Advice - First AR15

Semper Noctem · Sep 6, 2011

Gentlemen,

An ladies for that matter. Don’t mean to be sexist - women punch holes in paper too.

This is my first post to the forum and I’ve got to say I love what you guys/gals are doing here. I moved from Florida last year and it’s been refreshing to discover a community of people who share in my love of guns and more importantly - my right to own one. :patriot:

Stepping down from my soapbox now…
I am in the market for my first AR-15 and I need some advice, nay - guidance. I’ve read a lot of post from brand loyal enthusiast who think that its “brand X or the highway”, but what I really want is some objective and unbiased input. So here it goes:

I’m looking to stay around $1200 (+ or preferably -) and I want a mil-spec (or close to it) 16” A3 style weapon in 5.56. I am considering Colt, Smith and Wesson, and Bushmaster, but I am open to other brands as well. Basically, I want a quality weapon that wont crap out when I need it most. I don’t plan to go crazy with ad-ons, but I want an AR with the capability of customization - so no proprietary designs that only take specific and obscure aftermarket parts.

Sidebar: I've seen the "chart" so please dont send me a link to it.

The primary purpose of this weapon will be recreation. However, I’m a “prepper” at heart so I want to be able to rely on it in a SHTF type situation. :gun2:

I live in Silver Spring and would love some advice/input on where to go to purchase. I have looked through the partners here, but any other info would be great!

Thanks in advance for your help!

fivepointstar · Sep 6, 2011

Welcome!!

I think any of these you mentioned

Colt, Smith and Wesson, and Bushmaster

would be just perfect for your budget!

boardboy330 · Sep 6, 2011

WELCOME!!

Spike Tactical makes a really solid AR/M platform. For around $800 you can have a nice weapon system to be proud of.

As for optics...

Bushnell TRS-25 RedDot - $100
EOTech 512 - $400-600
Aimpoint CompM4 - $800

I used the Bushnell TRS-25 on Wifeys rifle...works like a charm. So on the low end...$1000 (includes FFL fees and taxes) on the top end $1800.

As far as "upgrades"...I personally like the MOE stuff from Magpul. For around $200 you can change out the Fore, Grip, Stock, and Mags.

wagtail · Sep 6, 2011

I found a used Colt Match Target Comp hbar at my local gun shop for $750.00.Added
a Leopold Mark Ar 3 9X40 T-2 scope;and a Leopold Mark 2 Q/D mount. At 100 yds..Bench resting..Can put 10 rds into target,cover with a Quarter. My biggest complaint.
I shoulda bought one of these things years ago. Next purchase a shorter,lighter AR-!5.
You can't have just one! If i was a morman I would marry the bloody thing!
Welcome to the group.
Wagtail

Rocky BearDog · Sep 6, 2011

I'm new too - My 2nd post.

Sounds like you have a decent budget to work with so there are plenty of options. I just got a Smith and Wesson M&P Sport in 5.56 and it is a blast to shoot. For the cost, it can't be beat. No forward assist or dust cover - from what I've read, military vets usually disapprove of those components not being there, but for me it's just been great.

jmira · Sep 6, 2011

Daniel Defense makes a great rifle...

Alaskacajun · Sep 6, 2011

Out of the 3 you mentioned, I say get the Colt... I'm not sure if you want a rifle or a carbine but if it's a carbine you can't go wrong with the Colt 6920.

With that said, Spike's Tactical was mentioned... & I would also recommend them as well!

- Clint

boardboy330 · Sep 6, 2011

wagtail said:
Next purchase a shorter,lighter AR-!5.
You can't have just one!

Check out the Carbon 15. 5.5lbs at 16".

BigTerpAJ · Sep 6, 2011

I was in the market 2 years ago for a AR....Decided to go with Daniel Defense. Read some good things and talked to a lot of people and heard a lot of good things. I love it. Never had any problems!! Picked it up from Engage Armament in Kensington. they just got back from a gun show so i got it for around $1000

Semper Noctem · Sep 6, 2011

I haven't looked into Daniel or Spikes, but I have to admit there are a bunch of good reviews out there about both of them. Im definitely going to look into them.

Just to clarify - Im looking for a rifle close to mil-spec, so no Hbar for me. Good info though thanks!

