Looking at 1st AR purchase.

[Guns&Religion]

I've decided to get an AR Rifle. I have about $1000 to work with. I know there are many kinds out there. I'd like to find one in 5.56, preferably with a heavy stainless barrel, with a flash hider, with a decent trigger.

I know they can be built from parts, but I would rather not try putting one together at this point.

Are there any brands I should take a closer look at or avoid?

Also, any opinions on the Ruger Mini-14 Target rifle? I've looked at that one, though I'm more likely to go the AR route.

I appreciate any tips. Thanks.

 

[meanmrmustard]

At that price range, you're in the realm of Colt, which is proven.

I suppose to better answer your question, what is it going to be used for?

Plinking, HD, varmint, deer? You can usually group 2 of these, but not generally more efficiently. Once you've determined its purpose, you can narrow down your choice.

I've no experience with that particular Ruger, so I wont comment there.

Steer clear of Vulcan, Hesse, and try not to be a guinea pig for any unknowns.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Usually when someone has a $1000 AR budget, I'll recommend a Colt 6920 or 6720. About the same price, only real difference is barrel profile. They run around $850-$900, which doesn't leave much room for mags and ammo, and none for training. While they can be had for less, often much less, a Colt is pretty much the Gold Standard.

My recommendation may change based on a given agenda for it's use, but for an all around, multi purpose carbine, Colt 6920/ 6720.

 

[Kame B.]

Well if your looking for a precision range rifle then the Mini 14 Target is it. With the harmonic tuner you wont be limited to one type of load, you cant keep yourself busy by testing all different types of ammo for it. But as far as a woods gun or hunting rifle, it can be a little heavy, but it is dead on accurate.

 

[jakk280rem]

BCM SS410 uppers will run, with BCG and CH, 700. Complete Spike's lowers can be had from Primary Arms for 300. Bam! Done.

 

[tarosean]

and try not to be a guinea pig for any unknowns.

which is about 50% + of them now-a-days...

I was perusing a couple websites the other day looking to possibly pick up another AR and didnt know most of the makers.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Stag arms is a great bang for the buck,and they are using Diamondhead components on most of their builds.

 

[rb288]

My first ar was a Colt 6920 and I don't regret it one bit.
Excellant rifle.
You won't be disappointed at all.


Posted from Thehighroad.org App for Android

 

[jlr1962]

Colts in that price range were nowhere to be found when I got my Stag. No complaints on the Stag. I think I would have saved some coin had I purchased the Stag with one of their optional free float tubes as opposed to purchasing one after the fact. The free float tube really helped my bench/supported shooting.

 

[Joshboyfutre]

Another route might b buying a lower priced AR and use the rest of the money on some after market parts. Maybe a good red dot, sling, or good mags. Plenty to choose from. Good luck with ur purchase.

 

[MistWolf]

Stag arms is a great bang for the buck,and they are using Diamondhead components on most of their builds.

With it's trouble with the ATF, the future of Stag is in question.

Guns&Religion, why a heavy barrel? ARs with lighter barrels shoot fine, their handling is much better and are easier to pack around

 

[HammsBeer]

If it's just a bench gun shooting from bags then a heavy SS barrel is fine, but the gun will be very front heavy. The mini target rifle is a ridiculously heavy bench only gun.

If you plan to do any kind of off hand shooting from various positions or carrying it at all, definitely get a lighter profile barrel. Someone suggested Colt, the 6720 would be the ideal light weight profile.

Or you can get a nice lightweight BCM midlength upper such as this and opt for the Bolt carrier and CH for an extra $70:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-LIGHT-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw.htm

Get some magpul handguards, a quality rear sight like the Daniel Defense A1.5, slap it on a preassembled lower from PSA, BCM, Spikes, and rock on...

 

[Kame B.]

I've decided to get an AR Rifle. I have about $1000 to work with. I know there are many kinds out there. I'd like to find one in 5.56, preferably with a heavy stainless barrel, with a flash hider, with a decent trigger.

