AR 15, $2,000 - $3,000 Your choice?

[marksman13]

I think it actually is due to the fact that he cannot stand behind his own assertions.
After all, who asserts X isn't as accurate as Y when they have zero experience with X...
Just sayn'


There was no "argument", none. Very specific assertions were made and I asked for some factual support for those assertions, yet none were provided.


Um yea, that was the question asked by the OP... "Your choice?" See how that works


I do


I never said anyone did


I'm not the one who got upset and ran away from a few simple questions

Okay. You win. You have the greatest AR-15s ever built. All other AR-15s are inferior to your prized Fultons. Congrats on your purchase of the finest AR-15s ever built.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

The only way I'd spend that much on an AR-15 would be to spend half of it on optics. $3k would get me a Colt AR-15A4, Trijicon ACOG, and some left for ammo and a sling.

 

[js8588]

I think it actually is due to the fact that he cannot stand behind his own assertions.
After all, who asserts X isn't as accurate as Y when they have zero experience with X...
Just sayn'


There was no "argument", none. Very specific assertions were made and I asked for some factual support for those assertions, yet none were provided.


Um yea, that was the question asked by the OP... "Your choice?" See how that works


I do


I never said anyone did


I'm not the one who got upset and ran away from a few simple questions

I just chose to take The High Road.

 

[robin banks]

For me, it depends what I want out of the AR. If you just want a 16” noisemaking carbine, buy a Ruger or a S&W for $450-600, or whatever the vid-flated current price might be and be merry. Spending more for DD, BCM, Larue, etc for this task just gives you internet bragging rights on Arfcom and less money in your wallet. I’ve had a few of these and have had even more on my bench, and can’t pretend they really do anything different for the civilian, and really not even for the warfighter.

If you want something specialized, like a go-fast gun for 3 gun competition, or a long range precision gasser (kinda an oxymoron), then spending $2000-3000 makes sense to me, and in those cases, I generally find that sourcing parts and building (or having someone build for you) is less expensive than buying a boutique semi-bespoke factory offering (JP, GA Precision, Seekins, etc).

I acknowledge that some guys just want a turnkey option, however, and spending a couple hundred extra to avoid buying $100 in tools and a spending few hours fitting and assembling isn’t for everyone. But still, the application dictates the design.

if I was a billionaire I would not spend 2-4K on any rifle or scope

 

[Varminterror]

if I was a billionaire I would not spend 2-4K on any rifle or scope

Ok, then don’t spend $2-4k on rifles or scopes.

We probably wouldn’t be friends if we were located close by - our interests aren’t aligned. It obviously doesn’t take a billion dollar valuation to afford $2-4k rifles and scopes.

Not terribly sure I understand why you chose to quote a 2wk old post of mine just to point out that you’re too cheap to let yourself experience better rifles and optics, or why you chose to quote my response at all, since the OP was the source of the price point, but I guess, thanks for letting us know.

 

[gotboostvr]

if I was a billionaire I would not spend 2-4K on any rifle or scope

I can imagine a few nice bolt actions I might spend that kind of money on.

I can definitely think of some pre-86 transferables I'd spend more than that on.

 

[illinoisburt]

Don't be so sure spending extra dough is going to necessarily mean a more accurate AR. An awful lot of barrel makers are really good these days. I recently bought one of the cheapest 7.62x39 BCA uppers on the market and found it shoots sub moa groups with steel cased hunting ammo despite the atrocious heavy PSA trigger its paired up to. Sure it's luck of the draw but still happens pretty often these days.

 

[troy fairweather]

Don't be so sure spending extra dough is going to necessarily mean a more accurate AR. An awful lot of barrel makers are really good these days. I recently bought one of the cheapest 7.62x39 BCA uppers on the market and found it shoots sub moa groups with steel cased hunting ammo despite the atrocious heavy PSA trigger its paired up to. Sure it's luck of the draw but still happens pretty often these days.

View attachment 1085807

That's the problem with the 7.62x39 cz bolts, steel case shot so well and is even now almost cheaper then just buying .310 bullets. Tho hp or sp steel case is harder to find now if you hunt with the steel case.

 

[robin banks]

I can imagine a few nice bolt actions I might spend that kind of money on.

