Ideal first AR-15 under $1100?

[Skillet]

I am looking into some AR-15's and I want to get THR folk's take on what would be a good one for me. keep in mind I am left handed, and while it would be cool to have a left handed AR it is not that big of a deal.

all my requirements are that they shoot a standard .223 or 5.56 (whichever works) and that they have to be $1100 and under. Nothing above.

manufacturers that I have looked at so far are DPMS and Bushmaster

flat tops are kind of what i am looking into and maybe a few rails on the handguard. if no rails, it doesn't matter much. just a rail on top for a scope or a sight (which is mostly standard anyways)

much appreciated!

 

[Justin]

Bushmasters are alright and DPMS is good. In your price range, also consider Rock River, Armalite, or Sabre Defense.

For that price you should be able to find a quality rifle with some nice features. After general reputation and reliability, look for something that comes with a decent trigger and possibly a float tube.

 

[RP88]

Bravo company is good; build your lower and mate it with one of their uppers. You'll come out with more than enough money for ammo, rear sight stuff, and mags - and the rifle will be of that gold-standard 'milspec' according to the M4.net chart.

Or, you can save a bit more money and grab a good S&W, which has a great track record.

IMO, those are the best two for value. You can also use other manufacturers to bmix and make/'build' your own, but it all depends on what you are looking for.

 

[Zundfolge]

CMMG has their bargain bin rifles for $600.

 

[hatchetbearer]

I made this build for about your price range. all from aimsurplus.com, but i could have saved some if id known some websites i do now.

CMMG m4 upper with free troy rail $570
magpul CTR stock $92
CMMG buffer tube assy $60
stainless LPK $70
MBUS rear sight $55
2 Pmags $28
Promag Fore Grip $20
Fobus Rail Covers $20
add a stripped lower (local price) $120
total $1035
wow, didnt think it had gotten that high... but never the less under your $1100 mark. i broke it up in 2 orders separating the stock and upper and got free shipping on both. and ordered like 200 some odd rounds as a start of my ammo horde.

also planning on picking up as spares, an extra LPK, bolt, and a bolt rebuild kit.... so an extra $150 from bravo co. thats just my paranoia kicking in tough.

 

[inherentical]

CMMG has their bargain bin rifles for $600.

I've heard nothing but good things about these. You could pick one of these up, a decent set of optics, BUIS, magazines, and a little ammo for your price point.

 

[CountGlockula]

If you played with Legos then you can build an AR15.

Just build one and watch your budget. Go on arf.com for step by step build.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

BCM or LMT.

 

[Balrog]

You can get Colt 6920's for just $100 over your budget, at about $1200.

If I was that close to a Colt, I would wait and get a Colt. They are selling at all time lows right now (at least compared to the last couple of years). Colts are arguably better guns, and inarguably will have higher resale value if you decide later to trade it.

Nothing wrong with a parts built gun, but they will do poorly when it comes to resale.

 

[Skillet]

so I was looking around and i came up with these, and all are under 900 dollars.

the...

Bushmaster O.R.C. M4 (Optics Ready Carbine) 16"
Impact store price- $887

DPMS 5.56 Sportactical Flat Top 16"
Impact store price- $800

Rock River Arms R4 Entry Tactical Chrome Lined Barrel Upgrade A2 Detachable Carry Handle 16"
Impact store price- $831

Armalite M15A4 223 w/16" Carbine Barrel/Adjustable Stock/Black Finish No Handle
Impact store price- $899

I priced them all at Impact Guns store because there is one in my area that I love to do business with because of low prices and informative staff.

but that is what i have so far

any thoughts on those few rifles? (goods and bads)
and any to add?

thanks!

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/

 

[kwelz]

BCM, LMT, even S&W.

 

[bpl]

If you want left handed, Stagarms.

 

[Boba Fett]

+1 for the Rock River entry tactical.

 

[Grassman]

I just got a Bushie predator, 20" barrel 1:8 twist, fluted non chrome lined barrel for $1059 out the door. My guy had to order it, sound in your price range.

 

[W.E.G.]

The basic AR-15 trigger is crap.

Much of the 55-grain ammo being sold at low prices is crap.

The perceived quality of most rifles is a function of the quality of the trigger, the quality of the ammunition, and the ability of the shooter to operate the rifle.

Any basic AR that actually functions is going to shoot little bitty groups if you install a good trigger and you shoot good ammo.

We'll just assume you are already a good shooter.

Figure out your budget for a good trigger and good ammo.
Whatever money is left over, you can use to buy the rifle.

 

[possum]

bushmaster is what i have been running for years, however Rock River, stag and s&w would all serve you well.

and i suggest that you stay away form the left handed models, though it seems you won't mind that to much. for 2 reasons.
1) left handed shooters have been running the AR for years. if the soliders can do it you can too.
2) and most importantly i think it is a bad habit. i always look at the bigger picture, how many left handed AR's are out there in the world? not many! i like and seek consitansy in everything including weapon platforms.

 

[MP-44]

I can recommend S&W. I have owned 2. Had a T and now an X. The T was printing groups the size of a quarter and the X isn't far behind ( thicker reticle in the scope on the X ). Both run/ran on Wolf steel and U.S brass.

 

[c919]

Are you wanting to accessorize or just go with a base model?

I say do what I did and get a S&W M&P15 for $700-900 and then you have some dough for accessories/optics/ammo. I spent about $1300 total for a M&P15X w/ Eotech 511, Solarforce L2 and mount, a few extra Pmags and a TangoDown vert. grip, and I couldn't be more satisfied.

I fondled just about every brand and model I could while seeking my new toy and I thing the M&P's have a fit and finish as good as any. I'm sure there are plenty others who will back me up that M&P's are one of the best deals going right now.

 

[taliv]

The basic AR-15 trigger is crap.
<snip>

The perceived quality of most rifles is a function of the quality of the trigger, the quality of the ammunition, and the ability of the shooter to operate the rifle.

Any basic AR that actually functions is going to shoot little bitty groups if you install a good trigger and you shoot good ammo.
<snip>

Figure out your budget for a good trigger and good ammo.
Whatever money is left over, you can use to buy the rifle.

i strongly disagree with all of that. there's nothing wrong with the basic trigger in an AR. it does exactly what it was designed to do and is appropriate for the intended use. if you can't shoot good groups with a 5-7 lb trigger, you need to learn to shoot. Yes, it is easier to shoot a 2-3lb trigger, but <3 lb triggers are basically ONLY good for bench use.

if by 'little bitty' you mean 2moa, then yes.

 

[wrc]

Bravo Company M4 (if you can find one) or Daniel Defense M4XV. It's got all the features of the Colt 6920 except for double heat shields in the handguards. Prices I've seen are $1100-$1150

This is a good shopping guide: http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/69016/68995.html -- go to the Google Docs spreadsheet.

Keep note of the corners cut by each manufacturer. If you're looking at something other than an M4 pattern, expect similar corners to be cut, especially around the bolt and barrel.

For the lower-end brands, in-spec bolt carrier groups are $139 from Bravo Company.

 

[inherentical]

Get an LMT or BCM if you're not going to to go the bargain bin CMMG route. Seriously. You will kick yourself in the rear if you don't.