Which AR to buy

[saintsfanbrian]

I have about $1000 to spend on an AR.

I am going shopping today at Classic Arms this afternoon.

What should I be looking for?

I know I want 5.56 since it can also fire the .223 instead of the other way around.

Give me specs otherwise.

Looking for something to use for varmint hunting and just as a good carbine for maybe getting into 3 gun.

I am not terribly interested in sights etc.

Brand, length etc. would be appreciated.

[Gav-n-Tn]

Boy howdy. You just opened a can of worms LOL. Everyone has a opinion when it comes to ARs. As for the 5.56, you can get one with a Wylde chamber that is made to accomodate the 5.56/.223 issue.

Edited April 24, 2010 by Gav-n-Tn

[Il Duce]

if you feel like ordering you can get a S&W M&P15 from GT Distributors - America's Law Enforcement supply specialist for 799

[Gav-n-Tn]

If you didn't live so far away, you could have my Sabre Defense XR15. You'd definitely be getting your money's worth.

One thing to consider is twist rate. If you are going to shoot heavier bullets, you might want to consider a 1:7 twist. If you're wanting a carbine, that would eliminate the "20 models. Do you want a flat top or fixed carry handle? That obviously dictates alot as far as optics options go. Name brands? Now that's where the can of worms gets opened.

Edited April 24, 2010 by Gav-n-Tn

[saintsfanbrian]

Yup that is a bit far to go. I have to get it today or she may not be so agreeable in the near future.

[Guest .45]

I've been really happy with my RRA...

Rock River Arms:

.45

[Auburn]

You'll get lots of different opinions on this. Many, including me, say buy a complete upper, then build the lower using a stripped receiver and parts kit. It will save you several hundred dollars, and you can customize it any way you want. Plus, its a pretty easy job. You should be able to get the whole thing for around $600-$700.

I have bought two uppers from Del-Ton (del-ton.com), and both work great. They are mated to Doublestar lowers, which also work fine.

I would definitely think about a 16" flat-top upper w/ flip up sights that will accomodate a variety of optic choices.

If you decide to buy a complete AR, I would avoid Century. Also Olympic seems to get mixed reviews, though many folks do seem to like them. You can't go wrong with Armalite, Bushmaster, Rock River, Smith, & DPMS. Colt will be above your price range.

[Gav-n-Tn]

You'll get lots of different opinions on this. Many, including me, say buy a complete upper, then build the lower using a stripped receiver and parts kit. It will save you several hundred dollars, and you can customize it any way you want. Plus, its a pretty easy job. You should be able to get the whole thing for around $600-$700.

I have bought two uppers from Del-Ton (del-ton.com), and both work great. They are mated to Doublestar lowers, which also work fine.

I would definitely think about a 16" flat-top upper w/ flip up sights that will accomodate a variety of optic choices.

If you decide to buy a complete AR, I would avoid Century. Also Olympic seems to get mixed reviews, though many folks do seem to like them. You can't go wrong with Armalite, Bushmaster, Rock River, Smith, & DPMS. Colt will be above your price range.

I agree with that. Buy the upper complete and then build the lower to save money. That will ensure that your BCG is dialed in already. The only issue is resale. Alot of folks want a completely factory built rifle.

I do not agree with leaving out Stag in your list though

Edited April 24, 2010 by Gav-n-Tn

[saintsfanbrian]

Thanks to the fine folks at Classic Arms I am now the proud owner of a Rock River Arms AR-15.

Pics forthcoming.

[Gav-n-Tn]

Thanks to the fine folks at Classic Arms I am now the proud owner of a Rock River Arms AR-15.

Pics forthcoming.

Where's the easy button?

[Oh Shoot]

Where's the easy button?

I bought a Mini14.

- OS

[Garufa]

I bought a Mini14.

- OS

And that thing rocks! All the noise of an AR without the complications.

Congrats on the RRA, SFB.

[Oh Shoot]

And that thing rocks! All the noise of an AR without the complications. ...

Thinking about Keltec PLR-16 as companion piece. Wait till you hear THAT!

- Oh "Eh? What say?" Shoot

[Guest Kang]

Bushmasters you cant go wrong!

[saintsfanbrian]

As promised

Rock River Arms L-15

BEC inc Mira Dot

2 mags and a case for what I wanted to spend.

Thanks Classic Arms.

[Garufa]

Very Evil.

[saintsfanbrian]

Thanks - can't wait to take her out for a spin but that will be on Memorial Day weekend I think.

[Sidewinder]

Congratulations... nice looking weapon. I just shot my new Bushmaster the first time this week, and love it. It's a 16" barrel, 1x9 twist, with a BEC scope (lighted reticule with bullet drop compensator) on the flat top. I could use a little more scope, I believe. They are a blast to shoot, and can make those 100 round Federal boxes from Wally World disappear pronto! Might want to consider getting into reloading! I plan to.

Enjoy your gun. Looks like you've made an excellent choice. Did you get the 16" barrel? It kinda looks like a 20".

[Guest Todd@CIS]

I've got a 5.56mm RRA that has had about 3000 rounds through it and I've never had a malfunction.

What I've put through it...

M-193

Federal American Eagle 55gr

Brown Bear 55gr

Double check the staking of your gas key. I love my RRA, but the staking left something to be desired.

After that, if it were my gun, I'd get a Phantom flash hider installed.

[saintsfanbrian]

16" barrel. This one was used so I am unsure of the exact model.

The barrel reads c 1/7 5.56 NATO.

I am thinking this means Chrome barrel.

Any way to get the exact model?

[willis68]

16" barrel. This one was used so I am unsure of the exact model.

The barrel reads c 1/7 5.56 NATO.

I am thinking this means Chrome barrel.

Any way to get the exact model?

That means Chrome Lined, 1 in 7 twist, and it will handle 5.56 as well as .223 rounds,

You did good, Congrats I love RRA weapons

[saintsfanbrian]

Now if I could just figure the exact model.

Have to go site in the red dot soon. Maybe at the end of May when I head to the country.

[willis68]

You may not ever figure out the exact model if someone built it. However I would email RRA the serial number and they may be able to tell you it looks like entry tactical but I am not sure, I would definitely get a Phantom Flash hider on that if I were you

[Gav-n-Tn]

16" barrel. This one was used so I am unsure of the exact model.

The barrel reads c 1/7 5.56 NATO.

I am thinking this means Chrome barrel.

Any way to get the exact model?

You did good by getting the 1:7 twist rate. You'll be able to shoot those heavier grained bullets I was talking about and twist them like they need to be. You should be able to tell easily whether or not the barrel is chrome lined. Just look down it. If it's not, don't worry. You won't wear out a chromoly one either- more than likely- but the chrome is better for shooting Wolf, etc. because of the poly coating and general fouling. The model should be on the lower receiver but if someone built it, it's sometimes hard to tell who made the upper. They're not usually marked with the manufacturers's name on them. Congrats on the AR.

[Doc Huckleberry]

Colt 6920..will never let you down..best AR for the money.