AR-15 A2 recommendations

[Squeaky Wheel]

I'm thinking that I might buy an older-style AR-15 A2 in the near future. I definitely want fixed stock, built-in carry handle on upper, and a 20 inch barrel. I also want the barrel chambered for 5.56. I almost never see ARs with fixed stocks anymore -- why is that? Any suggestions on specific make/model or other things to look for or avoid? At this point, I'm undecided about HBAR vs non-HBAR (whatever that is called). The purpose of the rifle would be for poking holes in paper targets at 100 yards (non-competitive). I don't have any interest in rail-mount accessories. I only plan to shoot with iron sights. I've never owned an AR, so I don't know a lot about them. Many thanks for your input.

 

[NWcityguy2]

A2 is going to really cut down on your options. DPMS and Olympic are going to be two choices. For A2 I would honestly recommend looking on Gunbroker and shopping for a used Colt Sporter. The prices might be a bit more but I think it is a better value.

Going A3 and leaving the carry handle attached will provide more options though. Del-Ton and BCM both make A3 rifles. Del-ton will even offer HBAR vs Govt. profile vs Lightweight barrel.

For HBARs, those barrels heat up really slowly under the handguards. Really really slowly. If you are shooting at a slow pace, I think they aren't necessary. When I switched from a HBAR profile barrel to a Govt. barrel I was amazed how quickly my hands started feeling the heat even when shooting at a moderate pace.

 

[Grunt]

Really, you are best off going with building one yourself. Check out the EE section at AR15.com and you are bound to find a lot of parts there to build one. Check with Nodak Spud for one of their McKay lower receivers. I got one on my A2 build and they are pretty good quality. But if you don't want to build one (really, they are pretty simple to work on) or have someone build one for you, look into getting a used A2. They are out there and usually can be had for a decent price since it's not what "the cool kids" are using these days.
Here's the one I built using USGI parts with an old AN/PVS-4 startlight scope:

 

[P.B.Walsh]

RRA also makes an A2 rifle. But I would, and am, just get an A4 and add the rear sight. It gives you so much more versatility.

If your heart says A2, then go with it!

 

[MistWolf]

Get the Colt A4. It's the same thing as the A2 but with the detachable carry handle. $1100 at G&R Tactical
View attachment 694592
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=AR15A4

Or the BCM for $1176
View attachment 694593
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=A4-870-212

The choice between the HBar & government profile is a matter of choice. The HBar is a bit heavier but handles heat a little better. The government profile is lighter and somewhat handier but is thicker ahead of the gas block than it is under the handguards. It's essentially extra weight where it does no good. Either barrel profile will serve your purposes

Myself, I'd get the Colt because I've had one before and it was an excellent rifle

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i just made one for $562. last night. used but as new RRA A-2 upper $100
R-Guns 20" barrel $190 BCG and C/H $90 delton lower $100 psa LPK with magpul grip $52 shipped found a used A-2 stock and buffer tube & spring $30 at LGS
it did take me about 8 weeks to find all the parts but it was fun now i just want to
build just one more

 

[Blade First]

"...it was fun now i just want to build just one more."

Just one more? Heh...no need to lie to your mates. Get back to us when you get that hook out of your mouth.

 

[Stress_Test]

To the OP, my taste is pretty much same as yours; I like the "old school" look of the fixed stock and carry handle.

I found a very slightly used Colt HBAR at my local shop and bought it. Haven't shot it as much as I'd like to, but I've been happy with it (other than a bad magazine issue I had!).

That sucker is heavy though! It was about 8.4 lbs empty if I remember right as shown on my bathroom scale. That's more than my Mossberg 590 with 7 rounds on board!

Be warned if you show up to the range with a stock AR15 with iron sights and fixed stock, you'll probably have people coming out of the woodwork telling you what all you need to replace

That's what happened to me at least, as soon as I took mine out of the case!

 

[goon]

Glad Squeaky Wheel brought this up. I'm interested in building an HBAR eventually too. I also wonder if the extra weight with the government profile isn't in the wrong place and think an HBAR would work better for the uses I have in mind (informal range shooting and maybe eventual competition). Sucks that some of the "best" makers aren't interested in making any HBAR rifles.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Model One can sell you a full kit for a 20 inch rifle.

https://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=184

 

[RainDodger]

I think whatever you get should have the removable carry handle also, unless you're dead set to get a retro-AR.

I have both a 20" RRA (fixed stock) with a flat top, and a vintage 20" SGW A2 with a carry handle. I'll tell you right now that when the 20" rifles come out I pretty much never shoot the carry handle rifle with the open sights. It's fun once in a while, but not for long. Unless it's a retro you really want, I'd bet you'll want the option of some kind of optic in the future, to take advantage of that 20" barrel.

 

[MistWolf]

My first AR was a Colt Competition HBar. I heard lots of guys who shoot modern ARs gripe about it's length & weight, but I really liked that rifle. It was a fun one to chase jackrabbits with.

Really, the choice between the HBar & Government profile is a personal one. Pick whichever you like and don't look back

 

[HGM22]

Why would you want an A2 over A3? Without losing anything you gain so much more.

 

[Panzerschwein]

The Et Tu is a good rifle. Qualled with one during Basic in San Antone in the winter of '11.

 

[ZGunner]

Just built one myself. I put my own modern spin on it with Magpul furniture. Someday I will probably get a flat top upper to mount a scope. Parts list:

Stag Arms A2 20" HBAR 1:9 twist - $300 shipped (private party)
Aero Precision stripped lower- $85 (including FFL fee)
Stag Arms BCG - $120
Stag Arms LPK - $66
A2 buffer tube assembly - $32
Magpul MOE rifle stock - $67
Magpul MOE rifle hand guard - $38
Magpul MOE pistol grip - $20
BCM Mod4 charging handle - $44

Clearly I could have saved cost with using the standard furniture, but where's the fun in that?

 

[rodinal220]

Colt or BCM

 

[Quiet]

FNH FN-15 Rifle

 

[bannockburn]

Colt Sporter or HBAR.

 

[z7]

The fn is what I qualify with at work, but in the A4 version with a DD rail. They shoot real soft and are enjoyable. When I get a chance they are really fun to run n gun with.
I agree with the posts on an a4 for versatility. ARs are fun guns, I really like my carbine and the neatest part for me are the endless options.

 

[wally]

I think whatever you get should have the removable carry handle also, unless you're dead set to get a retro-AR.

I'd agree, and if you are dead set on a retro-AR, go all in and find some triangular handguards

 

[Armor Snail]

I'd agree, and if you are dead set on a retro-AR, go all in and find some triangular handguards

Don't forget the slab sided upper.