Newbie AR-15 question

[Blackbeard]

As I stated in my intro, I'm somewhat new to shooting, and I have a question about the AR-15. My state legislature is considering a bill to ban high-capacity magazines (meaning those that hold more than 10 rounds), but they exempt anyone who owned one prior to the law becoming effective. My local dealer has several used AR-15 magazines for sale, and I'm considering buying a few, even though I don't own an AR-15, just to circumvent the law. (And to spite the grabbers).

My question is, are all AR-15 magazines pretty much interchangeable, or will I later have to find a rifle to fit around my magazines?

Also, any recommendations on manufacturer/model for my eventual AR-15 buy?

 

[glockman19]

Buy all you can afford.

 

[GnL]

Don't forget to keep the dated receipts!

 

[MMcfpd]

Ditto glockman 19.

My question is, are all AR-15 magazines pretty much interchangeable, or will I later have to find a rifle to fit around my magazines?

Yes, they generally interchange just fine. Widely recommended are the USGI mags. I've seen quite a few bitches about C Products and Promags, although I've never had any trouble with either. The best, in my experience, are the HK Gen 2 Maritime mags, but they run around $40.

Best AR? Whew.

You probably can't go wrong with Colt, RRA or Stag. Most of the others, like Bushmaster, CMMG, High Standard..., too many to list, are fine as well. You'll soon find out that many have their favorites, for a variety of reasons. I've got two Colts and an Oly upper on a CMMG lower that all do well for me.

 

[Gary G23]

Mags
http://www.globaltactical.com/axami/shop.php?grd=163&prd=391
Rifle
http://www.cmmginc.com/

 

[funfaler]

http://www.44mag.com

Many mags are Date Stamped.

NO USA Brand mags, if they are even making them any more.

CProducts are fine
D&H are good as well

Mags are at a good price now, so buy, buy, buy.

 

[longrifleman]

What experience does anyone have with the Israeli orolite (sp) mags? The prices look good, but there might be a reason.

 

[kennyboy]

NHMTG Mags and D&H mags are supposed to be the best. I have a NHMTG mag for my AR and it has worked flawlessly for probably 1000 rounds. I need more mags, so I researched this topic. NHMTG are more difficult to find and usually cost around $14 a piece. D&H mags are supposed to be just as good, if not nicer and can be found for about $110 plus shipping for 10.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

My question is, are all AR-15 magazines pretty much interchangeable, or will I later have to find a rifle to fit around my magazines?

Basically, any AR15 chambered for .223 or 5.56 will use the same magazines. Bushmasters have problems with certain lots of Orlite mags, but otherwise they should work fine with anything.

Mags to avoid include USA, National, or no-names.

Mags to buy would include:
- OKay/NHTMG/Colt (all the same with different markings)
- Other USGI mags including Parsons and Adventureline
- LaBelle/D&H/DSG Arms (all the same with different markings)
- CProducts/ARStoner (the same with different markings)
- Singapore SAR-80 mags
- Brit SA-80 mags
- Magpul Pmags
- HK
- Orlite (OK for range use, but there's a reason that Israel surplussed them off.)

Consult the magazine forum over on AR15.com.

AR15s chambered for other rounds, e.g., 7.62x39, 6.8 SPC, or 6.5 Grendel, use different mags.

Also, any recommendations on manufacturer/model for my eventual AR-15 buy?

This is quite a subject of discussion, but IMHO based on what I've read from instructors who thousands of rounds go downrange, the most trouble free AR15s are made by Colt. LMTs should be as good, based on the type of QC they do.

Slightly below the Colts or LMTs would be Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, ArmaLite, Stag, and S&W.

My AR15 is a Colt AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine, which has a 16" heavy 1:9 twist chrome lined barrel, flat top receiver, CAR handguards, and a telestock. My ideal rifle would replace the heavy tube with a lightweight 1:7 twist chromed lined barrel. The faster twist would stabilize bullets up to 77 grains. With the 1:9 twist I'm limited to about 70 grains, maybe the 75 grain Prvi Partizan loads.

I highly recommend getting a barrel with a chromed bore. It simplifies cleaning and makes the barrel much more weather resistant. They also last longer than unlined bores.

A lightweight or M4-profile barrel will shave about a pound off the rifle compared with a heavy barrel. 16" is handier than 20", but if you're primary use for the gun is target shooting that makes no difference.

Telestocks are nice because they (a) allow you to adjust length of pull for different shooters or clothing, and (b) are more compact for storage.

A flat top receiver is better for mounting optics than an A1 or A2 upper.

Check out the technical forums on AR15.com for a real wealth of information about AR15s, because I've just scratched the surface.

 

[Blackbeard]

Interestingly enough, I just recently discovered that Rock River Arms and Armalite are both within 20 minutes of where I live. I don't think they sell direct to consumers, though.