Good first tactical rifle

Status
Not open for further replies.
I've been shooting ARs/M16s/M4s for 30 years. I run an oiled patch on a jag thru the bore, remove the bolt from the bolt carrier assembly (BCA), wipe down the bolt and BCA, lube both and re-assemble. I also wipe down and lube the internal of the upper receiver. All in all it takes maybe 10-15 minutes to clean, inspect and lube. My guns (all direct impingement) are all working guns and this is the extent to which I clean them. I don't bother to scrape carbon deposits from the bolt because it just reappears when I shoot again. They all function just fine.
 
I went to the range and shot an AR15 today for the first time and I'm hooked. Ran into a buddy of mine there who was a Marine and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Talked to him a bit and he said he would only get Colt or Bushmaster.

So I decided to go with a Bushmaster. Now just gotta wade through and pick the right configuration for me.
 
I want it in a M4 format, that's about all i know for sure. I see a lot of different models and reading up to see if i can figure out what's the differences. I dig the look of the flat tops, but until I can get a sight on it kinda hard to shoot.
 
Here is my 2 cents. If you want an accurate rifle buy the AR if you want a competent rifle with unrivaled reliability go with the AK47. I do happen to own an Smith and Wesson AR15 and its great, also have an Armalite AR-10 carbine and they are both reliable and accurate. On the other hand I have an Arsenal AK47 and I would go to the end of the world with that rifle. By comparison the AR-15 rifle is a pain in the ass to clean compared to the AK but in reality its really not that bad. A good very thorough, comprehensive cleaning of an AR is a 2 hour process. A quick scrub up for the AR-15 is about 20 minutes. For the AK47 you can cut those times in half.
 
Doxiedad,
Glad you figured it all out for your own personal preferences. I will tell you though that you are not really getting a lot of extra benefits for the more expensive Bushmaster. I'd get the Smith and Wesson and save the extra $90 towards a scope or scope mount. Lots of folks on here including myself have Smiths and they are awesome. Nothing against Bushmaster, they make JUST AS GOOD A RIFLE as other manufactures but not really better than other manufactures. The fact is most parts are made by contractors and I'd be willing to bet Smith and Wesson and Bushmaster parts flow in from the same factories.
 
Of those mentioned so far, I'd go with the S&W too. Even if they're both good guns, S&W has a great reputation for after-sale support. I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think you'll support more American labor by buying S&W...

Also, one of the two you pictured is not in stock at Bud's. Better call them if you want that one.

Are you sure you don't want a PROPER AR with a 20" barrel? Like your marine buddy likely carried and relied on? :)
 
Check out Les Baer's patrol ar. I have seen used ones going for $1100-1200. 1MOA accuracy and a $200 removable carry handle. You can blast with open sights and pop a scope on top and dust varmints long range.
It's also a lot of fun building one yourself. You can buy a little at a time and learn a lot while you are doing it. I have built two. A 6.5 Grendel and a 223 with a Lilja 16" barrel. Have plans for a couple of more.
 
Doxiedad,
You should rally consider the 20" like Smaug referenced in post #9.

I would say a RRA NM is probably more useful to a civilian. If you really want to shoot as a rifleman it is a rifle that you will not out grow.

But of course you have to do what you like. Either way get a good rear sight.

Then again you could throw an AK74 in as a third choice. Or get an AR & SKS. It never ends.
 
Doxiedad said:
I went to the range and shot an AR15 today for the first time and I'm hooked. Ran into a buddy of mine there who was a Marine and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Talked to him a bit and he said he would only get Colt or Bushmaster.

So I decided to go with a COLT just gotta wade through and pick the right configuration for me.
Click to expand...

Fixed it for you.:D
 
Doxiedad said:
I'm saving up for my first tactical rifle purchase. I'm leaning towards something like an AR or Sig 556, Bushmaster ACR.
Good choices. Also look at BCM, LMT (DI only not piston models), FN's SCAR, and Colts 6920.

I've found a S&Ws M&P for $800, which is about half the price of the Sig or ACR.
Stag is about the same thing. Spikes is down in that price range and has many of Colts features. Spikes has been a good buy lately.

I've talked with my dad and he's trying to convince me to go with AK-47, talking about reliability, larger caliber etc.
AR's are available in 6.8spc which will trounce the AK round. It's also very hard to find a reliable AK. There are losts of crappy Chicom Ak's out there. You have to do your homework to get a reliable AK, just like the AR. In my experience, I've noted overall better luck with AR's. I do prefer the AK's iron sights over the AR's.

Just how much of a PITA is upkeep on an AR15 versus the newer piston operated ones. My dad says the DI is a PITA, but he's never owned one.
Your Dad just through his last bit of rifle credibility out the window. :D AR's aren't really hard to maintain. And if you want a piston gun, get a real piston gun (ACR, Sig 556, Robby, FN Scar), not an Ar conversion.

