[Serum556]

So I've had a 22 for a long time now, and it's a lot of fun, but I'm looking to step up to a more "serious" all around rifle for pretty much everything, including target shooting, HD, SHTF, maybe some small varmints, etc. Given the popularity of the AR-15/M4 platform, I figured that'd be a good place to start, since there is a large support and product base behind it, and ammunition's relatively cheap and plentiful.

I'm not a huge fan of the M16A2 configuration, and for compactness and maneuverability and for plain old mall-nijna tacticoolness, I'm looking at an M4 type rifle. I know people on these boards have rifles from all sorts of makers, and I've seen the BM, RRA, and DPMS names pop up more than a little often. I'm looking to buy a complete rifle, and pretty much keep it stock except for maybe an optic and sling. Who knows what's going to do a good job at getting the most rifle for my money, all at once? My price range tops out at just about $900 give or take a little. What do you all think?

[TarpleyG]

Get a Colt if your budget is $900.

Greg

[BucksDC]

Why not build one. For 900 bucks you could build one with parts kit and stripped lower and still have enough for a slightly used aimpoint and mount or eotech. Building an AR is really not difficult. Beleive me. I am NOT mechanicaly inclined and it is truely easy. AR 15.com will give you all the resources you need from parts to instructions. Besides if you buy a complete rifle you WILL start to tinker with it anyway. I have owned RRA & Bushy rifles and have had/have stripped lowers from PWA, Superior and RRA. Parts kits from Model1 sales. Some were new some I bought used. In the end they are all about the same. If I had to pick the best it would be RRA complete rifles, but not by much.
Good luck, keep us posted

[Ed]

Get a RRA lower. That should run about $230 A RRA upper should be around $500. OR LMT makes a Great upper for A little under $500 Plus Handguards, $50 and a LMT lower for $230. Both are really nice. I say these two because LMT will be 1/7 twist and RRA will be 1/9. Both have been real good for me. I have a Bushmaster A2 so I don't have experience with their M4gerys.

[wardog]

As others have said, go to AR15.com. Lots of good info there. The AR platform is a good choice for what you are looking for, and a lot of fun to shoot. They can be freakishly accurate, even when using cheap ammo.

For complete rifles I happen to prefer Bushmaster AR's. YMMV

[DMK]

Personally, in a carbine I prefer the midlength gas system over the CAR/M4 type. The Midlengths have a longer gas system for a softer stroke and have a longer sight radius. They don't have that "Pinocchio Nose" barrel that the 16" CAR/M4s have. Unfortunately, the Midlengths aren't as common though. RRA makes them.

Bushmaster and RRA give you a chrome lined barrel in their M4s (Bushmaster does in all their barrels except the CMP match barrels). If that's important to you...

Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt, DPMS, and RRA all make good rifles. They all have little things that they do better or uniquely. You really can't go wrong with any of them for a general purpose civilian carbine.

Personally, I think Colt's overpriced and too proprietary. Armalite is just overpriced. Bushmaster makes a great rifle and have awesome chrome lined 4150 steel barrels, but are still a bit pricy. There are more Bushmasters on the civilian market than any other AR maker. RRA and DPMS are a bit more affordable. I happen to like RRA's better, but I'm sure the DPMS are also just as good. I build my own ARs and use mostly RRA parts with some Bushmaster and some DPMS parts. I've never had a problem with any of them fitting each other or not working flawlessly.

[MrMurphy]

A Bushmaster or Rock River Arms flattop (A3) M4 type, 16.5" barrel, with an ARMS #40 rear sight and an Aimpoint is fine.

[Zak Smith]

For one's first AR15 pattern carbine or rifle, I highly recommend buying a complete rifle from one of the first-tier manufacturers such as Colt, Armalite, Bushmaster, or Rock River. Go with a flat-top and a regular A2 front sight tower. Add a rear iron sight or optic as you see fit. Simple, proven.

[Bullet]

You might look at these.

http://www.rbprecision.com/rock_river_arms_ar15_rifles.htm

[TheDutchman]

I just purchased a RRA Entry Tactical with Chrome lined barrel. This past Saturday I went to the range and sighted it in.The ammo used was 200 rounds of AE 55 gr ball and 50 rounds of BH 68 gr OTM, that 68gr is bad A$%. No malfunctions of any kind and with AE 55 gr standing off hand I was making consistent hits on metal at 225m.