Poll - What mid-range price AR-15?

USAF Ret · Aug 22, 2024

I want to upgrade from my PSA bargain basement rifle.

What mid-range price AR ($900 - $1300) would you choose for a defense weapon?

Why would you choose that one?

Are there any I am missing?

Hecouldgoalltheway · Aug 22, 2024

The obvious answer is:

Buy the tools and do it yourself.

jetjock07 · Aug 22, 2024

BCM…
Or build and get exactly what you want

RUTGERS95 · Aug 22, 2024

Clint H · Aug 22, 2024

BCM, Seekins Sp15, or maybe Geissele if you can hit a sale. (Think they had a few Blems for $1000 for 4th of July?)

Maybe watch for Labor Day deals here in a couple weeks

Redlion · Aug 23, 2024

Colt.

roostercogburn98 · Aug 23, 2024

Build it right and it will shoot. 3 groups yesterday, biggest was .97 moa yesterday. All three groups below were sub moa with the exception of the 62g fmj group that was about 3.5-4 moa(not pictured)

plt228 · Aug 23, 2024

A BCM upper when on sale, like they are now and whatever lower you want to pick up.

sroc112 · Aug 23, 2024

What site had the BCM sale?

I'm an Aero fan myself. But do agree to at least build it by getting a complete lower of your preference and a complete upper of your preference. I know for me at least, I'm going to want to replace the bolt, charging handle, maybe the grip and stock, and then at thay point you're no longer under the desired price point anyway.

Primary Arms usually has strong sales on Aero stuff.

45-90 · Aug 23, 2024

Buy a quality barrel, fairly expensive,
and reassemble the rifle with the new barrel....add an aftermarket trigger, 2.5 to 3 lb... It will probably shoot as good as any. Properly assembled, checked and squared, it will probably shoot 1/2 moa 5 shot groups fairly often. Total cost about $650.
I just built an AR 15 in 30 RAR from parts left over, from other builds... the barrel was a Rem 700 26" police factory barrel with 8000rds on it. Cut off the chamber with most of the firecracking, shortened, and profiled the 700 barrel to AR 15, installed a used barrel nut, gas block was the wrong size, so it was had an insert pressed in and bored to size. Chambered threaded, gas journal turned, and later gas port drilled.
Total cost was like $340 including the reamer. It shoots very well for an AR made from used, and left over parts. Plus making the brass, there is no 30 RAR brass, chamber gauges, etc for this obsolete caliber.
Learn to build you own and reload for it, ya don't have to do extensive rifle building, but it all helps.

USAF Ret · Aug 23, 2024

45-90 said:
Buy a quality barrel, fairly expensive,
and reassemble the rifle with the new barrel....add an aftermarket trigger, 2.5 to 3 lb... It will probably shoot as good as any. Properly assembled, checked and squared, it will probably shoot 1/2 moa 5 shot groups fairly often. Total cost about $650.
I just built an AR 15 in 30 RAR from parts left over, from other builds... the barrel was a Rem 700 26" police factory barrel with 8000rds on it. Cut off the chamber with most of the firecracking, shortened, and profiled the 700 barrel to AR 15, installed a used barrel nut, gas block was the wrong size, so it was had an insert pressed in and bored to size. Chambered threaded, gas journal turned, and later gas port drilled.
Total cost was like $340 including the reamer. It shoots very well for an AR made from used, and left over parts. Plus making the brass, there is no 30 RAR brass, chamber gauges, etc for this obsolete caliber.
Learn to build you own and reload for it, ya don't have to do extensive rifle building, but it all helps.

I have about three I have built. I also reload. For this purchase, I want to have quality components in a complete rifle, aside from probably replacing the trigger.

Rocketvapor · Aug 23, 2024

Other than the trigger in a lower, what parts need to be High Quality?
Detents and springs and pins?

USAF Ret · Aug 23, 2024

Rocketvapor said:
Other than the trigger in a lower, what parts need to be High Quality?
Detents and springs and pins?

