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Posted: 1/21/2011 4:16:52 PM EDT
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I'm looking for my first AR. I want something that hold some kind of value. Not looking to make money just something that you buy then 1 year later is worth 1/2 of what you paid. That being said what is the best for the money for $1200 or lower. I saw a DPMS used today for $825 with 300 round thu it. I looked mint but I have been reading on AR15.com for about 2 weeks now and just like everything else if people own something and paid hard earned money for it, it is the best, and if people have something more expensive then all the lower end stuff is crap.
Use is basicly targets out to 200 yard or so. Have read good and bad about Piston vs DI. I have no preference. I doubt I will be running 2 full clips at continues firing on a regular bases. It might happen but not each time to the range. Will use also for Home/camp protection as well as tenting etc. Looking for something with a bit of accracy and reliable at a resonable cost. I was even looking into building one but seems you dont save that much money but it is a "fun/satisfaction factor". i want a 5.56 reciever so that I can also shoot .223. |
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colt 6920 for $1099http://site.cdnninvestments.com/CDNN2010-6/index.html
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I'm thinking carbine just because of looks and function. I'm thinking barrel length will really not buy much accuracy but will get some velocity. I know I know. sight picture and movement is better on longer barrels, but if I redot it or scope it should be no difference per say to 200yards.
What is that taper indention for on the Colt Barrel? |
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BCM because 16" CARs are lame. CAR are lame......i'm not sure what this means? Sorry i'm new to this language. If I'm going to have a 16" barrel, I prefer a mid-length gas system over the shorter CAR. So the colt is a smaller gas system? Is this a disadvantage. Again sorry. I own many firearms but new to this AR stuff. |
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BCM because 16" CARs are lame. CAR are lame......i'm not sure what this means? Sorry i'm new to this language. I think he means a carbine gas system with a 16" barrel is lame, mainly because the military M4's have a 14.5" barrel and the 16" civi versions look a little dumb. A carbine gas system wasn't really designed to be used with a 16" barrel, they work better with 14.5" or less. With the 16" barrel the gun operates at a little higher pressures and some believe the guns break parts quicker, but IMO the average weekend shooter won't really notice the difference. I agree that the Colt will hold it's value best when dealing with any gun buyer. However, when dealing with people who only know about ar's from what they learned at gun shops, a DPMS, Bushmaster, and RRA will also hold their value just as good as the Colt because that's all they know. $825 is way too much for a DPMS, a friend of mine recently sold one with 200rds through it and he got $750 for it at the local gunshow(which I think was more than it was worth), but the new owner was happy because he got a like new DPMS at a cheap price. 
BCM and Spikes tactical will also get you a rifle that is just as good as the Colt, but they probably won't bring you as much either if you sell it because most people outside of the gun forums have never heard of them. |
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Quoted: I'm looking for my first AR. I want something that hold some kind of value. Not looking to make money just something that you buy then 1 year later is worth 1/2 of what you paid. That being said what is the best for the money for $1200 or lower. I saw a DPMS used today for $825 with 300 round thu it. I looked mint but I have been reading on AR15.com for about 2 weeks now and just like everything else if people own something and paid hard earned money for it, it is the best, and if people have something more expensive then all the lower end stuff is crap. Use is basicly targets out to 200 yard or so. Have read good and bad about Piston vs DI. I have no preference. I doubt I will be running 2 full clips at continues firing on a regular bases. It might happen but not each time to the range. Will use also for Home/camp protection as well as tenting etc. Looking for something with a bit of accracy and reliable at a resonable cost. I was even looking into building one but seems you dont save that much money but it is a "fun/satisfaction factor". i want a 5.56 reciever so that I can also shoot .223. It doesn't matter what the receiver says on it. What the barrel is chambered for is what determines which round it uses. I would get a 5.56 NATO chamber so I wouldn't have to worry whether the ammo is .223 or 5.56 (.223 chambers are tighter & don't work so well with the hotter 5.56). So anyway. I agree that a Colt 6920 would be a good choice. I have one myself & love it. And as far as holding value goes, Colt is about your best bet. And welcome to the board. |
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I'm looking for my first AR. I want something that hold some kind of value. Not looking to make money just something that you buy then 1 year later is worth 1/2 of what you paid. That being said what is the best for the money for $1200 or lower. I saw a DPMS used today for $825 with 300 round thu it. I looked mint but I have been reading on AR15.com for about 2 weeks now and just like everything else if people own something and paid hard earned money for it, it is the best, and if people have something more expensive then all the lower end stuff is crap. Use is basicly targets out to 200 yard or so. Have read good and bad about Piston vs DI. I have no preference. I doubt I will be running 2 full clips at continues firing on a regular bases. It might happen but not each time to the range. Will use also for Home/camp protection as well as tenting etc. Looking for something with a bit of accracy and reliable at a resonable cost. I was even looking into building one but seems you dont save that much money but it is a "fun/satisfaction factor". i want a 5.56 reciever so that I can also shoot .223. What the fuck is a clips??? |
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If you want to have the best resale value - a Colt 6920 fits your price range. Spikes has their ST-15 M4 for $ 800. It would hold at least half of its value a year from now if you take care of it. Your cost for a year's worth of use is $ 400. Which is close to what you would save by not buying the Colt. Just something to think about. Full disclosure: I own a Colt 6940 and have no dog in the Spike's hunt. Welcome to the board. |
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there are several good manufacturers at that price range. Colt would probably hold it value best due to its name, but many of these others would be equal in quality. Daniel Defense, S&W and BCM to mention a few. Read this M4 Chart
i agree that i would rather have a mid-length gas system on a 16". |
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Yes the colt 6920 is a good buy. I have found over the years having sold 100's of 1911's and AR's over the years that Colt is a very recognized name even among the most ignorant (read not familiar with guns) foks who come to purchase them. Armalite is a known name but no where near the familiarity as Colt to buyers.
