Vic wrote:
Bottom line, a rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO is what I'm looking for. As I stated before, it doesn't necessarily have to be an AR, but I'd prefer it to NOT be an uncommon rifle. The Saiga .223 (I'm assuming it is actually 5.56 NATO?) is an interesting idea, but how easy would it be to get parts (including magazines) in this hypothetical environment?
Yes, the Saiga can shoot 5.56 and .223. As for parts and magazines being secured in an end of the world scenario, you shouldn't count on being able to procure any spare anything after the fact. You want it for then, you buy it and stack it deep now, no matter what rifle or caliber you're talking about.
Again, if you're thinking end of the world, you want something very reliable that you're very comfortable shooting. This is why I recommended a Saiga in 5.56, because you can later buy another Saiga in 7.62x39 (heck, sell your SKS to fund an AK upgrade) for your already existing ammo stock. That way, you have the exact same platform, with the same manual of arms, and some parts will even be swappable between the two rifles for the two calibers...how cool is that?
But in the end, unless you're planning on stocking a lot of 5.56 yourself, I think it is very poor planning to count on supplies you THINK you'll be able to scavenge, buy, or steal in the end. Anything you want to have in a bad situation, you honestly need to already own.
Again, this is all just one guys opinion.
