[TimH]

So if you were gonna buy an AR which would you buy? A2 or A4? Why? This would be for general plinking. BTW I tried a search for this but the search engine didn't like "A2" or "A4"

[Hkmp5sd]

If you are buying a post-ban AR, get the A2 because it is more functional than one having a fake collapsible stock and short barrel with a muzzle break that increases the noise level.

If you want a real collapsible stock and flash suppressor, wait until next year when the AW ban dies and buy one.

The M4 has the coolness factor and is a lot of fun for plinking, but a fake M4 (postban) just doesn't seem right.


(To do a search for 2 letters, like M4 or A2, just use a wildcard on the end ie M4*)

[Andrew Wyatt]

he meant the m16A4.


for general plinking, an A2 or even an A1 will suffice.


for hanging wind speed indicators, grenade launchers, foregrips and flashlights off of, an a4 is your best bet, with the KAC RIS or an ARMS SIR.

[AR-10]

Most AR-15 manufacturers call their flat tops A3s. Armalite calls their's A4s, which is the original designation, I think(?).

I like both, but I would lean toward an A2. Don't have a good reason, just like em better.

[Hkmp5sd]

Oh, A2 vs A3 eh? Get the A3. You may not have any plans for it now, but some day you will want to add a couple of gadgets to it.

[Redlg155]

Rock River also uses the term "A4" for their flatop models.

To simplify matters, I'll just say carryhandle (A2) or flatop (A3, A4).

For a simple plinker a carry handle model would suffice, but if you plan on adding accessories later, such as optics, the flatop makes for a more versatile platform. Overall carryhandle models run about $75.00 less once you add the expense of purchasing a detatchable carry handle or flip up type rear sight for a flatop.

Good Shooting
Red

[TimH]

thanks everyone. i'm thinking about a RRA rifle. they seem to have a good reputation coupled with a good price. is the carry handle on the A2 detachable? i may someday add optics but will probably use thestock sitesfor a while. BTW does anyone think that these type ofrifleswill oneday be outlawed? Tim

[Jack19]

I agree with Hkmp5, eventually you will want to mount an optic of some sort on your AR. Go with the A3 top and a removable carry handle for now. You will thank us later. :D

As far as outlawed goes....I believe that the AR will be the last military rifle available to citizens. And, I think that the AW ban sunset will never happen; it will be replaced by something permanent. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm buying accordingly.

[Hkmp5sd]

the carry handle on the A2 detachable?

No. The A2 carry handle is part of the upper receiver.

[Onslaught]

I always suggest "flat top" to new AR purchasers... Here at work, the two that listened are both VERY glad they did, and the one that didn't, well, he hasn't said he wishes he got a flat top, but he sure doesn't say "Man, I sure am glad I got this permanent carry handle" like the other two guys always say "man, I didn't think I wanted this to start with, but I sure am glad I got it now!"

It's a little cheaper to buy the flat-top, and a little more expensive to buy a detachable carry handle or BUIS.

I sold my Bushmaster carry handle as soon as I got it, and used the cash to try out lots of BUIS models. Funny thing is, the first one I bought was an ARMS #40. Then I bought a #38 EX, then a DPMS Detachable, and I just recently sold it and bought .......
An ARMS #40 :D

FWIW, my first upper had an A1 on it, and after I found out about the flat-tops... I couldn't WAIT to get one.

[jw29650]

I would get the flat top if I did not or plan to in the future shoot service rifle matches. But the beauty of the AR is that you can get a upper of each configuration to match what ever style of shooting you plan on doing.

[444]

Using these terms like A3, A4 etc. is very confusing. Different companies use different designations which are usually different from the ones the military uses.

[Big Iron]

Listen to Onslaught. I was one of those who bought the A2. Very soon after I was wishing I had an A3. Now I'm in the process of getting an A3 or a V-Match...........I'm sorry, I forgot the downside of this???

I guess the point is, get the A3 first then get an A2. Or get the A2 learn to use the iron sights and then get an A3. Either way, you're gonna end up with two...............at least!

[Jack19]

Onslaught, thanks you just helped me decide on a BUIS for my AR build. :D :D :D