DI would be a good 1st go if only for the fact that you are new and it is proven. The 6920 is more than accurate for a novice and it is very reliable. I would definetly recomend a buy over a build for your 1st |
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I'm looking for my first AR. I want something that hold some kind of value. Not looking to make money just something that you buy then 1 year later is worth 1/2 of what you paid. That being said what is the best for the money for $1200 or lower. I saw a DPMS used today for $825 with 300 round thu it. I looked mint but I have been reading on AR15.com for about 2 weeks now and just like everything else if people own something and paid hard earned money for it, it is the best, and if people have something more expensive then all the lower end stuff is crap. Use is basicly targets out to 200 yard or so. Have read good and bad about Piston vs DI. I have no preference. I doubt I will be running 2 full clips at continues firing on a regular bases. It might happen but not each time to the range. Will use also for Home/camp protection as well as tenting etc. Looking for something with a bit of accracy and reliable at a resonable cost. I was even looking into building one but seems you dont save that much money but it is a "fun/satisfaction factor". i want a 5.56 reciever so that I can also shoot .223. What the fuck is a clips??? Smart Asses on every forum no matter what the subject. CORRECTION....MAGAZINEs!!! Also thanks for your valuable input. 
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Don't worry about resale value so much. It's a gun, not a station wagon. Don't worry about carbine vs midlength so much. There is a difference, but it is not substantial. The midlength bandwagon here gets all bent out of shape when they see carbine gas on anything longer than a 14.5" barrel. As long as it is a quality upper, you are fine. The Colt is a good suggestion. If you are looking to shoot targets out to 200 yards regularly, you may want to consider a stainless barrel. Standard barrels will do it, but only with the expected accuracy of hitting man-sized targets. low magnification optics will help at 200M also. For everything else, a standard type barrel (gov profile or lightweight profile) will do just fine. Colt tends to be more accurate out of the box than most rifles too. The brands to look at in ascending order of price are going to be: Spikes BCM Daniel Defense Colt LMT Suggest that you start with a basic flat top carbine or midlength. You will quickly get an idea from there of what parts you want to add onto it. As expected, these guns are pretty flexible, so options are plentiful and relatively inexpensive and as long as the basics are off good quality, it will run well and shoot accurately. I can almost garuntee 100% that if you order some tricked-out, high $, railed nightmare of a rifle, you will quickly find a bunch of stuff you wish you would have on it instead.  |
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If you want to have the best resale value - a Colt 6920 fits your price range. Spikes has their ST-15 M4 for $ 800. It would hold at least half of its value a year from now if you take care of it. Your cost for a year's worth of use is $ 400. Which is close to what you would save by not buying the Colt. Just something to think about. Full disclosure: I own a Colt 6940 and have no dog in the Spike's hunt. Welcome to the board. OK this is good information. So Colt if i'm buying "factory" 6920 so that I can build on it later if I feel the need. $1100 (car gas and 16 inch) Spikes ST-15 for $800(Mid Gas and 16 inch) BCM? Rock River? (I read good things about these guys too but I would have about a $50 FFL fee I woiuld guess plus shipping added to the cost) |
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Quoted: Quoted: If you want to have the best resale value - a Colt 6920 fits your price range. Spikes has their ST-15 M4 for $ 800. It would hold at least half of its value a year from now if you take care of it. Your cost for a year's worth of use is $ 400. Which is close to what you would save by not buying the Colt. Just something to think about. Full disclosure: I own a Colt 6940 and have no dog in the Spike's hunt. Welcome to the board. OK this is good information. So Colt if i'm buying "factory" 6920 so that I can build on it later if I feel the need. $1100 (car gas and 16 inch) Spikes ST-15 for $800(Mid Gas and 16 inch) BCM? Rock River? (I read good things about these guys too but I would have about a $50 FFL fee I woiuld guess plus shipping added to the cost) You don't pay tax on the gun if you FFL transfer. So that would just about negate the shipping and FFL fee give or take a few. Call different FFL's. Not all are $50 BCM is great. RRA? unless you are buying a stainless barreled upper for competition, don't bother. They are on the "just o.k." side of the scale, which means "not acceptable" for many on here, myself included. I would buy one of their national match or varminter uppers any day of the week though, but for a basic carbine, waste of money. |
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Looks like BCM is priced at about the Colt level. $1100ish give or take, but you get the middy upper gas which seems to be of some value in most eyes. Any others to look at that make sense?