Google search for BCM's "Filthy 14"

Here's the specific one I was looking at S&W AR15

Don't want anything too fancy, want to be able to put a red dot/ reflex sight on it and maybe a handle or something later. Will be used for plinking/home defense and just because I have the right to own one.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Plenty of stuff to look at, have fun.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_140/products_id/60386

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-RECCE-16-AR15-Bravo-Company-carbine-rifle-s/144.htm

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...r-Receiver-LaRue-p/bcm-urg-mid-14bfh lt12.htm
 
Last edited:
Wow It's never an easy decision is it.
I have a budget limit though, so some of the higher end ones are out for now.
The rifle at the range was a S&W and I like it. But it's the only one I've shot.
 
Smith&Wesson makes a great AR. If money is tight look at the Sport model. Just doesnt have foward assist or dust cover. Shouldnt be a big problem unless you are going to role around in dirt. Or if you want to spend a little more check out the Optics Ready model (ORC) and you could add sights or optics if you want as you mentioned before. I personally think smith would be a better choice than bushmaster.
 
All of this stuff can be mind numbing. I'm no soldier or law enforcement officer, but I do like guns and I shoot a LOT. I spend as much time as I can in the woods, on four wheelers, falling and dropping my stuff in the mud, muck, sand etc. I've gotten a good idea of what has worked for me and what has given me a bit of trouble. I've built and fixed plenty of ARs. It's not hard once you have a good understanding and the right tools.

These days you almost have to work to get a "bad" AR, but there are some brands that are better (at least on paper) than others.

What people think are good differs as well. For example, our local probation and parole department allows their guys to buy and use for duty Rock River and Bushmaster, but won't allow Bravo Company or Spike's carbines. Other departments only allow Colts to the exclusion of all others.

In my experience, I've found that they are all good, but with some you have less of a chance of running into a problem.

My very first AR was a Bushmaster. This rifle was the reason that I learned so much about ARs. The screws for the gas key weren't staked and the key came loose causing the rifle to short stroke. No big deal to me now, but for a guy with his first AR and no clue, it was a PITA to figure out and fix. I've also seen more than a few Bushmasters with canted front sight bases and failures to extract straight out of the box due to substandard extractor springs.

Rock River, I actually love these rifles. Their predator models are absolute tack drivers, but I actually saw one where the barrel was noticeably crooked on it.

DPMS, a friend of mine ordered an upper from them. On the first day out with it, the rail started twisting. He brought it to me. I tore it apart to find that the nut hadn't been tightened to spec. On that upper, using that nut, you couldn't tighten it up tight enough to get to the provision for the gas tube without over tightening it, so the guy at the factory must have just left it too loose when he put it together.

I could go on and on with stories about cut corners. The only reason I can do this is because I happen to be the guy that everyone with AR problems bring their rifle to, so I've only seen the bad of most of the brands that I've messed with.

Although I haven't bought a complete AR in quite a while, if I was in the market to buy one, I'd be looking primarily for customer service in conjunction with product quality. Considering your stated budget, I'd order one from Spike's Tactical. I think they're running right around $750 right now for a basic model carbine. Of course, if I ran across a Smith for $599, I'd have a really hard time passing that up.

Just keep in mind that your budget should allow for at least 1000 rounds of ammunition. Practice, practice, practice.
 
Doxie,
There is a local shop here in Missoula, Mt. selling DMPS AR15/M-4 carbines optics ready for $620.00 Pretty good deal. The shop is Accu-Arms he is a longtime gunsmith here in Montana. I would bet he would be willing to ship one to an FFL contact in SC for you but you'd have to call and ask him. I just shipped a rifle to South Carolina from Montana and it was $18.00 Just google the name and town and get all the contact info you want. $620 plus $18 Plus $25 to a local FFL on your end and you have a darn cheap AR-15 from a reputable company total: $663
 
Just how much of a PITA is upkeep on an AR15 versus the newer piston operated ones.
Click to expand...

None

My dad says the DI is a PITA, but he's never owned one.
Click to expand...

Then you've shown good judgement coming to seek advice from people who actually own and shoot different platforms, including the AR, instead of someone who doesn't.
 
I agree with Tony. Keep it wet and it will run. Carbon buildup won't stop it from running.

There is a lot of lore about cleaning them to death. The army over-cleans weapons, this has more to do with administrative paranoia than making them run well.
 
While I'm narrowing down my rifle choices, is it possible for me to get decent optics for about $100 ? The one at the range had an ACOG, but that is well outside my range. I want a red dot/ reflex type. Won't be shooting over 100m and even then rarely
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

dukefan70
  • Locked
Any experience w/ piston-operated S&W M&P15 (the PS)?
Replies
1
Views
742
Zerodefect
Z
M
  • Locked
On Market for New AR-type Rifle; Help!
Replies
18
Views
1K
Strange Bob
Strange Bob
K
  • Locked
Which AR-15 should I get?
Replies
10
Views
701
goon
G
H
  • Locked
Who still wants an ACR?
2 3
Replies
52
Views
3K
TechBrute
T
J
  • Locked
Buying my first "black rifle".
Replies
20
Views
2K
JR1988
J
Back
Top