Buying my first AR15. Need input

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elktrout

elktrout

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I am soon buying my first AR-15. I have shot several in the past. I would likely shoot my own casually, certainly not in competition or hundreds of rounds at a time. I will not be making my own You Tube video by dragging it around on the ground or throwing it in the mud then shooting it. I take care of my weapons and enjoy just shooting them.

What do you recommend between the Stag, RRA, Colt 6920, S&W? Do any of these have features that are worth paying more to get?

Thanks.
 
For the money right now I'd buy a BCM. Of those you listed I'd get a Colt.
 
You can get more bang for your buck if you build one; unless you're concerned with resale value or being able to send a whole gun back if you have a problem, there's no good reason to pay the extra profit margins and FET on a complete rifle.

I'd say buy a stripped lower from whoever has the best deal or your preferred rollmark, grab a PSA lower build kit with the furniture you want, then pick a complete upper to slap on it.

Take a look at these options:

Lower build kits:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/2343/

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/15071/category/388/

Uppers:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...ainless-1-7-freedom-upper-without-bcg-ch.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...without-bcg-or-charging-handle/category/4220/

http://www.jsesurplus.com/JSE16LW.625NITRIDEMISS12KEYMODA2FLASHHIDERCOMPLETE.aspx

http://www.jsesurplus.com/JSE16LW.625SSMISS12KEYMODSEEKINSFLASHHIDERCOMPLETE.aspx

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-KMR-KEYMOD-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-bfh-kmr13.htm

Those are just a few examples. Literally dozens upon dozens of options. Just remember that some come with bolt carrier group and charging handle, some don't, so check the specs.

Bottom line, for what you'd spend on a Colt 6920 or similar, you can build a much nicer custom rifle.
 
Girodin and Jackal pretty much covered my thoughts... I would get a mid-length BCM over anything on your list, assuming we're talking carbines, but off the list, the Colt in Jackal's link is a hilariously good deal. Colt is the standard, but BCM offers a lot of different configurations.

And on that note, there are a ton of different configurations offered by those companies. As I said, Colt is the AR standard. They make top-notch rifles, and if you can afford it, it's usually a good decision. But if you realistically will not shoot the rifle often or stake your life on it, you may be just as well-off getting something cheaper. Just depends on your expectations. So what sort of configuration are you looking for?

Colt and BCM offer quality of parts and quality assurances that Stag, RRA, and S&W don't.

4150 vs. 4140 barrels, individually MP/HP testing barrels and bolts, 7075 RE's vs. 6061, RRA's barrels aren't lined from what I've seen, and their castle nuts don't seem to be staked, either. Same is true of Stag, they don't stake either, from my experience... S&W does stake their castle nuts, and both S&W and Stag do offer chrome lined and melonite treated barrels on certain models. Some stuff isn't necessary on a hobby gun, some stuff is.

Truthfully, if you're not going to be a high-volume shooter, an M&P Sport will likely do what you need. They do use some lower-quality parts, but they're assembled correctly and have an outstanding reputation of reliability. Just comes down to the configuration and quality level you want, as well as your realistic projection of how much you'll shoot it.
 
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Stag and S&W are affordable and good weapons.

Skip the carry handle. Get some good flip up sights and learn to use irons. Don't clutter your weapon with lots of attachments. Simple irons will do.
 
Unless you are super gun savvy, I'd highly recommend NOT trying to build your first AR. Get one already assembled and learn how it all works and goes together before trying to build one yourself.

All of those brands you list are good to go. I only have experience with RRA, and can tell you they make an excellent product (but stay away from them unless you want an insanely accurate rifle ;) ).
 
Most AR rifles are mil spec so they pretty much meet the same tolerances. Parts for one AR rifle will generally fit most other AR rifles. Keep in mind that there are some small parts that are specific to makers of certain ARs so you do have to have some caution when you switch barrels and so on.

My suggestion for you would be to go with a 16 inch barrel AR. Get a rifle with a 6 position adjustable stock on it. You will also want a detachable rear handle. Keep in mind that AR rifles are a lot like potato chips. Once you start buying them you can't have just one of them. I own like 5 of the things and I love all 5 of them. Any way, I have a couple of Bushmasters, a Superior Arms, a Stag Arms rifle and a couple of others. My favorite of all of them is the Superior Arms rifle. The key to having a happy relationship with your AR rifle is to shoot it, break it in and get to know it. They are fun rifles and accurate.

The Filipino Marine Scout Snipers have adopted upgraded 20 inch M-16 variants for their sniper rifles. They took old M-16 rifles, fixed them and mounted 3 by 9 Tasco variable power scopes on their rifles. They shoot the heavier 62 grain bullets but their .223 caliber sniper rifles work well for them. Look them up on the internet under Filipino Marine Snipers. I would suggest that you also consider adding a scope to your rifle later on when finances and such let you feel good about doing so.
 
For a good, cheap rifle I'd get the S&W Sport.

For a more serious gun I'd go BCM or Colt. Personally I'd get a 6720 Lightweight Carbine over the 6920, but the 6920 is excellent too. For $800 you can't go wrong.

Building a gun is no problem if you simply mate a complete upper to a complete lower. It's literally as easy as pushing two pins through a hole.
 
I was in your shoes a few months ago. I got a complete 16" middy upper, and a complete lower, both from psa. Shipping and transfer and all, was right under $500. Took the savings over buying a gun out of a box and bought a case of ammo and some mags.
If I was doing it again, I wouldn't change a thing.
 
