[juststartin5272]

I know little to nothing about semi auto rifles and really just want something to have a little fun with nothing too serious. Anyone have any suggestions that will keep me outta the poorhouse but still give me something of descent quality

 

[Retaks]

I have a S&W M&P15 and love it. Ive ran it hard trying to get it to fail and it hasnt yet. I would expect the same from the M&P15 Sport. Its just lacking the forward assist and ejection port cover. They are under $700 and shoot .233 and 5.56 so ammo is easy to find.

 

[hawkguy]

here is a thread i made about two i own and like very much.

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f18/my-mini-14-vs-my-ar-15-a-63063/

like the poster above, i have the M&P sport and like it very much (so far, i haven't owned it very long). i also own a stainless mini 14 and i think its a great rifle as well. imo, you would really enjoy either. both were a bit under $700.

although i know you stated .223, i would highly recommend a ruger 10/22 ($200ish), especially if you're budget minded! the kel-tec sub2000($300ish) always looked interesting to me, but i have never shot one.

here's my mini and AR.

 

[hawkguy]

Anyone have any suggestions that will keep me outta the poorhouse but still give me something of descent quality

again, i think if this is a concern, 10/22 all the way!

 

[purehavoc]

I know little to nothing about semi auto rifles and really just want something to have a little fun with nothing too serious. Anyone have any suggestions that will keep me outta the poorhouse but still give me something of descent quality

Savage Axis , cheap , accurate , and super fun

 

[hawkguy]

Savage Axis , cheap , accurate , and super fun

i think the OP wanted a semi auto.

 

[locutus]

Get an AR-15.

 

[nickel1911]

I also agree with the s&w m&p ar. I run the psx and it eats everything I feed it. I haven't found anything negative to say about it yet. Good luck and happy shopping

 

[Werminator]

Maybe look into the KelTec su16 series if. 223 is your goal. Maybe an ak74 if you want that "scare the sh*t out of the neighbors effect... maybe look at an sks... 7.62 is not much more if any than. 223 and sks can be had for about half the price of a cheap ar... just saying the options are much more varied when you open the options on caliber... maybe a pistol caliber carbine? Lots of good options to consider!

 

[juststartin5272]

Has anybody shot a mossberg tactical 22. Would that be something to consider?

 

[Bear304inc]

again, i think if this is a concern, 10/22 all the way!

Agree here, 10/22, inexpensive quality rifle you can afford to shoot all day. Also very customizable. If your just starting out and just want to plink around this is a great way to start.