I can definitely think of some pre-86 transferables I'd spend more than that on.

hey it is your money and you spend it as you see fit

 

[citizenconn]

You can customize a unique AR to your own likings at F1 Defense. They are up the road from me and have a pretty good reputation. I figure you could pimp out quite a snazzy AR for $3K with them. For if you don't want to do the same old, been there done that build as most of the rest of us.

https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10019670_586093

Here is one example. They can make virtually any color or configuration you want.



At this point I assemble my own like a lot of folks on here. If I invest in a new caliber I usually build at least 5 models ranging from pistol (11.5") to long range target, if applicable (22-24"), with one being a dealer's choice model for my personal reloader (Thanks, Dad.)

No matter the caliber the things I always invest in are: best trigger for your budget (doesn't have to be Geissele, but try a few sample triggers and pick the shoe and feel you like best). If it's a benchrest or target gun I usually buy a Rock River Arms 2-stage trigger ($100). For more precision but not target shooting I get a good single stage drop in 3-3.5 lb trigger ($150-200), or if just a CQB type build I like the ALG Advanced Combat triggers ($60-70). Get an upgraded charging handle. I like BCM Gunfighter ($75). Invest in a good stock. Depending on your build type, Magpul makes great stocks such as the MOE-SL, UBR, PRS Lite. Luth-AR MBA-3 is good too, Most important, these all lock up tight and stay where you adjust them to ($65-200). Get a good muzzle device from the outset. If you think you'll be getting a suppressor, figure out which one and get the corresponding mounting version ($75-150). I usually add a couple more bells and whistles but getting those basic things from the outset will make the difference between an AR that you trade away when you decide what you really want or one you can grow with. Finally, depending on the caliber you choose get a decent barrel in the length that you think will work best for what you want to do with the AR. I've seen a lot of guys go for the 16" M4gery option that they outgrow in about 2 months. 18-20" is a very versatile option for 5.56, 6.5 Grendel, 6 ARC, .224 Valk, .350 Leg, .450 Bush, but not for .300 BLK or 7.62x39 which works best 16" or shorter. Look around a lot and look for sales. Sometimes its best to get a complete upper and then spec out the lower with the options from above. Primary Arms and a few other places will sell you a complete lower with some of the upgrades I mentioned already installed.

Good luck. Welcome to the fun. I think the decision will become clearer when you ask yourself how good you are at do it yourself type projects and if you enjoy that aspect of things.

 

[SP5]

I went with a Geissele SD and a JP

 

[Ignition Override]

A 1980's Colt has the 20" barrel with carry handle. Quite frankly, this is the only type of AR which appeals to me.

A friend left Germany after "Uni" to begin flight tng. in Bolivar TN, then bought this type of AR in 1985.

With this longer sight distance I'm much more accurate, naturally, than with a 16" barrel on a newer gun. His Colt has only iron sights.

It has never malfunctioned in my presence, and I never heard of any issue. R never considered selling it.
My only mild complaint is the bit of stacking in the stock trigger.

 

[Archie]

The old man respectfully passes.

 

[Skinny Pete]

Okay. You win. You have the greatest AR-15s ever built. All other AR-15s are inferior to your prized Fultons. Congrats on your purchase of the finest AR-15s ever built.

No such thing was stated... but your non sequitur and triggered feels are duly noted

 

[Skinny Pete]

I just chose to take The High Road.

If thats what you want to call your inability to stand behind your own words... enjoy

 

[matttric]

A main thing to consider is what is the purpose, how much use will it get, and how experienced are you? If you’re a novice to guns, or even to ARs, it doesn’t matter what you buy- the rifle will NOT make you a better shooter.
If you’re not going to be running 1,000 rounds a month or competing with it- buy a $500-750 dollar rifle, decent optics, and spend the rest on ammo and training.

 

[kimberkid]

For me, it depends what I want out of the AR. If you just want a 16” noisemaking carbine, buy a Ruger or a S&W for $450-600, or whatever the vid-flated current price might be and be merry. Spending more for DD, BCM, Larue, etc for this task just gives you internet bragging rights on Arfcom and less money in your wallet. I’ve had a few of these and have had even more on my bench, and can’t pretend they really do anything different for the civilian, and really not even for the warfighter.

