This is regardless of what the AR guys say, the most reliable gun and will eat all types of ammo cheap or expensive without a problem....the Garande action keeps it running flawless...Bill Ruger knew exactly what he was doing when he designed this ranch rile...want a survival rile...buy a mini -
I picked one of these up at a brick and mortar store. I saw it on the rack, asked to look at it and made an impulse buy. It was a bit more pricey than what is listed here but so it goes. Id always wanted one like this- short barrel, collapsible butt. It handles nice and the MagPul furniture is a nice touch. Other than needing some sort of optical it is what the doc ordered for my AR jones... This one is a "keeper" and it stands tall next to an AK in handling, accuracy and take-down for cleaning. Feels and carries lighter than any AK Ive had and is frankly faster to bring to point. Being an AR I doubt (but havent torture tested it) it can go as long as the AK without attention in rough conditions. Lighter, quicker and more accurate tho.
Im an AK man and have been for decades, but I do like this carbine, even knowing that it will need more attention. My only concern is a big one- how effective is the 5.56 in such a short barrel? The M4 Original has a 14.5 inch barrel, this one is 16 inches, a bit more oooomph. I don't like the super-fast 1-7 twist but it works for the heavier, slower 855 round. Altogether, I like this carbine and will get some sort of sight to mount on it- eventually. Friend has one with the holographic sight for which he paid thru the nose. I will probably do the same, but as it is the flip up sight works fine.
Being old school, I do miss the old carry handle and havent gotten used to the "shaved" look. YMMV! - DUNRANULL
