An AR for me

Status
Not open for further replies.
joed

joed

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
2,758
Location
Ohio
Started thinking about getting another AR to have just in case. It won't be for hunting but more for if the world falls apart.

The last one I had was a full sized A2 post ban and I don't want another one of those. I probably want a carbine with short barrel, collapsible stock and whatever else I'd need.

I'm not well versed in these guns. What makes are good, and what should I stay away from?
 
If you really want to research AR15.com has some good info in its AR15 forum. Otherwise any of the many good manufacturers will fit you needs. You can spend way to much time dwelling over options and upgrades. I would get a good Midlength gas system, 1:7 twist, NATO chamber, 16" bbl. The typical features. I would stick with the manufacturer that have more milspec features and materials.

What is your budget?

For a good quality, mid priced AR these are good names;Bravo co., Colt, Spikes, Palmetto State Armory, S&W. Even Busmaster, DPMS and Rock River would do for your needs, but the prices for those can be a little higher and/or will have less milspec.

Milspec info: https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&gid=5

More milspec: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqmgMm61Ok7WdExwaG16OENzOEZ1akp2a3Y2NjMxTEE&single=true&gid=2&output=html
 
Hadn't given any thought to the budget. Because it's something that hopefully won't get used much maybe not a high price. I would tend to think mid price.
 
The ones mentioned are backordered right now. Election time is the best time for gunbuilders. Order now before it hits Nov.
 
Hadn't given any thought to the budget. Because it's something that hopefully won't get used much maybe not a high price. I would tend to think mid price.
Click to expand...

Armalite LEC15A4CBK:

49448.jpg


Can be had for ~$800, superior to anything else in that pricerange. The only exception would be the S&W M&P 15 standard, which is just a little more. Between the two, really depends on whether you want an A2 front sight or picatinny FSB like the S&W:

sw_mp_ar15_orc.jpg


The Stags are also pretty decent in my experience, and basic ones are in the $700-$800 range, but I'd take the Armalite or S&W personally.

If you're so inclined, though, you can build one more to your liking for similar money (if these don't appeal)
 
MachIVshooter, that's what I want! I used to own a full sized Armalite but just didn't like it. This one is what I'm looking for.
 
Glad to hear that is a good choice. Looks like I put a few guns up for sale or trade to finance an AR.
 
If you really want to research AR15.com has some good info in its AR15 forum.
Click to expand...
Honestly, when I was looking for my first AR I checked out that forum, and found them rather opinionated and dismissive of anyone who was not looking for a fairly high end gun.

Hadn't given any thought to the budget. Because it's something that hopefully won't get used much maybe not a high price. I would tend to think mid price.
Click to expand...
What do you consider mid-price? AR's can run from around $600 to several $1000's. Personally, for $600-700 I would look at the DPMS Sporticle or S&W M&P 15 Sport. Both are very nice economy guns that seem to be universally liked by those who own them. If you want to jump up to $900-1000, I would look at Colt or one of the more expensive S&W M&P models. If you are willing to spend more than that, I'm less familiar with the guns at that price rance and someone else will need to suggest some specific models.
 
Last edited:
If you're comfortable spending around 1k, easy choice, Colt 6920.

If you'd like to stick around $700-$800 check out Smith & Wesson, Spikes and PSA.
 
I think I'm going for the $700 area. This is a gun that I won't be using much at all. I don't want junk but I also see no reason to own a Colt.

Never been an AR fan except for when I was in the service. That rifle was needed in Vietnam, and it probably helped keep me alive.

But now I want small and light, not like what I had back then. I'm thinking Armalite or similar.
 
For around $750, the PSA with the FN barrel is the best value. Here's mine. It's got the SS barrel because I was impatient and the FN barrels were on back order. While I'm happy with the performance of the barrel, the feed ramps were a bilt off and the FSB is canted. My recommendation is the FN barrel over the SS.
View attachment 607529

Here it is after being shot a few hundred times and adding a couple accessories
View attachment 607530

The 1:7 twist of the FN or the 1:8 twist of the SS barrel is a better choice than the 1:9 twist the Armalite comes with as the bullet lengths of the common bilk 5.56 ammo is better suited to the tighter twist rates
 
Started the shopping process and it's different then any other gun I've ever looked for. Looking for the LEC15A4CBK and it seems like they are out of stock everywhere.

Managed to find a couple on the auction sites but I think the price is high. Any tips on where else to look?
 
For 700 bucks go with DPMS. I've put 5k rounds through mine without a single failure. It's been 100% good to me and I trust my life to it.
 
I think I'm going to have to abandon the Armalite idea and maybe go for the S&W or some other mid range brand. Not sure about the one for $700 but that's cheaper then what the LGS is selling things for around here. Most of what I see locally at over $1000 is what everyone is telling me I can pick up for $800.
 
Many will argue over wether or not some brands such as DPMS, Colt, Bushmaster, etc are good enough or just plain junk. However all will agree, including the US Military, that a Colt is a great AR and will suit any needs one has for an M4 platform. Almost all will also agree that BCM, Daniel Defense, LMT, Noveske and a few others are also great. I prefer Colt because there is actual oversight ensuring their components are up to military specification. For the rest we just have to take their word. Most recomend the 6720 but personally i believe the gov't profile does nothing but add excess weight at the front of the barrel where it does nothing positive for a civilian so i recomend the 6720. Both can be had for under a grand however with the current gun hoarding you may have a tough time finding either.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
Basic First AR
Replies
3
Views
439
Mulliga
M
V
  • Locked
Cheap alternative for custom fixed AR stock.
Replies
9
Views
1K
Corpral_Agarn
Corpral_Agarn
DMK
  • Locked
What's the cheapest way to get me into a good quality AR
2
Replies
40
Views
2K
telewinz
T
T
  • Locked
Armalite AR10 carbines
Replies
6
Views
465
SpentCasing
S
B
  • Locked
Lightweight AR-15
Replies
9
Views
804
only1asterisk
O
Back
Top