The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What other .223 semi-auto to consider besides ARs and Mini-14s?

FALPhil · December 1, 2012, 07:28 AM

If you shop parts, you should be able to assemble a a quality AR for around $600, and you are not going to find a new Mini for that.

I would start with Palmetto State Armory. I was able to obtain one of their "blem" lowers for $60 plus shipping and transfer. From then on, it was wait for the sales.

Receiver + shipping + transfer = $90
BCG + LPK + shipping = $160
Premium Mid Upper + shipping = $315
Milspec collapsable stock kit at the gun show = $40

I did all this with new parts. If I had been willing to shop the equipment exchages on the various gun boards, I could probably have brought the price down to around $500.

You will still need a rear sight, but there are some viable options out there for around $25.

Don't count the AR out. I had one for about 10 years before I traded it in on my first AR. I wish I hadn't wasted that time.

December 1, 2012, 07:28 AM	#11
FALPhil Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2007 Location: Racoon City Posts: 934	If you shop parts, you should be able to assemble a a quality AR for around $600, and you are not going to find a new Mini for that. I would start with Palmetto State Armory. I was able to obtain one of their "blem" lowers for $60 plus shipping and transfer. From then on, it was wait for the sales. Receiver + shipping + transfer = $90 BCG + LPK + shipping = $160 Premium Mid Upper + shipping = $315 Milspec collapsable stock kit at the gun show = $40 I did all this with new parts. If I had been willing to shop the equipment exchages on the various gun boards, I could probably have brought the price down to around $500. You will still need a rear sight, but there are some viable options out there for around $25. Don't count the AR out. I had one for about 10 years before I traded it in on my first AR. I wish I hadn't wasted that time.