AR-15 Help?

[Arcisal]

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong thread. Couldn't find a help section so I assumed that we just make a help thread corresponding to the specific weapon. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I want to buy an AR-15. Although I don't plan on rushing into getting it and wasting a couple of hundred bucks.

I was thinking which brand of AR-15 I should buy. There are many variant of it, I know, but what's the difference between the oh so numerous AR-15 variants? All I'm looking for is a simple selective fire rifle with a 30 rounds magazine and possibly even a scope to finish it all off. But I'm really dumbstruck on how to select my AR-15 and parts. Thoughts?

 

[Marty183]

Wow...That's really a broad ranging question. What are you going to be using it for? Might help to narrow it down a little.

I've had luck with my Bushmaster AR15 in 223 Rem...Mounted an Eotech on it...I am good to go.

My Dept has Colt AR15's in all of our vehicles and they are tough as nails...These things are abused big time and wear the scars to prove it. The rack in the vehicles are tough on the guns as well as the guys taking them out and returning them...They never cease to perform and they are accurate to boot. If one of us fails to qualify easily the first run through, it isn't the fault of the rifle.

 

[tangomike706]

First things first . Ask yourself, what you would like to do with the rifle (Home Defense/hunting/3 gun etc) .. then how much are you willing to spend ? . because the sky is the limit as far as AR pattern rifles . I own a Bushmaster that I spent a little over 700.00 on . and a Sig 516 Patrol which cost somewhat more than that (1000.00 +) . and thats still on the cheaper end of things .

 

[dnthmn]

If you are looking for a select fire AR/M16, you should probably ask in the NFA forum.

 

[Tim the student]

All I'm looking for is a simple selective fire rifle

You mean safe and semi, right? Or do you mean safe/semi/burst?

What are you going to be using it for? Might help to narrow it down a little.

Yep, that and your budget. You can spend a (relatively) little bit of money, or you can spend a whole lot.

 

[matty-vb]

You can probably start with a flat top upper if you are wanting to put a scope on it. This may help you narrow the field down a little.....

 

[[email protected]]

I suspect this may turn into one of those 'one post wonders' I think it would help if the original poster replys to the first question.

but to answer a little: stick with the high end name brands, others are better at this than me. I'd leave optics/a scope alone for now... Iron sights are the best to start with... if you want the easier option... go with a flat top and foldable rear sight and possibly foldable front.

 

[benEzra]

For a first AR, a 16" midlength flattop is a good all-around gun. If you are primarily looking for a longer-range target or varmint hunting gun, you'd probably want a longer, heavier barrel, but the 16" is nice for general use (IMO).

As to manufacturers, I think Bravo Company (BCM) is a very good value for the money.

 

[DirtyHarry31]

Quote from benEzra
For a first AR, a 16" midlength flattop is a good all-around gun. If you are primarily looking for a longer-range target or varmint hunting gun, you'd probably want a longer, heavier barrel, but the 16" is nice for general use (IMO).

As to manufacturers, I think Bravo Company (BCM) is a very good value for the money.


Just bought a Noveske Reece Lite Middy upper with Gunslinger charging handle, MP FA bolt & carrier for $750 shipped. BRAVO has just the uppers for this less charging handle & complete bolt. Noveske is one of the top tier AR rifles made. Get a mid length gas system. And with that barrel made from the same metal as the SAW M249 with double chrome lining it's take a real long time to wear out that barrel. This is not to say that BCM doesn't make a good barrel either. But do you know how tough a barrel has to be to withstand sustained full auto fire. If that does not convince you then...
If interested in building up your own (semi-custom) cheaply then PM me.