Lots and Lots of info so search on here. I will have to check with a few local FFL's but one I purchase from has listed $45 on his sight FFL to FFL only. The reason I was "kinda" leaning toward "factory" was becuase I will most likely trade a SW Model 29 .44 mag 6 inch.....i'm hoping that gets me 1/2 way there on the AR or somewhere close to half. If not I would have to sale outright then purchase online, etc...... I want to get an AR that is "right" for me. I'm not going to hang flashlights and such off of it, at most a red dot and some nice iron sights, thus the carry handle is not a must or a 4 sided handguard. As stated i'm not new to firearems just AR's. I have done all the stupid stuff to Rem 870's, SKS's, .22's heavy barrel long distance shooters, Glocks, etc......i'm kinda done with all those "extra" accessories and looking more for function. Dont get me wrong some "fluff and buff" and some trigger work I still believe is necessary on most mass produced firearms. |
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"As stated i'm not new to firearems just AR's. I have done all the stupid stuff to Rem 870's, SKS's, .22's heavy barrel long distance shooters, Glocks, etc......i'm kinda done with all those "extra" accessories and looking more for function. Dont get me wrong some "fluff and buff" and some trigger work I still believe is necessary on most mass produced firearms." Really strange to be making the case for Spike's ... but they have a Battle Trigger kit that has a good rep on here: http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/st-battle-trigger-set-p-425.html and it's $ 60 that you can spend further down the road. You do realize that the odds are you are going to end up with BRD, right? (Black Rifle Disease)
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There is nothing at all wrong with Colt. I personally do not care for the limited options they offer and some of the company's previous political moves, but that is neither here nor there. I do recommend people to build their own AR....well, atleast the lower. Building not only gets you the exact rifle you want, but it gives you an intimate knowledge of how the weapon works and parts. Honestly it is stupidly easy to do. Also, doing it this way you can do it a little at a time as money allows. I'm not a fan of trading or selling firearms myself. It seems that no matter what... I end up missing that gun and almost never are you going to get the full value. I recently built a BCM 20" USMC A4gery and it is worth more than any Colt to ME, and that is what matters. Do some more research and decide on what YOU want, and in the end it will be a rifle that value won't matter because you would never sell it.
FWIW, in my opinion I would build and look at these companies: BCM Spike's Daniel Defense Noveske Good luck man, I hope you get what you are looking for. |
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If you plan on using what ever you buy for home defense / camping/ that type of thing then you really need a good flash light. you dont need rails to mount a light and a quick detach mount will let you remove it when going to the range or plinking .you cant hit what you cant see and accidently shooting a family member in the middle of the night is unthinkable . at the other end of the spectrum shooting farmer browns prized bull because you think bigfoot is circling your camp is gonna be more expensive than a light and mount.
I would say colt 6920 all the way for what you want . It can be anything you want it to be . Im sure mid-length gas systems are fine and maybe a 1.5 inch difference in barrel length is cool or tactical for some but , a 16 inch carbine has been getting the job done for a long time . personally I own several different rifles of different manufacture and built by my self all have there good and bad including my 6940 colt , but if it gets ugly then the colt is what I would reach for . |
I dont mind building myself. I have workd on Ruger Mark III's with sears, hammers, triggers as well as others, so I would have to watch some youtube and read some but i'm sure I can build a lower. Heck did you ever try to jsut take an upper off a Ruger Mark III..... . Thats works in itself until your replace some Hammer bushings etc.
There just seems to be some ar's out there that can be had for $700 that are complete........and if i do a build i'm looking at say $275 for complete lower with stock (BCM Blem) plus a min of $700 for a middy complete uper....thus i'm back to a Colt price or alot of other compelte rifles. Spikes, Olympic, Stag, etc...... So get the idea that there is much satification in building. And yes I would enjoy that since I do like to "tinker" a bit. But its also makes sense to me that a complete rifle might have tighter tolorances than a "heinz 57" rifle. |
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I found a local FFL for $35. So i'm going to build to see if I can keep the costs down.
If I buy a BCM Blem Lower for $270 plus my FFL for $305 into the complete lower correct? What do I put on top...I want a complete upper since I have no experience in the platform yet. |
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any other thoughts before I start looking hard at something, looking like colt is the most guidance here Get the Colt it will hang on better to its value Dont get caught up in middy vs car gas system M4 uppers Noveske N4 $$ LMT, BCM, LE Stag M4,DDM4, Colt 6921 / 6920 uppers I like the 14.5 upper best of all you can have a FH pin/weld pretty cheap |
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