Looking @ buying my first AR

[GMHAYESUSN]

I've been skipping back and forth for a while on picking up either a semi auto .308 or an AR-15 in .223 I have finally decided to go with the AR (mostly due to the fact that im active duty USN going to GM A school) and now im looking @ differnt brands and styles the two that have caught my eye so far are the Olympic Arms K-9 and the Rock River A-4 the rifle will mostly be just a plinking gun but I do plan on taking a few carbine classes in the future. Is there any other brands anyone recomends or any other suggestions? im looking to spend up to about a thousand for the rifle and my only requirment is the carbine style ar with a flattop receiver.

 

[Carter]

LWRC piston AR (if you got the extra cash). They're design is pretty cool and is in use with LAPD SWAT and certain military groups.

RRA makes a great AR. They are also coming out with a piston gun this year (if you're interested).

 

[shibby]

I couldnt be more satisfied with my cmmg bargain bin 18". M4 ramps, chrome lined barrel, properly staked gas key, great fit and finish for $688 including a couple immortal mags, hand picked ar, and shipping.

 

[RP88]

if you plan on taking carbine courses, then the lowest down the list I'd go is a CMMG or Stag assuming you swap Stag's BCG for a milspec one, and upgrade the CMMG one to the LMT bolt with the full-auto carrier. Another good buy in a similar price range is S&W.

For a real duty gun, your only real choices are gonna be Daniel Defense, Colt, BCM, and LMT. Noveske makes a very good and strong gun, but the bolt has a couple things to be desired, given the price tag it carries.

I'd personally skip on the piston unless you really like running silencers.

 

[Justin]

Olympic Arms has a fairly spotty reputation, between the two you've listed, go with a Rock River.

 

[Zerodefect]

For carbine classes usually its a good idea to bring two rifles. Especially since most classes are at least $150 per day!

Otherwise get a better rifle and some spare parts. All the springs, extactor, ejector, lower parts kit.

Skip the Oly, at best, its a plinker only. Look towards Colt, LMT. BCM.

 

[Quentin]

$1000 could bring in a real nice BCM that'd be hard to beat and would do well in carbine classes. Don't know if you want to have a carbine exactly like your issue rifle but many people these days are going for the midlength gas system on their carbines. I agree with RP88 on skipping the piston system, it's not at all necessary on a 14.5-16" carbine and will put you well over budget.

Building up a stripped lower then adding a quality complete upper like BCM is a great way to go too, and may save you $100 or more. I came in around $800 using an ArmaLite middy upper on a S&W lower and that included a GI sling, GI magazine and a used Colt carry handle. It's very rewarding to design your own rifle.