Care to hear from an AR15 newbie?
Lots of great information has been given so far, some that I wish I had known before my recent purchases.
My first advice, is don't do it. You'll want more, and more, and more.
That out of the way...
I don't think you'll touch a new Colt for $800. Still, that would be an excellent rifle, probably the best of the big manufacturers.
I bought my first AR used through one of the online auction sites, and got a virtually new Bushmaster 20" flattop with free floating barrel for $650 after all costs were paid. (Buying used from the Internet can be risky, but I follow common sense guidelines and do pretty well.) Then, I had to start accessorizing...
Optics. This is the flattop, varmint version with no front sight tower, which was exactly what I wanted. But, that means I needed some optics. I finally settled on a Leupold 6X 42mm, for a bit over $300. (I think we just blew by $800.) And, a mount. I bought the Armalite one piece for another close to $100. Let's not get into things like extra mags, AR15 specific cleaning equipment, and stuff like that.
Now you'd think that I'd be a happy camper, huh? But noooooo... I started seeing pics of the carbines, and ended up plopping down a bit over $400 for a flattop 16" M4 profile upper. Got a great deal on a new upper that had a RRA upper receiver, bolt, carrier and charging handle, and a Bushmaster barrel assembly. But, the scope isn't quite right for carbine, so I, for now, get the ARMS 40 flip up sight, for another $100. Still, a CompC ML2 would be nice... (You catching on, yet?)
Then I start reading AR15.com and get the bug to build my own lower receiver. So, a RRA stripped receiver and parts kit arrive for another $150. Need a couple tools, too. And of course, the VLTOR Modstock Clubfoot, another $130 with the buffer stuff. Man, that makes a NICE carbine! (Add more mags...)
Then my son sends a pic of himself carrying his A2 20" M16 in his treks through the hills of Afghanistan, and I think, "Boy, it would be nice to have a 20" A2 upper, too! Maybe I can build one." I find a used, complete A2 upper receiver for $80, and a call to Bushmaster has a 20" barrel assembly on the way. Oh, and a few more tools.
Oh, and don't forget ammo. Lots of ammo. And I reload, so I need more reloading stuff.
(Are you catching on, YET?)
Lots of great information has been given so far, some that I wish I had known before my recent purchases.
My first advice, is don't do it. You'll want more, and more, and more.
That out of the way...
I don't think you'll touch a new Colt for $800. Still, that would be an excellent rifle, probably the best of the big manufacturers.
I bought my first AR used through one of the online auction sites, and got a virtually new Bushmaster 20" flattop with free floating barrel for $650 after all costs were paid. (Buying used from the Internet can be risky, but I follow common sense guidelines and do pretty well.) Then, I had to start accessorizing...
Optics. This is the flattop, varmint version with no front sight tower, which was exactly what I wanted. But, that means I needed some optics. I finally settled on a Leupold 6X 42mm, for a bit over $300. (I think we just blew by $800.) And, a mount. I bought the Armalite one piece for another close to $100. Let's not get into things like extra mags, AR15 specific cleaning equipment, and stuff like that.
Now you'd think that I'd be a happy camper, huh? But noooooo... I started seeing pics of the carbines, and ended up plopping down a bit over $400 for a flattop 16" M4 profile upper. Got a great deal on a new upper that had a RRA upper receiver, bolt, carrier and charging handle, and a Bushmaster barrel assembly. But, the scope isn't quite right for carbine, so I, for now, get the ARMS 40 flip up sight, for another $100. Still, a CompC ML2 would be nice... (You catching on, yet?)
Then I start reading AR15.com and get the bug to build my own lower receiver. So, a RRA stripped receiver and parts kit arrive for another $150. Need a couple tools, too. And of course, the VLTOR Modstock Clubfoot, another $130 with the buffer stuff. Man, that makes a NICE carbine! (Add more mags...)
Then my son sends a pic of himself carrying his A2 20" M16 in his treks through the hills of Afghanistan, and I think, "Boy, it would be nice to have a 20" A2 upper, too! Maybe I can build one." I find a used, complete A2 upper receiver for $80, and a call to Bushmaster has a 20" barrel assembly on the way. Oh, and a few more tools.
Oh, and don't forget ammo. Lots of ammo. And I reload, so I need more reloading stuff.
(Are you catching on, YET?)
