Recommend an AR Carbine $800-$900

[10MMGary]

New Stag out the door easily for less than $900.00. If your like most buying the actual carbine is the least of the cost.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

So if I want to shoot irons for a while, but want to easily add optics later, I need an A3, right?

What's the point (advantage) of the flat tops with flip-up sights?

Are all AR-15 carbines referred to as M4s?

Thanks for the help so far.

 

[asknight]

So if I want to shoot irons for a while, but want to easily add optics later, I need an A3, right?

Ideally, yes. Though optics can be mounted to an A2 carry handle, the ergonomics aren't as good, nor the high quality mounts as easily available.

What's the point (advantage) of the flat tops with flip-up sights?

Flip up sights are an emergency backup in case your optics are damaged, fail, or batteries die.

Are all AR-15 carbines referred to as M4s?

No. The .mil carbine is the only real M4. Many civilians refer to their semi-automatic M4 clones as M4geries (M forgery). Many prefer a carbine configured/manufactured as close to the .mil issue Colt M4 as legally possible, figuring the Govt has done the homework of creating the ideal balance of reliability and cost of manufacturing. These civilian legal clones do not make a M4, as the M4 is a clearly defined spec which specifies it's fire control parts that are not legally viable for the civilian.

 

[yongxingfreesty]

+1 for cmmg, its great company.

they post a lot on arfcom too

 

[wayneard3413]

One thing to look at Dollar is if you plan on adding an optic later then the removable carry handle is defiantly the way to go, but i wouldnt suggest getting one right away... In my opinion you would be alot better off to use the money you would spend on the latest and greatest red dot on good quality mags and plenty of ammo, and practice practice practice till your comfortable with your irons. Especially if you look at all of the people who have no problem dropping the money on an ACOG but would never consider spending it on training from one of the numerous 1st tier schools out there

 

[Dollar An Hour]

So are the flip-up sights on AR's such as the S&W M&P15T above any different (better) than the sights typically found on an A3 like the Bushmaster below as far as function or precision?

 

[Outlaws]

Especially if you look at all of the people who have no problem dropping the money on an ACOG but would never consider spending it on training from one of the numerous 1st tier schools out there

Not everyone likes playing dress up.

So are the flip-up sights on AR's such as the S&W M&P15T above any different (better) than the sights typically found on an A3 like the Bushmaster below as far as function or precision?

If you use an optic, the flip ups do not have to be removed from the rifle.

 

[takhtakaal]

Outlaws has a point about the "dress-up." There's something inane about a bunch of accountants, orthodontists, and actuarials dressed up in JackBauerWear™ -- not that they don't have the right to be concerned about SHTF, too.

Figure that S&W is getting some sort of volume deal from what may or may not be an ideal vendor for their BUIS. If you spec it out yourself, it's costlier in the long run, but you get EXACTLY what you want.

 

[tjhjunk]

Dollar, this is what i will be purchasing in the near future. Grant from G&R Tactical is highly regarded in the AR platform.

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7235

Tim

 

[George S.]

I have looked at the both Oly Arms K3B Carbine and the "regular" K3B. Their Carbine version has a shorter barrel (11.5") with a longer muzzle brake (5.5"). I talked to one of their reps and he said that either one will have pretty much the same accuracy at shorter distances but the 16" barrel should be more accurate out to 200+ yds.

I've read in a number of places that the chrome-lined barrels will last longer but are not quite as accurate as the non chrome barrels; true??

I've pretty much decided on the Oly Arms K3B with a carry grip. Prices seem to run around $700 locally. You can have a flat-top or carry grip with no difference in price. They have an A3 version with a detachable carry handle so you can mount optics in place of hte handle which is an additional $90.

 

[asknight]

Their Carbine version has a shorter barrel (11.5") with a longer muzzle brake (5.5").

The BATFE says that your barrel must be at least 16 inches. So since it has to be 16", why not make those 16" usable by rifling it all the way to the end?

I've read in a number of places that the chrome-lined barrels will last longer but are not quite as accurate as the non chrome barrels; true??

Most folks, not all, agree that statement is true.

They have an A3 version with a detachable carry handle so you can mount optics in place of hte handle which is an additional $90.

This makes the most sense, at least from the perspective of versatility.

I will say that $790 can buy you most any brand carbine with a better reputation than Olympic with a bit of diligent shopping. I don't own an Oly so I can't say how good or bad they are, but their reputation isn't what I think it should be.

 

[erict]

I've had 6-8 different brands from BM, RRA, DSA, DPMS, etc. (never owned a Colt but would like to) and find the Stags and J&T's to be the most consistant with good quality. Either can be had for well under $900 if you check around a little.

