Thinking of buying an SR556

[sequins]

Hello Friends,

I've always been more interested in handguns than rifles due to the limited ranges at which I am able to shoot, but I've always thought it would be cool to do some research and build my own AR-15 some day. Now I'm considering buying one pre-assembled because I don't want to wait any longer but I still just don't have the time or inclination to do a build. So, I just need to decide which one to buy...

Budget is $2,000 and honestly I only know the basics of twist rate and gas systems and etc so I'm looking for a medium-high end rookie rifle I guess. I'm not sensitive to weight really so anything less than 10 pounds would be fine by me.

Based on those parameters and the fact that I have a bunch of Ruger handguns I took a look at their SR556, which looks nice, but then I only know their handguns so I have no idea if their handgun brilliance translates into AR15s.

Should I buy an SR556 or something else guys?

 

[badkarmamib]

Not that I own either (I built mine with PSA kits, and Spike's, Core15, CMMG, and Anderson lowers), but for a GOOD pre-assembled I would look at Bravo Company or Daniel Defense, based on other satisfied users. I really like BCM's work, DD has some odd furniture, but it appeals to some. Just two companies that stand behind their products and have a very large following.

 

[avan47]

The original M16/AR15 was a direct gas impingment design
which took gas from the barrel through a gas tube directly into the action to start the action cycle. The gas tube also carried heat and powder fowling into the action, and there were problems in the early use of the M16 malfunctioning in sustained fire fights. These problems have been mostly overcome. Some companies use a gas piston design in their MSRs, and the actions run cooler and cleaner, but they are heavier and more expensive to manufacture. In theory, the DGI design is more accurate than the GP design since it has no moving parts attached to the barrel.
I do not own an MSR,but I have been looking at them. I like the cleaner cooler running GP design, but not the increased cost or weight. For my use, I don't think I would notice the difference in accuracy. I do own Ruger guns, and like them very much. The SR556 is a gas piston gun, and Ruger has come out with a takedown version which I think would be very useful.
All that being said, I also have high regard for the Daniel Defense guns, and several other brands.

 

[Jackal]

Price vs performance, the $$$$ Ruger loses hard to other higher end AR15's. For around $1200-$1400, you can get a top of the line AR15 from Daniel Defense or you can get a BCM Recce for $850 from Brownells and add the rail of your choosing. Pistons are interesting, but in the real world, they offer little to no improvement to the lifespan of the weapon and often times, ad points of failure that the DI system doesnt have.

If you want the Ruger, just be aware that its heavier, less accurate and more expensive than an equivalent AR15.

 

[Fishbed77]

All ARs are take-down......

Google "carrier tilt."

IMHO $2000 will buy a much nicer rifle from LWRC, LMT, BCM, or DD.

 

[basicblur]

Should I buy an SR556 or something else guys?

Save your money - since this is your first AR, I'd go with either:
1. Ruger AR-556
2. M&P Sport / Sport II

Any particular reason you're looking at a piston over DI AR?

I've never been impressed with piston AR's, and really don't like the extra weight hanging "out there".

 

[sequins]

So it seems the general opinion is poor value for the money, huh? That's completely the opposite of their handguns! I'm glad I asked...

I think the reason a GP appeals to me is that they are said to be easier to clean, same with the takedown part everyone says cleaning can be hard and as a rookie I want "easier" and "more durable" even if it's at a (hopefully sleight) cost to performance. Weight also isn't a big problem and I've found that as a young man weight doesn't fatigue me as much as untamed recoil, so I'd rather a heavier gun that shoots softer to a lighter gun that pounds me.

The Ruger name and reputation for service is a big part of preferring a Ruger. I can get one of these OTD for $1,700 which while not cheap is well within my budget. Seems others think I could surpass the Ruger at this price point so I'm tempted... What manufacturer is the closest to Ruger in terms of support and warranty work that offers one of the better rifles?

I suppose if I go GP this time I'll go DI the next time or vice versa. Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[Jackal]

Buy a Daniel Defense or a BCM and you wont need a warranty .

 

[basicblur]

I think the reason a GP appeals to me is that they are said to be easier to clean...

I don't see it - I always thought piston AR's were a solution looking for a problem. After all, how many DI guns are out there vs. problems caused by DI?

Hey, you still have to clean them - you're just moving the crap from one place to the other and you run the risk of having an orphan should the maker of your choice decide they're no longer going to make piston AR's.

The only possible thing I've seen that might lean towards a piston AR is when used with suppressors, and that seems to be in very specific instances.

Weight also isn't a big problem and I've found that as a young man weight doesn't fatigue me as much as untamed recoil, so I'd rather a heavier gun that shoots softer to a lighter gun that pounds me.

You may not think weight bothers you, but if you have to lug it or have it in a firing position for any amount of time, you'll quickly find out the extra weight of a piston AR can be a real PITA.

AFA recoil...surely you jest? Recoil on an AR?

FWIW, I own only RRA and Colts (well, a Tavor and ARX-100), but if another one was to follow me home it would probably be the M&P Sport II or the AR-556.

An interesting useless little tale...
A local Class III shop owner took his annual vacation to Mexico - he was asked at the border where he worked, and told them he owned a gun shop.

He said everything went smoothly, but as he was going thru the line the guard shot him a question (he thought he was testing him);
Guard: Hey...piston or DI?
Shop Owner: DI.
Guard: Why?
Shop Owner: Fewer parts, no proprietary parts, less weight, dependability.
Guard: Right on...have a nice trip!

 

[JonB]

Another mid range option is Aero Precision. Then you have plenty left over (like 1000) for mags, ammo, optic, etc.

Also, no AR chambered in .223/5.56 has recoil that will 'pound you' no matter how light the gun.

Heck CDNN has a deal right now for a Colt 6920 for $900. Then as I said, buy optics, mags and ammo with the rest. If you plan on running the gun hard, 3 gun competitions, etc then you may be better served with a BCM or DD. If not, you have a lot of options in the 900-1000 range.

 

[Jackal]

The only possible thing I've seen that might lean towards a piston AR is when used with suppressors

They suck for that too, as they are generally louder running than DI rifles, which sort of negates any perceived gas dissipation the piston may provide. I'll buy an adjustable gas block to combat excessive gas AND stay quiet. Piston pop sucks.

 

[Jimfern]

CDNN just sent out an email with these prices - Ruger AR556 $749.99 - Ruger SR556 $1199.99 but I agree with the poster above that the Colt they have on sale is a better buy. I do own a Colt AR15 and have been very happy with it.

 

[Fishbed77]

Buy a Daniel Defense or a BCM and you wont need a warranty .

Nailed it.

 

[agtman]

Buy a Daniel Defense or a BCM and you wont need a warranty.

DD and BCM are 100% GTG. Top tier, combat ready.

 

[sequins]

Well it sounds like DD is the way to go.

Is the Ruger so overpriced it isn't worth getting at all, or is it a good but not the best type of option? I just like Ruger a lot and so I'm giving them a bit of irrational brand loyalty. I can get over it I suppose...

...also now that I'm looking the Daniel Defense M4 Carbine MK12 SPR looks to be in short supply...