First AR

[KAS1981]

It's probably going to be a while until I actually buy something, but my research has already started.

I want an AR. Like so many folks, I don't want to spend a ton of money.....I'd like to keep it around $800. I want a 16" mid-length with a heavy barrel profile.

What will I be using it for? Plinking for fun mostly, but I also want it to be dependable for defense.

I've come to the conclusion that I should build one if I want to save money.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

- Del-Ton upper & chrome-lined barrel assembly (minus BCG) http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Barrel_Assembly_p/dt1023.htm
- Bravo Company M16 BCG http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...Auto-M16-p/bcm bolt carrier group auto mp.htm

Beyond that, I think I'll search out a good deal on a stripped lower and assemble it myself. Then finish it off with whatever butt stock & optics tickle my fancy.

Any ideas or input? Am I missing anything? I didn't realize when I first got the bug for an AR-15 that there was such a staggering amount of companies that build rifles & parts.

 

[greyling22]

you'll need and optic or sight. probably a magazine too. you need to set a budget and stick to it hard or else you will fall into the "just $10 more" trap and your $800 AR turns into a $1300 AR.

what about the upper dsa has. http://www.dsarms.com/DSA-ZM4-A3-Up...gth-HG---DSZM4CBUMID/productinfo/DSZM4CBUMID/
they have stripped and compete lowers as well, but I might look for an aero precision lower. http://jsgunparts.com/store/index.p...id=572&zenid=f92cf64d6eab17c5b8743ec530273ac1

 

[RP88]

that puts you at $700 for a decent AR, and you're still short on the sight.

Get a complete BCM upper (about $560ish), then buy a complete lower from anyone who uses mil-diameter buffer tubes (this will run you around $300).

This puts you around the $1000 mark after a good rear sight, which is about what you want to spend; if you buy right once, you only cry once. Go ahead and get the whole package for just a couple hundred more. If the AR platform is a gun you see yourself getting into, then the $300 difference is chump change compared to the forends, grips, stocks, optics, and additional mods you'll put into it.

 

[Sky]

Yes also do a search here at THR and look at some of the input received for others facing the same decisions. Many choices and most are good for your individual applications.

 

[Sig88]

You can get a better quality rifle if you buy it in pieces. I went the BCM upper and spikes lower. It's a good combo no real problems that are attributed to user error.

If you can't wait, then maybe Stag which is decent. Had one but sold it, like the one I have now much better. I hear decent things about DPMS, Olympic and Del-ton. Ithink those are the brands that are in your range

 

[kwelz]

Why spend almost 400 on a Delton when you could spend 35$ more on a BCM
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16.htm

The quality on the two isn't even comparable.

 

[bri]

Why spend almost 400 on a Delton when you could spend 35$ more on a BCM
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16.htm

The quality on the two isn't even comparable.

OP - Listen to these folks that are recommending spending a bit more for quality, the more you research the more you'll understand...

 

[KAS1981]

Why spend almost 400 on a Delton when you could spend 35$ more on a BCM
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16.htm

The quality on the two isn't even comparable.

Whoa.....didn't see that upper while searching BC's site. Thanks!

 

[Jon_L]

That's a nice BCM upper. Can't go wrong, there.

Also, here's some sources for LPKs and a good BCG
http://www.riflegear.com/p-865-daniel-defense-full-auto-bolt-carrier-group.aspx
http://www.riflegear.com/p-1104-daniel-defense-lower-parts-kit-with-moe-trigger-guard.aspx

 

[C-grunt]

You can build a good baisc BCM/Spikes rifle for right about that, maybe a little more.

 

[lesgeaux]

I have been in the same boat, wanted one, but prices were high and all the research to know just what to get.
Do what I did, get a S&W M&P Sport, it is a basic AR with a good company standing behind warrenty. Right now at Academy sports I picked mine up for 549.99, that is for a complete rifle! Smith & Wesson. Their normal price is 599.99 and they are just getting them in. If you like the AR, then you can spend as much as you want extra to get bells and whistles. I would like to give you a range report but I just got it Sunday and no range time yet. Did measure the trigger tho at about 5 and a half pounds. For me a trigger is a trigger, shoot it alot and get used to it. I think this rifle will do just fine.

 

[mdThanatos]

Too bad my Academy doesn't sell 5.56 ARs, just the .22 models. To top it off they can't transfer from another store or request one from the distribution center either so no Sports locally.

 

[Powerglide]

Colt and be done with it.

 

[simon_rook]

I went through this a few months ago.
I went with the DSA fluted 16" mid length upper 300.00 (mil discount even if you out)
Young Manufacturing BGC
Palmetto arms Mil spec lower and MOE build kit.
All together it was about 700.00

I have a 1/2 MOA gun that runs like a champ. After the initial break in I ran 1,000 LC through it with nothing more than a splash of clp between range trips. No failures of any sort. Do a search on ARFCOM they all love those DSA uppers.