Hey ya'll, i'm in the market still for an AR platform shooter. I thought i had one last week at my local gun store (Smith & Wesson m&p 15 sport $599) but, he has sold out and can't find any from his suppliers. None of my other local gun shops have this particular rifle either. So, i had all weekend to think about putting more money to it and i'm just trying to make sense of it all. My question is, can some of you experts give me some recommendations on the best bang for my buck for around $900 or so? I'm not sure if i could get a piston operated system for that amount of money or not. Not really trying to start a debate with that statement either, just looking for advice. thanks in advance. hvychev77
AR platform advice
- Thread starter hvychev77
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Ditch-Tiger
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Spikes Tactical carbine for $799.99/middy for $809 or assemble one from PSA for less (I think you can do it for about $650.ish) but be prepared to be very patient as their wait times are quite long.
Both of these options are better than the Smith IMO, especially if you want your gun to have all the milspec goodies.
FYI-It took me 11 weeks for my Spikes to show up but i ordered with alot of extras.
Both of these options are better than the Smith IMO, especially if you want your gun to have all the milspec goodies.
FYI-It took me 11 weeks for my Spikes to show up but i ordered with alot of extras.
If you were looking at the Sport, is it just a plinking/HD carbine you are after? One of these is a great deal for a good setup. http://palmettostatearmory.com/AR-rifle-kits.php Get a stripped lower from them too (separate purchase to avoid the extra tax) or another reputable source and you will have a nice, usable rifle.
I am pretty new to the AR platform, but wanted to learn about it. I bought a stripped lower receiver at a gun show for less than 100.00 and went from there. Assembling a lower is not difficult at all. It can be done with very few special tools, the only tool that I had to purchase was a castle nut wrench for less than ten dollars. There is lots of good info on the net and very detailed videos on Youtube. I put a Bravo Company upper on my lower and am more than satisfied. All said, my carbine ended up costing right around 900.00 and it is made of high quality parts.
Building may not be for you, but it's worth looking into. Plus you do learn a lot about the platform.
Building may not be for you, but it's worth looking into. Plus you do learn a lot about the platform.
I was in your shoes some months back and settled on a Stag Model 3 for $735 it is the new model for 2011, overall quality good I see improvements in staking and performs great for my needs.
The AR is difficult to research because there is so much information and much of it comes from the Rambo/Mall Ninja crowd who believe anyone buying an AR is preparing for combat. Assess your needs,thousand of rounds per year or less then 1000, home security, target shooting, etc and then spend more per your requirements, the Stag works for me as most stock brands will for most shooters.
The AR is difficult to research because there is so much information and much of it comes from the Rambo/Mall Ninja crowd who believe anyone buying an AR is preparing for combat. Assess your needs,thousand of rounds per year or less then 1000, home security, target shooting, etc and then spend more per your requirements, the Stag works for me as most stock brands will for most shooters.
ain't this forum great? 40 minutes from my thread gettin' started and replies already!! well, i've been reading about rock river arms, stag, and bushmaster. they all seem to have good reviews from what i've seen, however, i have a friend of mine that has had some problems with his bushmaster. not sure if he takes care of it too well though, in bushmasters defense. as far as my use of the gun, it's primarily going to be a target gun/home defense weapon. i'm not gettin' all jacked up for some battle, it's just for pleasure and target shooting. but, i do want a dependable well made solid unit!!! i do not want a poor quality weapon!!! anywho, i might ad a few doodads on there like some optics and a light but that'll probably be it. Any suggestions on the rockriver or stag?? thanks again folks!! hvychev77
One of the guys here at THR had a complete Del-ton for sale with very few rounds through it for $650 delivered; came with flip up sights and looked new. If I had room in the safe I would have purchased it. There are haters of every brand but everyone I know who have the Del-Tons are satisfied. Do a search for sales here and you may come up with something you will be pleased with.
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greyling22
Member
delton kit for less than 500 and one of these maybe http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1119504/ complete ar for around $550? probably no worse than the smith you were looking at.
