SuperiorMarksman_18
member
I think Olympic Arms and Bushmaster. Though Rock River Arms makes quality AR's, too.
Who do you think makes the best AR's?
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Stevie-Ray
Member
Colt
SigfanUSAF
Member
Aside from the Colt, I'd have to say RRA is the best. Bushmaster and Olympic have too much play between the recievers, not that there is anything wrong with them, I'm just anal, and don't believe a little rubber wedge is a good solution. True, I've handled numerous Colts like that also, but my RRA locks up tighter than a supertanker through the Panama Canal!
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SuperiorMarksman_18
member
Colt makes good guns, but they're really overpriced. I mean, why spend $1,200 on a Colt AR-15 when you can get one from Olympic Arms of equal quality for $750?
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
I have had better luck with RRA than anyone, Bushy next, and then Colt.
My main AR is a RRA, and the backup a Bushy. I sold the Colts a while back.
My main AR is a RRA, and the backup a Bushy. I sold the Colts a while back.
Chris Rhines
Member
Because the Oly Arms AR is not of equal quality to a Colt. Not even close.
That said, Colt's reputation for quality has taken a beating of late. They need to get their QC under control.
Best AR builders that I've dealt with, in no particular order, include MSTN, JP Enterprises, D&L Sports, and Noveske Rifleworks. For a more or less bare-bones plain AR, I like CMMG.
- Chris
I have had good results with DPMS http://www.dpmsinc.com/
DPMS RANKS THIRD IN PRODUCTION OF AR-15's!
DPMS-Panther Arms ranks third in production amongst AR-15 rifle manufacturers according to the 2004 statistics released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. DPMS continues its march to the top of the list, climbing two spots from 2003.
Rifles Manufactured in 2004
Bushmaster: 44,348
Colt: 13,705
DPMS-Panther Arms: 11,889
Armalite: 10,013
Rock River Arms: 8,742
Kel Tec: 7,851
Olympic Arms: 6,554
DPMS RANKS THIRD IN PRODUCTION OF AR-15's!
DPMS-Panther Arms ranks third in production amongst AR-15 rifle manufacturers according to the 2004 statistics released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. DPMS continues its march to the top of the list, climbing two spots from 2003.
Rifles Manufactured in 2004
Bushmaster: 44,348
Colt: 13,705
DPMS-Panther Arms: 11,889
Armalite: 10,013
Rock River Arms: 8,742
Kel Tec: 7,851
Olympic Arms: 6,554
SuperiorMarksman_18
member
I've never had any problems with my Olympic Arms K3B. I've had it since January and have put close to 1,000 rounds through her with no trouble at all.
lance22
Member
DPMS seems to make a very reliable, very accurate rifle. Get it worked over by JP of JP Enterprises and you'll have yourself one fine rifle.
You know ... that .223 goes so fast that it creates an energy bubble in front of it that is so powerful that it can knock down an entire building ... lol just kidding.
You know ... that .223 goes so fast that it creates an energy bubble in front of it that is so powerful that it can knock down an entire building ... lol just kidding.
grizz
Member
IMO:
1. RRA; 2. Bushmaster; 3. Colt (due to cost); 4. Armalite; 5. DPMS; 6. Olympic
1. RRA; 2. Bushmaster; 3. Colt (due to cost); 4. Armalite; 5. DPMS; 6. Olympic
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10-Ring
Member
I shoot w/ a group of about 6 on a regular basis & in recent months, we each have put together CA legal ARs. There is a DPMS, RRA, Stag, Oly & a Bushy represented when we hit the range. So far w/ about 500 rounds through each, no hiccups to speak of and also there were no problems during builds. Since I have the RRA, I'd go w/ that as the best, but the others are equally happy w/ their guns 
Go w/ a good name & get what you want & you should be fine!
Go w/ a good name & get what you want & you should be fine!
It depends on what you mean by best
If you mean best deal for the money I would have to say that you get a lot for a little with Olympic and they are quite accurate. If by best you mean what do the top competitors win the big events with then It has to be Bushmaster hands down as I understand it. Bushmaster also has a lot of government contracts with law enforcement agencies as well and Rock River also has a big contract with DEA I think.