I like the 14.5 with FH to get to the legal 16" myself.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Okay guys, a dealer that I like to work with can make nice deals on the following:

-Armalite
-Bushmaster
-Stag
-S&W
-Sabre

Can I go wrong with any of these?

The Sabre costs a bit more, is it a better quality rifle than the others above, or overkill for a first AR?

So an A3 would need the sights removed when I decide to add optics, whereas a flattop you just flip the sights down... I get it.

 

[Outlaws]

The Sabre costs a bit more, is it a better quality rifle than the others above, or overkill for a first AR?

Its all about what you can afford.

 

[Zach S]

I've read in a number of places that the chrome-lined barrels will last longer but are not quite as accurate as the non chrome barrels; true??

Most people will agree, however I've heard that LMT barrels are more accurate than other CLed bbls. Dont know how they compar to non CLed bbls though.

My AR is chrome lined, and still shoots better than me.

 

[silverlance]

Why not build your own? I must admit that I did so out of necessity, but here's the breakdown:

1. Lower Receiver $100 Sabre Defence
2. DPMS A4 kit $499 includes everything including 14.7" barrel (for some stupid reason DPMS screwed up and shipped me a 16.5" barrel, but nevermind that) Permanently attach the flash suppressor, and you have a legal 16.2" barrel. Or you can get the 16" barrel kit.
3. if in certain states, add a little more for the fixed magazine or non-pistol grip stock options.

Alternatively (and I would do this personally) get all the parts piecemeal by accumulating them from forums. There's always guys selling lower parts kits, lower receivers that they never built, and uppers that they got tired of. You can put it together using high quality parts on the cheap, and learn a lot in the process.

 

[asknight]

So an A3 would need the sights removed when I decide to add optics, whereas a flattop you just flip the sights down... I get it.

Not quite. An A3 is a flat-top. Your choice with an A3 includes a detachable carry handle with A2 style rear sight and a standard front sight tower, or flip-up or some other type of back up sights.

Since this is your first carbine, I would lean towards the A3 carbine with detachable carry handle. That way you can familiarize yourself with the A2 style sights and have the option to add optics easily in the future. To add an optic to an A3 with detachable carry handle, you would need the optic, mount, and some type of back up iron sight (BUIS) if you would like to have the emergency backup. This requires the removal of the detachable carry handle.

If your chosen carbine has the standard A2 style front sight tower, you don't have to remove it in order to use an optic. It is so close to the objective lens of the optic that it will be out of focus and unseen. You can then use a quick detach optic mount with a flip up style rear BUIS to have your emergency backup.

 

[newsavageowner]

Not sure about every model that they make, but the Bushmaster website confirmed what I thought was true...they not only have Chrome lined bores, but the chamber is also Chromed....I don't think/know that other brands do the same...something for you to look into if it matters to you. Can't really go wrong with any of the main makers you mentioned.

 

[wayneard3413]

Not everyone likes playing dress up.

Sorry i guess i should have been more clear on that... If your occupation doesnt include kicking doors then chances are you dont really need to suit up with all of the latest and greatest in "tacti-cool" gear... Nothing says you cant go to a defensive carbine/pistol class with your daily carry holster (and draw from concealment)

But if you intend to ever use that weapon for anything other then punching holes in paper i would suggest getting some good training... As we all know there is a huge difference between a trip to the range and actually having to fight with that weapon... In my opinion the more do to prepare ahead of time the better off you will be if you ever find your self in that kind of situation

 

[possum]

I've read in a number of places that the chrome-lined barrels will last longer but are not quite as accurate as the non chrome barrels; true??

from what i uderstand t has to do with the chromng process the more even the chroming the more accracy that it is gonna have, sometimes there are inconsitant places and that is what thrughs off the acuracy. in the bushmasters that i have owned, and used i have seen no issue with the accuracy. they are goo out to 300yds if not more but mine is intended for much closer work than that.

Not sure about every model that they make, but the Bushmaster website confirmed what I thought was true...they not only have Chrome lined bores, but the chamber is also Chromed....I don't think/know that other brands do the same...something for you to look into if it matters to you. Can't really go wrong with any of the main makers you mentioned.

yep another feature about bushmaster that i like.

 

[possum]

Nothing says you cant go to a defensive carbine/pistol class with your daily carry holster (and draw from concealment)

that is exactly how you should train as you would in a real fight with what you have everyday or what you would have if you grab the ar in the middle of the night etc

But if you intend to ever use that weapon for anything other then punching holes in paper i would suggest getting some good training

i agree trainning should be a priority, i believe no matter what the purpose of the weapon is you should know how o use it if the need arises.