Suggestions on Semi Auto Rifles

Semi-auto rifles is a pretty wide description, anything from a Ruger 10/22 to a Browning BAR in .338 Winchester Magnum.

I just bought a SIG Tread. My post is: I took the plunge – owner of a new SIG M400 Tread | SIG Talk

In the AR category, I also have an economy Del-Ton, which works well, and have had various other makes including Colt, Bushmaster, Moriarti, component built using Anderson parts, etc. The only AR I ever had issues with was a Carbon-15 from Bushmaster. The receiver wasn't made strong enough to stand up to a steady diet of 5.56 mm. I've also owned Mini-14s, in 5.56 mm and .300 BLK. They are rugged, reliable carbines, but their accuracy is less than what can be obtained in a similarly priced AR variant.

Yes, what caliber? .22 for plinking? Or larger? You can spend almost any amount and accessorize as much or as little as you want. I like my Springfield Saint 556/223. Smaller, my Smith &Wesson AR15-22 is a blast to shoot.

As this will be my first I would like to stick with either .22 or 9mm. I will do a bit of research but as you have advised there are a multitude of options. I'll go to my range and rent a variety and shoot several round in each and try to get a smaller list together. Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

I’ve been picked 2 used entry level AR’s (500/750) in the past couple months.
Anderson A10. Runs great, trigger leaves a lot to be desired and accuracy is questionable because of it (2 to 3” groups).
BCM AR15. Took it out and ran a couple mags thru it as just picked it up. Better trigger pull and groups of 1” @ 25yds with the red dot that came with it. A definite improvement, but the so was the price tag.

SIG Tread , Sig 556 (if you can find one)

Geissele, Wilson Combat, Christensen Arms, Ruger are my favorites

If you want to stick with SIG, my SIG TREAD M400 has been flawless. And for the price point, it has a lot of features you might not get with other competitors of similar quality. Unfortunately, you'll have to buy a front sight rail if back up sights matter to you lol. But mine has been great. The 716i has been a beast as well and so far in my experience, probably the best bang for your buck in an AR-10 platform you can get right now. Hope that helps!

Specialk007 said:

As this will be my first I would like to stick with either .22 or 9mm.

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I suggest you go with a .22. Cheap to buy and feed. Lots of folks like the Ruger 10/22. Thousands of new shooters have started out with the good ol' Marlin Model 60.

Specialk007 said:

As this will be my first I would like to stick with either .22 or 9mm. I will do a bit of research but as you have advised there are a multitude of options. I'll go to my range and rent a variety and shoot several round in each and try to get a smaller list together. Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

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Sorry I didn't see this part. For those calibers, I think Ruger would be a great friend to have. a 10/22 for the .22lr or a Ruger PC Carbine would be great for 9mm. Although, CMMG Banshees are great 9mm AR Pistols style firearms that can use P320 magazines which might be cool for you so you only need one type of magazine for your pistol and your semi-auto "firearm"

Sorry, didn’t see the 22 or 9 either. Ruger or Tippmann would be good. Not sure on a 9mm but I was looking at a Sig in that caliber some time ago. Very nice

It is hard to beat a Ruger 10/22. They make all kinds of accessories to make your 10/22 unique. I have 2 and put a scope on each one.

Ruger 10/22 is a very good rifle from a reliable manufacturer. Stock up on Mini-Mags as shortages in 22 LR ammo happen from time to time. The Mini-Mags will run the action very reliably while lower power 22 LR won't run reliably in many semi auto 22 LR weapons.

Bill

Yup, if a 22 is what caliber your after, a ruger 10/22 won’t die. I had one and we put 1000’s of rounds thru it back in the “ beer can sniper” days. The dirtier it got, the better it ran. 😬

I'm guessing you don't want to shell out 2.5k+ for an MPX then. +1 for the 10/22.

If OP isn't adverse to the price, then the MPX 9mm is excellent. However, there are less expensive 9 mm carbines than the MPX. The MPX is the softest shooting, but in 9 mm there are many good alternatives that are less expensive.

Bill

I enjoy my beretta cx4 storm that accepts regular 92fs magazines and can be had for about $700. Of course, B&t and hk have great alternatives in 9mm, but much more expensive.

My first semi-auto rifle was an AR-15 in 556/223. Wasn't hard to learn, adapt and manipulate altogether. I can assure you it doesn't shoot like a meteor that crashed on earth and give you PTSD.
Just go straight to the Sig M400 and you'll be glad you didn't overthink it.

For an AR based .22 rifle, I suggest the S&W M&P 15-22. I have two, the rifle and the pistol. Check them out.

If you want a 9mm, I prefer Freedom Ordnance firearms. You can get an AR platform pistol in 3 barrel lengths, or a rifle with a 16" barrel. Either takes Glock magazines, easy to find and small to large capacity. I have an FX-9, pistol, 4" barrel, with a folding brace, Holosun green dot sight, and silencer. Works awesome.