TexasCHLforum.com

I'm looking to pick up my first AR. No mods planned, no frills. Just want a basic AR for target practice and defense. Figure it's time to get one while I still can.

Academy has two entry-level rifles on sale in my price range ($700-800). Bushmaster QR and Ruger AR-556.

What say you?

I am also looking for my first AR I was back and forth between the Ruger and the S&W M&PT. I think I'm going to go with the Ruger, but only because of the price differential. I am also curious about other's opinions on them, I have read a lot of on line reviews and have handled them in the store, but haven't fired either. I haven't looked at the Bushmaster, but I haven't heard any bad things about it.

I'd go with the Ruger AR but that's just me. I have two Ruger pistols that i really like and think the AR is pretty well built also. No first hand experience though.

I have a Bushmaster and a S&W, both basic AR models. To be honest, I can't tell the difference between them. They both shoot straight and are as reliable as any AR I have seen (as long as you keep them spotlessly clean they will fire). I had a Colt in the Army and it was about the same as my current rifles.

I have a Ruger AR-556. I've only had it about a month, and have fired about 200 rounds through it. American Eagle 5.56. It fired all of those with never a problem. CDNN Sports (I have no connection to them other than as a customer) was running a special - $699 got me the rifle, simple 2x-6x scope, bipod, sling, carrying case and one PMag. Plus tax and shipping to my local FFL transfer. The transfer was another $25.

Very nice fit and finish on this one.

With my limited experience with this particular rifle, the only negative thing I can say is the ejection port cover doesn't want to close. The spring loaded retaining pin (top center of the cover) apparently extends just a bit too far, and the cover can't be closed without pushing that little pin down with a fingernail or toothpick or something similar. Once closed, it functions like it should the when the bolt is cycled. A call to Ruger customer service has them sending me a new cover assembly. Hasn't arrived yet, should get here this week, so I'll see if that fixes the problem.

If you were closer (north Dallas area), we could go to a range and you could get some hands-on.

I would only add that Ruger's customer service is excellent.

You can build a nicer AR for much less than that. Look at Palmetto State Armory or Geaux Armory for a rifle kit, but a stripped lower receiver, and watch a video on YouTube to learn how to assemble a lower. A basic punch set, a small hammer and maybe some vise grips are all you really need. You can put together a nice AR with a free float hand guard for about $500 before optics or sights.

I own the Ruger, like it very much, and recommend it.

I had the Bushmaster Patrolman rifle and I installed a slidefire stock ( on it. It would shoot a 30 round magazine in 3 or 4 seconds and never missed a beat. Great gun. It is a crying shame that I had that boating accident and the rifle sank to the bottom of the Gulf.

Jusme wrote:I am also looking for my first AR I was back and forth between the Ruger and the S&W M&PT. I think I'm going to go with the Ruger, but only because of the price differential. I am also curious about other's opinions on them, I have read a lot of on line reviews and have handled them in the store, but haven't fired either. I haven't looked at the Bushmaster, but I haven't heard any bad things about it.

Keep me posted on what you decide....

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I'm leaning toward the Ruger. Again, not looking to mod anything, and don't have the time or desire to build one. Just want an "out of the box ready" basic AR that I can trust for defense if needed, and have fun with otherwise.

Again, thanks for the feedback!

n5wmk wrote:I have a Ruger AR-556. I've only had it about a month, and have fired about 200 rounds through it. American Eagle 5.56. It fired all of those with never a problem. CDNN Sports (I have no connection to them other than as a customer) was running a special - $699 got me the rifle, simple 2x-6x scope, bipod, sling, carrying case and one PMag. Plus tax and shipping to my local FFL transfer. The transfer was another $25.

Very nice fit and finish on this one.

With my limited experience with this particular rifle, the only negative thing I can say is the ejection port cover doesn't want to close. The spring loaded retaining pin (top center of the cover) apparently extends just a bit too far, and the cover can't be closed without pushing that little pin down with a fingernail or toothpick or something similar. Once closed, it functions like it should the when the bolt is cycled. A call to Ruger customer service has them sending me a new cover assembly. Hasn't arrived yet, should get here this week, so I'll see if that fixes the problem.

If you were closer (north Dallas area), we could go to a range and you could get some hands-on.

Thanks for the offer!

For this price, I would look at the CDNN special on the FNH FN15 SOE
It says call for price, but last time I saw it that price was $799

Not knocking the Ruger, but I would think the FN is of a better build. (Since they make 70% of all US Military weapons)

https://www.cdnnsports.com/fnh-fn15-moe ... rbine.html

I would definitely say ruger over smith or bushmaster. But if you can find an FN for the price that the marshal is talking about I'd go with that. Also keep in mind mil-spec is pretty much mil-spec when looking at cheaper AR platformed rifles.

I would order this S&W M&P 15 Sport II from Kentucky Guns and spend the money I saved on ammo... better buy than the Ruger or Bushmaster

https://www.kygunco.com/Smith-and-Wesso ... fle-112891

Or get this from Brownells, and again have money for ammo...

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/re ... ustom+Link

Why limit yourself to what Academy has on the shelf?