AR-15 research help.

[TH3180]

As some of you know I am fairly new to guns. I shot a gun for the 1st time on my 30th birthday, which was a year ago. Up to this point all I have are a few pistols. I now have the bug to get a rifle, I want to get an AR-15. I have been doing a ton of research for the last few weeks, I don’t feel like I am getting anywhere.
In my research I am running into “this brand is the only good brand because this is what I have and everything else is crap”. I have also found a lot of the only get the high end stuff because why would you trust anything else. I need some help in my research here. I am open to opinions and where to go to get info. There is so much out there I’m having trouble knowing where to start.
Here is where I have gotten so far. Any suggestions off of my wants, lets here them. If you are suggesting certain parts and/or brands. Links would help me a ton.

-This rifle will be for target practice, plinking and maybe coyote hunting in the future. I don’t plan on using it for self defense.

-I have a few friends that will let me shoot on there land. So I want to keep it as light as possible. Because I may be carrying it for long walks.

-I would like to put a Red Dot on it. Maybe even scope it down the line. I also want the option of using iron sights. From what I have learned I want a flattop/A3. I already have a Bushnell red dot with rings I could put on to start with.

-1:9 twist so I can shoot 55g bullets. I plan on reloading for this riffle.

-16” barrel. That comes full circle to keeping it light.

-I don’t want a carry handle. I plain old don’t like the look of them.

-I would like an adjustable stock. I am short and my main shooting buddy is tall.

-From everything I have read I want a gas block not a piston system. I’m not sure why.

-Budget is right around $1000

-I am thinking I would like to buy an upper and lower separate. Spread out the cost a little.

-I want to put a muzzle break on it instead of a flash hider. Once again full circle to the 16” barrel anything shorter I won’t be able to change what’s on the end of the barrel.

-I don’t feel I need to go super high end but I also don’t want a rifle that I spend more time trying to get it to shoot, then shooting it.

Thanks for any help you can give,
Tim

 

[mc223]

The Search function is your friend.

 

[TH3180]

The search function is your friend.​

o

I have been searching for weeks.

 

[chrome_austex]

1x9 twist is ok, but 1x8 or 1x7 is better w/o loosing the ability to shoot 55gr bullets..

From what I understand, piston guns tend to be a little more expensive, complex, slightly less accurate, but cleaner than gas system guns.

Sounds like you've got good handle on what you want. Just shop around the different manufacturers and see what you can get price-wise.

 

[john5036]

The search function is your friend.​

Unless there's a devoted sticky to basic AR questions, the search function yields more results than is actually useful. It's easier to start a thread and just ask and be done with it...or if it's really that friendly, provide a relevant thread link for the OP.

OP, if you can get a 1:7 or 1:8 barrel at no additional cost, you'll shoot the standard 55s but also allow you to shoot heavier loads later if you so desired. Otherwise, 1:9 isn't a bad decision, just a limited one with the higher grain bullets available.

I'd skim Bravo Company and Spike's Tactical and consider their offerings with regards to your budget. They will also fit your criteria.

Those companies are easily searchable.

 

[mc223]

AR-15.com

 

[bbuddtec]

Looks like you want .223, and I would get 1:8 or 1:7 like john said, if it's no extra...

I prefer bbl chambered in 5.56mm, because I'm a brass scrounging reloader

If you are planning to reload, I suggest the Lee challenger/ anniversary kit... great jump off, I've done thousands with it, and a couple dies.

Other than that, good luck, you are on the brink of being sucked into the black rifle nation!

 

[Robert]

AR-15.com

If you are not interested in actually helping, please stop posting snippy replies and links to other web sites.

I have a RRA with a Colt 1:7 barrel. A true frankenAR. But I love it. For $1,000 you can pretty much take your pick of all the major makers and have a five rifle.

1:9 twist so I can shoot 55g bullets. I plan on reloading for this riffle.

IMO I'd go with the 1:7 twist. You can shoot everything from 55grn to 77 or 80 grainers.

-16” barrel. That comes full circle to keeping it light.

Full circle?

-From everything I have read I want a gas block not a piston system. I’m not sure why.

Nothing wrong with the DI system. Keep it lubed and clean it every 1,000 rounds or so and you'll be fine.

-Budget is right around $1000

RRA, Colt (with some shopping), Bushmaster... You can, with some shopping, get a top notch rifle for $1000. May not be a Noveske or POF... but it will be nice.

