Some AR-15 questions

[SpeedAKL]

Hey guys,

I'm a brand-new member here who has recently developed an interest in firearms. Several of my friends own rifles and I've come to really enjoy shooting. I'm looking to buy in the next 6 months of so and have started doing my research. I want something with more oomph than a .22 or .17 but not with crazy recoil, something that is unique, relatively easy to shoot, accurate, relatively affordable, etc. I'm looking to stay under $1000 for the weapon purchase. Basically I'm looking for a versatile, fun gun that is enjoyable to shoot and can be used for a variety of purposes if necessary.

The AR-15 has been something I've really considered. My questions are:
1. Which brands out there make good ones, e.g. reliable, accurate, well-built, and are they available for under a grand or so?
2. What is some good quality ammo for target shooting and whatnot that is solid but somewhat affordable?

The AK and the Beretta CX4 Storm are a couple other possibilities I've looked at. Any info you guys have on those, especially the Beretta, would be great.

Lastly, I may sound paranoid, but I'm worried that something similar to the 1994-04 ban may come into effect again given the political climate in Washington, which I admit has had some effect on my decision - best to get it while you still can, if you know what I mean.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Stag Arms is by FAR the best bang for the buck. It doesn't have the "name" recognition like RRA, Bushmaster, or Colt, but the quality of Stag rivals and in many cases surpasses those same brands (which cost more BTW).

Stag does many things standard that some others don't, offers them for cheaper, and is very close to the gold standard in AR's (milspec).

Stag CAN handle cheap steel cased ammo like Wolf. Some of the lesser brands out there don't shoot it well and some of them will void your warranty for shooting steel cased ammo (Like Model 1 for instance), but that is not the case with Stag.

I don't shoot steel cased ammo in general, I prefer to shoot/practice/plink with higher quality ammo, preferably with what I would use for self defense, etc...

American Eagle, Brass cased Wolf XM193 (made by Prvi Partizan), remanufactured Black Hills 55gr FMJ, and some other surplus ammo is good for "plinking" or practice. I tend to shoot some of those for practice, personally.

This is a great resource.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=222888

 

[Ala Dan]

Get the "real thing" buy a COLT~!

But, Rock River, Bushmaster, Armalite, Sabre Defense, and Stag
are all good firearms as well.

 

[funfaler]

If I were to purchase an assembled AR15, I would get the Bushmaster, good name, good company, good product.

Building one (really just assembly, not technical at all) is a very real option.

Colts are fine, but quite a bit of the purchase price is for the horse logo, IMHO.

I would suggest going light, short and flat-top, maybe flat-top gas block.

What ever you get, let me say this...AMMO, MAGS, AMMO, MAGS, AMMO, MAGS! These items are also on the the Antis hit list, and they are relatively cheap at this point.

You are not paranoid if they really are out to get you, and they really are out to get you!

 

[nico]

An AR from any of the major manufacturers (except maybe Colt) should be under $1000. You can't go wrong with Stag, RRA, Bushmaster, CMMG, etc.

Even if you don't want to built a gun from parts, you can save at least $100 by buying the upper and lower separately.

I just got my first ar. It's an RRA midlength A4 upper w/ SS barrel on an Ameetec M4 lower. Total cost, including an LMT BUIS was $770 delivered (not including FFL fees).

If you want a 16" barrel, there are no disadvantages, and a few advantages of getting a midlength over a carbine length gas system.

 

[Kindrox]

Also get the RRA two stage trigger. I had a chance to compare two guns, one with and one without, and the two stage trigger is definitly worth the extra 90 bucks.

A stag or CMMG lower with the two stage is just a little more than a RRA without. So I would go that route. And no question about it, buy the upper and lower seperatly to save money.

 

[1911 guy]

DPMS lower.

My advice would be to buy a DPMS lower with your choice of stock. They offer A1, A2, 4 pos and 6 pos telescoping stocks. Then go to a reputable company such as M&A, Model 1, etc. and buy the upper of your choice. There is no FFL needed for the upper, they'll ship it to your door. You also pick all the options you want there, to. 5.56 or .223 chamber, some even offer the .223 Wylde option. Barrel lengths from 16" to 24", 11.5" and 14.5 with a stamp. A2 or A3 upper reciever, whether or not to but the carry handle with the A3, standard or National Match sights, front sight tower or picatiny gas block, etc.

In short, by buying the two reciever halves seperately, you get exactly the rifle you want and can, depending on options, save yourself a few bucks in the process.