I purchased the flat top because I wanted optics only,scope/eotech.Scope for target,eotech for close in and defense. Go to various company websites check there warranty. Rock river, Stag, Spikes,all good IMO for your purpose. Could you get a bad one sure in today's world anything possible but with a good warranty could save some serious heartbreak.
451 Detonics
Member
I would avoid the piston system, it adds to the price without adding anything positive to the rifle. That money would be better spent upgrading the base rifle you choose.
There are so many variable we don't know it is hard to give advise except to say stick with a name manufacturer. I would be hesitant to buy a "build" rifle from someone I didn't know. Colt, Bushmaster, S&W, Olympia, as well as others make fine rifles. Don't worry about the vaunted mil-spec, it is really rather a meaningless term. As long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer you will never know the difference, the all use the same basic specs and will do the same thing.
Keep an eye one Arms List, quite often a bargain can be found there, I have seen Colt H-Bars sell for under $900 on there.
As for the build it yourself school, it does have merits. You can often end up with a rifle better suited to your personal needs that way. I just don't think you save that much money now that the "scare" is over.
There are so many variable we don't know it is hard to give advise except to say stick with a name manufacturer. I would be hesitant to buy a "build" rifle from someone I didn't know. Colt, Bushmaster, S&W, Olympia, as well as others make fine rifles. Don't worry about the vaunted mil-spec, it is really rather a meaningless term. As long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer you will never know the difference, the all use the same basic specs and will do the same thing.
Keep an eye one Arms List, quite often a bargain can be found there, I have seen Colt H-Bars sell for under $900 on there.
As for the build it yourself school, it does have merits. You can often end up with a rifle better suited to your personal needs that way. I just don't think you save that much money now that the "scare" is over.
Livnoutdoorsxd9
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- Aug 5, 2011
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- 121
You could build a very nice AR for 900 smackers!
Zerodefect
member
Look towards Stag, LMT, Colt, BCM, Spikes. Avoid piston guns like the plague. And just order a complete lower assembly from your local gun store.
Order the upper and bolt carrier group online from BCM or Rainier Arms. You can also see all the variations in BCM's upper reciever selection. Try to figure out what you want 1st.
Great way to save a few bucks and/or get a custom upper.
Order the upper and bolt carrier group online from BCM or Rainier Arms. You can also see all the variations in BCM's upper reciever selection. Try to figure out what you want 1st.
Great way to save a few bucks and/or get a custom upper.
o.k. guys, i was gonna try to avoid this one but, i've seen 2 comments on here now. So, why should one stay away from the piston style AR rifles? (i ask this as i'm shying away, eyes squinting like i'm gettin' ready to feel a left hook to my eye!! haha)
ugaarguy
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- Mar 19, 2006
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- 13,828
Increased weight up front, and the extra reciprocating mass typically reduces mechanical accuracy. You the have to look at how the DI gas system puts gas into the chamber behind the bolt / in the carrier (that's technically a piston) which moves the bolt carrier group in a straight line into the buffer tube. When you switch to a piston, which has a tappet striking the piece which replaces the gas key, you introduce carrier tilt; which can increase wear on the buffer tube, rear of the lower receiver, and charging handle / top of the upper receiver. Basically a piston in an AR creates non-linear operation in a system engineered with linear operation.
rikman
Member
I have an LMT and you get a lot of bang for the buck....
Zerodefect
member
Exactly, piston AR's are actually worse than DI in performance.
If your after a piston then the ACR, Robby, Sig556, FN Scar are what your looking for. But those are all heavier and slower than the AR. Allmost a step in the wrong direction.
thanks for all the great feedback guys. i've learned alot today between the information shared here and tons of reading online most of the day. looks like i'm definitely going to go with a non-piston style operating AR. Just gotta do a little research and see which rifle i want to get and look into warranty information. thanks again. i'll update when i make my purchase!! hopefully one of my local gunstores will have something sexy.........cheers, hvychev77
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