Just in general. Not looking to do a build. Just COTS rifle.

hseII · Aug 23, 2024

LRRPF52 · Aug 23, 2024

I have a stupid number of AR-15s, AR-10s, and AKs, as I’ve been panic-buying since before Roberti-Roos of 1989. There are probably 10 ARs I have that I’ll likely never shoot again.

My primary go-to HD carbine is a BCM 14.5” MLGS with a Surefire WPL and RDS, VTAC Sling, PRI GB CH, runs like a raped ape, very controllable. Secondary is a 12” 6.5 Grendel suppressed.

Once I build a round-count on the PDW Grendels (10.5” and 8.5” barrels), I’ll probably switch to those due to terminal effects and compactness.

For your budget, I would look at a BCM upper or deal on a complete carbine as others have mentioned. For HD, I prefer the shorter barrels, so 12.5” or 11.5” would be better.

sroc112 · Aug 23, 2024

LRRPF52 said:
I have a stupid number of AR-15s, AR-10s, and AKs, as I’ve been panic-buying since before Roberti-Roos of 1989. There are probably 10 ARs I have that I’ll likely never shoot again.

My primary go-to HD carbine is a BCM 14.5” MLGS with a Surefire WPL and RDS, VTAC Sling, PRI GB CH, runs like a raped ape, very controllable. Secondary is a 12” 6.5 Grendel suppressed.

Once I build a round-count on the PDW Grendels (10.5” and 8.5” barrels), I’ll probably switch to those due to terminal effects and compactness.

For your budget, I would look at a BCM upper or deal on a complete carbine as others have mentioned. For HD, I prefer the shorter barrels, so 12.5” or 11.5” would be better.

What does your gun safe, or safe room look like?

LRRPF52 · Aug 23, 2024

sroc112 said:
What does your gun safe, or safe room look like?

I had to move to a new house to build a larger armory. The last one was 17ft 4” x 8ft 4”.

I’m already looking for a bigger house.

sroc112 · Aug 23, 2024

That's amazing

lonestar1845 · Aug 23, 2024

BCM that fits your needs. Likely won't need to change anything on it either.

USAF Ret · Aug 23, 2024

I added BCM, so those that love the BCM please go vote. Right now, the FN is top dog.

JS8588 · Aug 23, 2024

This one

Sig Sauer M400 SDI XSeries 5.56 NATO 16" 1:7" Bbl Rifle w/M-LOK Handguard & (1) 30rd Mag RM400-SDI-16B-P

Sig Sauer M400 SDI XSeries 5.56 NATO 16" 1:7" Bbl Rifle w/M-LOK Handguard & (1) 30rd Mag RM400-SDI-16B-P For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Yeah, I know. It's $200 over your budget. It's the only off-the-shelf AR I'd buy

sroc112 · Aug 23, 2024

Anyone see any good Labor Day sales for BCM or FN uppers or lowers, please post up!

USAF Ret · Aug 23, 2024

sroc112 said:
Anyone see any good Labor Day sales for BCM or FN uppers or lowers, please post up!

Same!! Any Labor Day sales you see on ARs or complete uppers and lowers, please post them here! Thanks.

Makinchips208 · Aug 23, 2024

Modern armory doesn’t manufacture every part, but they build a very nice rifle.

https://modernarmory.net/16-556-M4-CGR_p_793.html

plt228 · Aug 23, 2024

Get a free bcg when buying an upper from Bravo. Add a charging handle and your just over $800 on a lot of quality uppers

AR-15 Complete Upper Receivers - Bravo Company USA

Shop BCM complete AR uppers! Each complete upper receiver group is manufactured with the end user in mind & goes through stringent quality control testing

bravocompanyusa.com

calling4life · Aug 23, 2024

I'd go with the Armalite M-15 competition with the 13.5" barrel. Geissele 3 gun trigger.

March 2.5-25 and then offset irons I think would be the route, still can't help but think I'd actually go with a true 1x, like 1-6 or 1-8 though...

Jsp556 · Aug 23, 2024

Colt 6920 OEM2’s can be bought for $799. That leaves $500 for a handguard, stock, and whatever else.

Clyde Armory has pallets of them.
ETA: They have barely used LMT defender 2000 police trade ins for a grand.

