Looking to buy an AR-15

[stevo]

What do you recommend?

[gigag04]

What do you recommend?

Including info like your budget, intended use, experience, etc in your post.

My standard answer is S&W M&P 15 for most people's first rifle.

If you can afford it BCM and Colt will give you a more durable gun. However unless you work with it, you wouldn't really see a difference.

[ddstuder]

I'm no expert with Ar's, but I just picked up a Spike's Tactical Carbine last week.
I got to shoot 400 rounds through it on Saturday and could not be happier.

I love this thing!

[Silent Professional]

Doublestar, out of Kentucky. They are one of the few manufacturers that actually manufacture their rifle, not just assemble parts they buy on the wholesale market. Second choice Sabre Defense.

Regardless, stay away from the MIM internal parts that all of the "big name" brands are using.

[lowonair]

What do you recommend?

Including info like your budget, intended use, experience, etc in your post.

My standard answer is S&W M&P 15 for most people's first rifle.

If you can afford it BCM and Colt will give you a more durable gun. However unless you work with it, you wouldn't really see a difference.

Bcm makes quality stuff. All my rifles have bcm uppers. I'll also recommend spike's tactical. I use their lowers and have never had a problem. Spike's has been flooded with orders but their stuff is worth the wait. If you have the money larue and noveske are top quality rifles and larue is here in texas so you'll be supporting local business.

[RECIT]

Doublestar, out of Kentucky. They are one of the few manufacturers that actually manufacture their rifle, not just assemble parts they buy on the wholesale market. Second choice Sabre Defense.

Regardless, stay away from the MIM internal parts that all of the "big name" brands are using.

Olympic arms surprisingly makes their own parts too, and just to know Sabre defense went under when the CEO and some other employees got busted for trafficking arms to Mexico. Good quality but no more support from factory.

I have a 16" M&P15 from Smith and Wesson and a 20" complete LaRue rifle and there is obvious difference in quality, accuracy, and features but I love shooting both.

[Munk]

I love my Daniel Defense. Flawless through 1000 rounds.

[aaangel]

i agree with gigag on the M&P. right now is the best time to buy.

[beardking]

My standard answer is S&W M&P 15 for most people's first rifle.

I like that standard answer, especially since that is what my first AR is (bought from someone right here on this forum recently)

[big 54r]

you could probably get a BCM cheaper than the smitty and it's a heck of a lot better product than the smitty.

barring that I would get a spikes tactical before the smitty also...they are in the same class but I think the spikes is a little better...just my opinion after shooting both...ymmv.

I got my BCM/LMT hybrid for under a grand!

[NcongruNt]

Another of the standard answers is to try CMMG's bargain bin. It doesn't look like they currently have any rifles in there, but you would recommend stopping by threre often to see what they've got. You can usually find a M4 configuration for around $600.

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cat=161" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For me, I built my first AR starting with a CMMG stripped lower and building it up with Rock River Arms parts. I'm quite happy with my rifle.

[Terlingueno]

I bought a Colt Match Target from my local store for $1000. Replaced the HBAR with a surplus gov profile barrel. Now it's just right weight wise. Works like a Colt. Currently buying Colt take off parts on the for sale threads on arfcom to build a carbine. I figure I will be able to build an all Colt carbine for $650ish

[Rugerboy50]

Man all these positive comments about the M&P rifle. I really want it for my 1st rifle but current thinking is a bolt action .223 will be better for my 1st rifle.

[gigag04]

Man all these positive comments about the M&P rifle. I really want it for my 1st rifle but current thinking is a bolt action .223 will be better for my 1st rifle.

For what? .223 in a bolt action seems to be a rifle without a purpose.

[maverick2076]

^

I'm with this fella. An AR is a fine first rifle. Its as good a choice as any, and better than most. You get affordability, modularity and versatility in one easy package that has more accessories than you will ever be able to buy. Easy to learn to shoot, and those skills willtranslate to most other long guns. For a lot of people in the military, an AR is the first (and only) rifle they ever learn to shoot.

The only choice that could be better for a first rifle is a Ruger 10/22.