best non AR or AK Carbine Rifle?

[bakeman]

What is everyones opinion on what is the best carbine semi-auto rifle that is not an AR or AK? I am thinking about purchasing a new rifle once all the prices go back down, but i want something that is gas-piston operated. I really dont want a gas-piston AR because the gun was not designed around that operating system. And because i already have an AR.(I like varitey ) And i dont want an AK either. I just dont like them that much. What do you all think?

 

[Jordan]

Mini 14 is usually what comes to mind if AR/AK are out of the question.

 

[LEaSH]

VZ58 resembles an AK but has zero in common (parts wise) except the 7.62x39 round.

Kel Tec SU 16 or the aforementioned Mini 14 in .223 (or mini 30 if you like 7.62x39).

You want to spend up? Scar is an option.

 

[Amac91]

I'm on my way to pick up an SKS-M today. An sks that shoots ak mags is a great fit for me personally.

 

[MarlinMan68]

I would have to say mini-14 or 30

 

[ViperJock]

Sig556? SCAR? OR do you consider those an AR?

 

[JWAS]

M1a Socom or M1a Scout (i have the scout) would be a choice in 308...
Also, if u have the money, a SCAR 16s (or 17s) would be sweet too.

 

[Hiserman79]

Sks, available by the truck loads cheap and plenty of ammo available. Naturally it's the hated step brother of the ak world but never a hiccup out of my 3. The only piTa is the duckbill mags.

 

[cook5oh]

Springfield M1 if you can find one in stock and not really expensive. Outside of that I gotta agree with the other people on here, the Mini 14 is a good choice. Both have been proven good guns.

 

[bakeman]

yeah i would love a SCAR....but thats alot of coin. I just didnt know if there were some nice options out there in the mid range AR price that i didnt know about.

 

[bakeman]

and my definition af a gas piston AR is exactly that....An AR platform that is gas-piston driven

 

[24Carat]

I agree, a Mini-14 / 30 with some tweaking and have one fine weapon that is much more maintenance free and not allergic to dirt and grime.

Check out Perfect Union .

 

[Mr. Habib]

FAL

 

[Classic]

Mini-14 or maybe even a 30 Carbine.

 

[SideArmed]

I vote for SKS. But I am slightly biased, as I have one and I love it. Almost as much as my AR's.

 

[rhino]

FN SCAR
SIG 556

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Guns are like golf clubs. Tell us what you want to do.

 

[96projectz24]

Chalk up another one for the mini 14. I do like my inexpensive hi point 9mm carbine, good cheap fun!

 

[voodoo304]

+1 M1 .30 Carbine

 

[balzack2]

I agree with the m1 carbine and they could be found at a decent price before the craziness and can take 15, 20, & 30 round mags. I've got a winchester dated 1943 all original and it is a blast to shoot.