Help Me Decide On Which AR 15 To Buy
- Thread starter rugerman07
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Zerodefect
member
Colt 6920.
Or build it yourself:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...its/psa-14-7-chf-mid-a2-pinned-rifle-kit.html
Or build it yourself:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...its/psa-14-7-chf-mid-a2-pinned-rifle-kit.html
B!ngoFuelUSN
Member
As a first AR, I would not suggest you build one. Buy a basic model and get familiar with it. Then, if you really like them and you've learned what you like (and do not like) consider building one.
Everyone seems comfortable spending your money. I would keep in mind, no matter what you get that you might not like it or might want to upgrade and so resale value will count for something. A home made or a lesser brand (the Del-Ton for example is not highly sought) will not get you much in return in that scenario.
A Colt (or a DD for that matter) is a great brand but it seems higher priced than you need to spend. A basic M&P or (the new) Ruger is a great starting point. Good brands, good CS (though there is a thread on this forum about Smith not treating an AR10 owner well which I trust is so; as a counterpoint I've used Smith's CS and have only good stories about it so you'll have to judge but they do have a good reputation) and likely higher resale value than many.
For most shooters, a basic AR versus a higher end AR will make no difference. If it does, you won't discover that fact with your first gun, or your first 5,000 rounds.
B
Everyone seems comfortable spending your money. I would keep in mind, no matter what you get that you might not like it or might want to upgrade and so resale value will count for something. A home made or a lesser brand (the Del-Ton for example is not highly sought) will not get you much in return in that scenario.
A Colt (or a DD for that matter) is a great brand but it seems higher priced than you need to spend. A basic M&P or (the new) Ruger is a great starting point. Good brands, good CS (though there is a thread on this forum about Smith not treating an AR10 owner well which I trust is so; as a counterpoint I've used Smith's CS and have only good stories about it so you'll have to judge but they do have a good reputation) and likely higher resale value than many.
For most shooters, a basic AR versus a higher end AR will make no difference. If it does, you won't discover that fact with your first gun, or your first 5,000 rounds.
B
d2wing
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Actually most of them are made from the same specs, more to the point, the same parts with different roll marks. Not that they are all alike. QC and certain critical parts may be of better materials and quality, like bolts, extractors and barrels.
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
Stag is good value.$813 shipped and has plus pkg included 
$100 dollar upgrade
https://www.stagarms.com/model-3/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...cts_id/411551339/STA+M3+5.56+16+FLAT+PLUS+PKG
I know Buds can be a pain and long wait. I saved 150 bucks on my Stag model 6 Super Varminter took 9 days to get to my ffl. Worth $150 to me.
$100 dollar upgradehttps://www.stagarms.com/model-3/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...cts_id/411551339/STA+M3+5.56+16+FLAT+PLUS+PKG
I know Buds can be a pain and long wait. I saved 150 bucks on my Stag model 6 Super Varminter took 9 days to get to my ffl. Worth $150 to me.
Which ones are made to the same specs? Even there we have significant differences between rifles, including between rifles recommended in this thread. Let alone assembly/QC/customer support/etc
rugerman07
Member
Right now I'm looking at the RUGER AR 556 and the SMITH & WESSON M&P.
urbaneruralite
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- Oct 28, 2007
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- 473
Get a Colt in case you decide you don't like it and want to sell.
Mil spec ARs are made to better and stricter standards and use better materials throughout.
They are in no way the same as cheapo cost cutters and if you are going to use it a lot these differences in most cases become quite transparent.
Remember the AR platform started out as an A+ certified POS (junk) that is directly responsible for deaths of a lot of soldiers, no question ifs ands or buts ,it's a fact.
Everything done to that weapon to make it Mil Spec was for a reason that was learned the hard way to make it a decent or perhaps more than decent firearm (it's ergonomics was always second to none and probably what redeemed it) for it's intended purpose.
Don't step backwards and reinvent the wheel when it comes to the AR platform. They have to be done right.
They are in no way the same as cheapo cost cutters and if you are going to use it a lot these differences in most cases become quite transparent.
Remember the AR platform started out as an A+ certified POS (junk) that is directly responsible for deaths of a lot of soldiers, no question ifs ands or buts ,it's a fact.
Everything done to that weapon to make it Mil Spec was for a reason that was learned the hard way to make it a decent or perhaps more than decent firearm (it's ergonomics was always second to none and probably what redeemed it) for it's intended purpose.
