Need advice.

[sawilson005]

Hello to all... I'm new here and have come for a little advice. I'm looking to purchase my first ar15. Probably gonna go the used route. Been looking at a couple different ones, trying to keep it under $550 or so since it's my first and don't want to break the bank starting out. Been looking at a Smith & Wesson M+P 15 sport II, or an ATI AR-15 or Savage MSR-15 Patrol. Any help or advice is appreciated. 

[Garufa]

You can get all kinds of brand new AR’s for less than $550 unless you just don’t want to buy new from a dealer.

Don’t have any specific recommendations because there are just so many options.  The S&W is very well respected.  Don’t know much about the Savage.  You might also check Palmetto State Armory online.  They are a giant in the business and generally are excellent rifles with lots options and features for the price. 

 

[sawilson005]

I've got a 9mm I bought new from a dealer but I have some some friends that are saying I shouldn't get an AR from a dealer so no paper leads to it. Which I dont really get. Figured I'd ask here.

[Garufa]

9 minutes ago, sawilson005 said:

I've got a 9mm I bought new from a dealer but I have some some friends that are saying I shouldn't get an AR from a dealer so no paper leads to it. Which I dont really get. Figured I'd ask here.

I really wouldn’t worry about it too much. After The Man comes to take our guns and you’re ever found with one that can’t be explained, you’ll be put under the jailhouse. 

 

[sawilson005]

[Ronald_55]

Just go something like this

Completed lower $99

https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar-15-lower-classic-edition.html

Complete upper with bcc and charging handle.

$179

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html

Total before and tax, shipping, background check, or transfer. 

$280

Buy 10 mags, use code pmag 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/magpul-pmag-30-5-56x45-magazine-mag571-blk.html

$79.90

SHIPPING & HANDLING (SHIPPING OPTION - GROUND)

$34.00

TAX $29.04

Transfer $25

Bgc $10

Total

$458

 

 

[Garufa]

11 minutes ago, Ronald_55 said:

Just go something like this

Completed lower $99

https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar-15-lower-classic-edition.html

Complete upper with bcc and charging handle.

$179

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html

Total before and tax, shipping, background check, or transfer. 

$280

Buy 10 mags, use code pmag 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/magpul-pmag-30-5-56x45-magazine-mag571-blk.html

$79.90

SHIPPING & HANDLING (SHIPPING OPTION - GROUND)

$34.00

TAX $29.04

Transfer $25

Bgc $10

Total

$458

 

 

Wow, I had no idea prices were that low now.

It is the time to buy if you want an AR.  Prices may or may not get very stupid in the fall of 2020.

[DaveTN]

43 minutes ago, sawilson005 said:

I've got a 9mm I bought new from a dealer but I have some some friends that are saying I shouldn't get an AR from a dealer so no paper leads to it. Which I dont really get. Figured I'd ask here.

That’s ridiculous; get smarter friends. 

The M&P is a proven performer and you can get it new for around $500, even less on sale. No point in buying a garage build that you know nothing about. Don't do that until you are ready to tackle your own garage build.

https://grabagun.com/smith-and-wesson-mp15-sport-ii-or-5-56mm-16.html

[sawilson005]

24 minutes ago, Garufa said:

Wow, I had no idea prices were that low now.

It is the time to buy if you want an AR.  Prices may or may not get very stupid in the fall of 2020.

 

40 minutes ago, Ronald_55 said:

Just go something like this

Completed lower $99

https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar-15-lower-classic-edition.html

Complete upper with bcc and charging handle.

$179

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html

Total before and tax, shipping, background check, or transfer. 

$280

Buy 10 mags, use code pmag 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/magpul-pmag-30-5-56x45-magazine-mag571-blk.html

$79.90

SHIPPING & HANDLING (SHIPPING OPTION - GROUND)

$34.00

TAX $29.04

Transfer $25

Bgc $10

Total

$458

 

 

So just a question. Would this a better set-up than the m&p 15? Trying to get the best bang for my buck. Lol, pardon the pun. I've heard great things about it, I'm looking at one used but supposedly brand new fired less than 50 x's with new furniture, their term, still in the box. Butt stock, sights, and hand guard. And let me apologize for so may questions. Just trying to start out on the right foot.

[Ronald_55]

2 minutes ago, sawilson005 said:

 

So just a question. Would this a better set-up than the m&p 15? Trying to get the best bang for my buck. Lol, pardon the pun. I've heard great things about it, I'm looking at one used but supposedly brand new fired less than 50 x's with new furniture, their term, still in the box. Butt stock, sights, and hand guard. And let me apologize for so may questions. Just trying to start out on the right foot.

I have both PSA factory guns and a couple that were bought like above. The above snaps together in 30 seconds. No real assembly. Nothing like assembling it from scratch. I agree that if you buy a scratch build from a stranger there is a risk they were sloppy. Is QA at the factory about the same odds? Maybe. 

Some people are more comfortable with a factory gun. I think unless you are shooting 1000s of rounds, it does not matter. Some guns have nicer furniture and some the same as the PSA. Little of that effects the usage of the gun unless you really get specialized. .

Factory versus build is an old debate with people on both sides. 

 

 

[krunchnik]

Another good brand that never seems to get mentioned is the Ruger AR556-right in your $500.00 range

[Garufa]

20 minutes ago, krunchnik said:

Another good brand that never seems to get mentioned is the Ruger AR556-right in your $500.00 range

That’s an excellent suggestion actually.  Other than the goofy looking front sight/gas block. They have a 1:8 twist barrel which is the ideal IMHO.

