AR-15 Decision

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there are many good ones around $800. The lower doesn't matter that much other than the trigger. A thing that you need to look for is that the rifle is up to spec. Critical things to look for are:

- Headspace. 99% are ok but I always check it in mine.
- Carrier Bolt Group
-MAke sure the carrier has a SHROUDED FIRING PIN (if you look from below with the pin forward you must not see the pin head)
-The gas key must be properly stacked - hard to believe but not done in many models.
-Make sure it has a good extractor.
- Check on the chambers since I heard of people with chambers out of spec.

If you buy a Mil Spec carrier group then the above might be done correctly along with other things.
On the unexpensive side I know many Rock River Arms and Delton are done in the same mill as the COLT. The colt is more expensive since it is fully mil spec but I also have had great luck with Delton and Rock Rivers and I will trust them in a deployment situation. I work a bit on them though.

Many good choices out there. If it is just for casual shooting you might be ok with any AR but I tend to stay away form the "Jimmy Joe tactical" one or two man shops.

The last one I got is RRA and it runs pretty good. I have non-chromed A4 heavy barrel (more accurate) and Adams Arms Piston. The 2 stage trigger RRA has is very good. DTI uppers are also awesome. The strip lower doesn't really matter other than likes/dislikes in showing a brand name.
Don't worry about barrel life, they last anyway and they are the cheapest part of all. If you factor ammunition and everything that is the least of your worries. They say the Olympic Stainless Barrels are ok.

You can also buy a kit and put it together but not really for saving is more for specializing what you want. If I have to choose receivers I will probably go with SI defense matched combo, Sun Devil, Fulton Armory or POF. There other great ones.

I would check and make sure you get .75 MOA with GI/Nato ammunition.
Buy a 5.56 or Wylde chamber. Skip the .223 unless you know that the only bullets you are going to shoot.

I hope this helps.
Cheers.
E.
 
Now im just wondering how come Spikes prices are somewhat low compared to big names like RRA, BM, Stag and ARmalite ? Is it bec they dont have much advertising and is a small company for now? Was BCM like it before but now have increased ?
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The CEO over a ar15.com has posted many documents on the testing they have done. I've also seen many companies come in at a very low price point to make a name for themselves before upping it to the adjusted profit margins. I'm not saying that's what they are doing but combine the little advertising, small operation, and new. That is why the price point is low if you ask me.

But my opinion and 5 bucks will get you a cup of coffee...
 
I have two - a S&W M&P15, and a scratch-built. Since you're looking for a complete gun, I'll restrict my comments to the S&W. The long and short of it is that you cannot go wrong with a M&P15. They're acuurate and reliable, and that's all you really need out of a AR-15. You can get them for less than $1k off the internet if you shop around. You might even be able to find a used one locally.
 
Hahahahaha this has been the most civilized "What to buy AR" thread we have ever had!!! Way to go guys!!

I kinda like the excitement sometimes but you gotta admit this was factual and pleasant. Salute.
 
Very good advice posted here. That said I would go with the Stag or the BCM. I also agree with buying the lower and upper separate and then putting them together, you save yourself a little bit on gun taxes.
 
How about ARmalite brand ? Are they of the same category as RRA, Stag , BM and DPMS?
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yes, however i don't think i would put DPMS in the same category as the other makes listed above.
 
My first Ar I bought was an Armalite....its been great.
However it has a 1/9" twist so I don't shoot over 62 gr pills. I need to get a scope for it...coyote gun perhaps.


After some research my second is a BCM (on Spikes lower). This is my "SHTF" rifle, sports a Aimpoint. Really fun to shoot, no problems to speak of.

I'm currently on my third. It's going to be a lighter weight rifle for my daughter. I'm going with BCM again on the Spikes lower. I'm taking my time on buying parts because she is only 18 months old right now.


If you just want a shooter/hunting setup then any of the Armalite, RRA, BM, etc. will do fine for you.

If you want a "SHTF" rifle that has had all the mil-spec testing done then go for a Colt, BCM, DD, Spikes, etc.


