Which AR 15 is the best value for the money?

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whatnickname

whatnickname

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I've decided to purchase an AR15 type rifle while I can still get one. As I'm sure most of you know, there is a bewlidering array of these types of rifles out there with the latest entry being the Ruger SR15. The low end of this market (around $800 )appears to be the DPMS sans forward assist and dust cover with the higher end of the market being some of what I will call the semi-custom makers running in the $2000 to $2500 range. DPMS does make a couple of models (AR 10 types) in .308 and .338 Federal that intrest me. Smith & Wesson seems to make a good quality rifle that is competitively priced. I will probably go with something along these lines in either 5.56 or .223. I will carry this rifle in my truck to dispatch the occasional coyote, porcupine, skunk etc. I may carry the rifle some. I'm not too concerned about weight but would gladly carry a lighter rifle as long as the accuracy and reliability were up to par. So here are my questions. What is the best value for the money? Light barrel or heavy? What barrel length? Will the 16 inch barrel cut down on velocity all that much? Telescoping stock vs. fixed?What kind of accuracy should I expect from this rifle? Are the custom triggers worth the money? If so which ones are the best? What about 5.56 vs. .223? What are the advantages of one over the other? I would really like a consensus and some pro vs. con discussion before making my decision.

Thanks
 
Del-ton definitely. Next to that I would go for an olympic or dpms. If you want to spend quite a bit try a robinson xcr.
 
They are - for the most part - mil spec. Meaning that they are all about the same. There are only a few manufacturers that actually make them. If you want a really good upper - J & T is fine.

You could get a Sabre Defence stripped lower and a DoubleStar (J&T) upper and build a really nice rifle for well under $750.

You could also spend $2500 for a fully built Sabre Defence...

It's like anything - IMO - are you into the name brand stuff? Do you have to spend $1500 to have a great rifle? No you don't.

jjs
 
A complete Smith & Wesson or Stag can be had for just over $800, these are the best bang for the buck in my opinion.

$800 for a stripped down DPMS is WAYYYY too much. They are $649 around here and I wouldn't pay that for something without a forward assist.

I traded a $350 AK for a delton kit build with tons of extras and it is far superior to the DPMS.

You can get blems from CMMG, if you want cheap this is the way to go. http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cart=2057040&cat=161&

Go 5.56
16" is perfect for general use the velocity loss is minimal
A good trigger is nice, but not necessary for plinking and animal dispatch
Collapsible stocks are nice for storage and varied clothing
 
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DPMS or Stag are the best buys, they can do anything the other more expensive rifles can do and do it cheaper, use the extra money saved to buy ammo or reloading supplies. We have 3 DPMS's in the family and they work just fine for what they were intended to do, shoot accurately with no problems. whatever you buy, have fun...
 
I agree with orvpark.

For off the rack complete rifle, Stag or S&W. For a few more bucks, go with the LMT that kamagong suggested.

A BB AR from CMMG, if you dont mind a few scratches and buying a carry handle or BUIS.

Del-ton if you like putting stuff together.

16" is fine, I prefer the mid length. My next build will be a 20" cut down to 18, or I may re-barrel mine.

I like collapsable stocks. A1s and A2s are too long, entry stocks are too short, Sully stocks are expensive.

5.56 chamber. Little more freedom in ammo choices, less accurate though. You probably wont notice a difference in accuracy.
 
Don't forget the 5 free mag deal when you buy an M&P 15 the rebate is good until the end of the year. CDNN has the flat top for $799.00. On gunbroker I have seen them for aprox $750.00 You can get a good deal on CMMGs as well.

So I agree with what has been said above.
 
Get something you'll be happy with. There are plenty of AR-10's out there for under $1000.


Where is that beating a dead horse smiley?
 
I'd say building an AR is the best route to value since you end up with a custom rifle with the parts you want.

Like Zach, I prefer the 16" midlength. Do some reading on the length of the gas system and you'll probably agree. Unfortunately that will eliminate S&W and other brands and models but you'll end up with a better rifle. RRA, CMMG, BCM and ArmaLite come to mind when you think middy. I recently used an ArmaLite middy upper on the stripped lower I built and it's worked out great. The upper was $500 and the lower ended up at $250 and sights were extra.
 
They are - for the most part - mil spec
Click to expand...

i don't think either of the brands you mentioned are anywhere close to milspec, though sabre has a reputation for quality
 
Value is an elusive term.

I would include re-sale value in that. Also your level of satisfaction with the product.
I bought a Colt although I would have been happy with a Bushmaster or M&P.
And stay in the range you can afford. I'd like an LMT or Noveske, but I drew the line.

I think the Colt has value to me.
 
Centerfire Arms has AR Lowers for $80.00. Seems now is the time to buy as I don't see them going any lower. They all fit together.
 
As far as the trigger is concerned...
I have a Chip McCormick drop in trigger on my AR and it is AWESOME! Definitely recommend it...however, at $200 it is a little pricy.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I took the advice of those suggesting that I build one myself. Started with a Rock River lower receiver and fitted one of their National Match triggers. Harris collapsible stock. Used a new CMMG flat top upper, 16” heavy barrel with a 1:9 twist. Replaced the hand guard with a free floated tactical unit from UGT. Topped the entire project off with a very sturdy one piece scope mount and a 3 X 9 Burris scope. If the temperature ever gets above 25 degrees here, I’ll load some rounds up and head for the range.
 
Interesting. I started with a CMMG lower and added a Rock River upper, which is the flip-side of what you did. Frankly, the upper and lower were on sale separately and both quality components, so I did it to save money. The gun shoots like a charm. Let us know how it goes.
 
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