Hi,
A while ago a friend of mine mailed me a magazine article on the best AR-15 for different situations (defense, target, etc.). It was from the last year or so but I cannot remember when exactly or even that the magazine was. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I am looking to possibly pick up an AR and I thought the article was pretty clear. I like the simpler traditional looking models of AR-15. (Too bad the AR-18s are rare, those are my favorite)
Thanks
Try a search for The American Rifleman. The American Rifleman has many of it's articles posted on the NRA website.
However you can get very good information here on the THR.
The purpose would be a mix of target and home defense. I’m not looking to compete or hunt with it. I would say I am more partial to the classic looking ARs. I like Colt’s AR15A4 but I just don’t know how good Colt’s recent quality is.
Colt is way, way, way overpriced and overrated. Plus it is in bankruptcy again so one can only imagine what the attitude of the workers are.
There are many, many less expensive and higher quality AR's to choose from.
If you are d-I-y type it is fairly easy to build one yourself. I decided to build a basic, inexpensive AR last Fall just to see what the results would be. I used a Anderson lower, complete PSA Freedom build kit that used Magpul MOE handguard, grip and buttstock and spurged on a Magpul endplate that has a sling swivel. With PMC 55 gr. FMJ it puts 4 four rounds touching with three in the same hole at 25 yards and that is using Magpul BUIS. Winter set in before I could do long range shooting but the 25 yard results gives me a lot of confidence of it's capability at 100 yards.
My total cost was $430.00. And I will go head-to-head with the Colt any day of week with it.
Since you want classic looking AR PSA has complete uppers that have the traditional military handguard along with the grip and buttstock.
PSA also sells complete rifles.
Oh PSA stands for Palmetto State Armory.
There are a lot of factory complete rifles available starting a $500.00. S&W desires a hard look. Life-time warranty and good reputation. Cabelas runs them on sale frequently.
Ruger is another one with good reputation. Atwoods Farm Supply ran it on sale about 3 weeks ago for $499.00. (I know Atwoods does not have stores in Virginia but you can check other Farm and Ranch Supply stores In your area. Here guns and ammo are sold along with the horse feed and chickens.)
My point is it is not hard to buy a new factory rifle for $500.00 where I live.
As commented the AR needs magazines...the more the better. Spend $500.00 for a rifle and use the difference between the Colt to buy magazines and ammo.