If you want something specialized, like a go-fast gun for 3 gun competition, or a long range precision gasser (kinda an oxymoron), then spending $2000-3000 makes sense to me, and in those cases, I generally find that sourcing parts and building (or having someone build for you) is less expensive than buying a boutique semi-bespoke factory offering (JP, GA Precision, Seekins, etc).

I acknowledge that some guys just want a turnkey option, however, and spending a couple hundred extra to avoid buying $100 in tools and a spending few hours fitting and assembling isn’t for everyone. But still, the application dictates the design.

OMG!
I guess the days of getting looked down at for building a Franken-AR is officially over!

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Oh, this is easy!

For that kind of money, I'd buy 4 or 6 S&W M&P-15s.

At about $500 each for two I've bought, they're FANTASTIC!

 

[N555]

Well I'm never spending more than $40 on an AR15 trigger. I took a milspec-ish cheap roughly $30 pre-plandemic trigger and made it break at 1.5 to 2lb with a hair of creep. No creep, 1.5lb on a semi auto rifle would just be scary, so I left that tiny bit of creep in there.
I did put the $10 "jp enterprises 3.5lb trigger kit" in my shopping cart for my next gougewayusa dot com order just to play with. It may be too light on the hammer spring to reliability dent cheap or hard primers.
If you want to learn how to do your own trigger jobs gougewayusa dot com has blemished ALG triggers for $35 you can ruin, I mean practice on.
You can easily spend $180 to $300 on an AR trigger. Pass...

 

[marksman13]

No such thing was stated... but your non sequitur and triggered feels are duly noted

Yeah. Triggered feels, because I’m the guy that got upset over his favorite brand. Move on with life. Enjoy your Fultons. I’m sure they are the most amazingly perfect rifles on the planet. I don’t know how I’ve managed to live life so long without one.

 

[Varminterror]

OMG!
I guess the days of getting looked down at for building a Franken-AR is officially over!

Those days have either been over for a long time, or aren’t - all depends what you choose to build.

Building low end AR’s with low end parts is still low end. Building top end AR’s with top end parts is still top end. I made a business for several years just building and rebuilding AR’s, long ago enough to say it’s “long ago” (20yrs, even before the end of the federal ban era).

Lots of arfcom Listers still look down at anything not DD/Larue/BCM/Colt, maybe they’ve invited a few new kids to the mil-spec mafia. They weren’t right 20yrs ago when guys were looking down on Bushmaster and DPMS and banging the Colt and Armlite, and in most cases, they aren’t right today, but they sure seem to feel taller when they talk trash on Facebook group walls and forums.

Some Lambo and Ferrari guys still like to talk trash on garage built muscle cars - often which can cost as much and run faster… just the same as a lot of rat-wrenchers will scoff down their nose at the money “wasted” on supercars… humans talk trash, it’s an unfortunate reality of the human experience.

 

[Skinny Pete]

Yeah. Triggered feels, because I’m the guy that got upset over his favorite brand.

Well yes, you are... because at no time did I state or imply it was my "favorite brand"
But your projection is duly noted

Move on with life.

Says the one who came after me with snark and projection

Enjoy your Fultons.

I do, along with many other brands, but thanks for giving me your permission

I’m sure they are the most amazingly perfect rifles on the planet.

Well if you can cite someone who has asserted such please let me know as I would enjoy having an honest conversation with them

 

[marksman13]

Well yes, you are... because at no time did I state or imply it was my "favorite brand"
But your projection is duly noted


Says the one who came after me with snark and projection


I do, along with many other brands, but thanks for giving me your permission


Well if you can cite someone who has asserted such please let me know as I would enjoy having an honest conversation with them

You’ve made your point. Nobody else cares about your Fultons. Move on with your life.

 

[matttric]

I can imagine a few nice bolt actions I might spend that kind of money on.

I can definitely think of some pre-86 transferables I'd spend more than that on.

I agree. I’m a big fan of my guns having multiple purposes so I can get the most value out of them. To me, spending $2k on a PRS means I can still deer hunt AND long range shoot, and also just purchase one scope, one sling, and one bipod.

 

[Mk-211]

I've posted this before, 7mm Valkyrie AR that other than the upper, I put together. Don't mind the CA approved mud flap.

The scope cost more than the rifle, the combo was one of the most accurate semi's I've ever shot.

Incase you're wondering the price, there's about $2,500 of rifle sitting there. It made me look damn good when I pulled the target off the frame!