[SmithKid308]

I'm very very very new to the AR world and I'm extramly lost in this new type of gun, well I had a delma that im sure that most of us have had the AK vs AR and decided to get both BUT decided to get the AR first because of the versatility and light weight. So that brings me to my first point 5.56 or .223 ? Mid length or carbine and how can I improve the gas system ? Well I hope I get a good response from you guys and I'm a very avid shooter and shoot around 2 times a week so thanks for the help to anyone who puts input

SmithKid

Ps ive only ever handled 1 and it was built for long range

[Redleg]

223 and 556 are essentially the same "caliber." 223 is the civilian version, which has a somewhat lighter charge than the military 556. Many or most civilian ARs will handle both. Some civilian 223 rifles are not designed to handle 556. It is nice to have a rifle that will handle 556 as this is often available as cheap surplus ammo.

Lots of other good info on this forum but beware of the strong opinions.

[SmithKid308]

If I get the upper in 5.56 will it take .223 ?

[billt]

What type of shooting are you planning on doing with it? About how much are you willing to spend? Also, do you plan on shooting it with iron sights, or optics? If so what type of optics are you considering? Battle sights like Aimpoints or ACOGS, or a conventional scope? If you can answer any or all of these questions your choice can be more easily guided in the proper direction.

[ScottA]

5.56 will always take .223, but don't try it the other way around.

[lbwar15]

An AR chambered in 5.56 can handle .223. An AR in .223 can NOT handle 5.56. Remember that it is because like he said the 5.56 is more of a military round and a .223 chambered riffle can not handle the higher presser the 5.56 produces.

[SmithKid308]

I wanted it for SHTF WROL and just as my first AR I want to use good iron sights and I plan on doing Alot of shooting with it and im willing to spend around 650$

[Cattledog]

yes it will and there are some good reasons to go with a 5.56 chamber over a .223.

a primer on the AR-15 for you

A-First-Time-Buyers-Guide-to-the-AR15


Its not everything but it will get you started

[billt]

Originally Posted by SmithKid308

If I get the upper in 5.56 will it take .223 ?

Yes. The only difference between the 2 is the freebore is greater in the 5.56 MM chamber. Freebore is the amount of the rifling that is cut away to allow the bullet a "running start" at the rifling. It allows greater velocity without as much chamber pressure as a non freebored chamber. You can shoot either or in either chamber.

[ScottA]

Make sure you go through the stickies here in the AR sub-forum.