-I want to put a muzzle break on it instead of a flash hider. Once again full circle to the 16” barrel anything shorter I won’t be able to change what’s on the end of the barrel.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=5573/Product/AR_15_MICULEK_COMP
I run the Miculek Comp on my AR. I really like it. The Cooley Comp from JP is great too. Both will make people standing near you cuss your name... loud.
JP:
http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.3_tre.php

Buying the upper and lower separate may allow you to mix and match to get the exact rifle you want. And when it comes right down to it there is not a whole lot of difference between RRA, Bushmaster, Colt, Armalite, DPMS or any of the other mid tier makers.

 

[jiminhobesound]

Ar 15

Is a semiautomatic rifle legal for hunting in your state?

 

[Krusty783]

or check out m4carbine.net. They have some good info and a sticky of an excel file that compares the major AR manufacturers (features, price, etc.)

You can easily get a 16" lightweight /"pencil" barrel.

Most lower receivers will come with a M4 style adjustable stock. These are a little sloppy, and you can get drop in replacements from Magpul and Vltor (only ones I know off top of my head-there are more) that don't jiggle around as much.

Gas block is the "std" system. The piston ARs are the fancy new thing on the block. Gas impingement works just fine.

Most uppers, in your price range at least, will come with a flash hider or a plain crown if they're a bull/target barrel, but you're not interested in that, so... Some of the more popular compensators are the BattleComp and the FSC556/PWS556 - Google them and search m4carbine, ar-15.com and here and you'll find lots of info on them.

Here's a general listing of the perceived AR OEMs by quality. These are only the ones I know off the top of my head and it's what I've assimilated from the interweb hive-mind, i.e., not "gospel" in any way and I will catch tons of flack for the listing, but :

ZOMG, I WANT ONE!!!!111(i.e. Ferrari): Knight's Armory (KAC), ?
[these first 2 categories are very interchangeable and they are all very, very highly regarded in terms of quality of their products]
Freakin' Sweet (i.e. Audi/MB/Beemer): Daniel Defense (DD), Lewis Machine Tool (LMT), Bravo Company USA (BCM), Colt, Noveske, Patriot Ordinance Factory (POF), _?

Nice Piece (Mustang) : Spikes Tactical, CMMG, Stag Arms, Rock River Arms (RRA), _?

It ain't fancy, but it shoots straight (i.e. Pickup): DPMS, Rock River Arms (RRA)-some are good, some not so good, _?

All your base are belong to us!! (bad): any Composite lowers.

If anyone would like to add to the list, please do so.

Note: Most of the less nice manufacturers are perceived that way because they are currently or have a history of skimping on the MIL-STD design practices which are in place to ensure reliability and safe operation of the rifle. This does not mean their rifles are necessarily dangerous to fire or bad, but they may experience more jams (failure to feed, failure to eject).

 

[TH3180]

Is a semiautomatic rifle legal for hunting in your state?

Yes and we can hunt pests year round.

 

[mc223]

As some of you know I am fairly new to guns. I shot a gun for the 1st time on my 30th birthday, which was a year ago. Up to this point all I have are a few pistols. I now have the bug to get a rifle, I want to get an AR-15. I have been doing a ton of research for the last few weeks, I don’t feel like I am getting anywhere.
In my research I am running into “this brand is the only good brand because this is what I have and everything else is crap”. I have also found a lot of the only get the high end stuff because why would you trust anything else. I need some help in my research here. I am open to opinions and where to go to get info. There is so much out there I’m having trouble knowing where to start.
Here is where I have gotten so far. Any suggestions off of my wants, lets here them. If you are suggesting certain parts and/or brands. Links would help me a ton.

-This rifle will be for target practice, plinking and maybe coyote hunting in the future. I don’t plan on using it for self defense.

-I have a few friends that will let me shoot on there land. So I want to keep it as light as possible. Because I may be carrying it for long walks.

-I would like to put a Red Dot on it. Maybe even scope it down the line. I also want the option of using iron sights. From what I have learned I want a flattop/A3. I already have a Bushnell red dot with rings I could put on to start with.

-1:9 twist so I can shoot 55g bullets. I plan on reloading for this riffle.

-16” barrel. That comes full circle to keeping it light.

-I don’t want a carry handle. I plain old don’t like the look of them.

-I would like an adjustable stock. I am short and my main shooting buddy is tall.

-From everything I have read I want a gas block not a piston system. I’m not sure why.

-Budget is right around $1000

-I am thinking I would like to buy an upper and lower separate. Spread out the cost a little.