JS8588 · Aug 23, 2024

Um...

AimSurplus, LLC

higginsworksforme · Aug 23, 2024

How old are you? The iwi might be popular amongst your peers.

Jgault · Aug 24, 2024

Bcm will have an occasional tool mark but it really is hard to beat, tough as nails, tight specs, and will run all day, and it would take a mortar blast to shift that handguard. For what they are the accuracy is good but not great, but for a chrome lined barrel mine has performed well and accurately, without a malfunction in thousands of rounds that wasn’t a bad primer. That being said I don’t have one but I’ve heard good things about the FN.

kriller134 · Aug 24, 2024

Reddit special: aero lower bcm upper

USAF Ret · Aug 24, 2024

higginsworksforme said:
How old are you? The iwi might be popular amongst your peers.

I turn 56 in October and really could not care what my peers think. Haha.

USAF Ret · Aug 24, 2024

Well, BCM looks like it rules the day. I will be subscribing to see what they have for Labor Day specials.

Thanks all. BCM was not even on my radar.

USAF Ret · Aug 24, 2024

So, I am sold on getting a BCM upper. Right now you get a BCG with the purchase. Not looking to build, so what lower would y'all suggest. At my price range and with the cost of the upper, I can drop about $500 on a lower. I like Aero Precision a lot.

TonyTheTiger · Aug 24, 2024

What is it you like about the Aero lower?
If a person's requirements begin and end at "must go bang" I don't understand why you wouldn't just buy a complete rifle rather than buying a complete upper and complete lower from two different places.

USAF Ret · Aug 24, 2024

TonyTheTiger said:
What is it you like about the Aero lower?
If a person's requirements begin and end at "must go bang" I don't understand why you wouldn't just buy a complete rifle rather than buying a complete upper and complete lower from two different places.

The rifles are about $300 over my budget. BCM does not sell the complete lower and everywhere I have looked they are out of stock.

I have built a few Aero lowers and they have good components and a good reputation.

TonyTheTiger · Aug 24, 2024

USAF Ret said:
The rifles are about $300 over my budget. BCM does not sell the complete lower and everywhere I have looked they are out of stock.

I have built a few Aero lowers and they have good components and a good reputation.

Ahh, I forgot about the budget part.
I voted FN. They build a solid rifle, it's in your budget and for your uses it will do exactly what a BCM will do and you'll never know the difference.

USAF Ret · Aug 24, 2024

TonyTheTiger said:
Ahh, I forgot about the budget part.
I voted FN. They build a solid rifle, it's in your budget and for your uses it will do exactly what a BCM will do and you'll never know the difference.

Thanks. One I also left out is Patriot Ordinance. I get a good military discount, so it falls within my budget and I get much more. Plus, it comes pinned and welded with a 13.75" barrel and the attachment for the Dead Air suppressors.

fedupflyer · Aug 24, 2024

Watch the sales over at Primary Arms and Rainier Arms and you can pick up a BCM lower at some good prices.

I don't know everybody fawns of Aero Precision, so far I have been underwhelmed by the stuff I have from them.

Milf Dots · Aug 24, 2024

Another top tier manufacturer- ADM/American Defense Manufacturing- on sale at Midway USA with free shipping. Company is known for it's true full ambi lower and overall high quality precision. Veteran owned company- ADM and GDI/Global Defense are sister companies.

American Defense ADM4 Semi Automatic Rifle 5.56x45mm NATO 16 Black

American Defense Manufacturing is a leader in mounting solutions for a variety of optics, lights, lasers, and accessories for firearms. The proprietary...

www.midwayusa.com

Jsp556 · Aug 24, 2024

Milf Dots said:
Another top tier manufacturer- ADM/American Defense Manufacturing- on sale at Midway USA with free shipping. Company is known for it's true full ambi lower and overall high quality precision. Veteran owned company- ADM and GDI/Global Defense are sister companies.

American Defense ADM4 Semi Automatic Rifle 5.56x45mm NATO 16 Black

American Defense Manufacturing is a leader in mounting solutions for a variety of optics, lights, lasers, and accessories for firearms. The proprietary...

www.midwayusa.com

That’s a good deal on a good rifle. That should end OP’s search. Good find. They’re usually in the $1800 range when they’re in shops local to me.

