I've been thinking of a 16" bolt gun in 223 / 5.56 / 223ai also for another reason. I live in the Socialist Republic of New York. When I retire from law enforcement, technically I have to get rid of my AR. I thought about building a short barrel, magazine fed, bolt gun with maybe 1-8X24 scope or red dot, to sort of fill that space the AR would have filled. I have been looking at the Ruger Scout Rifle in 223 / 5.56. Something handy. Or I might build something. I do like the heavier 70gr to 80gr bullets.