-I want to put a muzzle break on it instead of a flash hider. Once again full circle to the 16” barrel anything shorter I won’t be able to change what’s on the end of the barrel.

-I don’t feel I need to go super high end but I also don’t want a rifle that I spend more time trying to get it to shoot, then shooting it.

Thanks for any help you can give,
Tim

As some of you know I am fairly new to guns.

This is not an issue.

I shot a gun for the 1st time on my 30th birthday, which was a year ago.

This is not an issue either.

I want to get an AR-15.

This is not an issue.

This rifle will be for target practice, plinking and maybe coyote hunting in the future. I don’t plan on using it for self defense.

S&W M&P-15

I have a few friends that will let me shoot on there land. So I want to keep it as light as possible. Because I may be carrying it for long walks.

S&W M&P-15

I would like to put a Red Dot on it. Maybe even scope it down the line. I also want the option of using iron sights. From what I have learned I want a flattop/A3. I already have a Bushnell red dot with rings I could put on to start with.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

1:9 twist so I can shoot 55g bullets. I plan on reloading for this riffle.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

16” barrel. That comes full circle to keeping it light.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

I don’t want a carry handle. I plain old don’t like the look of them.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

I would like an adjustable stock. I am short and my main shooting buddy is tall.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

From everything I have read I want a gas block not a piston system. I’m not sure why.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

Budget is right around $1000

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

I am thinking I would like to buy an upper and lower separate. Spread out the cost a little.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

I want to put a muzzle break on it instead of a flash hider. Once again full circle to the 16” barrel anything shorter I won’t be able to change what’s on the end of the barrel.

http://www.demontactical.com/comp-brake.html

I don’t feel I need to go super high end but I also don’t want a rifle that I spend more time trying to get it to shoot, then shooting it.

S&W M&P-15 OR (Optics Ready)

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=hLOkTZbXNuTniALJ7cm_CA&ved=0CFAQ8wIwAA#





Gus McCrae

 

[TH3180]

Thank you everone for you help. keep it coming.

 

[browneu]

One thing to consider that I don't see covered is the gas system. Do you want a carbine length or midlength gas system for your rifle?

I prefer the midlength as I find the recoil impulse milder than the carbine. It's also reliable in the 16" bbl as long as you don't run to heavy a buffer.

The compensators are another story that you'll need to figure out. I prefer the BCE Battlecomp and have the 1.0 version. Search Battlecomp on YouTube and you'll see various videos where there is no muzzle rise. The attactiveness for the BCE is that it's a compromise between an A2 flash hider and compensator. So it has minimal flash like an A2 but will help keep the sight on target like a compensatory.

I was there right with you six months ago searching and doing the research about a rifle that I knew nothing about. M4Carbine is a good sight just make sure that you search before asking a question.

Good luck and keep us posted.

BTW I have a BCM 16" lightweight bbl. Very good for the money.

 

[NJGarand]

I know you said you are considering assembling from a different upper and lower, but the RRA Elite Operator 2 is pretty much the image of what you described in the original post and is right around the price you listed. I just got one and have been loving it so far.

 

[Mags]

DPMS Sweet 16.

http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/firearm.aspx?id=12

Remember fellas varminting is the primary purpose and the OP wants a 16 inch barrel. Of course if the weight of the bull barrel is a concern a run of the mill AR with a nice WOA or Noveske barrel will suit the OP needs.

 

[Robert]

S&W M&P-15

What is your experience with the M&P15?

 

[browneu]

What is your experience with the M&P15?

I had one and sold it for a BCM midlength. It ran well and the person who got it doesn't have any problems.

Two of my other friends have them as well and have had some issues. After about three rounds the bolt will fail to go into battery and seize. Meaning, they can't clear the round while trying to pull the charging handle.

 

[mc223]

DPMS Sweet 16.

Way too heavy for those long walks.

 

[mc223]

What is your experience with the M&P15?

I have two of them now. One is my truck gun and the other is my deer rifle.

 

[Mags]

Well, I really think a run of the mill AR with a nice barrel will work for the OP could easily be done for less than 1k with optics.

 

[UpTheIrons]

TH,

I'm in the same boat as you in the sense of being almost clueless about what kind of AR to buy. I will second the slower twist suggested above, and also ask you to look at Spike's Tactical. Lots of good info int he posts above.