I would like to update this post. The OP said, "Perferably with a Heavy Stainless Steel Barrel"... Heavy... So weight is obviously not a concern. From everyone's suggestions it looks like the Mini 14 Target or a BCM SS410 upper would be choice.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

I would look at the S&W M&P Sport.....really good rifle for around $650.

 

[md7]

Not sure what purpose this rifle will serve for you, but the Colt 6920 or BCM standard mid length should be attainable in or around your stated price range and either would make a fine general purpose AR.

BCM's are now coming standard with ALG ACT triggers or the BCM house brand equivalent. The alg is a pretty nice trigger.

Good luck.

 

[md7]

OP,

I saw where Kame B quoted your original request for stainless barrel. Read right over that, my apologies.

 

[Guns&Religion]

I appreciate the sage advice here gentlemen.

meanmrmustard asked a good question, "What would I use it for?"
I would say that 98% would be plinking at the range. I've heard that heavy stainless barrels have an accuracy advantage, but the truth is I really don't know much about AR's and I'm not sure exactly which one I want.

I don't want it to be a bench gun only. I'm sure I would mostly use the lower cost mil spec ammo, but I would like the rifle to be reasonably accurate and shoot 1-2 inch groups at 100 yards if possible with that kind of ammo.

Since my original post, I've been reading that stainless barrels have a shorter shooting life, but are more accurate, and that chrome lined barrels are more durable and last longer. I'm thinking I should visit a couple of shops in my area and handle a couple to see what I like. (My opinions will probably change after I do that). I'm pretty sure I will want a "rifle length" AR with an 18-20 inch barrel. (I've read they have a gas system that is more durable than the shorter ones).

Any more suggestions are welcome, thanks.

 

[HammsBeer]

You may want to look at melonited barrels. Hard chrome lining is durable, and melonite is a surface hardening treatment that is hard like chrome for duarbility without the surface variances of chrome.

Keep in mind that even the most accurate barrels will not shoot well with run of the mill 5.56 ammo. You should feed it quality ammo for 1" groups. And accuracy is not dependent on barrel length, but rather barrel quality. There are some very accurate midlengths out there.

 

[MaterDei]

Sig Sauer M400 Enhanced is not too far outside of $1000. Check out the reviews.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I'll add to this by saying I tried out Dynamic Research Tech 55gr HP frangibles in my PSA 16" M4 wearing a 2-7x32 and shot five round groups at 100 yards that I covered with a nickel. All with a GI trigger in an Anderson lower, carbine gas.

In response to post #18

 

[strambo]

For your use a quality 16" carbine or mid length is what would serve best. An 18-20" stainless barrel will be overkill for 98% plinking and not shoot milsurp ammo any better than a shorter lighter carbine anyway. It will be long and nose heavy for no benefit.

The 16" carbine will be light and handy, able to shoot match ammo into 1-2" at 100, hit torso size targets out to 600 plus if the shooter is up to it. I have banged 12" steel at 500 with a chrome 14.5" light weight barrel and cheap 55g ammo. The carbine will be suitable for defense as well.

There is a place for a semi-precision AR, but not for a first one or a general purpose plinker.

 

[Guns&Religion]

Thank you for the advice. Hopefully I can make my purchase in the near future. It looks like there are many choices in the 16 inch barrel variety. (It looks like the reliability and accuracy of that barrel length would be more than enough for my uses).

That's why I come to this forum for sage advice from the fine folks here before I put down my hard earned money for a rifle. I will be sure and post a range report as soon as I can.

 

[HammsBeer]

Stick with a 16" so you don't have to deal with a pinned/welded muzzle devise for your first AR. And seriously consider a midlength gas system over the shorter carbine gas. Midlength is timed properly for the barrel length, while the carbine length on a 16" is often overgassed.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Or, invest in several buffers to slow things down depending on the load of choice.

 

[biggameballs]

I just purchased a bcm 410ss upper with ion black finish and a bcm lower. This is my first AR. Personally I wouldn't go any heavier in profile than the 410ss. It's hand lapped and plenty accurate. With an AR it seems the ammo you feed it is going to be more of a determining factor for accuracy. The 410ss with a lightweight hanguard is still light enough to handle well. I can say I've been nothing but happy with BCM.