LRRPF52 · Aug 24, 2024

calling4life said:
I'd go with the Armalite M-15 competition with the 13.5" barrel. Geissele 3 gun trigger.

March 2.5-25 and then offset irons I think would be the route, still can't help but think I'd actually go with a true 1x, like 1-6 or 1-8 though...

For home defense, that will blow your ears out inside the house and outside the house as well if you’re not doubled-up on ear pro.

That brake is pretty insane. It’s a great baseline carbine option for someone shooting action matches to work from, where you would install your own trigger, maybe play with the gas system and action spring/buffer set-up.

LRRPF52 · Aug 24, 2024

Milf Dots said:
Another top tier manufacturer- ADM/American Defense Manufacturing- on sale at Midway USA with free shipping. Company is known for it's true full ambi lower and overall high quality precision. Veteran owned company- ADM and GDI/Global Defense are sister companies.

American Defense ADM4 Semi Automatic Rifle 5.56x45mm NATO 16 Black

American Defense Manufacturing is a leader in mounting solutions for a variety of optics, lights, lasers, and accessories for firearms. The proprietary...

www.midwayusa.com

That’s a pretty good deal with that lower. I love the ADM ambi lower because of how easy it is to drop the bolt with the firing hand, and the large funnel mag well.

BCP · Aug 24, 2024

Could always get a Colt m4 type

I have a 16" that I built using a green mountain barrel, kac urx 4 handguard and larue 2 stage it shoots and handles well, would like to try a 16" super duty geissele too, that 16" size with extended handguards is really good all around

Plus you'll have enough accuracy for coyotes/varmints/ranch type stuff with the right load and optic

91Eunozs · Aug 24, 2024

Roll your own. The knowledge you gain from assembling and tuning your own will prove invaluable when it comes time to troubleshoot and fix minor issues with your weapon.

Of your choices above, BCM would be my pick. About 2/3 of our ranch rifles are based on BCM components (usually with Aero receivers), and have generally proven to be as reliable as hammers. Always work.

If you up your budget a bit, I’d throw DD and Geissele components into the mix, especially barrels and bolts; though I have BCM bolts in all my personal AR15s, and love them.

01911 · Aug 25, 2024

https://armsunlimited.com/colt-mid-length-m4-carbine-556-semi-auto-rifle-16-barrel/

bigjake83 · Aug 25, 2024

https://g4gguns.com/product/lwrc-di-rifle-556nato-16-1-mlok-blk/

I've been running a couple of these for awhile now and have been really impressed with their reliability and accuracy.

Using the AAC 55grn black tip Saber ammo I'm getting consistent Sub MOA accuracy.

I haven't bothered with handloads as they were purchased to be blasters but I'm confident I can easily get sub .75 MOA or less out of them.

I just picked another one up from the above link, I'm gonna SBR it and drop a 13.7" Noveske in it or have Paul Ross Turn me a Criterion in 13.7"

hseII · Aug 25, 2024

LRRPF52 said:
For home defense, that will blow your ears out inside the house and outside the house as well if you’re not doubled-up on ear pro.

That brake is pretty insane. It’s a great baseline carbine option for someone shooting action matches to work from, where you would install your own trigger, maybe play with the gas system and action spring/buffer set-up.

Yeah,

Absolutely NO inside discharging without a suppressor.

USAF Ret · Aug 26, 2024

Thank you for all the inputs. I kind of changed my mind from the last post I made. I have been doing a lot of research and watching videos. I am going to just throw a few hundred into the mix and get a Daniel Defense DDM4 V7. I have cheaped out way to much when I did not need to.

Bluedog82 · Sep 2, 2024

I think the PSA Sabre series provides some excellent value. My rifle has the G$ Mk14 rail and an FN CLHF barrel.

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Poll - What mid-range price AR-15?

What mid-range price AR ($900 - $1300) would you choose for a defense weapon?

Sig Sauer M400 Tread

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Ruger AR-556

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