ar15 bargain.

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I would recommend a S&W M&P Sport2, or a two-pin assembly job from PSA (if they have anything in stock now...)
 
Most of the PSA stuff is OK. Do you know what you want in terms of barrel length and stock type?
 
I was looking at the Psa 20 inch classic a2 model. Any good?

Can I ask - why the A2?

Nothing wrong with it, but - IN GENERAL - most folks who buy a fixed A2 find themselves wanting to change stocks, and most folks who buy a fixed carry handle find themselves wanting to change to a flattop to use a scope or red dot. I LOVE A2 clones, but they're a pretty specific niche rifle, most often I find folks don't really fit that niche after the new wears off.

An A3/4 with a flattop receiver would at least be more versatile, and you can always put a detachable carry handle on top if you don't like flip sights.

That said, the PSA will be fine for a ~1-2MOA beat around, durable, no frills fighting rifle.
 
PSA stuff is good to go.

Can I ask - why the A2?

Nothing wrong with it, but - IN GENERAL - most folks who buy a fixed A2 find themselves wanting to change stocks, and most folks who buy a fixed carry handle find themselves wanting to change to a flattop to use a scope or red dot. I LOVE A2 clones, but they're a pretty specific niche rifle, most often I find folks don't really fit that niche after the new wears off.

An A3/4 with a flattop receiver would at least be more versatile, and you can always put a detachable carry handle on top if you don't like flip sights.

That said, the PSA will be fine for a ~1-2MOA beat around, durable, no frills fighting rifle.

I have to agree with this. I have an A2 rifle clone and an Armalite A2 middy carbine, and I love them, but I also have numerous flat top rifles. A2 (or A1) uppers are cool, have that classic look, but if you're only planning on one AR, a flat top carbine is going to be a less expensive and more versatile rifle.
 
The a2 seems to fit me fine. I have fired the a2 style and the collapsible stock style. But I'm not locked into it. Thankyou all for the responses.
 
Fixed sights are for young eyes or eyes that can still focus on the front sight, IMO. An AR doesn't even have it's front sight at the muzzle which makes it even harder for middle aged eyes.

Being middle aged myself, I'm with the others that recommend a flat top AR. It is highly likely a middle aged, or older, shooter will enjoy their AR more with an optic on it of their choosing.
 
A2 stocks are fine - they fit most people acceptably if not great. But I agree with others that the ability to mount optics is very valuable to the flexibility of the weapon.
 
I can use a peep sight ok as long as it's large enough, like a m1 Garand. I agree the ability to mount optics is an important option.
 
That does suggest you probably want to be on an A4 type upper, not an A2. You can always add irons to an A4, but mounting a scope on an A2 sucks.
 
I have never cared for the collapsible stock. Though it is a great concept, I have never found one that was ridge enough not to flex when I pull the rifle to my shoulder, nor for a good "butt stroke" or hitting the ground hard when you dive to the deck! However, the flattops are much more versatile in the long run, and you can add a handle if you want.
 
I am pretty sure the rifle you are looking at is a flattop. Look at the picture, if there are 2 thumbscrews on the lower side of the CH, it can be removed and replaced with anything. Your text description brings up part number 7781739, which is this:
77817391000.png
I would verify with them that it is a flattop, and that it comes with the CH.
 
If your not sure about the stock I'd go for the collapable. If you decide you want a fixed you can get a magpul fixed carbine stock. Its a fixed stock that is made for a carbine buffer tube.
 
Atlantic firearms right now has a 499 radical ar15. Free floated too.

Don't know much about radical other then my buddy likes his.
 
[M]ounting a scope on an A2 sucks.

REALLY sucks...

CA4EEEEF-344B-4D4F-AD95-7DB6EAE0A1DA-4819-00000447040C7EAD_zps9c51d720.jpg

It's serviceable, and I've killed hundreds of coyotes with the M4A2 clone above, but I vastly prefer flat tops, and only carry that rifle because I thoroughly enjoy THAT rifle from time to time.

So I wouldn't say nobody should own a fixed handle A2 upper, but I have a pile of stripped A2 uppers folks have asked me to swap for Flattops (which I generally buy the A2 from them, hence my collection, lol).

I'm not a slick-sider, as I love having a port cover and an FA, but I'm definitely a flat topper.
 
My budget is about 1k max. I plan to use it for home and property protection. I live on 32 acres in a mostly farming/ rural area.
 
What is the best value in a ar15?

What are your criteria for determining "value"? Is it simply price? Durability? Gas piston vs. Gas Impingement? Chrome lined barrel?

By simply asking the question that you asked and not asking people to explain their rationale, all you are going to get are people's opinion as to what they regard to be the best value. I would suggest that you re-pose the question asking people to explain their reasoning.

In my case, I have been very satisfied with the S&W M&P-15 Sport II that I bought to use to teach my son how to shoot center-fire. I was looking for a low-cost, gas impingement, AR-style rifle from a reputable manufacturer and the S&W seemed to fit the bill. I appreciated the melonite-type coating, the fact it had the traditional front sight and an auxiliary pop-up optical sight. A few months later when Gander Mountain opened a store near where I live and was offering them for $599, I bought one for myself.
 
By simply asking the question that you asked and not asking people to explain their rationale, all you are going to get are people's opinion as to what they regard to be the best value. I would suggest that you re-pose the question asking people to explain their reasoning.

In my case, I have been very satisfied with the S&W M&P-15 Sport II that I bought to use to teach my son how to shoot center-fire. I was looking for a low-cost, gas impingement, AR-style rifle from a reputable manufacturer and the S&W seemed to fit the bill.

Not to argue with your points, but, since none of the additional questions were asked, I based my suggestion of the M&P on the lack of questions. If I am assuming correctly, this would be a basic, first, reliable entry into AR's. Like you, I think it's the best value going now (even though I don't have one, I built mine). I know people that have them and are happy with them. So, for a safe entry, knowing that anything can be swapped out later, I recommend the M&P.
 
For 1k I would go colt 6920 it 6720 if a complete gun. Other option would be a BCM upper on PSA lower fit 800-1K depending on the upper. That would get you the best value up to 1K IMO. For lower pricing the aero ac-15 midlength from Brownells or primary arms usually runs 600ish. Better than the sport IMO. Better parts such as tested bcg and barrel 7075 buffer and has castle nut staked unlike the sport 2. Not saying the sport 2 is a bad option just not my first. Also the Springfield Saint looks promising for the price 750ish street price I am guessing if you can wait
 
Sounds like you like your Garand and can use iron sights. If you plan to shoot irons, either get a rifle like you are looking at, or plan on free-floating the carbine (or midlength) so you can put a set of front irons out at 15". Or go red dot and don't worry about it.

Carbines can be shot with irons, but not nearly as well as a rifle.
Here is a comparison:
0613161809.jpg
The left is a Rifle with the premium PSA upper (on Premium and CHF versions the barrel is made by FN.) The next is a carbine with the front sight chopped and a 15" rail, the next is a carbine. The middle carbine doesn't lose much accuracy compared to the rifle, but the standard carbine's sight radius is just not enough.
 
Really the thing is that the ar is so modular that you can line it out a bunch of ways and with different sizes. I started with a basic 16" ar with the flat top and iron sights from PSA. Then I built my own with a 20" heavy barrel and free float handguard. So main point is: be careful! They are addictive.
 
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