Thinking about getting an AR

[paralaska]

OK . . . I'm thinking about getting an AR, and would just like some opinions. . . . I don't want to hunt moose with it . . . Just thinking a gun to shoot for fun, and to use for self defense or if the SHTF. I've owned hunting rifles and know that there are better calibers and rifles for that purpose, but think the .223 would be a good general purpose plinking, self defense, or varmint round, and ammo should be maybe a little less expensive and easier to get. I reload for my 44 & 45 handguns, and would probably get into reloading for the .223 also. It's like I want one . . . but am not sure exactly why . . . need some moral support . . . . Help me out . . .

 

[NWCP]

I've avoided the AR bug for quite some time now. My only .223 is a bolt action CZ 527. I punch paper and hunt varmint with it and it has served me well. Lately I've contemplated getting a AR pattern rifle. Not really sure why. I don't need it, but I'm certain I would enjoy shooting it. It would be a just because rifle to me. Just because I want one... assuming I get one in the first place.

 

[LiquidTension]

Cheap ammo as far as centerfire rifles go, low recoil, lots of options... what's not to like? I can safely say that I shoot my AR more than any other rifle I own. Buy one, you won't regret it

 

[tju1973]

I sold my Ak (WASR 10-- which was one of the good ones for some reason)to buy an AR-- I liked the AK, but it never felt right to me. I had some issues finding 7.62x39 locally during the height of the panic, but never had a problem finding .223...For plinking, 'yotes, and defense, .223/5.56 is cheap enough, and easy on the shoulder-- plus I was brought up on, and was an instructor on an AR15 (M16a2) in the Corps...

I know it better, and feel better carrying it..either one is great, but for function and coold add on doohikies, the AR made better sense for me..

YMMV

 

[ATAShooter]

After have had a 20" Classic ( Vietnam A2, full stock, triangle guards ) for years now, let me suggest a couple things.... The 16" barrel would be better to have ( to me ) than the 20. Get the collapsable stock instead of the fixed A2. Last, get flat top with removable sights is a lot more versatile than a fixed handle. Using optics on a fixed handle is a pain. If you have the option to get it in 5.56, do that. That way military NATO OR store bought .223 runs smooth thru it. 5.56 in a .223 sometimes ( I said sometimes ) has chambering issues, due to the thicker cases.

I really like to put my Ceiner .22 LR kit in it and pop cans.

 

[Frankl03]

You will enjoy shooting it! Its versatile! Pick the rifle based on what you would like to use it for! There are many choices. Also right now prices are way down. You can't go wrong. Just spend some time thinking through what you want to use it for and base your purchase on that. Also look at the quality level you want and go with a brand that represents that.

I have owned several Aks and after owning a couple of ARs its like night and day. Ars are way more accurate!. Also way more easy to scope and mod!

 

[GPWASR10]

Yup, you need an AR, they're fun weapons to tinker with to be sure, and are accurate and have great ergos. In my experience you can go with just about any brand and do ok. Stag makes a ton of M4 copies, Bushmaster has alot more options and finally DPMS who makes a dizzying array of patterns in about as many calibers as you can handle.

Out of the rifles I have seen/shot/toyed with I like DPMS, seem to be a little more accurate out of the box on the whole. My 20" DPMS Hbar upper seems to print slightly better groups then my buddies RR Varmint A4. That being said, although you can have DPMS chrome a bbl in their "build your own rifle" store on their web site, it is rare to find one in a gun store with that option. So if that is important to you, you might consider Bushmaster. Although you could always put a new bbl later, these things are ridiculously easy to re barrel.

However every part in these rifles is pretty easy to change out/upgrade, I have about 7 different companies present in my AR build....

Which brings me to my next statement...

Consider rolling your own (which is what I did, scroll down to my post "My AR-15" for pics). AR's are easy to build and either screw, or are roll pinned together, you can buy it piece meal and assemble it as it comes in to spread out the cost and wait for sales on parts you need. The only component that needs to be shipped to an FFL is the stripped lower. If you go this route you will end up either saving a few bucks, or building a far better gun then you could have gotton buying one complete with the same amount of money. Not to mention just about all these companies out source their components to third parties anyways. (*Protip: the Spike's Tactical Lower matches EXACTLY the color of the DPMS uppers ;-))

I don't think I will ever buy a complete AR again... they are just so much fun to put together...