Not another "Which AR" thread...

[Gtscotty]

Ok I lied, I'm sorry, it really is another "Which AR" thread, but its for a good cause. I'm in dire need of my fellow THR-goers guidance in my search for my first AR.

So this story begins a couple of weeks ago when, seduced by the tanking prices of Ar-15s, I decided now was the time to make my move and buy the rifle I've always wanted. After a couple of weeks of looking around and reading up, I've decided pretty much what I'm looking for but need a little help pinning the choice down on particular brand/rifle. The quality in this rifle that I am most concerned with is accuracy (my goal is 1 moa or less), I'd really like to make small groups at semi long range. I originally thought this would mean buying a 20 inch full size rifle, but friends of mine have argued that some carbine length AR's have the potential for this level of accuracy. A few things I am not terribly concerned about are light weight and bugout-ability this will really just be a range rifle. I'd like to stay at about $1k or less. I have found a few potential rifles in this range that I was hoping to get a little feed back on, they are as follows:

-Armalite M-15 A4 (Armalite says this rifle will shoot 1.5-2moa, if it is capable of better in reality, this would be my top pick..)

-Daniel Defense DDXV

-S&W optics ready M&P-15

-Colt Match Target Competition

-CMMG 4SA mid length or A3 carbine

Any experience yall have with these guns would be much appreciated, also if you think of another make or model that would fit my needs please feel free to throw it in the mix. Thanks in advance.

p.s.~I intend on buying a cmmg drop in .22 conversion bolt assembly, would any of these rifles be incompatible with this system?

 

[Juice Boxes]

Armalite has been good to me. I own 3 of their rifles and all preform like champs. 2 AR-10 and 1 AR-15.

 

[Gtscotty]

That's good to hear, I have been kind of leaning towards the Armalite, but couldn't find anything on the internet about the accuracy of that particular model. I haven't heard much about Daniel Defense, and was kinda hoping someone who has one of their rifles might have an opinion or two. I forgot to mention in the original post, but I was also kind of considering RRA. Any other thoughts/opinions?

 

[W L Johnson]

+1 on Armalite
Have 4 Armalite rifles, 2 AR-10's (20" & 16"), a AR-180B, and a AR-15 (M-15) NM 20"
Also have an Armalite AR-24 (9mm handgun)
Right now I am eyeballing a Armalite LEC15A4 (16" carbine) for future purchase and looking without luck for an AR-10-B. (modern reproduction of the original AR-10)

 

[spd1303]

I own the cmmg m4. It is an awesome gun.

 

[tincanhunter]

Feed any one of the AR's that you listed (not sure about Daniel Defense) ammo it likes and you'll get <=1moa groups at 100 yds. Buy the rifle and good optics, then comes the fun part....range time testing different ammo. If you decide to reload then your ammo options and ability to find loads the rifle really likes increases drastically.

 

[Gtscotty]

Thanks all, for the input so far, the Armalite is kind of looking like a potential winner, does anyone know if $867 is currently a good price for the spr?

 

[Tim the student]

I have a RRA varminter that I like a lot. Like the others, they have a good reputation. I think you should also take a look at them.

As far as accuracy goes I think they will be more accurate than you might expect as long as you find the right ammo for them.

 

[browningguy]

They are all much the same, just get the one that comes with the bits you want on it and you will probably be a happy man.

 

[skidooman603]

I shoot NRA HighPower and own a White Oak Arms. Hands Down the most accurate AR I have ever shot. If accuracy is a top priority you may want to look there. Bad news...22 week wait (or there abouts)

 

[spyderdude]

When I got into the market for an AR type rifle last year I looked at various brands and was set on getting the most for my money. This was right before all the prices went through the roof on AR-15s. I was going to go with a Bushmaster M4 style of rifle, but my FFL dealer had a nice supply of M&P15s in stock, and maybe it's just me, and it probably is, but the M&P15 seemed to be of slightly better quality over the Bushmaster. The Bushmaster's price was around 1,100 and I could buy the M&P15 for 995. All my gun buddies had Bushmasters so I wanted something kind of different.

A year later it seems most AR-15s are priced about the same except the Colt 6920s I still find are going for 1400-1600 dollars. In my personal opinion the S&W M&P15 offers a lot for the money and comes in nice variety of configurations. I bought the basic A3 style with the removable carry handle and have been very pleased with its performance. At 100 yards I can cover my 3 round shot groups with a quarter, though I'm sure with some well aimed shots I can tighten them to a dime sized group.

One more reason to buy an M&P15 now is S&W is offering a promotional program where you can get FIVE free Magpul Pmags when you buy one of their rifles. If you live in a state that restricts 30 round magazines, they substitute the Pmags for five 10 round aluminum GI style magazines. This offer is only good until December 31st.

Some eye candy of my M&P15 along with the Glock 17 and Ka-Bar fighting knife!