Don't step backwards and reinvent the wheel when it comes to the AR platform. They have to be done right.
I'm pretty sure that was more due to the very bad decision to use old, inappropriate ammunition/powder + poor training/supplying RE: cleaning
Inebriated
Member
I have the M&P Sport, it's been solid in 1200 rounds.
I think it's a great starter AR.
Deog
Member
M and p sport here as well, was $630.00 out the door, been flawless in around a thousand rounds. Excellent bang for the buck.
Buy whatever has the roll mark you like.. that's about the difference in most of them. The thing is, the bcg, barrel and receivers you'll most likely never change.. everything else you'll have to use the rifle before you will even have a base point to determine what you like and don't like.. get a cheap ar with a decent barrel and see what you want to change on it.. I have built ARs for under 500 bucks that were real nice shooters. I have a couple that are 2k + rifles... I enjoy them on both ends of the scale. Don't let brand names scare you.. I had a sportical that was 499.00 used it as a brush gun.. ran great for a lot of rounds. Then I upgraded it quite a bit... spend your money on mags and ammo..
No not really.
This is true. When you buy a rifle the specifications of that barrel and BCG matter more than any of the other parts due to their importance and the fact that they will most likely be staying with the rifle for its lifespan regardless of what you change.
rogerjames
member
I don't understand why anyone would by an M&P over a Colt to save $150. That $150 saving would be gone quick if ever you went to sell it. I understand the need to be frugal and I surely understand that choice when the price gap was much wider, but in today's current market I would certainly jump on the opportunity to buy a higher quality weapon, especially considering that it will not depreciate like some others.
GAMEOVER44
Member
Colt makes the best.
Doubtful
Blade First
Member
"Colt makes the best."
Actually, no, I don't think they do. And the organization has been in and out of financial troubles for decades.
Several mfrs. make a better product than Colt; some for less money. Nevertheless, in the AR world, Colt has an excellent resale to purchase price ratio. Doesn't hurt that they will celebrate their 160th birthday this year.
I wouldn't recommend a Carbon 15, but if you go that route, be aware that some parts are different than what most of us call 'mil-spec'.
Actually, no, I don't think they do. And the organization has been in and out of financial troubles for decades.
Several mfrs. make a better product than Colt; some for less money. Nevertheless, in the AR world, Colt has an excellent resale to purchase price ratio. Doesn't hurt that they will celebrate their 160th birthday this year.
I wouldn't recommend a Carbon 15, but if you go that route, be aware that some parts are different than what most of us call 'mil-spec'.
With today's pricing I don't think anybody makes an objectively better rifle [than Colt] for less. The closest that comes to mind is Spikes Tactical for a little less and the only way it would be 'better' is the mid length gas system.
Blade First
Member
"With today's pricing I don't think anybody makes an objectively better rifle [than Colt] for less. The closest that comes to mind is Spikes Tactical for a little less and the only way it would be 'better' is the mid length gas system."
Well, then...we are in agreement in general...but disagree on the number of "better" ARs for the money. Opinions do count no matter how they are formed.
Well, then...we are in agreement in general...but disagree on the number of "better" ARs for the money. Opinions do count no matter how they are formed.
What AR's are better than the Colt (and how are they better) while also costing less?
Remember that grab a gun regularly has Colt 6920's with Magpul furniture for <$900 and Colt is now doing 6920's for <$800 with no handguard and optional low profile gas block
"Better" is relative. Most of us won't have our lives depend on them in the mountains of Afghanistan. all of my current ARs are Frankensteins. However I have top of the line parts in them. Well I guess my 6.8 is a full cmmg production rifle. You can say whatever makes you feel good but I have 2k plus Frankensteins that will out shoot any colt you can come up with. I have two in particular that are sub 1/2 moa guns. Now they were expensive to build. But if your not looking for that kind of accuracy, Than my cmmg is reliable as they get. every bushy I've ever had ran great. People love to hate bushy. Truth is they run. Without selling your first born to get one. Decide what's important, and go for it
Because $800-$900 is first-born kind of money?
16.5 inch barrels just plain suck. You lose quite a bit of velocity over a rifle, have to deal with a mid-length gas system and lose the handiness of the 14.5 inch and shorter barrels. The carbines are only worth it if you go NFA and get a 10.3, 11.5 or 14.5 inch barrel. Go with something like a Colt AR 15 A4 with a 20 inch barrel. You get a rifle length gas system and the increase in velocity is definitely worth the extra barrel length.
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