AR15 buying tips

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Blackbeard

Blackbeard

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Well, I'm heading out to shop for my first "black rifle" today. Any tips for a novice shopper? Any specific features to look for? Anything to avoid? One LGS had a RRA and an Armalite on display, though I'm not sure which models.
 
I’m not much of an expert but here's my 2c. Make sure it’s a chrome lined barrel (most are) or stainless. Separate the upper receiver from the lower and remove the bolt carrier assembly. While it is apart make sure the feed ramps are smooth and polished (the continuity of the ramp in the transition between the receiver and the barrel should be without a bump or lip) and there are no deep tooling marks. All in all al the interior parts should be smooth.
 
After you're done shopping check out deals online. I am very happy with teh purchas of my 2 Stag rifles from www.lanworldinc.com. Chris offers great customer service and very good prices. He also carries LMT complete rifes and other manufacturers.
 
Only thing that hasn't been said is that RRA's standard trigger is two stage, which is a plus.

Also, if you're the type that likes to tinker and take stuff apart to see what makes it tick, or just want a custom rifle tailored to you while saving a little money, you should consider ordering the parts individually online and putting it together yourself. Ar15.com is a good source for information/tutorials, and you can find pretty good deals in their information exchange.
 
Look for a Stag or LMT.

Get chrome lining, and avoid HBAR's which are heavy and offer little benefit.

Will this rifle serve any special purpose in particular?
 
I'm really a novice at disassembly & tinkering. The rifle will be primarily for fun at the range. One of the reasons I'm leaning toward RRA and Armalite are they are local companies. Armalite is 30 minutes away and RRA is 15 minutes by car. Could save lots on shipping if I ever need them to service it.
 
I am buying an AR-15 for my wife and I am seriously contemplating Rock River Arms. They seem to have GREAT firearms at GREAT prices. And they seem to win alot of competitions at service matches lately. Just a thought. Maybe someone else can chime in on them? Every one they sell match what everyone is talking about finding :D
 
Disassembling the upper from the lower is a simple process of pushing out 2 pins w/ ur hand and the bolt slides right out. You can see all the insides after this. The rifles was designed to be easily disassembled and it is necessary for cleaning. If you don’t know how to field strip an AR-15 then learn how to before you buy one. It’s a very simple process any untrained monkey could do.
 
Lots of good choices out there. I recently bought a S&W M&P15A and couldn't be happier. It is well built and shoots great for me (no malfunctions so far). I thought about buying a comparably equiped Bushmaster. But, decided on the S&W instead. I believe it has a Stag lower and Wilson chrome lined barrel. The upper could be Stag too. It has a Troy BUIS on a flattop upper. A complete Stag AR15 was priced very comparably to the S&W. But, at the gun show I went to, there weren't any complete Stag's available.
 
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