Which AR?

[basicblur]

I will save up and buy the best. I just want something that is a good shooter that is fairly easy to maintain.

Well, from a cheap SOB pragmatist (and there are few of us left), iff'n it were me:
1. I'd get an M4 style-for what you say you want it for, a carbine is plenty accurate enough, light, and is a pretty good "do it all".
2. You want name, quality, with no muss/fuss-find a (new) Colt LE6920 for under $1300-they're out there.
3. If you really want to save some money with no hassle, RRA has a good reputation-'course, there are going to be the usual haters out there!

If you want to get deeper than that for your first AR, the previous link I posted should keep you busy for a while!

'Course, everbody's gonna suggest a "specialist" AR etc, but for your stated needs, I'd recommend starting out with the M4 style, and use the money you save for optics, etc.

Iff'n you do want a boutique AR, I"ll talk to my relative-he's got an AR with a heavy stainless barrel and 'bout 7 lbs of weights in it-only weighs around 16 lbs!

Gotta luv those bench rest boyz!

 

[greyling22]

I'm not saying that 4 inches will make no difference. it probably will. but maybe not all that much. I'm just saying that most AR guys are reporting 1-2 inch groups with quality ammo at 100 yds if they do their part. I'm sure with a longer barrel etc you could do better, but I don't think it's really needed for hogs.

I personally went with a midlength gov profile barrel. my father in law has a Hbar (heavy barrel) AR that just feels to heavy to carry around. though it can't weigh more than a pound more. My boss has the bushmaster carbon 15 which weighs very little.

Don't be afraid to make the wrong decision. if you don't like what you get, sell the upper and buy a different one. they are plentiful ad you shouldn't take too big a hit financially. it's not like selecting a wife.

 

[grace2u]

@greyling, lol kinda hard to trade a wife in isn't it? Well, I'm probably going to buy one in 16" or 18" in 223 to start with and if I like it, I'm going to retire the old winchester and pick up one for deer also. They are just much more comfortable to me, so I'll be buying a whole family I'm sure, down to a .22 to scare the bejeez out of squirrels.

 

[gidaeon]

I recommend going mid-length over carbine if you go 16". My 2c.

 

[RP88]

^ +1

unless you're gonna get a 14.5" with a pinned flash hider or go the route of NFA SBR-making, the midlength is best for a 16" barrel, since it'll be more natural, lighter on the action, and more balanced.

Without the shorter barrel, the carbine system is kind of self-defeating, since it's not saving as much weight or being as compact as it's supposed to.

 

[BlayGlock]

I think to just keep it simple I am going to get a S&W M&P. I trust thier name and warranty, and it seems like I can get a goodone with the features I want for a good price.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[greyling22]

good choice. don't forget the coupon for the 5 free magpul mags with the smith.

cdnn has them for 800 (flat top glas block rail)and will ding you about 25 for shipping. I've used them. decent company. come with 10 thermold and 5 magpul mags.