Help me pick my AR. Please..

[CDawg]

I've had a 20" Bushmaster since 1995 and 2 RRA M4geries since the assault weapons bill sunset. Never a problem with any of them. Have these companies started producing junk or something? My experience has been that they produce well made, accurate and reliable firearms at a fair price. Thousands of rounds down range so far in each of them and other than cleaning and oiling with Breakfree CLP, they haven't required anything. I've got plenty of spare parts just in case, I just haven't needed them yet. I've never regretted purchasing any of them and would definitely recommend these companies, unless of course they have started producing junk, which I guess could happen, but probably hasn't.

 

[kwelz]

RRA and Bushmaster have always produced second rate products. They cut a lot of corners and still charge you the same price as much better quality guns. Glad yours have worked for you. But that doesn't mean they are good products.

 

[jsimmons]

I have a S&W M&P15 MOE - great rifle.

I also have an AR I built myself - another great rifle.

BTW, building your own will generally cost more than buying one that's been manufactured, but at the same time, it also means that you won't be spending extra money to replace parts to your specs, so in the end, you may even spend a little money. Case in point - my M&P cost $1200 with tax, and I've since replaced parts at the expense of an additional $400. My home-build rifle cost about $1500, but it's got quality parts that I only had to buy one time.

 

[Tirod]

Most of the suggestions are for a gun meant as a LEO trunk gun or to simulate what's carried on active duty.

That means the stock is for use with an armored vest, the carbine length gas is less than optimum on a 16" barrel, and there will likely be a lot more expense getting optics or sights on it.

None of that actually answers what the gun will be used for. Most M4gery buyers aren't actually LEO/MIL - they are buying something like what the military has. That is choosing to accept a lot of institutional compromises.

Rather than drone on about the negatives, tell us what kind of targets, and the engagement ranges expected, and then get suggestions on what configuration works better. Then, the tool fits the job, and the shooter is happy.

 

[M&PVolk]

Many will break up AR's into three tiers: poor, decent and high-end, which means very little and actually translates out to commercial, mostly mil-spec, and meets or exceeds mil-spec. Please keep in mind that mil-spec is just a way of comparing a rifle's components to what is typically fielded during combat as a way to calm one's mind about reliability concerns. There are times when mil-spec is a non-issue and even an undesirable quality (ex: when building an accurate gun, mil-spec barrels are exactly the opposite of what you want). The differences between commercial and nearly mil-spec are usually pretty well defined. The differences between what some consider nearly mil-spec and fully/exceeding mil-spec are much more blurry. For example, some will consider a Spike's rifle to be less than mil-spec, but it's only missing feature is a proprietary buffer. Many will consider Noveske to be exceeding mil-spec, when it actually is missing more "mil-spec" features on the "mil-spec" chart than Spikes. Hence, it can get confusing.

Don't listen only to internet prattle, define what your purpose is for the gun. What accuracy do you need? How reliable is reliable enough? What is your hard price limit? Consider these first, then look at the rifles and feature sets you want within your price. Remember, the immediate internet forum assumption is that you are wanting a combat rifle, and recommendations will follow accordingly, with the "mil-spec" feature being paramount. Make sure you know what you really want and need, then research it out. If mil-spec is what you are looking for, Spikes is the best on your list.

 

[Zor]

Most of the suggestions are for a gun meant as a LEO trunk gun or to simulate what's carried on active duty.

That means the stock is for use with an armored vest, the carbine length gas is less than optimum on a 16" barrel, and there will likely be a lot more expense getting optics or sights on it.

None of that actually answers what the gun will be used for. Most M4gery buyers aren't actually LEO/MIL - they are buying something like what the military has. That is choosing to accept a lot of institutional compromises.

Rather than drone on about the negatives, tell us what kind of targets, and the engagement ranges expected, and then get suggestions on what configuration works better. Then, the tool fits the job, and the shooter is happy.

Well said!

 

[castingdonkey]

I have noticed cheaper than dirt has some great prices too until I get to the handling feeee's and over priced shipping. If you know what parts you like order them and put your rifle together. I have assembled a few now it and it is very simple. Buy the lower that you want, the upper that you want, lower parts kit, buttstock, and mags. I built mine from scratch. All milspec and it cost right at $730 all said and done. My rifle has not failed me once.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Since you seem to be new to it... the nicest yet most basic one that you can afford that has a clear warranty from a authorized dealer. You'll no doubt eventually get to modifying it as many do so steer clear of features you may grow tired of.

Most any AR platform can be worked into most any other AR platform. I generally suggest a basic 20 inch with fixed stock and if later you decide to go Joe Tactical, you can enjoy the customization along the way. The 20 inchers will give you excellent long range accuracy and are less finicky regarding ammunition as you decide how you'll use this rifle.

Note that I will not suggest a manufacturer as it tends to simply be bait for partisan nastiness. So, really - decide upon configuration, find the manufacturer you're happiest with regarding warranty (including turn-around time) and get it from an authorized dealer.

It's often best to learn how to build one of these platforms through experience with a known working gun rather than take some potentially expensive mis-steps by diving in feet first with a vice and killer screwdriver kit.