Looking for some input on a 1st AR purchase. I would like something in the m4 length, fairly basic (ie iron sights) and inexpensive/entry level. Right now it looks like I can have my choice of a M&P Sport II, Ruger 556, or a Core 15 Scout for right around the $500 mark. This is mainly for a fun/range gun. Not planning on doing any long range stuff. Would like something that I can take to the range, have for home defense, and take along on a hog hunt here in central Florida. Anyone with experience with these? Any considerations I should be taking into account? I am a complete AR noob, thanks
Which budget AR 15
- Thread starter bersaguy
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Phaedrus/69
Member
I bought a Core15 and have been really happy with it. Milspec, nice finish, and a lifetime warranty- plus I think they are local to you.
Everready73
Member
Aero AC15 gives you the most for your money. Check Brownells or Primary Arms for sales. SlickGuns is good for price shopping as well. The Aero gives more "Milspec" features than most of the other budget guns and is Midlength gas system. It has a MPI/HPT 158 carpenter Bolt, 7075 reciever extension, 4150 CMV Melonite Barrel that is MPI tested. The other guns in the budget range are missing at least one if not all of these features. The SW Sport for example doesn't have HPT bolt and doesn't say what the steel is (probably9310), the barrel is 4140, and the receiver extension is 6065. I am not saying it is a bad gun, just that the Aero is a better value due to build materials. If its just a range/fun gun it likely wont ever matter. MrGunsAndGear has reviews of both of these on YouTube i believe. I would check them out
bassjam
Member
I have no experience with the Core (I've never even heard of them) but I'm happy with my M&P Sport. My Brother has the Ruger AR556 that he's happy with. If I get a second AR, chances are it'll be the new Savage which I really like what I've seen so far.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the larger gun manufacturers who offer a budget AR rifle.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the larger gun manufacturers who offer a budget AR rifle.
The way gun companies are laying people off and closing I'd stick with one you think will still be around like S&W or Ruger.
Of the ones you mentioned there's not a lot of difference in any of them. I own the Ruger and it has been fine, shot everything I put through it. Mostly reloads for the past 4 or 500 rounds. It surprised me how accurate a 16" carbine can be. I know a few folks who have the S&W and they say the same things I do about their rifle. I'm sure I'd be happy with the S&W and would not hesitate to get one if I were in your shoes.
-Jeff
Phaedrus/69
Member
I've been shooting for around 40 years but this is my first AR so I didn't want to blow a lot of cash on it. Core does tick off a lot of boxes for an entry level gun although it's not mid-length gas. Mine runs great and everything seems to be put together right (eg staked correctly, etc). Iirc I paid $725 to get a version with 14" keymod rail.
Thanks for the input. I'm kinda torn between the S&W and the Core. From what I understand the Ruger has a proprietary bolt, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I guess I'd like to keep things as standard as possible should I want to upgrade things later. I should have my mind made up by tomorrow, would like to get it in soon, and will give report when I do. Thanks guys
Nothing proprietary about my bolt. Everything is standard. The only difference is the barrel nut and the delta ring. You can switch to a standard if you like. I switched hand guards with standard Magpul and it fits no issues with out switching delta rings. Nothing proprietary anywhere else.
-Jeff
FL-NC
Member
I don't know anything about the core, but the Ruger or S&W would be good choices. Those are well established companies with good customer service. Neither would be putting out bad AR's, especially at a time when there are so many other choices available from other competing companies.
Jimfern
Member
Right now seems to be a great time to buy an AR, price wise.
I have the Ruger , did just upgrade to the elite 2 stage trigger, after a year of shooting it, man, what a difference a decent trigger makes. I agree that you should stick with a reputable company S&W, Ruger, etc if you are going to buy entry level
Mine even east the cheap steel case ammo, without complaining, but,I reload, so dont buy that much.
May seem silly to reload for 223, as it is not overly expensive, but, you can reload for about half the price of buying, so you get to shoot more and you can go through some ammo quick with an AR if you let yourself.
d
Mine even east the cheap steel case ammo, without complaining, but,I reload, so dont buy that much.
May seem silly to reload for 223, as it is not overly expensive, but, you can reload for about half the price of buying, so you get to shoot more and you can go through some ammo quick with an AR if you let yourself.
d
cdb1
Member
I'd get the Ruger.
glaizinman
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I own both the Ruger & the S&W sport 2. I bought the Ruger first had a year or so shoots great shoots the cheap stuff and my reloads. Then when the election was coming up I told the wife I better get another AR before they ban them lol. I got the S&W sport 2 not as many rounds through it yet shots great just like the Ruger. IMHO they are both good entry AR's.
grampajack
AR Junkie
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That would also be my recommendation. Don't touch anything that doesn't have a full milspec bolt. You can skimp on pretty much everything else, but not the bolt. Aero has always done me right in the past. I've always thought they were probably better than what people gave them credit for.
Most people will be perfectly happy with whatever bargain AR they buy. Few of us will shoot enough that the parts will make any real difference.
For most of us, AR shooting is recreational in nature and we will not be pounding down doors or clearing dark alleys with our ARs. Everyone's needs will vary but very few will actually need anything other than what the budget guns give you.
Unless you just want it for bragging purposes. or some other reason. Buy what you want. It is your money. get it gold plated if you want.
For most of us, AR shooting is recreational in nature and we will not be pounding down doors or clearing dark alleys with our ARs. Everyone's needs will vary but very few will actually need anything other than what the budget guns give you.
Unless you just want it for bragging purposes. or some other reason. Buy what you want. It is your money. get it gold plated if you want.
Good Ol' Boy
Member
CDNN has the Ruger for $499 right now.
https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-ar556-carbine.html?___SID=U
https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-ar556-carbine.html?___SID=U
il.bill
Member
You could not go wrong for your purposes buying the S&W, the RUGER, or the CORE - they are all great 'entry level' AR15s ...
so, which one did you get?
so, which one did you get?
cdb1
Member
I really like the Ruger.
Joshboyfutre
Member
I've got a Del-ton Sport (I think, its the basic M4 style) with 16" 1:9 twist barrel that I have been thoroughly impressed with. It will shoot moa with a Red dot with some hand loads, but avg accuracy with m193, like any other rifle out there I guess. From the start it has run smoothly and haven't had a single malfunction, and I've put plenty of rounds through it too! Just figured id throw that hat in the ring.
Bbear
Member
I got my Daniel Defense DDM4v7 for only $200! 
in a raffle
Figured that's about the best deal out there.
in a raffle
Figured that's about the best deal out there.
Hokie_PhD
Member
Too bad that's not the regular price on DDs I know I'd buy several!I got my Daniel Defense DDM4v7 for only $200!
in a raffle
Figured that's about the best deal out there.
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