Selecting my first rifle, need advice

[armandthecorsair]

Okay. I'm thinking about buying my first rifle, but frankly I'm overwhelmed by the sheer variety of makes, models, and options.

Here's what I want:

- 16" M4-type AR
- .223
- Chrome-lined barrel, heavy
- A3/A4 flat top (compatible with an arrangement like this: http://www.amazon.com/Burris-Generation-Ballistic-FastFire-Illuminated/dp/B0034CAYSO )
- But with the possibility of mounting front and rear folding sights (std or aftermarket)
- maybe a split forward grip, enough smooth surface to the rear with a modular front 1/4
- MOST IMPORTANT: quality fit and finish

Use would be 99% mid-to-short range target, 1% zombie hunting/SHTF. I'd like to pay $1300 or less but would consider up to $1700.

Do any factory rifles come like this? Any custom shops I should look at?

 

[ugaarguy]

Do you want .223 or 5.56? Do you want a true heavy bbl, or would an M4A1 or Medium Contour bbl. work? What twist rate do you want?

 

[Sav .250]

Looks like a mis-match to me. "99% mid to short range target." That`s lot of fire power
just to do that. J s/n.

$1300 to $1700.......... If you have any Gun Shows in your area, give them a look-see.

 

[gotigers]

From least to more expensive. Look at Palmetto state, Spikes, Colt, Bravo co. and Daniel Defense. All will have what you want.

you want either 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde chamber

Any twist will work for the distance you mentioned, but 1:8 or 1:7 will shoot heavier ammo more accurately.

With specific parts you listed, you might want to build it yourself.

 

[MistWolf]

Why is fit & finish most important? How does it make the rifle better?

That Burris setup is WAY over priced.

Seriously, you should start with something like this-
View attachment 575447
add a rear site then shoot it until you figure out what you REALLY want. It will save you a lot of money

 

[Tadracket]

You can accomplish what you want for half what you are willing to pay. Buy any of these kits from Del-Ton (Click Me) and throw it together yourself. All you need to do is hit your local dealer up for a lower. You got a complete rifle for less than $700 that is as good as anything under a grand from the big boys. Plus you have the experience of building it yourself so you know what it is all about inside. SHTF rifles are useless if you can't repair them in a pinch.

And DTI assembles and tests the upper for you. No need to worry about head spacing or gas tube alignment. They take care of all that plus test it before they ship it. I got one of their pre-bans from years gone by on a DPMS lower. They build it and tested it right there in E-Town for a buddy of mine who I bought it from.

Local shops wanted $900 and up for Panthers when he bought that one for $750. And it is as good as any Panther.

You can add the Chrome Lined barrel for like $45 more or something like that. Click on one and it will give you all the options you can upgrade.

 

[henschman]

The heavy barrel is really the only thing you specified that doesn't make sense for what you are going to use it for. I think you would be better served by a lighter profile barrel like a gov't profile or a light profile. In fact it is hard to find a chrome lined barrel in a heavy profile. The heavy barrels just add weight and make the rifle front-heavy.

You might want to look at Palmetto State Armory's rifles. They sell chrome-lined carbines that fit your price range.

 

[armandthecorsair]

Thanks for the input. Did a few searches and found this: DPMS Panther Lo-Pro CLassic http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=1067&cat=1891

Only about $750, then it just needs some flip ups and a collapsible stock.