Decided I need/want an AR

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Big D

Big D

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I am in law enforcement, and have recently decided to start my search for a quality AR. I have a maximum budget of $1000, but would like to be able to purchase the rifle and 500-1000rnds of ammo together and have dough left over for accessories and mags. I am not at a loss for what would be the most economical route for a quality AR out of the box. I have a friend who just purchased a M&P 15 Sport with our LE discount, but have yet to hear the verdict on its reliability. I have researched DPMS, and found that I like the features of the Lite 16 model, but it retails for $699. Any other quality "basic" AR rifles in that range? Also, if I did decide to go the M&P route, can someone elaborate on the need for a forward assist or dust cover, if any? I know the history of the AR, and know that the originals did not have them, and some of the more modern tactical rifles do not feature them.
 
"Need"? Well if you are law enforcement, I'm sure your department will issue you what you "need". Well, what they think you "need" anyway.

"Want"? Well now, that's a whole different kettle of fish. Oh heck, were talking buying a new gun. Whats "need" got to do with it. Of course you want it, so go buy it.

Yea, I know, I'm an enabler. But that's what friends are for.:D
 
Ok, your legitimately trusting your life to an AR. This automatically means skip:

DPMS
Bushmaster
Olympic Arms


PSA makes an excellent AR that uses FN M249 barrels and is supposed to be top of the line for a low cost AR.


My personal thought is buy a Colt. It will run you $950, but Colt is the standard in AR's and you legitimately need a good rifle. You may also get a department discount, which could go towards ammo/mags.

Good luck and thank you for your service.
 
Note: This will not be a patrol rifle. My department only issues designated SWAT officers AR rifles. This is more for my personal use.
 
personally, i wouldn't buy a dpms. if your budget is that constrained, look at the m&p sport. for a little more a palmetto state rifle, and if you want a solid gun that you can grow with buy a colt. stick to known mags such as magpul, gov't contract, brownells, and take it easy on the accessories until you learn the platform and have a bearing on what makes the rifle more useful and what is just fluff. as for ammo, well, there's never enough.
 
I just ordered a Windham Weaponry MPC. It's your basic 16in M4-type carbine with detachable carry handle; with shipping and transfer, I'll be out the door for $835.

I thought about a Colt, but decided that for my purposes the Colt wasn't worth the extra money. From the research I did, the Windham seems like a good value - not quite a Colt, but better than a DPMS. Guess we'll see when it arrives.
 
Colt 6920 for top quality. PSA or Spike's for very good quality (some corners cut) for a bit less. M&P15 Sport, DS Arms or Del-Ton for the lowest price AR15s I would want to own.
 
I saw the word "reliable" in your post. By all accounts, ruger Mini 14 will eat basically ANY ammo you can feed it. I have the ranch rifle, because I like a traditional look to a gun (wood stock). If you are looking for a more tactical looking rifle, the mini 14 also comes in a tactical version. I don't think anyone will argue about reliability of a ruger mini. new costs about 700 bucks out the door. That leaves you 300 to by ammo/accessories. I woulod get a ruger. then you can get 120 dollar case of 500 cheap ammo. That leaves 180 for accessories, should be enough for a nice rail and scope.
 
I haven't got to shoot it yet, proven. Just got it a week ago, and my range of choice doesnt open til April 1. So I am impatiently waiting till then, since I dont really have access to any farmland or whatnot. I have heard the 580xxxx series is much more accurate than earlier models. I hope so. The waiting is killing me though!:banghead:
 
I couldn't be happier with my Spike's Tactical AR. I suggest you give them a look. Personally I don't see the need for a forward assist, however I do see the practicality/functionality behind the dust cover. I have always been a "quality over quantity" type of guy and prefer to delay purchases in order to afford higher quality products, but that's just me. Good luck with your hunt and thank you for your service.
 
When I do get an AR, it is likely to be an M&P15 sport. Seems to have what is needed for a good price.
 
I'll chime in for Spikes. I'm not an operator, or even close to one, but I've got 2k rounds through a middy, runs like a clock.
 
I'd go for Colt if your budget is $1k. Grant at G&R Tactical has great prices and upgrade options starting at $965. Website says out of stock but you can call and check.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=6920

DSG Arms has it just under $1000 at the moment
http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/CO6920.aspx

I would budget the rifle and ammo separate. One is a fixed cost. The other is a consumable. It makes no sense to buy a lower quality rifle because you wanted more ammo up front. The ammo has no bearing on the quality of the rifle and the ammo costs will far exceed the cost of the rifle over the time you own it. You're going to be pulling the trigger for thousands of rounds so second-guess your purchase and it'll always be in the back of your mind.
 
Big D, Core 15 has a great entry level rifle, if I did not have 2 ARs and a SIG 556 I would have jumped on this one. A friend of mine snagged this one for his first, great shooter and all the Magpul furniture makes a good looking rifle. http://www.core15.com/products/complete-rifles/moe-m4-rifle.html Budsgunshop.com's retail outlet the Gun Warehouse "HAD" some of these for around $869 Bud's still shows the M4 available for $749 http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411547798
 
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