Good time to buy an AR 10 ?

[GTOAviator]

Hey everyone! I've been in the market for an AR for many years but for one reason or another I never pulled the trigger (no pun intended). However, now that the Obama scare is starting to subside a bit, I'm seeing prices lower... and to be honest, I just don't want to wait any longer. About 6 months ago I started getting really interested in ARs rifled in .308 and about 2 weeks later I shot my buddy's built Springfield AR10 - I was sold.

My question is, would now be a good time to shell out the cash for a new AR10? Specifically, I'm looking at picking up a Smith & Wesson M&P 10 (#311308) because it seems to be about what I want for an entry level rifle with the quality of the M&P series and the ability to accept PMAGs. A local shop is selling a couple M&P 10s for about $1440 out the door, taxes and all. I'm in Washington State.

Is this a good price? I know there's no telling, but if I wait a couple months - what are the chances that the prices will drop very much (if at all)?

Thanks!
-Fly Safe!

 

[ArmyJerry]

Get on gunbroker to get a feel of price levels. Seen the M&P at my local gun store last week for $1400 last week.

 

[346ci]

That is a good price out the door.

Now is a good time to buy since most of the SHTF has calmed down and rifles are in stock or being shipped to dealers.

 

[pmclaine]

Whats your future intentions for the rifle? Are you planning the upper/lower to be a solid base to build on in the future?

Ive seen some comments that S&W uses some proprietary parts that may limit your chices in parts to build from.

Something to consider. May not be a concern for you.

 

[pmclaine]

PS - There was this posted last week

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...r-308-if-so-then-$999-99-w-free-shipping.html

I cant speak to a quality comparison between the two but the DPMS heavy barrels do all right in the Elfster 100 yard shootout.

 

[gunfreak101]

Get a dpms they r great starter boats

 

[Delta4-3]

I have yet to find a time that was a bad time to acquire a new firearm!

 

[GTOAviator]

Thanks everyone for the advice so far! I agree, there is never a "bad" time to purchase a new weapon.

As for the proprietary parts on an M&P10, would someone be able to explain (or list) what they are? I've actually taken a look at the PDF manual for the exact gun I'm looking at (#311308) and don't see anything that looks too different (although I am a total newb when it comes to ARs, so I could easily have missed something).

The thing about DPMS is that the people I've asked either have really good things to say about them or really bad. That scares me and it doesn't seem to happen with Smith&Wesson, all the feedback seems to be great.

Thanks again!
-FlySafe!

 

[farmer0317]

GAP 10 all the way

 

[pmclaine]

Thanks everyone for the advice so far! I agree, there is never a "bad" time to purchase a new weapon.

As for the proprietary parts on an M&P10, would someone be able to explain (or list) what they are? I've actually taken a look at the PDF manual for the exact gun I'm looking at (#311308) and don't see anything that looks too different (although I am a total newb when it comes to ARs, so I could easily have missed something).

The thing about DPMS is that the people I've asked either have really good things to say about them or really bad. That scares me and it doesn't seem to happen with Smith&Wesson, all the feedback seems to be great.

Thanks again!
-FlySafe!

Dont have one so take the following for what its worth. Internet chatter claims barrel attachment parts are not DPMS/KAC compatible.

Other concerns noted is thin barrel profile. Well if thin barrel is an issue and attachment is not standard you may be limited on changing until aftermarket catches up with design.

I agree S&W will not leave you hanging if there are issues with their/your rifle.

 

[Furtaker_.223]

GAP 10 all the way

+1 with the GAP10.....

 

[GunMax]

All the gun stores I have been do seem to have tons of AR's in stock. I would stay its getting to be about the time to get one. Maybe look for a used one on the Hide and you might be able to pick up a good deal.