I'm still trying to figure out what make/model of rifle I want that handles 5.56 ammo. I don't need extreme accuracy, just something I can put an average scope on to reach past my 870 and Sig. Got cost effective suggestion? I'm thinking an AR-15 variant.
I live in CA and they require a bullet button to release the magazine. I've seen legal get arounds for the pin that can be installed, but still limited to 10 round mags (sigh). Is bolt better for defense or is that mostly sniper stuff, which I'm not?
Getting back to your rifle, you might consider an SKS [fixed magazine] in 7.62x39. Ammunition is both cheap and plentiful. The SKS is fast to reload with stripper clips, accurate, and the 7.62x39 is more of a stopper than the .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, plus the SKS does not look like an evil black rifle (EBR). [Civilian-type replacement furniture (stock and handguard) are available to make it even less threatening looking.]
I have a Russian SKS and I love it. You'll have to check what the law is as to what features are CA legal on the SKS, but because it is more “conventional” looking than either the AK or AR, you should be better off. There are also extended mags designed to replace the untegral 10-round magazine of the SKS. Removal of the 10-round magazine and follower and replacement with the 30-round magazine is easily done.
The ruger mini 14 is lighter than ar and cheaper if you get a ranch rifle it is easy to mount scope and it dose not look like black rifle
Also look at ruger mini 30 in 7.62X39 the new ones are accurate and fun to shoot ammo is cheep.