AR-15 advice? How does this look?

[PO2Hammer]

Looking to buy my first AR style rifle. I'm not looking for a heavy bench gun or an accessory laden swiss army knife. I'm looking for an easy shooting off hand rifle that's not too heavy with smooth furniture.
I'm trying to keep the initial cost under $1K while still getting good quality.
I'm looking at this Armalite M-15 A4 rifle.
I would add a Levang linear compensator to minimize muzzle blast. (I have tinnitus in both ears and noise bothers me more than recoil)
What's the consensus on Armalite?
Any other brands I should look at?
Are there any good piston guns in my price range? (or close to my price range)

 

[BADUNAME37]

Personally, I like Bushmaster, however it is probably like saying you like a Ford and I prefer a GM.

 

[MrCleanOK]

You can build a basic BCM rifle for around $1k including a few mags and basic sling, if you're interested in going that route. You'll have a top-quality gun that can be added to later if you so desire.

 

[madcratebuilder]

ArmaLite, as many others build a fine rifle. Pick your flavor of kool-aid. That comp should help with noise at the shooting position. Why would you want to add a piston? Not necessary, and can have it's own issues.

 

[christcorp]

I just bought a new S&W M&P15 for $649. Without the S&W rebate, it's still only $749. Nothing wrong with armalite, I just don't think there's a $300-$800 difference between most AR manufacturers. It's different if you're saying you like a glock over a springfield or a Sig over an HK. But in the AR world, they are mostly all clones. Meaning the same platform, ergonomics, style. Parts are mostly all interchangeable.

But FWIW: If my M&P wasn't on sale, and with a rebate, and it was going for it's normal retail price of $1069, I never would have bought it. Basically, there's always some good deals coming along that can get you a fine AR for under $1000. Once you go over about $1000, you are basically either buying a name or accessories. Stainless Steel bull barrel, high end optics, major trigger job, Pre-ban, other accessories. If it's over $1000 and it's stock, nothing special, then I personally don't think it's worth it. The price is only $1500 - $2000 because they know that there's someone out there that will pay that much for it. And as long as there are those that believe it's worth spending $500-$1000 more for it, prices on certain AR's will continue to go for those prices.

 

[kwelz]

For that money you could do far better!

Purchasing an SPR indicates to me that you may want to do long range shooting. That gun has a 1/9 twist barrel which is not good for longer (heavier) bullets. Go look at BCM. You can get a better upper from them then one of their Blem lowers for very cheap. Choose your own stock, rail and other accessories and you will be set.

 

[griff383]

Armalite, DPMS, S&W, ect ect ect.... All quality weapons for what the average or even above average enthusiast needs. Pick one that suits your needs and dont worry too much about whats stamped on the side.

As far as the compensator goes, I have it and really like it. While its not a huge difference in sound, it is a noticeable decrease in noise heard by the shooter. At my range we have to wear ear and eye protection so its harder to tell how much it really helps, but even with my ears on it doesnt seem as loud as it could be.

 

[TonyAngel]

If your only constraint is that you stay under $1k, you have lots of options. Favorite "bang for the buck" brands right now would include Spike's Tactical and Bravo Company. I'd also check out smartgunner.com. They're running some good prices on Daniel Defense.

 

[Quentin]

I bought the 16" midlength version of that rifle in 2009 (actually just the upper). Everything was backordered due to panic buying and I stumbled across the ArmaLite and research said it was good enough. The upper cost $500 and the lower I built was about $250, which was a good price back then.

Today you can do better as others have said. I suppose you could buy the M15A4 for about $800 or you could pay a little more for a BCM, a much better rifle. The S&W is slightly better as well.

Definitely research more and go for the best specifications and barrel twist rate for the ammo you'll use most. IE: 1:7, 1:8 or 1:9. Of course look at piston guns but there's no need to get one plus it'll be hard at your price point.

Anyway, the ArmaLite upper has been excellent and I'm keeping it. Good accuracy and no malfunctions. But the upper I have on order now is a Daniel Defense.

ETA: My ArmaLite upper is an HBAR so it is heavy. A 20" version would be very heavy.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Purchasing an SPR indicates to me that you may want to do long range shooting. That gun has a 1/9 twist barrel which is not good for longer (heavier) bullets.

I'm not sure why they call it 'SPR', it seems like a very basic barrel. Standard contour, chrome lined, 1:9 twist. It's a pound lighter than their target model.
I chose that rifle because it's not a heavy weight, and I'll be shooting standard ammo, 45-60 grains, and I'm not looking for a benchrest or varmint gun.
It's a little cheaper than their standard A2. Basically I'm just looking for a quality 20" rifle in A4 configuration with a threaded barrel.
The BCM A4 looks good too, I prefer the flat top gas block, but a fixed sight isn't a deal breaker.
I can get the Armalite for around $900. I'll have to look at BCM prices.
Thanks.

 

[lebowski]

Budsgunshop.com has the daniel defense xv for $976, that's a solid basic carbine with no bells and whistles. Smartgunner.com also has some deals on DD uppers right now, tho I think the best deals there are on the railed models.

That or a basic no frills BCM will be your best bet, in my view.

 

[Avenger29]

I'm trying to keep the initial cost under $1K while still getting good quality

Forget the piston, and buy a Bravo Company gun with a lightweight upper. Buying the upper and lower separately will save you about a hundred bucks. You'll be under a grand.