Which AR for me?

[carolinaman]

Hi there all,

I am getting the "evil black rifle" bug again, but haven't owned a AR style rifle for a couple of years.

Now, I need to find one, but there is one caveat, I am on a budget.

Just as a background, I owned 2 Colt Match sporters a couple of years ago, but had to dispense with them in "tight times".

My question is what are some recommendations on a "shorty" length CAR style AR, i.e. telescoping butt stock and 16" barrel that can be had on a budget?

Is it less expensive to build one?


Thank you,

Chris

 

[P0832177]

Personally with complete lowers being pretty darn cheap these days, it sort makes sense to buy one assembled. I mean you can find lower for 90 bucks plus any ffl fees, then an quality LPK is 60 so and now the stock is 65 or so. Heck there are places that sell a factory assemble lower for that. STAG arms seems to have the deals for 16 inch uppers from various vendors. So you can get one together for about 700. Mags are cheap again!

Accesories will be the death of any budget! Especially ammo!

 

[wdlsguy]

I bought a rifle kit from Del-Ton:

http://www.del-ton.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=79

All you need is a stripped lower receiver and a few tools to put it together.

 

[Gary G23]

Stag Arms is the best bang for the buck.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I would recommend going to http://www.eaglefirearms.net/ and looking around. You can buy a Stag lower with the telestock for $215 and then the upper of your choice for around $430. That's $645 plus shipping.
I bought a RRA middy upper and a Stag stock from them and their service is excellent.

 

[carolinaman]

Thank you all for the information.

It would appear that in most cases, the cost savings are nominal, but I may be wrong regarding buying a complete rifle and building one, i.e. $100.00 either way.

The advantage would appear in building to get the most desirable features you are looking for.

Chris

 

[1911user]

You can find a complete upper (esp. used) for less than $400. You're still ahead if you get a better one for $400-$500. Yes, buying seperate pieces means more chances to customize it for you. Buying a complete upper and lower means no tools required either while saving the 11% fed. excise tax on firearms. Check the Equipment Exchange at ar15.com for used parts and quite a few dealers of new parts.

 

[stormspotter]

Looking for another AR15

A few months ago I found, on Gunsamerica.com , a NIB Bushmaster 16" Target for $700. I had a Bushmaster 16" with A1 sights but also wanted a flattop. Local stores were $900 for one.

While these have the standard stock, I think I still got a bargan.

Good deals are out there, just have to keep looking.

Leonard

 

[wdlsguy]

Stag Arms is the best bang for the buck.

I used a stripped Stag Arms lower for my carbine. It came to $108 with tax.

 

[wdlsguy]

The advantage would appear in building to get the most desirable features you are looking for.

That's why I chose Del-Ton. I was able to customize my carbine kit exactly the way I wanted.

 

[Boe]

I was recently in the same boat. I ended up shopping around and finding a nice flattop dpms with a 14.5" barrel. I picked it up used from a guy at ar15.com for 680 shipped. I was browsing the bargain cave at cabelas a couple days ago and found an eotech holosight used for 190 and picked that up. I really enjoy the setup and am happy with what I paid for it. It shoots great and dpms is only a couple hundred miles from me

 

[BIGPHIL]

I would buy a complete lower half the way you want it, then shop around for uppers. You will save money buying it seperate if you ask me. I built my first one, one part at a time pretty much. Spread it out over a 6 month period buying parts and tools (and getting christmas presents). Last lower I bought was already built with NM trigger. The Equipment Exchange on AR15.com is your friend.

The Stag stuff is hard to beat for the price. I really think Rock River makes the best quality stuff. Lockup on the uppers and lowers is really tight. I have heard that Stags lockup good as well, but dont have any first hand knowledge of them.

The kits from J&T and Del-ton are good. I have seen several 16" bull barrel J&T uppers shoot consistent 1/2" groups at 100 yards.

Have fun.

 

[kahr404life]

Sounds like Stag Arms has a good deal.

 

[f4t9r]

Stag Arms is the best bang for the buck.

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