Suggestistions on AR-15s

[kalipsocs]

So I sent my dad a text about something, and just slipped in very jokingly "oh yeah and how about an AR for graduation lol" and he replies "is that what you really want? give me 3 options..." Haha well that worked out well! So, I need suggestions from none other but you fine gentlemen and ladies. Working in the $700-$1400 range, and I would be lying if I said I am not might attracted to the Ruger 556 for many reasons. However, I don't want to jump in head first without many many second opinions. So tell me what you like people!

P.S. Optics aren't in that price, I will take care of that myself. 5.56 caliber only as well, work on other calibers later.

[shortysboy09]

Working in the $700-$1400 range, and I would be lying if I said I am not might attracted to the Ruger 556 for many reasons. However, I don't want to jump in head first without many many second opinions. So tell me what you like people!

P.S. Optics aren't in that price, I will take care of that myself. 5.56 caliber only as well, work on other calibers later.

The Ruger is a great gun from what I have experienced when I shot one. Only downfall to it is it's a little tempermental with ammo. I don't know if it was because the owner didn't keep it as clean as it needed to be or what. But, that thing was not going to eject steel cased ammo for nothing. I shot 10 rounds of Wolf ammo through it and it need to be manually ejected every time. Also shot a few different Rock River's and a few DPMS's including one in .308 ( That was a sweet rig ). My brother owns a Double Star and it's a good gun as well. I own Sig 556's, well owned 3 now I'm down to one. It has been the best platform I have shot. I may not be as experienced with AR's as some here, but that's just how I have seen things. The Sig is a lot more low maintenance. I have shot up to 2500 rounds in a day without one hiccup from my Sig. Took it out the next day and ran another 1000 through it without cleaning and same outcome. The guys with the Rock River's were amazed at how clean the Sig was at the end of the weekend. Also the Sig has a 1 : 7 twist compared to 1 : 9 on other AR's so the Sig has a little tighter bullet twist to it. The Sig also has a Gas Adjustment knob on the front of the gas block so if you forget to clean it and the action start getting sluggish on you just turn the knob and keep firing, I have never had to turn mine but it's nice to know it's there. So, you might take a look at Sig as well...

Best of luck with your search and whatever you decide on should make you happy.

For the sake of not writing a novel for you to read I won't explain why the Sig can fire more shots without cleaning. But, if you would like the information on it I can send you a PM or email. Just think of it as the typical AR's push gases down into the bolt carrier and the on the Sig the gas chamber is separate and little to no gases go into the bolt carrier therefore less deposits to foul it up. One more thing, Try to stay away from a chrom-moly barrel if you can. Break-in on that barrel is a mother bear and if not done exactly right the rifle will never shoot right.

[RECIT]

There is a good deal on a NIB carbine in the for sale section. At the price it will go for that will allow you optics in your budget. I think any of the out of the box rifles from Bushmaster, RRA, Smith & Wesson, Stag...would be fine and stay within your price range. Remember mags and ammo aren't free and as soon as you get your rifle there will be nothing keeping you from the range but mags and ammo.

I also suggest you buy a rifle with sights or budget that into your purchase. Optics later, but sights are a must.

I think the Sig rifles are a great bargain for all the features you get. But they are not your standard AR style platform. So they operate a little different, but still a great rifle!

[shortysboy09]

I think the Sig rifles are a great bargain for all the features you get. But they are not your standard AR style platform. So they operate a little different, but still a great rifle!

Right, Sort of a hybrid between the AR and the AK platform.

[driver8]

One suggestion is make sure you get a flat top. Most of em are now unlike when I got mine. From what I've always been told about barrel s, all rifle barrels are chrome moly except the stainless ones. The difference is if it's chrome lined or not. Chrome lined are usually military type barrels. More durable but not as accurate. I'm not an expert, just what I've read and been told.

[texjames]

If there is an Academy Sporting Goods near him you can pick up AR15's there fairly resonable.I don't think they have Rock River Arms,
my favorite off the shelf AR, but the S&W is pretty nice. I was big into AR's back in the 1980's got out and just back in last July and have really
got the bad case of BRD.I enjoy building them now.

center below a RRA Predator Pursuit and right a RRA Entry tactical with Leupold mark AR 1.5-4x20 Scope.
good optics will cost but you can find deal.Optics Planet has great prices.

[driver8]

Bruce Springsteen just threw up on his keyboard.

[glbedd53]

Neil Young and Sheryl Crow ain't thrilled about it either.

[The Annoyed Man]

Big deal. He's only got 4 of them. Doesn't everybody have 4 of them? I do.

[glbedd53]

Bruce don't want them guns in the same pic with guitars.

[rremt_p]

Depends on what you want, the M&P 15 is a good gun at a good price, IMO the 15T is one of the best OOB AR's for the price.


You can also look at Spikes tactical. They have a very good AR 15 for around $700-$800 no frills but rock solid and ready to shoot. This is probably the best rifle you can get for under $800, and is comparable to more expensive AR's ( Stag, S&W, RRA ). Also by far the best barrel, and bolt carrier group you can get in a complete rifle for less than $1000.


You can get a Bushmaster or DPMS for the $900-$1000 range but IMO they are not as dependable as the S&W, RRA, or Spikes.


Rock Rivers are a little more expensive and might push your budget, especialy if you want the extras. RRA is a little better quality as the M&P 15T.


You also might be able to find a deal on a used Larue or Noveske, but these will push your budget, a new one will run from about $1600- $2400, depending on features. Excellent AR's and worth every penny just pricey. Besides that Larue's are made in Texas.


If in doubt buy a stripped lower and build your own, you can make it the way you want it, and save some money too. I just got a stripped M&P 15 lower for $135. Besides that its fun.

[shortysboy09]

One suggestion is make sure you get a flat top. Most of em are now unlike when I got mine. From what I've always been told about barrel s, all rifle barrels are chrome moly except the stainless ones. The difference is if it's chrome lined or not. Chrome lined are usually military type barrels. More durable but not as accurate. I'm not an expert, just what I've read and been told.

This may be true... I'm not really sure on this. I know the Double Star my brother owns had a certain break in procedure. It takes a couple or three hours to do.

[glbedd53]

Or you could just get the real thing, it says COLT on it.

[driver8]

I know someone that has a Bushmaster with a chrome lined barrel and I remember it had a pretty involved break in. Seems like Bushmaster wanted him to shoot a bunch of rounds through it without cleaning.

[shortysboy09]

I know someone that has a Bushmaster with a chrome lined barrel and I remember it had a pretty involved break in. Seems like Bushmaster wanted him to shoot a bunch of rounds through it without cleaning.

I see, the Double star was the opposite. It was like, One shot, breakdown and clean. Repeat 5 times. Now, two shots, break down and clean. Repeat 3 times. And blah blah blah to the point of complete boredom.