Which AR-15 brand & configuration should I go with?

[Cru5ader]

I've been looking at purchasing an AR-15 rifle for a while, and decided that I am going to finally go through with it in the next month or so.

I originally hoped to get myself a RECCE/SASS type configuration, as I hoped to work on my precision shooting skills. However, I decided that I would rather get a bolt-action 308 for that and get something smaller, and in a lighter caliber, for the AR. (by the way, I'm not dead set on a bolt-action rifle over an AR-10, so if you can convince me to go with the latter then be my guest).

First, brand:
I'm not sure which manufacturer I should go with. I've looked at my share, and the names that continue to come up as the most reliable makers are, in no particular order: Bushmaster, RRA, LaRue, DPMS, Colt, S&W, and Wilson Combat. If there are other better ones, please don't hesitate to suggest. Are any of these (or others) better than the rest? Perhaps they use better quality parts, or are put assembled with greater care, and are therefore more reliable? Please guide me on choosing the best brand.

Second, configuration:
I'm half certain and half uncertain about this. What I'm certain about is that I would like a relatively short rifle, and 5.56/.223 caliber. But what I'm not sure of yet is if I want to buy a stock rifle and build onto it, or if I should buy one with all of the upgrades already added by the manufacturer? Two reasons why I am uncertain about this are: (1) I may want to upgrade it myself later from a stock piece, and I imagine it might be an advantage to get used to using a stock rifle first so that I can get comfortable with the basics and appreciate whatever upgrades I make to it later a lot more (not to mention that I may have a better idea later on of what it is that I actually want to upgrade); and (2) perhaps if I buy it already upgraded (at least with the base parts that I will upgrade later anyways) I will save both time and money on any upgrades that I would otherwise make in the future, which would probably leave me with a pile of unused parts.

By the way, price isn't much of a factor, but I would like to keep it relatively low (perhaps $2K or less, though I may consider paying more if it's worth it), excluding the priciest accessories (ie: scope and flashlight).

This is my dilemma, and who better to present it to than the experts at THR. So what are your recommendations? Any advice that you can offer is much appreciated, and thank you ahead of time for your responses.

 

[Tarvis]

Check out Bravo Company Manufacturing's rifles. They are always out of stock, but I finally got my order in two days ago. On paper they look to be as close to milspec as you can get; HPT barrels, chrome lining is standard, 1/7 twist, F marked front sight, M4 ramps standard, MPI barrel. They should be top notch, especially when paired with one of their BCG's, if you can get your hands on one that is.

For configuration, I say buy a stripped lower, parts kit, stock you want, grip you want, upper and bcg and throw them all together. That way you know every piece that is in the rifle.

 

[Knucklehead2]

Here are some others worth considering:
http://www.noveskerifleworks.com/
http://www.lewismachine.net/
Or a tricked out Colt would be nice.
Personally, if I had the money, Noveske N4.
I have a Bushmaster only because I did not have the money or the real need for a high end AR.
Happy shopping.

 

[ilbob]

Go shoot a few. I have shot different ones, and I could not tell a whole lot of difference between brands. My guess is there is a lot less difference than people would have you think.

The basic rifle is not all that different, but all the gadgets are.

I suggest finding some people who have different gadgets and try them. I think you might find an adjustable stock a good thing, a sling, maybe optical sights of some sort.

part of what you have to do is decide what it is that you want first. plinker, hunting, home defense, some combination of those?

 

[hags]

I have a Bushmaster only because I did not have the money or the real need for a high end AR.

What do you need a "high-end" AR for? Status symbol, cool factor, got money to blow of specifications you don't need?

There are companies and individuals out there making top notch, high quality, "high end" ARs and more power to them.

However, you could do maybe 30 minutes of work to your Bushmaster and it'd be good to go for just about any enviorment including combat. I'm not sure that Bushmaster uses 4150 CMV machine gun barrels so I won't say it's ready for sustained full auto use but you get the idea.

Get a Stag, Bushmaster, LMT, or Colt.

 

[RP88]

you gotta say what you intend to do with it.

Range toy? Just about any brand that has good reviews - from Olympic to Bushmaster - will be fine and last forever (or much longer than it'll take you to buy a second, third, fourth, and fifth AR ).

range toy/light beat-up gun? Once again, most brands - olympic to Bushie to whatever - will work great. Not quite adept for carbine courses or urban combat unless you add some extra chrome in them, though.

preparing for the zombie hordes? Something close to an all-purpose service/combat/defense rifle? Colt, LMT, Noveleske. They make guns as close to mil-spec as possible. Nothing else will come close or be as service-supported than those three.

 

[shuvelrider]

Take a look at what Charles Daly is offering, the CDD-15 M4 cabine is what I have and its a very solid shooter, with any factory shells or my reloads. They make other configurations but do your homework on whatever you buy from any maker, so you,ll be happy with it. From the above post, CD is 4th on THE CHART. But that is all about features and mil-standard features included. Simply do your homework and ask questions and make up your own mind on what will make you happy.