If you mean best deal for the money I would have to say that you get a lot for a little with Olympic and they are quite accurate. If by best you mean what do the top competitors win the big events with then It has to be Bushmaster hands down as I understand it. Bushmaster also has a lot of government contracts with law enforcement agencies as well and Rock River also has a big contract with DEA I think.
ocabj
Member
None of the companies do. The best ARs are built from scratch by the owner. Pick any good milspec lower receiver and pick the specific parts you want:
-stock
-pistol grip
-trigger
-upper receiver
-barrel
-bolt, bolt carrier
-charging handle
-sights
-muzzle attachment (flash hider or brake or none)
-etc
-stock
-pistol grip
-trigger
-upper receiver
-barrel
-bolt, bolt carrier
-charging handle
-sights
-muzzle attachment (flash hider or brake or none)
-etc
lycanthrope
Member
Correct.
MachIVshooter
Member
In my experience, Armalite and Colt have the best workmanship. DPMS, RRA, Eagle and Olyimpic are a bit rough around the edges when put next to the Armalites and Colt's. Bushmasters are nice rifles, but they are not available in some configurations. The S&W M&P 15 also has excellent workmanship, but I haven't yet fired one and, AFAIK, only available as an M-Forgery (shorty handguards w/ 16" tubes=
). I have never seen a Stag in person and cannot comment.
Since Colt is spendy and does not offer mid-length handguard carbines, I choose Armalite.
). I have never seen a Stag in person and cannot comment.Since Colt is spendy and does not offer mid-length handguard carbines, I choose Armalite.
SigfanUSAF, nice setup there with the ACOG. Just put a compact 1.5 x 24 on mine and couldn't be happier.
As to quality, sounds like most mfrs are doing ok. went to the Milwaukee NRA exhibits back in May after researching everything I could (internet chatter and noise) and looked at everything I could lay hands on.
Finally went with the Bushmaster in the basic M4gery rendition, with A1 rear sight. Only complaint I had was with the 9# or so creepy trigger (about par for the course on a stock gun, I think) which I replaced with a Jard non-adjustable. With the ACOG and that I had sights I could see (!) and a trigger I could love. Only have about 400 rounds through it so far but it is running just fine.
Owned a Colt CAR-15 back in the late 80s and shot it quite a lot. It too was a good little gun, but in all honesty I cannot see any difference between the current BM and it. (The Colt had a lousy trigger, too.)
I would buy another one. As a matter of fact I may buy two, one for each kid (They grew up to be shooters).
As to quality, sounds like most mfrs are doing ok. went to the Milwaukee NRA exhibits back in May after researching everything I could (internet chatter and noise) and looked at everything I could lay hands on.
Finally went with the Bushmaster in the basic M4gery rendition, with A1 rear sight. Only complaint I had was with the 9# or so creepy trigger (about par for the course on a stock gun, I think) which I replaced with a Jard non-adjustable. With the ACOG and that I had sights I could see (!) and a trigger I could love. Only have about 400 rounds through it so far but it is running just fine.
Owned a Colt CAR-15 back in the late 80s and shot it quite a lot. It too was a good little gun, but in all honesty I cannot see any difference between the current BM and it. (The Colt had a lousy trigger, too.)
I would buy another one. As a matter of fact I may buy two, one for each kid (They grew up to be shooters).
johnsonrlp
Member
H&K, FN, and Sig
GTKrockeTT
Member
Don't overlook STAG...arguably the best bang for the buck.
MTMilitiaman
Member
Stag...best bang for buck...hahahaha. Stag...buck...funny.
rra_casper
Member
Got the RRA and never looked back...love the thing.
My second choice would have been Oly, and my friend has no complaint with his, but I think I got a magnificent product for just a few bucks more.
My second choice would have been Oly, and my friend has no complaint with his, but I think I got a magnificent product for just a few bucks more.
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