There's a price range in AR's, but, a person could get into a convoluted argument about whether there are really "levels" where price conflates to some measure of quality.
The fact that there are "less expensive" AR does not really mean that they are "entry level." This is further blurred as virtually anyone can buy just "bits" of ARs and assemble them for less than MSRP (and how small or individual the "bits" is another question entire).
To be clear, for purposes of argument, I'm spinning the question around--as in, "Is a $1500 AR 3x better than a $500 one?" I am willing to contend that the difference--at this point--between a $500 AR and a $800 AR is simply price (and perceptions of what name is roll-stamped on the side).
And, let's assert that the "bits" of a $500 AR are less-than ideal. Well, drop in a trigger, maybe a fore end, better charging handle, perhaps the buffer--well, what do you have then? Good enough is often good enough.
You are unlikely to find yourself in a situation where you are paying for Dan Wesson and getting Charter Arms.
Good post. Buying an AR15 isn’t any different (in theory) than buying a bolt action rifle…there are loads of option at given price ranges…and they all do basically the same thing, but to varying degrees.
To further my point, I’d ask if a $1500 bolt rifle is 3X better than a $500 rifle?
Is an $1800 1911 3X better than a $600 gun?
In my opinion and experience, which is much less than many others, the majority difference between a $500 AR and a $1500 AR is the degree to which it can be counted on…when fired a high amount of rounds, maintenance neglected, and used in less than ideal weather or environments. I fully expect my “quality” AR’s to run 10K rounds without issues, as long as I keep the gun well lubricated. Do I do this? No. But I personally want that reliability in these guns. My range AR’s, not so much. As long as they will run a case of ammo on a good squirt of lube every 10 mags, and I’m good.
The “little bits” may or may not mean a lot, should they break. Some are easy to replace, some are not. Some are expensive to replace. Some of the important ones like a quality BCG can be easily added to a cheaper gun, but it will run $100+. A quality gas system, on the other hand, may not be so easy to upgrade for the novice.
If your just looking to get into an AR under cheap, and will be shooting less than a few thousand rounds per year, by all means, get a “value priced” gun. I suspect it will serve you well and you’ll likely never have a problem. But if you are planning to buy a $600 AR and plan to upgrade a bunch of parts to more quality pieces, make sure your “foundation” is solid. By foundation, I’m talking about the specs on the receivers and the gas system. You will definitely get that from a quality AR builder like a Daniels Defense or SOLGW.
