[lainga]

Yes, but if you're not a subsistence hunter, and only planning to become one in unusual circumstances, the AR-15 is so popular that its parts and ammunition are widely available everywhere. In fact, I'd say an entry-level AR-15 at about $400 is a better choice for someone who isn't enthusiastic about guns, and doesn't want to expend too much brainpower maintaining them, as opposed to a $100 Cosmoline-encrusted Mosin or Norinco rifle. Even if it is overkill for hunting.

[flyingfences]

5.56 is actually under-kill for hunting a lot of game, especially as compared to something like the Mosin that you gave as an example.

[Density]

That's why intermediate 6mm cartridges exist. 6.5mm CM, grendel and better yet .300 blackout. All easy conversions to the AR platform. All you need to go from a base .223 ar to a .300blk is a barrel swap.

[flyingfences]

In a SHTF scenario, you'll want to stick to more popular cartridges. 6.5 is great and all, but if supply lines run out then you'll want to be shooting what's plentiful.

[Density]

That was a response to hunting concerns. .223 is considered underpowered for deer hunting, but ar-15 can be easily modified to fire deer hunting caliber bullets.

If the SHTF .223 is probably better to barter with if nothing else

[cc439]

You're right in that .223/5.56 is only useful for game up to your typical southeastern Doe or small Buck but milsurp rifles are a thing of the past. Not only is a decent Mosin ~$350 these days, they are awful, awful hutning rifles for a dozen+ reasons. A Savage Axis is the better comparison but it costs about the same as a budget AR-15 and either option is so cheap it's hard to argue against buying both.