Need some advice on AR type semi-auto's

[Pud]

Thinking about purchasing a .223 caliber AR type rifle...
Have always been more of a "hand gun" guy, but have a couple of shotguns, and also a couple of .308 rifle's.
But have never even considered a .223 AR until recently. Just would like to add one to my collection..So, what is a decent, reasonably priced AR??
I don't want to spend a LOT of $$(who does?), but I don't want junk either.
Would appreciate recommendations for a decent rifle.
Thanks for the help!

Pud

 

[6x6pinz]

sounds like me a few years ago. I ended up with a DPMS that served me very well. I was able to get familiar with the platform and learn how it operates. I even managed to sell it for what I paid for it. My next five or six were put together from complete lowers and uppers. After that I moved onto building them myself. I now a bushmaster setup that will probably be my last. I had a Ruger SR556 to see what the piston driven AR's were like but did not notice enough difference in my use to justify the high cost. I always suggest starting with a complete rifle the first time and learn then decide if you think you want to build something better. If you put one together you can get a very quality piece (assuming you use quality parts) for a bit less then buying it already assembled. they really are basic rifles which is why I think so many are attracted to them.

 

[Stack]

My "budget" build starts at about $1500.00 without optics. For this the choices are many but until you own, shoot and discover what you enjoy doing best with the gun it's tough to know what criteria to build (or buy) to. Even harder to make a recommendation for us I think. Take a look at : https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&gid=5
There's a ton to know considering the simplicity of the weapon.

 

[CapnMac]

You will probably need to narrow down the choices just a tad.

Are you looking for a rifle-length, i.e., 20" or longer?
Are you looking for a mid-length, i.e., 16-18"
Are you looking for an "M4gery" (M-4 'forgery') where the arm has all the appearance of the issue M-4 carbine, but with a 16" legal barrel?

Are you looking for a military-appearance rifle, or more like the varmint and long-range shooters?

Adjustable or fixed stock?

Needs elebenty yards rail or none at all?


Now, these question will help guide the answers you get. But, the AR platform is about as close to a "lego" platform as you could (presently) ask for. If you later want a different configuration, that can be as quick as an upper change. Or, as involved as changing the rear stock out.

If you "price shop," try to stick in the $700-900 range. Note that you can often get a little better for a little less by browsing ARs that are previously-owned, too.

 

[Pud]

OK, guys...
Appreciate the comments-but WHAT rifles(fully built) are good ones??

To answer CJ_74's questions:

1. Like a mid-length, 16-18".
2. Don't care if it looks like a M-4 or not....
3. Adjustable stock would be nice, but doesn't HAVE to have it.
4. Would like some type of optics, maybe a red dot or something.Nothing else on a rail.
5 Military appearance would be good...

Remember, this would be my first one....doesn't have to be fancy, just has to be a .223 caliber! Not gonna' build it, may never get another one(just being honest).
So, give me some NAMES of rifles!!

Thanks,
Pud

 

[hardluk1]

If you are looking for just a basic AR rifle S&W has the m&p15 sport that can be bought for under 600 dollars at a good dealer. Chamber is 5.56 so you can shot .223 . Hard to beat the price and with 6 dollar a box ammo it will shot under 1" . Mine is still breaking in to me but have 300 rounds shot now with not issues. Barrel and bolt use a melonite coating instead of chrome and the 5r barrel aids helps to keep an easy to clean bore.

 

[mshootnit]

Bushmaster ORC

 

[gotigers]

From your last post look at the Daniel Defense V5. It is a 16" Midlength and great quality. If not the DD then look for these features:

5.56 Nato or .223 Wylde chamber, not .223 chamber.
1:8 or 1:7 twist

Stay away from HESSE, Vulcan

Double Star and Del-ton are good for the money, but there are better.

Stag, Bushmaster, DPMS and Rock River Arms are good commercial stuff. Smith and Wesson has a wide range of styles and prices and mostly milspec.

Daniel Defense, Palmetto State Armory, Spikes, Bravo (BCM) and Colt all have great stuff and mostly milspec for between $700-1300

Noveske, LaRue, Mega, etc will all be $1500 plus. Well worth it.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...akp2a3Y2NjMxTEE&single=true&gid=2&output=html

https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&gid=5

 

[JustinJ]

At the current price of under a grand I believe the Colt 6920 and 6720 are the best deals on the market.