So Many AR Manufacturers - Where Do I Start?

[Fergy35]

OK so I am still in the "just getting started" stage. I am looking to add an AR style, probably in the M4 config. I have been looking at the Bushmasters, the DPMS' and the Rock River brands. I don't think I'm ready to build one yet. Just assume buy it at this point.

So the question is this. Any opinions on these or other brands that I should look at?

 

[Gary G23]

Stag Arms, Bushmaster, and RRA would be okay. I'd personally prefer something more mil-spec like CMMG though.
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/largerimage.php?prod_id=526

 

[oh blanky]

Keep doing your homework like you are doing.

I am loyal to bushmaster because of their customer service.

Nothing but good luck with them.

 

[RNB65]

Take a look at Armalite and Colt.

Also, you need to go here:

http://www.ar15.com/

 

[Roadwild17]

There are so many names out there, Noone said anything about DMPS or Olympic. Any of the major names would do, but through my reseach its gona Bushmaster of Rock River for me.

 

[Lebben-B]

DPMS is a good brand, though historically their barrel chambers tend to be tighter than spec. Olympic...some people swear by them, others swear at them. I've never owned an Oly so I can only repeat what others have said.

Mike

 

[Roadwild17]

Bushmaster used to do something stupid, they had a page that was like "bushmaster is number one again" or something like that. Anyway it actually listed other companies that produced (civilian???? AR's I didn't see colt) and how many they produced in a set time. Anyway, after going and researching the others on that list I decided I liked how you could "customize" your rifle from the factory through RRA.

 

[Husker1911]

DSA, famous for their US made FAL rifles, is now marketing M4 ARs. A high quality manufacturer, and worth a look.

 

[ryoushi]

Stag is the best bang for your bucks. Stag is the house brand of Continental Machine and Tool (CMT). CMT is the company that actually makes and resells the parts to people like Noveske and Rock River as well as being a military contractor. By all accounts their stuff is top notch.

A bit pricier is the stuff from Lewis Machine and Tool (LMT) but can't find a bad word anywhere about LMT.

Me I chose a Noveske lower receiver made by CMT. The reason? I like the Crusader's Cross logo and Noveske's company motto:

Stops Jihad On Contact

 

[Oleg Volk]

There's always Sully's http://slr15.com (they have some unique variations, and the designs come from police/civilian gun enthusiasts.)

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

Get a Colt, they cost more - but it is the one-stop-shop. Best QC, mil-spec parts, best manufacturing standards period.


LE 6920 or LE 6520

 

[Husker1911]

Respectfully, Don't Tread, I agree that there was a long time that Colt epitomized quality. I think that time has come and gone.

 

[sully]

I prefer and recommend the SLR15.

There are many features that make this one great rifle. Simple and practical, with reliability built in.

CY6
Greg Sullivan "Sully"
Chief Instructor
http://www.SLR15.com
http://www.TheDefensiveEdge.com

 

[mc223]

In my humble opinion and 2 barrels and 26000 rounds downrange and on target with ZERO jams or malfunctions. BUSHMASTER. There is no other choice.

 

[Lebben-B]

The AR is the M1911A1 of the rifle world, with many makers and after-market products. There are PLENTY of good choices, which is the greatest, and most frustrating, thing about owning an AR.

Mike

 

[BARRETT]

mc223 said............

In my humble opinion and 2 barrels and 26000 rounds downrange and on target with ZERO jams or malfunctions. BUSHMASTER. There is no other choice.

afriend did near 20,000 rounds..... D P M S
I'm thinking as far as the ar-15 world is concerned there all good just some better and some not so.......

 

[Nhsport]

I started with Bushmaster,I now own EA, Bushmaster,Rockriver,Stag,and an Oly upper (9mm).I have shot armalites and colts.I myself would not bother with the colt as I am buying into a system and I don't like the non standard pin sizes. My advise is for the first time buyer (who may not hang onto that first purchase) to stick with Bushmaster or Rock River. There are lots of other good brands out there but you can't beat the resale on bushy or rr. Colts hold their value but you can only sell to a colt guy,many AR guys don't want them.