As for me, after lots and lots of looking, reading and researching, I decided on a Spike's Tactical ST 15 Mid-length LE Carbine: http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/st15-midlength-le-carbine-p-443.html

All I changed was the iron sights over the carry handle. It may have everything you're looking for for $820, but the down side is a 6-8 week wait.

 

[mc223]

It may have everything you're looking for for $820, but the down side is a 6-8 week wait.

$685.16 and available now.


http://www.ombexpress.com/p_RF073.aspx?source=160INGB



o

 

[UpTheIrons]

$685.16 and available now.
http://www.ombexpress.com/p_RF073.aspx?source=160INGB

Which is fine, if he has agency credentials, otherwise he's back up to the $800 price point from your Google search link.

I just offered the link as a suggestion - not to get into a "bidding war."

Also, I didn't want a carbine length gas system or the barrel cutout, so this rifle wasn't an option for me.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

If you are suggesting certain parts and/or brands. Links would help me a ton.

I'd suggest concentrating on what features you want and then finding a brand that has those features at a price you can do.

-I have a few friends that will let me shoot on there land. So I want to keep it as light as possible. Because I may be carrying it for long walks.

The biggest place to cut weight from an AR15 is the barrel. Not only can you shave some significant weight here; but weight removed from the barrel will feel much lighter than weight removed from the buttstock for example.

If you go with a lightweight or pencil barrel profile, it will cost a little more and you'll have less options on where to buy; but the 16" pencil barrel will come in around 1.9lbs compared to 2.7lbs for the much more common 16" HBAR profile.

A good compromise is an M4 profile or Government profile barrel. When looking at "M4" profiles make sure the barrel is actually reduced underneath the handguard and not just an HBAR profile with an M203 notch. Because the M4 profile is fairly popular, you should be able to find one easier and it is close to the lightweight (around 2.2lbs installed).

-I would like to put a Red Dot on it. Maybe even scope it down the line. I also want the option of using iron sights. From what I have learned I want a flattop/A3. I already have a Bushnell red dot with rings I could put on to start with.

Yes, definitely a flattop upper receiver. You should consider whether you want fixed iron sights in front though. If you don't, then you are going to need a railed gas block, float tube, or a folding front sight base which will add more cost. You can still use a red dot with a fixed front sight post though.

-1:9 twist so I can shoot 55g bullets. I plan on reloading for this riffle.

1:9 is a good versatile twist. I'd give some thought to whether you want to shoot heavier rounds (68gr and up) or lighter varmint rounds (under 40gr), If you think you may want to try the heavier rounds, then a 1:8 or 1:7 is a good idea. It will still shoot 55gr just fine; but it may be too much for the <40gr varmint bullets.

-16” barrel. That comes full circle to keeping it light.

Sounds like a good plan.

-I would like an adjustable stock. I am short and my main shooting buddy is tall.

I like the Magpul MOE for a good budget stock that costs the same as the typical enhanced telestock.

-From everything I have read I want a gas block not a piston system. I’m not sure why.

I think you meant direct impingement? Which is how the AR was originally designed. I'd recommend that since it will be more than reliable enough for your uses and cost much less than a gas piston. I'm a fan of the midlength gas system on a 16" barrel; but you may be able to get better pricing on a 16" carbine barrel. The main advantage the midlength will give you is better sight radius, more handguard real estate and a subjectively softer recoil.

-I am thinking I would like to buy an upper and lower separate. Spread out the cost a little.

Good idea. You'll also save money on the excise tax compared to a complete rifle.

-I want to put a muzzle break on it instead of a flash hider. Once again full circle to the 16” barrel anything shorter I won’t be able to change what’s on the end of the barrel.

I think that is a good idea. One thing you want to give thought to is how much you want to minimize blast out to the sides. Most muzzle brakes are bad about that and if that is a concern, there are only a few muzzle brakes that deal with it effectively. I think the cheapest of them (Battlecomp) is around $155. If that isn't a big issue, you have a lot more choices.

-I don’t feel I need to go super high end but I also don’t want a rifle that I spend more time trying to get it to shoot, then shooting it.

Realistically, just about any brand of AR15 out there is probably going to work fine for your purposes. The main things you'll need are good ammunition and good magazines. Give some thought to what kind of ammo you can afford and plan to use. ARs are fairly tolerant of ammo types; but they all have a window where they like to run. Some manufacturers will oversize the gas port a little bit and tighten the chamber dimensions so that lower powered .223 will function well and shoot accurately. If you start shooting milsurp 5.56 out of that same rifle, you may get some function problems.

And if you haven't already, give this thread a look:
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