5.56 recommendations?

[Xeon256]

well with all the flutter going on recently, I’ve decided to set my sights on a 5.56 semi sooner than later. Any recommendations that don’t cost a <deleted> ton? Cal legal. Is ATI good? Never heard of them. Thanks!

 

[Everready73]

No ATI is not good. Most of their receivers are polymer. If you are on a budget S&W MP Sport 2, Aero AC-15, and PSA are all good options. The Aero is the best for the money IMO, as it has the better quality parts at around the same price at Brownells. PSA is great if you are willing to pin together the upper and lower and would probably be the cheapest option that doesn't suck. Stay away from PTAC line if you look into PSA.

If you wanted to step up to around $700 I would recommend any colt other than the expanse. The Colt Trooper, 6920,6720, or OEM rifles are all a step up from the above mentioned. All milspec parts with chrome lined barrels. If you want a rifle for just the range and gun a cheaper option is great. If you plan on using for Self defense i would consider spending a few extra bucks and Colt is a good starting point. BCM, LMT, Daniel Defense are other good "higher end" options as well

 

[Xeon256]

No ATI is not good. Most of their receivers are polymer. If you are on a budget S&W MP Sport 2, Aero AC-15, and PSA are all good options. The Aero is the best for the money IMO, as it has the better quality parts at around the same price at Brownells. PSA is great if you are willing to pin together the upper and lower and would probably be the cheapest option that doesn't suck. Stay away from PTAC line if you look into PSA.

If you wanted to step up to around $700 I would recommend any colt other than the expanse. The Colt Trooper, 6920,6720, or OEM rifles are all a step up from the above mentioned. All milspec parts with chrome lined barrels. If you want a rifle for just the range and gun a cheaper option is great. If you plan on using for Self defense i would consider spending a few extra bucks and Colt is a good starting point. BCM, LMT, Daniel Defense are other good "higher end" options as well

Thanks I’ll look into those

 

[H&R Glock]

If you are going to re-load for it, make sure you get small base dies!!!!!!

 

[Xeon256]

If you are going to re-load for it, make sure you get small base dies!!!!!!

I have to learn reloading, that’s more my dad’s region than mine . Well most of the local shops don’t have em for less than a 1000 because oh check this out, they have to be cal “compliant” (insert a long rant and string of cussing that would make the devil blush) tho I do like the look of the Springfield Saint. This state ticks me off so much, can’t buy a governor, nor a judge. Can’t buy this can’t buy that. You’d think these (insert excessive cussing) would know how to read the constitution, but apparently liberals are too stupid to do so.
Apologies..... needed to vent that.

 

[Jackal]

For the money, the inexpensive Ruger AR is hard to beat, once you factor in its accuracy and customer service. By most accounts, the cheap Ruger is more accurate than many high end AR's.

 

[denton]

Some ARs do need small base dies. Many, including mine and also my SU16 do not. Get the gun you want first, then find out if you need small base dies.

 

[Dill]

I shoot my reloads in a lot of AR's, and I've never used them, either.

Some ARs do need small base dies. Many, including mine and also my SU16 do not. Get the gun you want first, then find out if you need small base dies.

 

[CZ9shooter]

For the money, the inexpensive Ruger AR is hard to beat, once you factor in its accuracy and customer service. By most accounts, the cheap Ruger is more accurate than many high end AR's.

I like mine. It's as fine of an entry level rifle as any. Great for getting your feet wet with the AR platform.

I have made some minor changes to mine. Just because I cant't help myself from tinkering with things I suppose. If I decide I want another one though, I'd probably build it.

 

[Redfisher60]

From what I've seen that Aero is a good deal. If I hadn't stumbled across my Sport 2, I would most likely have an Aero.
As far as self defense, S&W, Ruger, Aero would be fine. Now if I were being dropped in a combat zone?.......different matter I think.....

 

[hdwhit]

total recoil wrote:
If you are going to re-load for it, make sure you get small base dies!!!!!!

I have been reloading 223/5.56 since 1979. I load for four semi-automatic rifles (two Ruger Mini-14, two ARs) and a bolt gun. I am still using the same set of RCBS standard full length (not small base) dies that I bought in 1979. I have never had a failure to feed, chamber, fire, extract or eject in all that time.

Small base dies are not an essential for loading for semi-automatic rifles.

 

[maxxhavoc]

I have several 5.56 ARs, I only need to use Small base dies for one of them...and only if I mix in brass from looser rifles. It is a 20" PSA upper with the FN Match barrel. All the rest will eat everything.

Just about any Budget AR will use regular dies just fine. I load all of mine of SB dies now - I haven't noticed any brass life issues or other side effects.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Get whatever name brand AR is for sale on slick guns, buds or grab a gun at whatever your pricepoint is. S&W, Ruger, Spikes, Aero, Colt all make quality stuff - just get whatever is on sale whenever you decide to pull the trigger.

If you don't mind used, take a look at the pencil barreled Colts for sale at Summit Gunbroker and CDNN. If you get one AR, you will get more, so you may as well get the plane jane lightweight version as your starter AR. That way you can piece together a heavier one later when you know what, doo-dads you want on it.

 

[Xeon256]

For the money, the inexpensive Ruger AR is hard to beat, once you factor in its accuracy and customer service. By most accounts, the cheap Ruger is more accurate than many high end AR's.

I’ll give another look at the Rugers