Which AR15?

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1BLINDREF

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Thanks for everyones input on which first riffle AR15 or AK47.

I've decided to go with an AR15. I'm looking for advice/opinions on which manufacture AR I should buy. I have up to $1500. to spend. I'd like to buy the best quality AR for that amount. My local gun stores don't have many in stock for me to look at, so I might have to order one. I'm planning on going to some gun shows to see which ones look good to me. I want the gun mainly for SHTF and plinking at the range. I'd also like to buy one that gives me options as to what caliber changes I can easily make down the road (I'd like to start with a .223) I've gone onto different websites (DPMS, Bushmaster, Rockriver,Sig,S&W) but I have no idea what the quality or customer service is like. I like Sigs quality for handguns and was looking at the 556. It looks like it hasn't been out too long. Does anyone have any experience with one? I'd probaly rather go with something more "tried and true" for my first AR. I'm hoping to weed out some of the "lesser quality" and problem guns with this post.

Any input and or opinions is much appreciated. Thanks
 
I know nothing, so take this with a grain of salt (I just got my two EBRs in the last two weeks), my FFL guy (who carries nothing, sells whatever you want to order) is sold on RRA. He says the Rock River is built as good as any, and is more reasonably priced.
Otherwise, just about everyone says that Bushmaster or Colt are the best of quality, but you pay for it (and then some).
Let the debate begin...
 
If I was shopping for another AR, I would probally get a Rock River, which should be quite a bit less than $1500......spend the rest on ammo.
 
I've gotten out of ARs, BUT...

I'd go RRA all the way. The mid-length gas system is terrific, and their barrels are of very high quality. Everything else is tight fit.
Mine were reliable, accurate, and cost about $800 out the door.
If not RRA, get Stag Arms, who makes ARs for a great many other manufacturers.
 
Hi.... does anyone have any opinion regarding the Piston driven uppers that I think POF sells?

To me, that seemed to address some of the criticisms that get leveled on the AR (and most likely comes with a whole new set of criticisms).



John
 
You have a pretty good chunk of change to work with. $1200 will get you a Colt 6920 LE carbine. That would be a good start. Quality wise, Colt is a good choice. It's generally accepted that Colt because of their military contract for the M4 has to do more inspections and QC on parts than the commercial manufacturers. You pay for that, and likely a little extra for the Pony on the side when you buy a Colt.

If you want to save some money Stag Arms makes a good rifle for the dollar. Their parent company CMT makes parts for Colt and others. This was the route I went. My Stag rifles run great and I'm very pleased.
 
to be honest, if I had $1500 to spend on a military style rifle, it would be a M1A. You can get a very good ar15 for under a thousand of course, and spend the rest on ammo....DPMS makes excellent ar15's also....
www.dpmsinc.com
 
For a first or general purpose AR-15, I recommend a 16" barrel with a mid-length handguard/gas-system, with a flat-top receiver, from one of the major manufacturers, such as: Armalite, Bushmaster, Rock River, Sabre Defense, etc.
 
You can get a great quality AR for under 1000. My RRA CAR 15 was under 900 and I couldn't be more happy with it. Then you have 600 for ammo and accessories. If it will be used for range and SHTF, then you will probably want some sort of optics for it. I bought an eotech 512 for mine...For me, it took a few range sessions to get the accuracy down, but now I'm very pleased with it.

The only problem I've had in my humble experience with my RRA(2000 rds) has been my own boneheaded/AR newbie mistake. Other than that its been flawless and a little too much fun to shoot.

With the rifle, eotech, harris bipod, ARMS #40L flip rear site, new handguard, flashlight/mount, and a foregrip, it comes out to be right around 1500.

You'll obviously want alot of ammo and mags, so if you were including that into your 1500 then you'll have to make some sacrifices.:evil:
 
Stag Arms, the most underrated AR manufacturer out there... and that's why you can get one for less than $800 at quality that rivals or exceeds the ones that can be had in the $1K range...

Then spend the excess on mags, ammo, and maybe an optic...
 
I have owned some

and still have a few. I used to own only Bushmaster and Colt’s, then I got a DPMS because the price was right, and I now have one Colt and one DPMS. I have nothing bad to say about Bushmaster, they put out a good solid product, but my DPMS was just as accurate and just as reliable as my bushie, but to my untrained eye, the DPMS had a better fit and finish. The only thing that I didn’t like is that my DPMS does not have a chrome lined bore, but since I don’t shoot corrosive ammo, nor do I live in a jungle, and I keep my rifle clean, it doesn’t bother me and I have not seen any degrading of the barrel or accuracy, so no biggie in my eyes.
 
+1 RRA

IMHO, make your choice on value, all the big brands are going to hold up just fine or the wouldn't be big brands. Just pick a rifle/brand that allows you to buy an accessory or two after, you shouldn't have to blow it all on just the rifle.
 
I have built 2 recently....a RRA , STAG and I've added a Superior Arms lower. So far, I've been happy w/ all of them. The only differences I've found are in logo and finish (some darker, some lighter). IF I were to do it again, I'd go either w/ the best deal or maybe the coolest logo ;)
 
Those $200 Ameetec Arms complete lowers are as good a deal out there right now.

Add a complete Stag upper for $485... You're spending about $700 for a great AR right there.
 
I just went through the same analysis on which to get...AR-15 or AK-47. I finally decided on the AR-15 by Stag Arms. Now I just have to find the best price. Anyone know the street price for the right-handed Model 1 without any extras?
 
You just need to buy a complete lower... like the Ameetec ones that are on sale or if you insist on all Stag (not necessary IMO), you can buy a complete Stag lower for around $250.

Then just buy a complete upper... One of the guys on AR15.com's EE is selling complete Stag uppers for $485 shipped.
 
I bought a DPMS complete A2 upper in March at a gun show for $300, marked down from $400, in July I bought a DPMS A4 lower with the 6 position collapsible stock with a JP trigger installed for $330....$630 for a really nice rifle...
 
I'd buy a LMT lower and an LMT upper with a LMT BCG and push two pins.

Top quality AR for under $900. I own or have owned CMMG,RRA,BM and Colt, in addition to LMT. Thats the best deal going, at least if you are looking for a M4. For a midlength CMMG or Bravo Co are nice.
 
Bazooka Joe71

The only problem I've had in my humble experience with my RRA(2000 rds) has been my own boneheaded/AR newbie mistake. Other than that its been flawless and a little too much fun to shoot.
Click to expand...

What was your AR newbie mistake? I don't want to do the same. I'm leaning towards a RRA. If you don't want to share publicly, please PM me.
Thanks!
 
Get a .50 Beowulf AWS from www.50beowulf.com at $1290 for the full rifle (instead of the $1549 for the same rifle from Alexander Arms).
R-AWS16BEO.jpg


Nice accessories and nice logo on the lower receiver:
AA_BEO_LWR_2.jpg


You can then spend the remaining money on a cheap 5.56 upper since the 5.56 would be used for plinking and SHTF. The .50 Beowulf is really fun to shoot and you can hunt anything with it (except maybe squirrel).
 
1BLINDREF,

I unscrewed/unstaked my carrier key screws while cleaning my rifle, so my 5th or 6th outing to the range, I had a bolt action AR because the carrier key wasn't tight enough and it wasn't cycling(bone headed I know).

I ordered some new screws, so the problem will be fixed soon. As far as RRA goes, you will love it. I've never shot a colt AR, but I have a hard time believing it can perform that much better than mine does. Just get the 16" CAR 15, and it will serve any purpose you are looking for.

Good luck!


Reginhild,

That is a sweet logo on that beowolf!
 
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