AR Sponsor
Posted: 5/16/2008 4:24:12 PM EDT
|
I'm sure there are a bunch of personal preference items that factor into this decision. I don't get to a range frequently(twice a month), and I suppose I'm looking for a great all around product that's reasonably priced based on the features and specs. Thanks, Kevin |
| Pretty hard to beat the Bushmaster product line for value. Not the cheapest, or best, but they have good aftermarket support and offer a wide range of products. I'd suggest a 16"bbl carbine with folding stock and flat top receiver, and standard AR-15 iron sights. Can't remember what the model number is. This configuration would accept all of the popular mods and sights that you'll have to have once BRD really takes hold. Good luck. |
|
Hello to a fellow SC member. The following brands are pretty common and are priced on the lower scale. Listed in order of preference: Rock River Arms Stag DPMS If you're wanting something basic, I'd suggest the following in terms of specs: 16" chrome lined barrel M4 style stock Flat top receiver w/ a basic scope or BUIS (or detachable carry handle, if you prefer) |
+1 and good advise. Bushmaster and DPMS are both reliable rifles. I've used both at several carbine classes and after ~ 800 rounds per class per rifle, never a problem...though I'm one of those guys who uses Slick50 as a lube.  |
+1 I'm not a Bushmaster fan. However, my Boss has one, and that DAMM THING ate every thing we fed into it ................. and with accuracy. It was a "disapator". Chewwed up freaking Wolf ammo like it was a breakfast brunch at a Casino. Hey, buy it. Nevadasun |
|
Thanks for all of the quick responses. To further clarify, I am a relative newcomer to weaponry(3 yrs.), and I'm working to increase my range time, expertise and arsenal. The AR-15 appeals to me for multiple reasons, most important, they may become much harder to get after the '08 Presidential Election, even if McCain does win. Also, it's a great looking gun that's reliable with good magazine capacity. I'm also thinking about building inventory to give to my son, whose 15, and is the true gun expert in our family! He's passionate about it, and has natural talent and ability. I'm willing to spend up to $1200 for the rifle only, not including scope, etc. Thanks |
| Like many posters here, I have a fair amount of experience with AR's. Dollar for dollar, I really like what LMT has to offer. My first AR was a Colt 16" HBAR (identical to 6721). A lot of people bash Colt because of their politics, premium price, and use of non standard fire control parts. However, all the BS aside, Colt does make outstanding AR's. The Colt 6920 is perhaps the finest bone stock AR available and is the yardstick which of M4geries are judged. They getting hard to find, but they can be found NIB for around $1,500. An LMT configured the same can be found for under $1,000 (complete upper is about $485, lower is $330, and bolt carrier assy. is about $130). The LMT is pretty close in features and quality to Colt. You can buy a cheaper brand than LMT and certainly Colt, but that's the direction I head in for a first AR. |
That's a good price. The cheapest NIB AR I found locally was a Bushmaster 20'' for $850. |
|
Another vote for the ADS mid length. Read here: LINK Where are you in SC? |
|
Check out this thread. It's a "first time buyers" must read. www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=342873 |
|
+1 on Bushmaster. Here are my thoughts, go to some events and different ranges and try out some different configurations. Do you want to do CQB and home defense? Do you want to target shoot and hunt varmints? When you decide, Bushmaster WILL have a platform for you. Don't let a gun shop SELL you what they think is best (which will just happen to be on their shelf). If I HAD to pick one, I would get the Dissipator. I have one (for my daughter) and it is a great gun. Handiness of a carbine, but the sight radius of a rifle. We have the A2 stock, but you may the collapsible. Whatever you get, get a bunch of ammo and all the mags you can afford. Then get some training. And yes, Bushmasters come with a sling..... Good luck My 2 cents YMMV
|
|
And if your wondering why LMT is the best this is why: -4150 barrel steel HP/MP tested -staked castle nut -mil spec buffer tube -PROPERLY staked gas key -bolt contains proper extractor insert -shot peened and MP tested bolt -M16 carrier -1/7 twist -F marked front sight base and yes, the LMT's are crazy accurate! |
|
LMT follows the TDP (Technical Data Package) ,which is the military specification, to the letter. While Rock River and Bushmaster make fine rifles, not all of their parts follow the TDP. That being said, I have had RRA's and Bushy's and they have all run just fine. But If and when I buy another AR, it will be made by a company that follows the TDP. |
|
Just a quick note about the Smith and Wesson. I had bought one and then learned the warranty was only one year -- Is that all the confidence S&W has in their gun?!? I returned it immediately. Stag is similar quality and more cost efficient. I bought an upper with BUIS for $499 shipped and a lower for $235 shipped. That is an incredible bargain in my book. Current model Stags have chrome lined barrels, MPI tested bolts, etc. S |
| If you are considering LMT, go for it. If you are looking a bit less expensive, all the other manufacturers that the members had posted are GTG. For me, I got a RRA Entry Tactical for my first AR-15 carbine then the Bushmaster Modular Carbine. Both are accurate in its own right and I've not had any issues with any of these rifles. |
AR Sponsor