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hey guys, I have been toying with the idea of picking up an AR15 or something similar, and was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what brands to get, or to stay away from. any idea if it will be cheaper to go though some one at the gun show or order offline? that kinda thing. I am just starting to real looking now, gonna do all the typical research online just thought I would poll the crowd also

zero4o3 wrote:hey guys, I have been toying with the idea of picking up an AR15 or something similar, and was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what brands to get, or to stay away from. any idea if it will be cheaper to go though some one at the gun show or order offline? that kinda thing. I am just starting to real looking now, gonna do all the typical research online just thought I would poll the crowd also

Too many variables to consider:

- How much do you want to spend?
- Do you want to modify it?
- Are you interested in .223/5.56 versions?
- What do you plan on doing with it (hunt, target shooting, varmint-shooting, or a combination of activities)?

I bought a Bushmaster solely because of the brand name and the fact that it is almost identical to the M4 that I carried in Afghanistan. My "customization" was to add front grips and a Trijicon ACOG that I have never figured out how to use.

I was once told by a shop owner that there have been so many firearms manufacturers dedicated to AR15s in the last several decades. He went on to say that if they've been around for a while and you've heard of them before, you'll be getting a decent rifle. That being said there are some better than others but that's my rule of thumb for getting an entry level rifle.

I have a Spike's Tactical lower receiver and a CMMG upper. I only punch paper so it's workin' well so far.

Academy sale here on a decent S&W: viewtopic.php?f=87&t=35875" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another thread here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=33614" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gander Mountain has a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Optics ready for 799.99

Everything you need to know but were afraid to ask.
http://forums.officer.com/showthread.ph ... -AR-15-huh" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Purplehood wrote:Too many variables to consider:

- How much do you want to spend?
- Do you want to modify it?
- Are you interested in .223/5.56 versions?
- What do you plan on doing with it (hunt, target shooting, varmint-shooting, or a combination of activities)?

I bought a Bushmaster solely because of the brand name and the fact that it is almost identical to the M4 that I carried in Afghanistan. My "customization" was to add front grips and a Trijicon ACOG that I have never figured out how to use.

I agree with Purplehood, adding whether or not you want to go gas piston or direct impingement. But that would probably be a sub-question to what do you plan on doing with the rifle.

Fair warning: AR-15's can become a fairly addictive (and expensive) habit.

Purplehood wrote:

zero4o3 wrote:hey guys, I have been toying with the idea of picking up an AR15 or something similar, and was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what brands to get, or to stay away from. any idea if it will be cheaper to go though some one at the gun show or order offline? that kinda thing. I am just starting to real looking now, gonna do all the typical research online just thought I would poll the crowd also

Too many variables to consider:

- How much do you want to spend?
- Do you want to modify it?
- Are you interested in .223/5.56 versions?
- What do you plan on doing with it (hunt, target shooting, varmint-shooting, or a combination of activities)?

I bought a Bushmaster solely because of the brand name and the fact that it is almost identical to the M4 that I carried in Afghanistan. My "customization" was to add front grips and a Trijicon ACOG that I have never figured out how to use.

I would probably want 5.56, would be using it mainly for target shooting (at least that's the reason for buying it)
price is not as much an issue. I was looking for a cheaper price but not low quality.

I ran into a friend of a friend kind of person who used to work at a shop that made the rifles for several of the local police departments around here. he seems like good guy and said he could put one together for me for the 700-800 range I dont recall the brand lower he said he used. but it was a cmmg upper with quad rails and a 2 stage trigger (I believe)

I still have a lot of reading to do seeing how I still dont know hardly anything about these guns hehe.

Thanks for everyone's responses so far I will check out those links.

IMO even the "cheap" Ar15s are still very reliable and accurate. Not much to mess up on the platform and it seems everybody is using the same specs. It does get addictive with a minor change here and a new doo dad hanging there. Fortunately the upgrades are not uber expensive unless you want the latest titanium nitride coated ultra tactical part. You can assemble a perfectly good frankenstein by parting it together at shows and online. Pick up an $89 receiver at a local show and you can order the rest online to your door. Best value to me on complete quality uppers is direct from Rock River at $475 for a flat top upper. I have seen show have a similar upper from Model1 sales for $440.

AndyC mentioned the CMMG bargain bin guns - that is what I would recommend. I had a friend who was skeptical about the "scratch and dent" aspect, but those things are mint. I convinced 4 friends to order these guns, and all 4 received spotless guns. I would advise you to get one of their 1:7 guns for $650, and remember that you're going to need a magazine and rear sight (Magpul MBUS is the way to go on the cheap). For just under $700, you can walk away with an exceptionally nice gun.

Syntax360 wrote:AndyC mentioned the CMMG bargain bin guns - that is what I would recommend. I had a friend who was skeptical about the "scratch and dent" aspect, but those things are mint. I convinced 4 friends to order these guns, and all 4 received spotless guns. I would advise you to get one of their 1:7 guns for $650, and remember that you're going to need a magazine and rear sight (Magpul MBUS is the way to go on the cheap). For just under $700, you can walk away with an exceptionally nice gun.

so, do you think that would be better then getting one built?

a little more detail this guy said he could build one with a dpms lower and cmmg upper quad rails and basic sights for around 750.

Purplehood wrote:...and a Trijicon ACOG that I have never figured out how to use.

I believe you look through it.




(sorry, I couldn't help myself)

Id get a flat top smith from CDNN.

IMO a built can be every bit as good or better than a store bought one. I bet it will always be cheaper. As long as quality parts are used then no reason it would have any issues. Store bought is the same parts already assembled. The beauty of the AR to me is that it is so Lego like and modular. No fitting of every dang part (1911), no brand specific parts (except for some Colts), you just buy what you like.