AR 15 Recommendation

[Chuck R.]

There's a thread around here some place where guys posted pics of their ARs and parts lists and explained why they used those parts.

Like this one?

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/ar-builds-what-parts-did-you-choose-and-why.736364/

I've built a few ARs from stripped lowers and uppers, not slapping together PSA assemblies by pushing in 2 pins and it does take some attention to detail and the right tools. I've actually "fixed" more home-built guns than I've built myself. With the proper tools, it's not hard (obviously, IF I can do it), and it is fun. I actually enjoy the research/planning portion of the build more than actually putting the gun together.

The problems are usually a lack of research and care when buying the parts. Not everything AR15 is compatible, it will usually fit, but it may not function. Especially true when matching the gas length; pistol,carbine, mid, and rifle to the buffer and recoil spring. Guys want to go cheap on parts, which you can as long as it's the parts that don't impact function.I cannot tell you how many guns I've seen have issues due to something as simple as improper gas block alignment. I'd like to think AR15s are easy to put together, but spending time on sites like below, taking multiple carbine classes and watching carbines crash, shooting AR15s in 3Gun matches, not to mention fixing botched up ones have made me think otherwise.

Just read some of the posts here: https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/Troubleshooting/66/

Due to economy of scale, there's no way I can assemble a good AR15 as cheaply as S&W, Springfield Arms, CMMG etc. So I don't try, even watching sales like a hawk (and I do) I'm, just not buying a gazillion barrels at a time, or BCGs. Every AR15 I've built for myself has come in at way over cost for your average factory AR15, but they've been exactly like I've wanted them and they've functioned. I'll also NEVER get my money back, just like any other custom gun.

 

[JR24]

1911 guys are #1. Although they're generally more polite than the AR guys, who tend to drop the F-bomb a lot (maybe it's a generational thing). Did you try to follow the last couple "what 1911 should I buy threads?" Every brand has their own cult of fanboys. Even the budget brands.

Actually, there is another judgmental group: those who believe that the only answer to any question about handguns starts with the letter "G."

Amusingly, Colt guys reside in both the 1911 and AR group. Equally obnoxious (or awesome, depending on which side you are on) in both too.

Also,

You missed the group who's only goal is to deride and downtalk that same gun that starts with the letter "G"

 

[TomJ]

Not a bad choice at all. I normally go against the grain and counsel first-time AR buyers to (1) buy a complete rifle from a reputable manufacturer and (2) don't ask a lot of people about building a rifle because you'll get 400 different opinions.


Well, I've done that too, but like TonyAngel, I now take the BCG out and hose it down ...

I have absolutely nothing to add except that a "What AR to buy" thread is as entertaining as a "What 1911 to buy thread." Nuke the bag of popcorn, grab another brew from the fridge, sit back and let the second-most judgmental group of gun guys try to justify their own choices.

Doing and AR and 1911 build from scratch is something I'd like to do when I have more time. As I said before building an AR to rely on for self defense given how little I know about them doesn't seem like a good idea. Fortunately this thread has been very helpful and remained civil.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Thanks for all the responses. I ordered a BCM Mid 16 Mod 0 today. I did many internet searches and there were no BCM's to be found, at least that I could see, so thanks to sevt_chevelle for passing on Tony's name at Top Pack Defense. I talked to Tony yesterday (what a great guy) and he set one aside for me. We wrapped things up today and I'm glad I called yesterday as they're sold out as of today.

https://www.bravocompanymfg.com/specification/bcm_mid16_mod0.php

Good to hear! Tony has a smallish shop, but he won't steer you wrong and he wont sell ya crap, if you go and pick it up, tell him Eric down in Beloit sent ya. If you also happen to like CZs you won't find a better selection then Top Pack.

 

[Old Dog]

Amusingly, Colt guys reside in both the 1911 and AR group. Equally obnoxious (or awesome, depending on which side you are on) in both too.

Best young DeNiro voice: "You talkin' to me?" Yeah, I'll own being one of those. I like my Colts, and have two LE6920s to go with all the Colt handguns. But I will say, given a choice for parts or complete rifles, money no object, Noveske, Larue, BCM, DD.

Colt is about as "cheap" a rifle as I can stand, although I do have an SA Saint that's pretty good so far, and once had both an original Bushmaster and an early S&W M&P15 that both gave good service for $700 rifles ...

You missed the group who's only goal is to deride and downtalk that same gun that starts with the letter "G"

Those are just a very vocal minority, easily shouted down on the internet by the 350 million G owners on the internet.

Fortunately this thread has been very helpful and remained civil.

When you get away from the autoloader subforum, it's all about sharing information rather than trumpeting "mine is better than yours"

 

[JR24]

Best young DeNiro voice: "You talkin' to me?" Yeah, I'll own being one of those. I like my Colts, and have two LE6920s to go with all the Colt handguns. But I will say, given a choice for parts or complete rifles, money no object, Noveske, Larue, BCM, DD.

Colt is about as "cheap" a rifle as I can stand, although I do have an SA Saint that's pretty good so far, and once had both an original Bushmaster and an early S&W M&P15 that both gave good service for $700 rifles ...
Those are just a very vocal minority, easily shouted down on the internet by the 350 million G owners on the internet.
When you get away from the autoloader subforum, it's all about sharing information rather than trumpeting "mine is better than yours"

Just pokin' some fun

Have no experience with Colt rifles myself.