recommend me a rifle (AR-15?)

[hcddog]

Disclaimer, I'm a noob when it comes to civilian rifles...

Anyway, having spent a few years in the Marines from 1997-2001, I learned to be pretty familiar with the ol' M16A2 service rifle. I don't currently really have a reason for needing a rifle now (have a Glock 23 for self-defense) but I figure that if Hillary or Obama or one of the other anti-gun nuts is elected President, that rifles are going to get hard to find real quick, I'll want to get one before they clamp down.

Anyway, I'm familiar and pretty comfortable with M16's and the 5.56 round. I figure I'd find me an AR-15 since it's basically a civilian version of the same rifle. I would want to have it for 1. Having a long range rifle on hand that I'm familiar with with ammo that's pretty common and 2. In case a SHTF scenario does happen. I'm not paranoid, but it's always good to be prepared.

Anyway, are AR-15's made by one maker, or are they produced by different companies. Any other input that I should consider here?

Thanks in advance

 

[hcddog]

Oh, as far as modifications go. I figure I'll leave it as much mil-spec as possible. That means iron sights and a carrying handle if I can get it. I figure if I was able to hit targets at 500 yards with iron sights, than that's good enough for me

 

[salthouse]

dog- first of all, thank you for your service.

There is a wealth of info on ar15.com . There are also a ton of people on THR that can help with your questions.

I too am relatively new to the AR-15, and bought one for some of the same reasons you just described. I ended up with a Bushmaster ORC for about $800. It does not have any sights so it might not be what you want, but you can find others in that price range. Some a little less, many a lot more. Its a great platform to shoot and learn about. My next purchase will be a .22 upper so I can shoot it a lot more without costing a fortune in ammo. There are a variety of manufacturers with all types of options. I went with a well-known maker at a reasonable cost.

Good luck.
Scott

 

[Jimmie]

There are dozens of makers and millions of combinations - it can be overwhelming actually.

My advice: Call RB Precision at 309-534-8175. Tell them what you're a newbie, that you want an AR-15, what you want it for, and then ask them what they'd recommend. When I was building my varmint AR, my wife called them around my birthday and very vaguely described what she overheard me wishing for. Apparently, they asked enough questions that she ordered the right thing. I was impressed.

 

[000Buck]

www.m4carbine.net

 

[000Buck]

you'd like to avoid a bunch of rigamarole crap, just buy a Bushmaster

All companies put out lemons. It was a big pain when I had to send my new Bushmaster back for warranty work after I found out the front sight was canted. This was about three months ago. Bushmaster has known about sending out guns with canted sights for many years now, it is infamous on ar15.com and m4carbine.net.

If you have the money buy a Colt.

 

[benEzra]

I like Rock River Arms, personally.

www.rockriverarms.com

If you go to their website and click the ".223 RRA LAR-15 Rifles" button, you'll get a list of all the configurations they sell. You can add optional features with the pull-down menus (I'd personally add a chrome-lined barrel, $40). Prices are MSRP, so you may get a hundred or two off that from your local dealer. Last time I checked, they were running a 1 to 2 month backorder, but they have a very good reputation.

My personal favorite:

 

[Stevie-Ray]

If you have the money buy a Colt.

Agreed.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I'd much rather have an LMT over a Colt.

 

[txgolfer45]

Lots of choices. It can be overwhelming.

I ended up buying a S&W M&P15A. I'm very happy with it so far.

Scott

 

[Dr. Dickie]

While it can be a bit risky hcddog, all three of my AR-15s have been put togethers. That is, I have purchased a stripped lower (either at gun show or ordered off internet--sent to FFLs). Then the uppers have been purchased from individuals (off internet and locally). As such, all three ARs have been had for under $700--each.

 

[000Buck]

I'd much rather have an LMT over a Colt.

Why? I dont dispute it, I would take an LMT over a Colt just so I could save the 11% FET and get a Sopmod stock for the same price. I have an LMT lower with the Sopmod stock, it is very nice.

 

[dagunner]

Semper Fi Devel dog, I did my time from '85-'92, after all this time I still miss it. As for the AR-15, every thing you did with the M-16 applies. I am partial to Armalite my self. I have fired Bushmastes,DPMS,RockRiver too. The Armalite is the most depindable ande still under $1,000. I shoot an AR-10 in comp. and would not trade it for anything. As a gun smith, I have never had to work on an Armalite except to customize.