AR 15 search

[dbent1856]

I am looking for a fresh perspective. I have reviewed several forums and most of the responses are from 2009 or older.
I am looking at buying an AR-15, my first. I like to follow TNP on youtube. He had me convinced to look at Rock River Arms, but doing some research, have found that Colt tops most people's list. Doing further research, I narrowed it down to a Stag Arms model three with a plus package which converts their normal setup to a mil spec, 1:7, chromed barrel, heavy bolt carrier..all the bells and whistles that the Colt has.
My dream AR from my research is a JP enterpises, but I cannot afford to spend $2500 and unfortunately, have a budget around $1000 give or take $200.
Also, don't want to build my own. I want to get one from factory with warranty, etc.
What do you all think?

 

[Aiko492]

I guess my two questions would be 1) What is your budget 2) What is the intended use of the rifle?

Those answers might help guide some answers.


This might help also:

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=1019457#post1019457

 

[Sky]

I guess my two questions would be 1) What is your budget 2) What is the intended use of the rifle?

This^ and the question is very important. Intended use will predicate many things.

 

[dbent1856]

This^ and the question is very important. Intended use will predicate many things.

My intended use for it is just paper punching. I currently only have handguns and wanted an AR to shoot targets 100-200 yards out.
I am not a competitor. I live in Oklahoma and have friends with land that we can go out and shoot at.
I am just an enthusiast. My budget for this particular gun is $1000-$1200.

 

[TurtlePhish]

If it's just a fun gun and target shooter the Stag should do you just fine. Colts are so loved because of their reliability and QC.

 

[Tomcat47]

My budget for this particular gun is $1000-$1200.

I went through this a while back.....but not too long, came up with a lot of information from knowledgeable THR members. Colt won my poll... not to say others are not great contenders, but I went with the numbers.

I went Colt LE6920 ... Here is thread from Jan of last year.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=567230

Good luck and 6920 fits perfectly in your budget $$$$

I think my next purchase will be a piston gun from POF...??? maybe...

May just get another 6920 ..... I can say it was a great choice!

 

[TonyAngel]

This is just an opinion, but going from considering a Colt to deciding on a Stag is a bit of a leap. Although I would consider Stag to be about on par with Rock River, Colts are a step or two above Stag and RRA.

If the Colt class of rifles are what you are interested in, but want to save a bit of money, you might also want to consider the likes of Bravo Company, Spike's Tactical and Daniel Defense. I'm sure there are others that aren't coming to mind right now, but those three should offer some food for thought.

 

[C-grunt]

Edit: Nevermind the Colts seem to be sold out.

Here is G&RTacticals website where you can build a BCM. BCM or Bravo Company is another top of the line builder. Just build the upper you want and order a lower and you are good to go. You can email Grant (the owner) and he can help you out if you have questions or concerns.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=UPR-BCM

 

[greyling22]

RRA is pretty much sold out everywhere too. It's a common theme these days.

 

[browningguy]

I would say Stag and Rock River are a notch or two above Colt in paper punching/shooting game AR's.

Mil Spec does not equal accuracy.

 

[dbent1856]

So, is it your opinion that RRA and Stag is inately more accurate out of the box? Accuracy and fit and finish are very important. The problem with these forums is that so many people have so many different opinions.
I really just want to eliminate those guns that are prone to problems etc. Quality is important to me too. My other two guns right now are a Sig p229 in 9mm and a Ruger Mark III Talo edition, red, white and blue. You have no idea how much research I did on those, and I am extremely happy with both purchases. But when I did that research, Sig was pretty much consensus and it was going to be either Browning or Ruger for the .22. Not finding the same consensus on the AR-15.

 

[dprice3844444]

check ratworxusa.com on colts
http://www.ratworxusa.com/pagHome.aspx

 

[Jet-mech]

And you likely wont find any concensus either LOL. The best AR out there is the one you think is best. I personally own a Del-Ton that I built. It's a good rifle that does what I need it to do. Really that's all we can ask of one . It puts good groups on paper at 100 yards( the limit of my local range) and will perferate bad guys just as well.

I would suggest ( I refuse to get into the this vs that brand when it comes to ARs) is that rather than a 1:7 twist barrel, to go for a 1:8. This twist rate handles a better range of bullet weights with good acuracy. Wont be a tack driver with a 1:8 but will be totally fine for recreational shooting . I would also consider getting it chambered for 5.56 Nato rather than .223 rem. The reason being that it gives you the flexibility to use Surplus ammo as well as commercial without the risk of damage to the rifle or yourself. Just my 2 cents.

 

[basicblur]

So, is it your opinion that RRA and Stag is inately more accurate out of the box?

I have a relative that's a gunsmith (specializes in building rifles) and a competitive benchrest shooter - when I went picking his brain, he said RRA seems to be the gun of choice by those looking for accuracy, and was held in high regard by those in the benchrest community. The fact that fit and finish seems to be top notch doesn't hurt either!

