So, I've decided to plunge into the world of AR's, but have no clue where to start, so I'm coming to you guys for help. I have a budget of about $1300, and would be using this rifle mainly for plinking and target, maybe take it with me out coyote hunting once and a while. Been looking at the S&W M&P15 mostly because of their price. Suggestions? What should I be looking for specifically?
First AR
- Thread starter Rhyno37
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Hanzo581
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People seem to generally like the M&P15 series as starter ARs, it will be tough to beat $839 shipped unless you build your own. Plus with the money you have left in your budget you'd be able to get a nice optic.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763/products_id/53496
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763/products_id/53496
There is the "Chart" which goes over all pros and cons of AR style rifles. For 1300 bucks you can definitely get one from the left side of the "Chart". Just do a search for AR 15 chart or Best AR. That said Smith ranks in the middle of the chart and would probably serve you well.
Also look at Spikes Tactical, you can get a top tier rifle w/ plenty of money left over for a top tier optic.
I was reading an article in an AR15 mag today and saw one that looked good, but on their site I only see one complete rifle.
For $1300, sure, but you can get an off the shelf M&P for $850 and there's not too much close to that. All it "lacks" is testing on everything instead of batch, an M16 carrier, and a 1:7 twist rather than 1:9. Whether you need those things is highly debatable. It has the important things like proper staking, milspec buffer tube, etc.
W.E.G.
Member
Thought you meant a Smith would be $1300, my mistake.Which is exactly why I said the Smith would probably serve him well. I'm not sure I see a debate
I will probably end up going with that, as the price is great, and they have it at the local gander mtn, but what about this one? I like the look of quad rails.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763/products_id/36914
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763/products_id/36914
Avoid quad rails. Even the supplier to Colt, Knights Armament, is in print saying a quad rail is pretty useless to the average shooter. Plus, the surface is aggressive, needs ladder covers to smooth them out, which makes the finished weight more than simple handguards.
They are a $200 extra, and an institutional compromise for a government gun that has to satisfy a lot of different users with different optics, gear, and needs. Most of the modern designs for military firearms just have a top rail these days for the average soldier, with bolt on short rails for what might be needed.
For shooting, plinking, and coyotes, a 20" with A3 flattop and handguards would do better than a M4gery clone with quad rail. It's the latest fad gun, it has it's disadvantages, too.
They are a $200 extra, and an institutional compromise for a government gun that has to satisfy a lot of different users with different optics, gear, and needs. Most of the modern designs for military firearms just have a top rail these days for the average soldier, with bolt on short rails for what might be needed.
For shooting, plinking, and coyotes, a 20" with A3 flattop and handguards would do better than a M4gery clone with quad rail. It's the latest fad gun, it has it's disadvantages, too.
I have to disagree with Tirod. There are a number of reasons that Quad rails are useful over stock handguards.
Also I think S&W is a fine gun. However for that amount of money I think you could also do far better.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, check out smartgunner.com and look at their Daniel Defense deal they have going on. You can build it to your specs for less money than that S&W, and it will be a better gun.
Also I think S&W is a fine gun. However for that amount of money I think you could also do far better.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, check out smartgunner.com and look at their Daniel Defense deal they have going on. You can build it to your specs for less money than that S&W, and it will be a better gun.
Quad rail pros and cons (others may have different opinions)
Cons
Price
Weight
Harder on your hand w/o rail covers
Pros
Mounting options (lights, lasers, bipods, vertical grips, etc)
Free float barrel for more potential accuracy
Having said that, unless you are mounting optics and/or need an ultra-stout rail setup, you can add rail sections to standard M4 handguards or inexpensive forends such as the Magpul MOE for ar less than a quad rail, and you get to put them only where needed to save weight. You won't get the benefit of free float, but that won't be noticeable anyway unless you're a good shooter with high quality barrels, etc. A standard AR-15 doesn't need a free float.
I have a couple rifles with quad rails and three without, it just depends on the purpose of the rifle.
Cons
Price
Weight
Harder on your hand w/o rail covers
Pros
Mounting options (lights, lasers, bipods, vertical grips, etc)
Free float barrel for more potential accuracy
Having said that, unless you are mounting optics and/or need an ultra-stout rail setup, you can add rail sections to standard M4 handguards or inexpensive forends such as the Magpul MOE for ar less than a quad rail, and you get to put them only where needed to save weight. You won't get the benefit of free float, but that won't be noticeable anyway unless you're a good shooter with high quality barrels, etc. A standard AR-15 doesn't need a free float.
I have a couple rifles with quad rails and three without, it just depends on the purpose of the rifle.
Someone also recommended a Colt 6920, what do you guys think of that.
Ok so if I got an entry AR, I know which one now, but what about something more around the $1200-1400 range?
Ok so if I got an entry AR, I know which one now, but what about something more around the $1200-1400 range?
6920 is a good solid rifle and can be had for as little as 1100 right now. Honestly they are pretty much the standard others are judged by.
Quality wise a Daniel Defense or BCM will be the same level as a Colt 6920 however, and the price will be a bit less.
Quality wise a Daniel Defense or BCM will be the same level as a Colt 6920 however, and the price will be a bit less.
Spec ops Grunt
Member
At 12-14 you're getting into a whole different animal and options are less restricting, if I was to drop 12-14 I really build my own from optimum parts.
bang_bang
Member
If I could go back a few years ago I would have went this route.
I would have gotten exactly what I wanted then, and not spend another $400 later on free float rails, BUIS, etc.
Not very hard to put together either. Spend maybe $40 on tools and you're ready to put your rifle together. There are so many resources available online as far as instructional videos, diagrams, and reviews on products.
bang bang, is right take your time research and AR's or not hard to put together. I agree I have been down the same road spent $2000 on a rifle to get it the way I wanted it but could have built it for about $1300-1500 back then.
Maybe ill just buy an entry level ar for now, then build an ar down the road when I have more to spend and more knowledge on what I want. If it came between the s&w or the colt, what would you guys pick?
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Sorry for the double post (on my phone here), but which daniel defense model?
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As far as rails on a first AR, I agree with Tirod, most people should start out with plastic handguards or the Magpul MOEs which are cheap, light and good - plus allow small rails to be added. If later full rails are a necessary upgrade, the Daniel Defense Omegas are a great way to go, free floating and easy user installation. Best of both worlds really.
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