Satasaurus
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What is the best complete, new factory AR for under $800? I'm not interested in building an AR or saving for anything better.
Best New Factory AR For Under $800?
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justice06rr
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You have a couple of options in the sub $800 range:
1. Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport ~ $750
2. Palmetto State Armory Factory M4 - $799 (online only)
In that price range, go with the M&P15. There are other cheaper options, like the DPMS for $617 or the Bushmaster Carbon15 for around $700, but I'd stay away from those. You asked for "best", and those 2 are far from best.
Since you are in FL (so am I), look for Shoot Straight. They have a few locations here. Last weekend they had the M&P15 Sport for $749. that's under $800 OTD. You mentioned that building one is out of the question for you, so the Palmetto builds that are around $700 is not a choice. The $799 AR that they have on sale right now does not include shipping and transfer fees, which will put you way above $800.
Good luck with your search.
1. Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport ~ $750
2. Palmetto State Armory Factory M4 - $799 (online only)
In that price range, go with the M&P15. There are other cheaper options, like the DPMS for $617 or the Bushmaster Carbon15 for around $700, but I'd stay away from those. You asked for "best", and those 2 are far from best.
Since you are in FL (so am I), look for Shoot Straight. They have a few locations here. Last weekend they had the M&P15 Sport for $749. that's under $800 OTD. You mentioned that building one is out of the question for you, so the Palmetto builds that are around $700 is not a choice. The $799 AR that they have on sale right now does not include shipping and transfer fees, which will put you way above $800.
Good luck with your search.
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zerofournine
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If you really wanted the best rifle for the money, and had to stay under $800, wait for a Palmetto State Armory sale. I just picked up a complete upper for $400 and a complete lower for $200. It's impossible to beat a mil spec'ed out PSA carbine for $600. They put stuff on sale all the time. Patience is rewarded.
This - except I would (and did) choose the Palmetto State Armory PA-15 Patrol Rifle over the Sport. Not saying the Smith is a bad choice, but I wanted something closer to milspec WITH a forward assist and dust cover.
You really can't go wrong with either.
Beach Nut
Member
I just picked me up a S&W M&P Sport for $ 700.00 and I really like it!
It doesn't have a dust cover and forward assist but those items are not
deal breakers if you want a good entry level AR-15 that you can go to
the range and plink with. The only fly in the ointment with this purchase
is that S&W no longer offers the M&P Sport with the 1/8 barrel twist. My
new rifle came with a 1/9 barrel. The accuracy has been surprising so far,
exceeding my expectations.
It doesn't have a dust cover and forward assist but those items are not
deal breakers if you want a good entry level AR-15 that you can go to
the range and plink with. The only fly in the ointment with this purchase
is that S&W no longer offers the M&P Sport with the 1/8 barrel twist. My
new rifle came with a 1/9 barrel. The accuracy has been surprising so far,
exceeding my expectations.
On An Island
Member
Would you be interested in a bundle? I just saw that Core15 has (in stock) its M4gery and a complete .22 upper for a couple of hundred bucks more.
On An Island
Member
Ran across another good option: Bud's Gun Shop has the same rifle for $679. Full disclosure: I'm not associated with Bud's or Core15 in anyway.
subdude
Member
I have the PSA M4. Excellent rifle at a good price.
fanchisimo
Member
Wait for PSA sales and assemble.
redneck383
Member
I got my Windham Weaponry SRC for $830. So far it's been great to me and has a lifetime warranty. I've got probably 300 rounds through it with no problem. I'd burn a lot more if prices and availability improved a bit but would definitely buy it again if I had to start over.
For what it's worth, Kentucky Gun Co. has M&P sport's on sale for $599. Before tax right now...
If you don't mind paying the transfer fee, it might be a good deal for you.
www.kygunco.com
If you don't mind paying the transfer fee, it might be a good deal for you.
www.kygunco.com
LeonCarr
Member
PSA
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Doc Savage
Member
I went with a Windham Weapons AR-15 for $799 at my LGS. Love the gun. Accurate and well built. Plus I love the story of the company.
justice06rr
Member
OP, are you sure you can't stretch that budget up to $1100 for a Colt6920?
As they say, buy once cry once.
If budget is absolutely crucial, get the PSA or M&P Sport.
As they say, buy once cry once.
If budget is absolutely crucial, get the PSA or M&P Sport.
fanchisimo
Member
Quentin
Member
$800 and under? I agree with all the PSA recommendations here, you really can't beat them at that price. Much better than the comspec models like DPMS, Bushnaster, Windham, etc.
But since you live in Florida, why not give Spikes a look too. Quality is about the same as PSA and the cost is close.
Whatever you get be sure you're up to speed on barrel profile, length, twist, gas length, etc.
But since you live in Florida, why not give Spikes a look too. Quality is about the same as PSA and the cost is close.
Whatever you get be sure you're up to speed on barrel profile, length, twist, gas length, etc.
What accuracy can one expect from the AR 15 s listed that sell for less than $ 800 ? I do not wont a spray and pray semi auto rifle. Some time ago I got 30 boxes of Winchester white box .223 Rem FMG ammo at $ 4.00 per box because I have two 223 bolt action varmint rifles. Can one expect a AR to get 3/4 inch five shot 100 yard groups with hand loaded ammo ?
If you don't want to "spray and pray"...then don't "spray and pray".
"A AR' may or may not be capable of 3/4" @100.
If bench resting for groups on paper is your aim, an AR probably isn't the best choice.
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