I've been happy with both Spikes and Stag.
The Spikes rifle I have, I put together myself. It was very easy and I got the features I wanted without paying for stuff I didnt want.
PSA has great deals and that's what I would probably do if I ever wanted another AR
 
The Colt 6920 set the standard.. Daniel Defense is the best imo. Other then that just get the Colt and be happy. Forget making one yourself unless your an expierenced gunsmith.
 
I would get a BCM mid-lenght if I could find one . For less money , Colt 6920 . I have seen them at the Wal store .
 
Out of those you listed I'd also go with the Colt, although the Stag isn't bad either.

However, I think you'd be better off buying a Daniel Defense. BCM is also very good. I'm also of the mindset that you would be better off building your own lower and just getting complete upper from one of these companies.
 
So let me be the first to advise RRA. All the others are fine guns but none have the factory trigger that RRA has. It is a two stage trigger that is above the others when it comes to feel and pull.

You just have to accept paying a bit more and maybe waiting a bit longer if you pick RRA.
 
Another vote for Colt on your list of choices. I have a 6920 with black Magpul furniture and it has been a great shooter. Closing in on 2000 rounds through it since September with no hiccups to report. It's gone around 800 rounds since its last cleaning, all I've done is shotgun the receivers and apply some oil to the carrier group a couple of times. Every magazine I've tried has worked 100% in it (20-round GI mags older than me, 30-round Magpuls, and a bunch of 20 and 30-round NHTMGs). It may be a little "heavy" but I'm pretty sure the wife's kitchen scale read right around 6-lbs, maybe 6 1/2. Eventually I plan to put an Aimpoint PRO on it, though I've found the Magpul BUIS and A2 front post to be perfectly adequate.

It may not have the best, or most up-to-date specs everywhere (mid-length gas?), but all-around I think the Colt is a solid, reliable carbine.
 
If you buy the Colt, you won't have to question your purchase. Neither will the person you sell it to if you ever decide to sell.
 
Unless you are super gun savvy, I'd highly recommend NOT trying to build your first AR. Get one already assembled and learn how it all works and goes together before trying to build one yourself.
Click to expand...

That's insulting. Though a complex machine from a machining standpoint, the AR is incredibly simple WRT operating mechanism and assembly. You could quite literally teach a chimpanzee how to put an AR lower together.

Unlike 25 years ago, all of the information one could possibly want on the matter is at your fingertip, millions of years worth of combined knowledge. Which parts are better and why, who the best sources are, and, of course, myriad step-by-step video tutorials that are just mouse clicks away on youtube.
 
First time AR builder's mistakes:

"Where'd that detent launch off too?",
"Oops, broke the ear off the trigger guard",
"Oh, my hammer springs backwards!",
"Darn that bolt catch roll pin is evil",
"Oh crap, I installed the trigger guard backwards...",
"Uh oh, I kinked my safety detent spring installing the castel nut",
"I'm not spending $$ on an armorers wrench, I have channel locks, hammer and a nail set",
"Barrel nut must be tight, it quite turning",
"I dont need a vice, I can just hold the rifle down with my knee to tighten that flash hider". :D:what::neener:
 
Have you looked at a Windham weaponry AR? I have one and it has never had a hiccup. They seem to be reasonably priced (last time I looked) and if your looking for a starter AR, it is what I recommend. As for the ones you listed can't go wrong with a Colt or a S&W. Very good reviews from people who own them.
 
First time AR builder's mistakes:

"Where'd that detent launch off too?",
"Oops, broke the ear off the trigger guard",
"Oh, my hammer springs backwards!",
"Darn that bolt catch roll pin is evil",
"Oh crap, I installed the trigger guard backwards...",
"Uh oh, I kinked my safety detent spring installing the castel nut",
"I'm not spending $$ on an armorers wrench, I have channel locks, hammer and a nail set",
"Barrel nut must be tight, it quite turning",
"I dont need a vice, I can just hold the rifle down with my knee to tighten that flash hider".
Click to expand...

Lol. Yeah, definitely some truth there, especially of guys who don't bother to watch a few videos first.

As for the last one, yeah.......after years of building, I still frequently hold the rifle between my knees while clocking muzzle devices :neener:
 
Colt 6720 or 6920 (I prefer the 6720's lighter bbl but YMMV) for $799. Buy lots of ammo, run it hard, learn about the platform then you'll be much better informed for your next build or buy decision.
However, if you're on a tighter budget, I've heard lots of good things about the M&P Sport as an entry-level AR.
Personally, I started w/the 6920 then eventually replaced the upper w/a BCM lightweight mid-length upper and couldn't be happier w/the results.
Tomac
 
My take is if you can afford the Colt then buy it, beyond that, there have been many very favorable post as to the S&W guns. Just make sure what you decide on is what you want.

Ron
 
That's insulting. Though a complex machine from a machining standpoint, the AR is incredibly simple WRT operating mechanism and assembly. You could quite literally teach a chimpanzee how to put an AR lower together.
Click to expand...

Yea, you could teach a chimp to put one together, but could you teach it to troubleshoot an AR that's not cycling correctly, or how to assess and correct an undergassed/overgassed AR? I speak from experience -- my first AR I tried to put together, even started with a COMPLETE YHM upper, but I couldn't get it to cycle correctly. Now that I've got more experience with the workings of the AR platform I'm much more comfortable assembling and troubleshooting.

You may think my advice is insulting, but I view it as sound. A new AR owner (or any rifle, for that matter) should be able to shoot their rifle, not potentially get frustrated with the whole platform from the start as I nearly did.
 
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