Edited July 20, 2019 by Garufa

[sawilson005]

Would this work with those other parts? Dont mind spending a little more for better results. Should keep me around the $550 range.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-18-rifle-length-223-wylde-1-7-stainless-steel-15-m-lok-upper-with-mbus-sight-set-no-bcg-or-ch-51654481421.html

Edited July 20, 2019 by sawilson005

[hipower]

31 minutes ago, krunchnik said:

Another good brand that never seems to get mentioned is the Ruger AR556-right in your $500.00 range

I think GrabaGun  has the Ruger AR 556 at that now.

Like others here, I've bought parts kits,complete uppers, complete lowers, and Complete rifles from PSA. They've been very good. And at these prices...it's practically a giveaway. I've paid way more for uppers than this U/L combo.

I keep wanting that 179 upper. Have a lower just waiting for it. Must try and run it by the wife first though. 

Edited July 20, 2019 by hipower

[gregintenn]

Does anybody make a bad AR these days?

[Wdodd]

1 hour ago, krunchnik said:

Another good brand that never seems to get mentioned is the Ruger AR556-right in your $500.00 range

A big ole Thumbs Up on the Ruger AR-556.  Have 2 and both plenty accurate out-of-the-box and eat both good and cheap ammo like it is going out of style!!!  

[Ronald_55]

53 minutes ago, hipower said:

I think GrabaGun  has the Ruger AR 556 at that now.

Like others here, I've bought parts kits,complete uppers, complete lowers, and Complete rifles from PSA. They've been very good. And at these prices...it's practically a giveaway. I've paid way more for uppers than this U/L combo.

I keep wanting that 179 upper. Have a lower just waiting for it. Must try and run it by the wife first though. 

I have a similar one in a shorter barrel on a pistol. Only wish is that it was not an A2. But that is because of it being a pistol. 

The only place I know that beats this is .22Mods4all, but their rifle kits are not assembled and need a stripped lower. Their upper is a low profile gas block with fliating handgusrds. Price is about even after adding a lower I just like the options of a non-A2 setup.. Never ordered from them though. 

54 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

Does anybody make a bad AR these days?

Maybe the guy trying to finish an 80% lower in his garage with a Harbor Freight drill. Most commercial makers know the market price is tight and full of options. Making a crappy AR is gonna end badly for their business. They may make a cheaper to build AR though. 

[Garufa]

1 hour ago, sawilson005 said:

Would this work with those other parts? Dont mind spending a little more fir better results. Should keep me around the $550 mark.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/customer/account/logout/

Not sure what’s in thank link as it’s an account logout but PSA has crazy options and constant sales.  They do stand behind their products as well.  If you “upsize” a bit on uppers the barrels are made by FN, as in the same company that makes USGI barrels. Used to be the Premium line or some thing like that.

Edited July 20, 2019 by Garufa

[sawilson005]

Had to redo the link above. Wasn't working. Now it is. Would this work with same parts as above? 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-18-rifle-length-223-wylde-1-7-stainless-steel-15-m-lok-upper-with-mbus-sight-set-no-bcg-or-ch-51654481421.html

[jeff43]

3 hours ago, Ronald_55 said:

Just go something like this

Completed lower $99

https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar-15-lower-classic-edition.html

Complete upper with bcc and charging handle.

$179

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html

Total before and tax, shipping, background check, or transfer. 

$280

Buy 10 mags, use code pmag 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/magpul-pmag-30-5-56x45-magazine-mag571-blk.html

$79.90

SHIPPING & HANDLING (SHIPPING OPTION - GROUND)

$34.00

TAX $29.04

Transfer $25

Bgc $10

Total

$458

 

 

[Ronald_55]

6 hours ago, sawilson005 said:

Had to redo the link above. Wasn't working. Now it is. Would this work with same parts as above? 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-18-rifle-length-223-wylde-1-7-stainless-steel-15-m-lok-upper-with-mbus-sight-set-no-bcg-or-ch-51654481421.html

This should work on the lower I posted. 

[gregintenn]

Put me in the build it yourself crowd. You're gonna change stuff out on a stock rifle anyway, It's cheaper to just assemble the parts you wanted in the first place.

I'd start looking at Palmetto State Armory, BCM, Primary Arms and even Anderson Arms.

I also bought a dandy upper cheap from some little company in Florida, but for the life of me, I cannot remember the name.

If you don't want to buy the few tools you need to assemble an upper and/or lower, just buy the complete and snap together, or borrow the tools from a buddy. I have them if only you were closer. No doubt a number of members in the Knoxville area would be happy to help you out.

Edited July 20, 2019 by gregintenn

[A.J. Holst]

I've got a Sport 2, stock except grip and added red dot.

Does everything I need it to do.

I also looked at the Ruger, slightly better finish.

See them both routinely on sale for $500.

For my second, if I ever do it, will be a build, in a different caliber.

Good luck!

[Grayfox54]

I've got an M&P-15 Sport II. Pretty good rifle, completely reliable with everything I've put in it. Combat accurate, but no tack driver. 

[Guest BCR#1]

PSA does NOT charge sales tax on anything they sell to a TN resident and some items even have free shipping.

Bill