When the AWB sunsetted, I was at the shop that day with a printout of the RRA I wanted the shop to order.

Some seem to take great glee in knocking RRA - maybe because of THE CHART (which compared apples and oranges) - some have complained 'bout improper carrier key staking etc, but if there is anything 'bout the bolt carrier group that bothers you, you can always modify to suit for very little money.

RRA does seem to be one of the few that guarantees accuracy - most don't mention it, or don't seem to guarantee quite the accuracy RRA does.
I've also seen folks at the shop buy certain brands that the upper and lower are so loose /rattle that they then buy an AccuWedge - don't think you'll need sumpin' like that with a RRA.

Some folks will tell you the RRA's are "too tight" - I kinda like that, 'specially since they still seem to be reliable. I just got through going through one o' my Patrick Sweeney books on the AR to see what he said 'bout various brands - they could not get the RRA to screw up, much as they tried (one of the better brands in his book).

My original AR is a Colt 'bout 30 years old - I bought my RRA when the AWB sunsetted. I've since bought another Colt (Police supply house had a fire sale on LE6920's) and another RRA.

Accuracy and fit and finish are very important.

For that reason, I'd say you'd probably be happy with RRA - this is assuming quality has not slipped as it has with some other makers - I've been out of the market for a while, so I haven't paid much attention to what's been going on with 'em over the last few years.

If you could find a Colt as cheap as an RRA, you might consider it just because of the name / holding it's value (and those CHART folks seem to like it).

 

[gotigers]

$1000 budget for a plinker really opens the door to a lot of good ARs. The budget eliminates Noveske, LWRC, LMT, Bravo, JP, Mega, etc. I would stay away from Olympic.

Del-ton, PSA, S&W, Stag, Rock River, Bushmaster, DPMS, Colt (6920s can be found under $1000), will fit your budget. Even this list varies in price from $600 to $1000. I personally would stick with more Milspec. Milspec doesn't mean accuracy, but i think it means durability. Accuracy depends on quality control and AR set up (free float, good barrel, etc). In your budget accuracy will be ok, not great. 1.5-3MOA, but fine for plinking and paper.

My suggestion would be to look at the PSA. If they are in stock, they are a great deal. Next i would look at S&W. These 2 are very good ARs and will leave you some cash for optics.

 

[HDCamel]

At $1000-$1200 I'd say Colt or Armalite.

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

Its all relative to what you prefer. I have a DD V4, and a S&W M&P 15. I sold a Colt LE6920 and bought the Daniels Defense. The Colt was. VERY VERY reliable rifle, but out of the three I listed the S&W is the most accurate. This is the post Stag Arms but pre melonite . It still has the chrome lined barrel..but was made in house by S&W. The DD just kinda rides my safe as a back up for the Smith. I am not saying S&W are better than Colt or DD is either or vise versa(because that in itself is a whole other can of worms).I am saying the Smith is better for me. That is the key, finding one that has the options you want or need within your budget.

 

[JustinJ]

I would be surprised if RR or Stag models with chrome lined barrels were any more accurate than Colt if all are configured the same way. The RR trigger may give some advantage though.

 

[TonyAngel]

Dbent, are you looking for something M4ish or a target rig?

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

Yeah Justin, that RR two stage trigger is a great factory addition.

 

[Ramone]

I am always a little surprised by the level of Colt Fetishism when it comes to ARs- my all time favorite M16 was built by GM Hydromatic, lent to me by my kindly Uncle.

Colt is a fine, reliable reliable, but if I was looking for a complete rifle, I would direct anyone to Stag Arms first. While I don't own any Stags myself, I have had hands on time with ones owned by friends and family, and the quality is there, the price is within bounds, and the options offered make it a sound choice.

 

[Psa1m144]

If you want a good starter AR, the M&P15 Sport fits the bill. On sale for 619 +shipping and transfer fees. You would have enough left over for extras
http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/104547/c/hot-deals

 

[JPG19]

Checkout spikes tactical. Very happy with mine.

 

[Sky]

hahahaha well I hope all that helped!! If there is a range that rents or a shop that lets you take a gun to shoot that will be your best bet. I think I have 10 or 12? ARs by different manufactures. They all work and are accurate for their intended purpose. None of mine are Colts simply because I never got a deal on one. You can buy an AR for $600 up to the sky is the limit...again better if you can fondle/shoot it first and check out the warranty that is offered with your purchase. Good luck have fun and enjoy.

 

[dbent1856]

Looking for something as accurate as I can. Not going to war, just to the woods and to the range. Reliability, accuracy, fit and finish. Those are priorities. I clean my guns and baby them right after I shoot them. I want it to keep shooting for 5-10 years before I have any problems if possible. My two handguns see above....never had a stovepipe, ftf, fte, anything and have 1000-2000 rounds through each.