I have been looking to invest in an AR-15. There are so many choices I am not sure which one is the best choice. I would apprciate opions on any and all models you own or have shot. I primarily want to purchase one to have some fun target shooting.
Very Good PointIf you are looking to "invest" in an AR-15 type rifle buy a complete rifle rather than build one. If you want to shoot it and have fun, building is fine (and a lot of fun). There are top tier rifles, mid tier rifles, and the rest. Where companies fall is a matter of opinion and highly subjective. However there are a few companies people generally agree on. Infidel gave a good rundown on top tier rifles. Go check out ar15.com and shop around a little.
There is no best choice. Only those that fit your needs. What are your intended uses?I have been looking to invest in an AR-15. There are so many choices I am not sure which one is the best choice. I would apprciate opions on any and all models you own or have shot. I primarily want to purchase one to have some fun target shooting.
Are they carbon fiber, polymer, or straight up plastic? It does matter.I've heard that a lot from people about Bushmaster and I've shot a few that I didn't care for. Also I have a Bushmaster XM-15 I love it, my father in law has one that was built in Maine and it shoots awesome. The "carbon-15" made from plastic are really the ones to stay away from IMO.
Not much though.It does matter.
Reason I ask: Heat is an issue, yes. However, carbon fiber is extremely strong, but brittle. Polymer is very strong, doesn't melt (deforms due to crystallization) but has flex, and plastic is, well, plastic.Not much though.
Whatever they were made from, which was supposed to be carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic, didn't work so hot.
Not because of the plastic, so much as the out of whack quality control by the company making them.
A good friends son bought one of the early ones, and it never did work right despite my best efforts to fix it for him.
He sent it back twice, then the company folded it's tent and stole off into the night.
He finally sold it and took his lumps without it ever making it through a full mag without a stoppage.
rc