In the AR market, suggestions welcome

[csaxj3]

I'm an avid AK shooter, I've got a few and I was going to get one in 5.56, then it hit me........get an AR platform.

So, I'm now beginning the search for an AR.

Here is what I'm after.

M16A2 / M16A4 clone.... more or less the full sized rifle with a flattop on the receiver, don't really need a quad rail (can get one down the road).

My price range is 700 - 900 OTD. I know this limits my options, however, I can't afford a colt/bushy/LWRC, etc...

I've run across the double star 15 being sold by centerfire systems in KY. It's 799.99.

Anyone have any other suggestions? This is going to be for range / farm fun and the occasional zombie attack.

[JeffL]

There's a 20" Bushmaster listed in the classifieds at a very reasonable price. I think it has a fixed carry handle, though.

[Capbyrd]

If you can settle for a 16ish inch barrel, CMMG has bargin bin rifles for 599.95. Check those out

[BrasilNuts]

OTD this would be a bit past the top end of your price range, but I think it would be worth it.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763/products_id/37085

Edited September 21, 2009 by BrasilNuts

[JeffL]

OTD this would be a bit past the top end of your price range, but I think it would be worth it.

S&W M&P15A Rifle .223 for Sale at Buds Gun Shop $962.00

That seems about the price range you need to veer into to get a nice reliable rifle. I'd rather save another $200 and save myself some aggravation at the same time.

[Smith]

Run up to Guns and Leather. They have anything and everything you could want and I'm sure one will fit your budget. I've had nothing but good dealings with Centerfire and the Double Star is a quality piece.

On a side note, as an AK guy myself, why not get a '74 variety. Ammo is cheap and plentiful and will do everything the 5.56 will do in a superior platform!

[csaxj3]

The 74 is also in the back of my mind.

I had a century Tantal, which was a complete fiasco, it keyholed like it was supposed to do it..... I know they were 5.56 Green Mtn Barrels. boo century.

K_VAR has the SGL-31 on sale for 799.99, which is more or less a Russian made AK74.

Why....did you have to bring up the 74, now I'm going to lean that way again (159 per 1k isn't too shabby either)

[Smith]

Yeah, the new Saiga 5.45 is now on the shores. I'm told Centerfiresystems has them and is about to list them. Arsenal is selling Saiga/'74's that are very nice.

[RWF]

+1 for double star

[Guest tennesseevolz]

Check out that place off powell ave--guns for america?- they have Stags for about 100 less than the rest in town----seems like a good base ar----i think they make the s&w lowers too

[Guest tnvolfan]

Benton Shooter's Supply in Benton, TN, has 20% all AR-15s in stock, and 30% off Rock River and DPMS brands. The sale is still on. Last month, I bought an Rock River AR1251 R4 Tactical, which has a lifetime warranty, when discounted, was $980. That's a great buy anywhere. If you're interested, ask for Tim in rifles, at 423-338-2008.

[redfsr]

I have a Stag and love it. They build them all in house and have a really nice fit and finish. I've fired many rounds through it now and have not had one single malfunction. You should be able to get one for that price range.

[Guest Glocked-N-Loaded]

Save your money and get a Colt 6920.... Milspec and will retain it's value better than any other manufacturer.

[56FordGuy]

Put one together yourself. Buy a stripped lower, then install a parts kit and stock/ buffer tube on it. Then buy a complete upper and pin it on. You can get it the way you want it the first time, instead of buying off the shelf, then spending more swapping on a railed handguard, maybe a different stock or grip.

[Guest Glocked-N-Loaded]

If you're going to put one together get an LMT SOPMOD lower with a 2 stage trigger and L.E. markings with a BCM upper and BCM BCG, perfect combo for right around $900 give or take. Add a charging handle and some sights and your ready to RnR. Search around and you can find some nice deals on these separately.

Edited September 27, 2009 by Glocked-N-Loaded

[Jasongar8]

+1 On building your own. Build it exactly how you want it the first time and never look back.

[Guest Gun Geek]

Yeah I would say build your own. Buy a stripped lower $100 - $200 depending on brand. Then head on over to model1sales.com and buy a complete kit - they start at about 500 depending on what you want and length of barrel, or if you want chrome lined etc.

I am working on getting the extra money to buy a kit or two myself. I think with all the bells and whistles that I want on mine I am looking at my lower = $120 + the kit at about 800 so round up to about $950 give or take. (once again that is with YHM quad rail, gas block, flip sights etc etc. )

[Guest rabidrhino]

While I don't know if you have shopped at RainierArms before, but they are offering to previous customers the Daniel Defense XV rifle for $999 with a $250 Daniel Defense Black Card Rebate (whatever that is).

I'd also consider buying a complete lower from somewhere for around $300 and do the BCM route

Edited September 29, 2009 by rabidrhino
Incorrect info

[R1100R]

I have a 5.45X39 AR from S&W and it runs great. I also have Century Tantal that

runs well with out any issues(low Ser#).

Thanks for the tip on the Saiga. They have them in.

Saiga 5.45x39 IZ-240 - 16" Barrel Part #SAI-545

The Del Ton AR from AIM is a good price.

Edited September 29, 2009 by R1100R