Buying my first AR....decisions, decisions....

[jamisan01]

I have recently been converted, (thanks to a few of my buddies) from my long time use of 7.62 caliber rifles to shopping for my first AR. Now, which one do I buy? Like anyone else, I want the most bang for my buck. Literally!
I hear so many different opinions on all of them,I don't know which way to go. What I do know is that I want a 16 in. barrel on an A3. Other than that, I'm open to any suggestions, opinions, pros, cons, or whatever info. I can get. Thanks!

 

[Fargo]

I am a big fan of Lewis Machine and Tool. They do everything right in manufacturing them so the rifles tend to do everything right when you shoot them.

Best,

Joe

 

[kevinj110]

Man Just do some shopping around. There are great deals to be had and always remeber almost everything no wait everything on the AR platform is upgradable. So get the best you can for your money and one that fits your needs now as the gun can change with you.

 

[Mgderf]

Bushmaster

 

[jamisan01]

The Bushy is what I have in mind, just trying to collect some knowledgable opinions.

 

[esrice]

Check the 5 most recent pages of the Long Guns section at all the topics related to ARs. That should start you in the right direction.

 

[Litlratt]

An accurate AR requires a barrel, sights and trigger of quality manufacture.
All the tacticool stuff is a different story.

 

[Indecision]

I like the Rock River Arms stuff for a cheaper rifle, or if you're gonna go all out, pick up a piston operated Sig.

 

[jamisan01]

yeah, the Sig is probably out of my price range. I'm looking more in the RRA, DPMS, and Bushmaster category.

 

[Krazny13]

Bravo Company makes some top notch parts. Snag a lower and an Upper from them, slap on an optic of your choice in a LaRue Tactical mount, and you're good to go.

 

[jamisan01]

That's one I've never heard of. Where are they located and can I get info. at Bravo Company.com?

 

[mettle]

KAC

 

[LPMan59]

I have recently been converted, (thanks to a few of my buddies) from my long time use of 7.62 caliber rifles to shopping for my first AR. Now, which one do I buy? Like anyone else, I want the most bang for my buck. Literally!
I hear so many different opinions on all of them,I don't know which way to go. What I do know is that I want a 16 in. barrel on an A3. Other than that, I'm open to any suggestions, opinions, pros, cons, or whatever info. I can get. Thanks!

buy once, cry once. colt 6920 is the gold standard (for m4 type rifles). BCM makes a good rifle, as does LMT and Noveske. KAC makes a good, though expensive, gun. S&W rifles are really nice, too.

plenty of good guns out there....what do you want to do with it? if youre going to run it hard, you'd prolly be better to get a combat rifle (ie Colt, BCM, etc). if youre like me and a casual plinker, most any brand will work. i wanted the pony, so i bought the Colt 6920.

 

[ludlow]

Got this from another site FWIW, a comparison for M4 carbines.

M4 CHART

I have a Bushy and I am pretty happy with it. I'm wanting to buy a second one, but have not decided on one yet, but I am leaning towards a SW M&P 15

 

[jamisan01]

I guess , I'm wanting more of a SHTF weapon, but I'm gonna shoot it a lot prior. So maybe it needs to be something of higher grade than the standard ads that you see so often these days.

 

[OneBadV8]

yeah, the Sig is probably out of my price range. I'm looking more in the RRA, DPMS, and Bushmaster category.

out of those I'd pick the RRA anyday. Look into Stag also, they make some high quality stuff that won't break the bank.

just my

This is going to spark a lot on personal preference

 

[alan robert]

It is tough to decide for the first AR15. I have owned Bushmaster, Stag, and DPMS.

All reasonably priced and quite functionable.

I do like the looks and price of the new Stag Arms and CMMG piston rifles and uppers. I like piston guns, my preference and opinion.

There is also DoubleStar, Model 1, Rock River Arms, LMT, LWRC, and Ruger, to mention a few.

You could try doing a little research and window shop on GunBroker.com or the Equipment Exchange on AR15.Com. There are many brands and prices.

Good luck and have fun shopping.

 

[chubby450r]

Can't wait till I get an ar. I am in love with these.

 

[LPMan59]

I guess , I'm wanting more of a SHTF weapon, but I'm gonna shoot it a lot prior. So maybe it needs to be something of higher grade than the standard ads that you see so often these days.

with BCM you can get a rifle for about $1k +/-. Colt 6920's can be had for about $1100 + FFL fee from internet dealers. dont be like me; just cry once.

oh and i should note: if you need your gun to look 100% beautiful when you open the box, dont buy a Colt. they arent as concerned with fit/finish and it pisses people off over at ARF.com. frankly, a few machine marks doesnt bother me as long as everything functions. ymmv.

 

[jamisan01]

yeah, I'm not as considered about "pretty" as much as functionality. The Colt is not too high for my budget, but it's about at the top. Thanks for the info.