New to rifles, looking for AR advice

[whatever]

I've been mostly a handgun shooter up until now. I had a .22 as a kid, but that's about the extent of my rifle experience.

I've recently become enamored with the AR15 platform. I love how it gives the ability to modify, change calibers, accesorize etc. and that it's usable for plinking, longer-range target shooting, hunting, etc.

I'm no gunsmith by any means, so I'm looking at the AR15 as a sort of learning tool as well. Ideally I'd like to purchase a complete AR15 off the shelf (in 5.56/.223), learn it, get comfortable with it, then start experimenting.

My questions are simple (I hope anyway):
1. If i buy off the rack (a S&W MP15 is what I'm leaning towards at the moment), can I use the same gun to shoot another caliber later (after buying the required parts of course), or if I buy something off the shelf am I stuck with the caliber I purchase?

2. If I buy strictly off the rack, are there some brands that I should steer clear of? I'd like to buy a quality firearm, but I don't need high-end (or high dollar) at the moment.

3. Are there classes that will teach you how to build an AR in the Houston area? I would love to build one myself, but would be much more comfortable having someone with experience guide me through it. I saw a post a few days ago about a class in Florida, but couldn't find anything similar in Texas.

4. Are there any other issues I should be aware of?

 

[jimniowa]

You need to get a AR-15 source book. In the AR-15 platform you have options of different caliburs by changing the upper assembly. I cannot recomend one over the other, however I shoot a Bushmaster and so do my friends.
Jim

 

[nastynatesfish]

ARs are simple rifles. Im still new to them but its essy to grasp. Id buy a dpms but im bias as i have two and its whst i bought first. You can build one for about 600 but for a bit more you can buy one and start shooting. You can get a quality used gun for a ddcent price looking in classified forums, pm me and i csn put you on a few. WARNING. THEY MULTIPLY. I started with s 700 dollsr rifle niw i hsve a seperate in 204 thst i have zbout 2 grand in lol. The SW MP 15 is a nice gun. A buddy is selling his ndver fired for 800. Id spend a little less so you can lay with it and not sweat the first gouge you put in the aluminum trying to get a tiny roll pin started, trust me. You should br able to have a gun dealer or armourer show you how to field strip it. I utube d how to install my trigger and the rest was messing with it. Good luck and start looking for a support group while your still comprehrnsive. They are addicting

 

[nastynatesfish]

The cdliber depends on what frame you have. You cannt go 223 to 308. Ask a dealer about it or just wait someond will chime in

 

[Zerodefect]

My questions are simple (I hope anyway):
1. If i buy off the rack (a S&W MP15 is what I'm leaning towards at the moment), can I use the same gun to shoot another caliber later (after buying the required parts of course), or if I buy something off the shelf am I stuck with the caliber I purchase?You can swap upper assemblies anytime you want.

2. If I buy strictly off the rack, are there some brands that I should steer clear of? I'd like to buy a quality firearm, but I don't need high-end (or high dollar) at the moment.I'm not going there. But I recommend BCM, Colt, Spikes, LMT, and Stag as a good place to start.

3. Are there classes that will teach you how to build an AR in the Houston area? I would love to build one myself, but would be much more comfortable having someone with experience guide me through it. I saw a post a few days ago about a class in Florida, but couldn't find anything similar in Texas.
AGI has a decent DVD. Ar15.com has a how to build thread. A class is way overkill.

4. Are there any other issues I should be aware of?

Read up on:
-Gas systems vs barrel length
-Rails? Why?
-Types? SPR, Carbine, Reece?
-Purpose?
-Deos John Wayne like beans?

 

[TonyAngel]

I first learned about ARs by buying an off the shelf rifle. Right now, I'd have to say that the best bang for the buck in an AR is probably a Spike's Tactical. They use quality components and their customer service is good. The last time I checked, you could get into a complete rifle for about $750.

 

[mdThanatos]

I'd say build one. PSA has lowers on sale right now for 56 shipped, plus transfer fees, there are other lowers out there as well that you can get. Buy the lower, buy a lower parts kit. Take your time and put it together. Then you can buy an upper already assembled or you can buy the components that you might want and build it yourself as well, just make sure you get the tools.

You might be able to save a bit of cash by going this route, you might not but the benefit is you will learn about assembling the rifle so if at any point you decide you want to change something out, you should already have the knowledge on how to do it.

 

[Heretic]

An AR-15 .223/5.56 can also be these calibers
.22 long rifle
9mm nato
6.5mm grendal
6.8mm Rem SPC
.450 Bushmaster
.50 Beowulf
5.7 x 28
.300 fireball
7.62x39
.204 Ruger
.410
.270 WSSM
.300 Olympic
6mm PPC
5.45 x 39
.30 Remington
.264 LBC
.357 mag
.762 x 25
.300 Whisper
Just what I've seen, I'm sure many more to come. Now mind you, you have to get special mags for some of these calibers.