it to your specs, usually only need basic tools, you can save some cost depending on the parts you buy. But you will save alot if you plan on upgrading later.
Definately spend the extra on one of the new gas piston uppers, they're alot more reliable, cleaner, and dont get nearly as hot which also makes them last longer and not foul the barrel as bad.
Which caliber AR are you plannin on startin with? Or are you just buying the lower and goin straight to the .50?

[lostsniper308]

well i'm from Duluth, MN thats where i'm going for leave and such and thats where i'll be keeping the weapons.
i was gonna get a basic .223/5.56 AR either carbine or full-sized M16 which ever i find cheaper, i'll order the .50BMG upper later about 4months out from coming home from Iraq here. i got leave in about 25days

[Old English]

I somehow doubt that you'll find a 50bmg upper for an AR15!!! You might want to rethink that one.

[backstrap]

Yes they have a 50 cal bmg upper now for the Ar 223 or 5.56 nato lower,but it is a single shot bolt that pins on your ar lower i have seen them but there 2,300 is all

[bilmac]

Wouldn't the pounding of a 50 quickly distort the hinge and locking pins? I guess at the cost of each round a guy wouldn't be shooting many of them. Thanks for serving your country Lost. You guys that signed up to do that job truely amaze me. The country isn't totally falling apart when we still have guys like you who know what to do when their country is attacked.

[Old English]

I stand corrected, there are indeed AR15 uppers in 50bmg. A single shot, as previously mentioned from $1600 up. I have read some testimonials and strong scope rings are required, no surprise there. It does sound interesting but I doubt I'd want to shoot one while wearing only a T-shirt. I think I'll go for the 50 Beowulf and remain semi-auto.