What to get for my 1st AR? Need help!

[mosttoyswins]

Hey guys,

Pistol shooter here.

I went shooting with my boss this week and he had a Bushmaster AR-15 that I had a blast shooting and now I have caught the AR bug.

I am wondering what is a solid, affordable, entry level AR-15 that is capable of being modded extensively if I want to down the road, and last for a long time.

My boss said he regretted getting the Bushmaster AR that he cannot remove the carrying handle from. He said it is an A1 or A2 or something.

So when suggesting an AR for me, please make sure you explain the different features of each so I learn what the different model numbers mean.

Also suggest some of the more popular "essential" modifications. I may want to shoot some 3 gun matches down the road.

Thanks in advance and fire away!

 

[Texfire]

Probably the most productive thing you can do is run a search in the forums for AR. There is a wealth of information on ARs and the difference between the various models and manufacturers. Your question has been answered many times by people more articulate and experienced than I.

 

[waterhouse]

I'd reccomend deciding *now* what you want in the gun. I think I spent about 2 months trying to figure out what features I wanted.

If you want a detachable carry handle so you can mount an Eotech or something, make sure you get a flat top. I skipped the carry handle all together and got a flat top with back up irons. A lot of guys buy a certain model and then start switching parts, so they end up with a box full of original parts that they don't need (at which point you decide "well, I've got this box of parts, if I buy another receiver I'll almost have another whole gun." This is dangerous, as it is a never ending cycle.) It's nice to have a plan before you start so you end up very close to where you want to finish right off the bat.

Also, it's not really a cost saving measure (it is, but barely), but someone told me to build my first lower from a stripped one and it was a great learning experience.

 

[Cacique500]

There's an excellent forum that's dedicated to AR's...http://www.ar15.com - you'll find TONS of info there.

One thing with AR's is you don't want to go 'cheap' - you get what you pay for and a malfunctioning AR is going to drive you up the wall. I'd go with a top brand name (Colt, Bushmaster) and not screw around with mixing and matching uppers & lowers. Some guys get away with it but more often than not they have problems. General rule of thumb...if your AR can't fire Wolf it's not a good SHTF rifle!

Make sure you get one that's chambered for 5.56 and not just .223 - that way you can use milsurp ammo OR commercial ammo and not worry about it.

I took the AR plunge last year right after the ban expired and got a Colt LE6920. It runs like a champ, eats everything I feed it, and I've been extremely happy with it. Costs a little bit more but for a fully reliable SHTF rifle it was worth it to me.

Also check the twist rates on the barrels - mine is a 1/7 twist...don't get a 1/12 twist as you'll be limited as to bullet weights that you can use. 1/9 is a good twist rate as well. If you want to do mods like hanging lasers/lights you may want to take a look at the Colt 6721 (has the 'standard' handguards which my 6920 does not).

 

[RM]

Yes, definitely check out ar15.com. I think these days most buyers want flat top ar's. And consider building your own with the help of the "build it yourself" forum on ar15.com! I built my ar rather than buy it, starting with a Rock River Arms stripped lower. It is a fun challenge and not that difficult. You will have to do some reading and also research which parts you want. The outcome for me was WELL WORTH IT!

 

[Lex]

Bushmaster 16" M4 A3 .223 Carbine

Bushmaster 16" M4 A3 .223 Carbine
Item#Bush-BCWA3F16M4
In Stock, and ready for shipment!
The Bushmaster M4 A3 Type Carbines combine light weight with plenty of .223 caliber firepower. The chrome lined barrel offers maximum longevity and accuracy. A telescoping buttstock brings light weight, ease of carrying and quick handling. Forged, lightweight 7075T6 aircraft quality aluminum receivers are designed for simplicity of maintenance and reliability of operation. They incorporate all M16A2 design improvements including cartridge case deflector, last round bolt hold-open and raised ridges for magazine release button protection. A mil. spec. Manganese phosphate outer coating insures complete protection against corrosion or rust on the barrel and all other critical steel parts of the weapon. Carbine includes a permanently installed A2 Flash Suppressor and is shipped in a Bushmaster hard plastic, lockable storage case complete with Black Web Sling, 30 Round Magazine, Operating and Safety Instruction Manual and One Year Warranty.

To Order please call Toll Free, 888-748-5252


Price: $819.95

From AimSurplus.com


Or

Rock River Entry Tactical Rifle
No-Ban chrome lined
$859.00
From adcofirearms.com



If you go with A(Armalite) B (Bushmaster) C (Colt) D(DPMS) or R (Rock River)
you can't go wrong (generally speaking).

Buy some 30 round mags and lots of ammo. Get good with iron sights then move on to Aimpoint or EOTech for optics!


Happy Blasting!


Lex in NC

 

[dmftoy1]

My advice would be to pick up an assembled lower for $250 or so and then watch the equipment exchange on AR15.com and pick up a used Busy or RRA A3 upper (flattop). You can always add the carry handle later if it doesn't come with one. My preference would be to pick up an M4 style lower and an M4 style upper for my first rifle. (although I find I enjoy shooting my 20 inch A3 more than my 16 in "M4 A3 lately)

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave

PS - The reason I'm recommending the above route is that you could probably get into a rifle for around $550-$600 that way pretty easily and after shooting it for awhile change to something different and get your money back out of what you've already bought. I picked up an almost new upper on AR15.com for $320, shot it for awhile and then sold it for pretty much what I paid for it.