Bootknife · Sep 6, 2011

I have Colt,DPMS,Spikes and like them all but would not buy any of the newer DPMS do to recent QC issues.I have recently built some w/Spikes lowers and Stag,Delton,Spikes uppers. I am still evaluating the MilSpec variations.Many trigger options are available as well.This forum will give You a lot of info.Danial Defense and Noveske are great mfgr's on the upper end.Enjoy and good luck!

mudskipper · Sep 6, 2011

Whatever you get, shoot it a lot.

Take a carbine course the next time one is offered. Play with it as often as you can afford to. Make it your goal to wear out the rifle. And get it scratched immediately, too. Maybe even drop it. That way all the anxiety about it being shiny and new is gone.

Just don't hide it in the safe and shoot is a couple times a year.

Semper Noctem · Sep 6, 2011

Not a problem there. You should see my 1911 - it has more than its fair share of "beauty marks."

Alaskacajun · Sep 6, 2011

Since you're apparently having fun researching these rifles... Google ~ Pat Rogers Filthy 14 Bravo Company midlength

I own 1 just like it...

- Clint

BradMacc82 · Sep 6, 2011

I have heard a lot of good things about S&W, Spike's, and Daniel Defense also. I can't comment on those specifically, I have 2 Stag Arms pieces myself, and for the money spent, I have no complaints. Entry level Stags new are around 800 while the upper-end gets up to 1200 for Piston-driven, they also offer 6.8 SPC if 5.56 leaves you wanting more. Good luck, there's many options and welcome.

Semper Noctem · Sep 6, 2011

Who sells BCM in MD?

jimbobborg · Sep 6, 2011

Buy the upper and lower separately. They are easy to put together and you save the 10% excise tax on a complete rifle. Buy the "regulated" part in MD, get the upper online.

Jim

clandestine · Sep 6, 2011

Best bang for the buck is this:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...Elite+CHF+5.56/.223+Upper+Receiver&groupid=55

You get a Hammer Forged Barrel (Longer Barrel Life and Match Accuracy in a Meduim Weight)

Mid Length Gas System (Softens Recoil, Cooler Running, and Better Timing than Carbine Gas and has longer sight radius)

Nickel Boron M16 Bolt Group (Runs Cleaner and is easier to clean)

M4 Ramps (Feeds better from marginal quality mags)

If you cant find that barrel instock you would be fine with a std barreled Spikes Upper Assembly. Joebob outfitters has great prices. Get a Mid length version.

Find a shop locally that Stocks Spikes M4 complete lowers. They have rounded hammers, milspec receiver extensions, and heavy buffers. You can get one for under $300 if you shop.

From there get:

Magpul MBUS2 rear sight
Some Magpul PMAGS or Lancer Mags (Best Mags available)
Spikes Dynacomp or a Battlecomp (Reduces recoil but dont BARK like most brrakes)
PRI (Military) Extended Charging Latch

If you want a rail I would suggest a YHM Lightweight or Diamond Series Mid Length Free Float Rail

BradMacc82 · Sep 6, 2011

BCM you can get online and just transfer in Md.

Russ D · Sep 6, 2011

clandestine said:
Best bang for the buck is this:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...Elite+CHF+5.56/.223+Upper+Receiver&groupid=55

You get a Hammer Forged Barrel (Longer Barrel Life and Match Accuracy in a Meduim Weight)

Mid Length Gas System (Softens Recoil, Cooler Running, and Better Timing than Carbine Gas and has longer sight radius)

Nickel Boron M16 Bolt Group (Runs Cleaner and is easier to clean)

M4 Ramps (Feeds better from marginal quality mags)

If you cant find that barrel instock you would be fine with a std barreled Spikes Upper Assembly. Joebob outfitters has great prices. Get a Mid length version.

Find a shop locally that Stocks Spikes M4 complete lowers. They have rounded hammers, milspec receiver extensions, and heavy buffers. You can get one for under $300 if you shop.

From there get:

Magpul MBUS2 rear sight
Some Magpul PMAGS or Lancer Mags (Best Mags available)
Spikes Dynacomp or a Battlecomp (Reduces recoil but dont BARK like most brrakes)
PRI (Military) Extended Charging Latch

If you want a rail I would suggest a YHM Lightweight or Diamond Series Mid Length Free Float Rail

This is great advice, but if it was my money I would buy a good complete lower and a Noveske upper. Daniel Defence, BCM, and Colt are all solid options. I wouldn't spend 1200$ on anything but these options.

Advice - First AR15

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