If you want a rifle that doesn't eat...and eat...and eat then buy a bolt action. :neener:
 
The main reason why a colt is the most expensive standard AR is PAYROLL.
Besides all the Mil spec parts and magnetic particle testing (that others do too) there is a substantial difference in the time it is spent to make sure the rifle is fully to MIL spec.
Time means more payroll. More payroll means price goes up.
Remember the most critical area is the BOLT carrier group like a shuddered firing pin and a properly stacked gas key.
Also I have seen ARs brand name barrels with the actual chambers out of spec.

Many of these things not critical to the casual shooter but if you put 1 or 2 thousand rounds / month either fun or for necessity, then it is a different story.
 
they are supposedly pretty good for recreational shooting. there are others claimed to be better as a combat rifle.

i dont own one but ive seen them be VERY accurate at the range.

i suppose it depends on what model you want and what you plan to do with it, like if you want an m4gery, ive heard there are better ones.

if you want accurate, precision shot placement, i think they are hard to beat for the $$$

i think if you want a range toy, or long range varmint rifle, the dpms would be fine.

ive seen a guy making consistent hits with one @ 900 yards, shooting steel plate about the size of a piece of notebook paper, which i thought was impressive.
 
I say build your own rifle from a stripped lower and a complete upper receiver. Its very easy to do with a few cheap tools. You will save money, you can pick exactly how you want your rifle configured and you will have a better understanding of how everything works.
 
Yes I meant shrouded firing pin. Sorry for the typos.
I have 7 ARs from many makers. Many Del-ton and RRA parts come from the same mill as colt. Do not expect the same 'up to spec' dedication but I am actually quite happy with Delton, RRA as I am with Colt and Bushmasters.
Actually the RRA rates pretty well in the independent tests that LEOs use. In my opinion the best thing RRA has going for them is the prices on the National Match barrels, the same cost for chromed BCGs and the 2 stage trigger that everyone is using for entry level 2 stage triggers that performs similar to triggers that cost double. I have 2 of these triggers and I am happy with the performance specially in the target type shooting. I like the one stage for double tap better. CQB drill for example.

So many good choices you will end up going crazy. Remember the stripped lower doesn't do anything other than putting a name or a fancy skull there. Critical parts are the BCG and the trigger. Make sure you have the right chamber. 1:8 twist of rate is what you want for the best bullets out there if one day you want to hunt with it. Barnes 70gr TSX will take any white tail down like it is hit by lightning.

Cheers.
E.
 
Do not expect the same 'up to spec' dedication but I am actually quite happy with Delton, RRA as I am with Colt and Bushmasters.
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i agree completely.

everyone has a lemon slip through every now and then, but pretty much every make you have said would be perfectly fine with probably 99.9% of the ar enthusiasts out there.
 
I think I might order a DPMS Panther Oracle tomorrow for $600.
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do me a favor, dont do it because i said they were ok, like i said, ive never owned one, but i have seen their bull bbl models be incredibly accurate.

there WILL BE PEOPLE HERE THAT WILL TELL YOU THEY SUCK, so get a few more opinions first. im just saying for my recreational uses, i wouldnt hesitate to get one.
 
I've done quite a bit of research on the DPMS rifles and read many good things about them. All I will be using it for is recreational use so I don't need a $1000 rifle, just a good one that will get the job done.
 
The only down side with DPMS is the warranty that comes with them. If you are ok with that, then go for it!

Edit:
Agreed Azizza, but for a plinker and budget, that's the frame of mind I was coming from.
 
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I would say there are a lot more down sides to the DPMS than the warranty. If anything I would say DPMS is pretty good about warranty repairs.
 
My first Ar I bought was an Armalite....its been great.
However it has a 1/9" twist so I don't shoot over 62 gr pills. I need to get a scope for it...coyote gun perhaps.
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That twist should stabilize 69gr BTs with no problem. All of mine do..
 
Well I just placed my order, hopefully I didn't make the wrong decision. We will see in about a week when I get it.
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what did you go with? yes please post pics, and a review when you get to shoot it.
 
I went with the DPMS Panther Oracle 5.56, it basically looks like an M4 to me. I will definitely put up some pics and a review when I get it and shoot it.
 
for under $1k S&W is hard to beat.

For also under $1k (say, $800ish) you can build a lower and buy a BCM upper + needed accessories (rear sight, handguards), tack them together, and voila!

For complete rifles, S&W and Spike are gonna be the best at their given pricepoints, but building off a BCM upper will only cost a bit more and be the best gun you can get for the money.
 
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