First AR 15 Advice

[tielir999]

I am looking to buy my first AR 15 (16in Barrel). I am looking for some advice on what brand to go with for reliability, accuracy, and best price (Under 1000 if possible). Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[skinney_7]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

RRA, DPMS, Armalite, you should be able to find these under a G, lot of good manufactures out there, but even more opinions, pm sent.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

If you can find a S&W they have a coupon for 5 free 30 round mags.
Look around a lot. The prices on AR15s are coming down.

What will you be doing with it?

Jim

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Fun and rewarding to build your own too, just a thought.

 

[rdl65]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

You should be able to get just about any brand you want if you shop around. The bottom seems to be falling out of the AR market. Personally I would get a slightly used Colt 6920.

 

[308LR]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rdl65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You should be able to get just about any brand you want if you shop around. The bottom seems to be falling out of the AR market. Personally I would get a slightly used Colt 6920. </div></div>

Don't rush into a buy, shop around as stated above the bottom is falling out after all of the BS paranoia. Check prices, look for deals. You would do best if you find a nice one built with the extras. Ask lots of questions, if the seller doesn't want to take the time with you then move on.

When I first starting looking at these cool toys a few guys were not friendly, guess what I moved on and found someone who would explain what this is or that..Don't be afraid to ask questions.

This is a great forum for just such information.

 

[samnev]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rdl65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You should be able to get just about any brand you want if you shop around. The bottom seems to be falling out of the AR market. Personally I would get a slightly used Colt 6920. </div></div>

This would be my choice as well.

 

[Calibur6918]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Spikes tactical.
M4 LE
there is an awesome review on that page.

The price is affordable enough to curb the cost of optics.

 

[tielir999]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Thanks for all the responses and advice

 

[targaflorio]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

My Rock River 16" chrome barrel is moa or better and has yet to experience a failure in 2000 rounds.

 

[Mr_Brass]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

I built my own lower of DPMS parts and got a bushmaster HBAR A3 16" upper. runs great best groups with wolf if you can believe that. pretty much 2 MOA with everything, wolf gets you right about MOA though.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

You could go as cheap and fun as a Stag kit. Or a lightly used 6920 as said in an above post. But if I were you I'd go straight to LMT.

 

[Wolf22]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

RRA, LMT, Colt 6920, Predator Custom Shop, Stag might work too.

Just watch the sales boards - times are not good for a lot of good people.......


Try to hook up with a few shooters in Sux City, Omaha, or the SD area. Good group of people not too far away that most likely would let you try their stuff out if you bring decent brass ammo (not steel cased - is the preference....)

 

[CleanMoostang]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

I have a RRA and I love it, especially teh tactical carry handle model. I love it more than any other ar ive shot.

 

[Max Power]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

I recommend getting a well known caliber like .223/.308 so getting ammo wont be a problem and there is wealth of information about them.

 

[privatepyle]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

When I built mine i started with a RRA lower and lower parts kit. I got a RRA upper and sent it to Predator Custom Shop and Jim put a Rock barrel on it. He also sold me a Yankee hill quad rail and gas block. It is a half MOA gun all day long.

 

[samnev]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Another good choice is the Colt 6721. It's an HBAR version of the 6920 without the barrel stepdown.

 

[Rated21R]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

BCM, LMT, Daniel Defense, Colt 6920

I don't think you could go wrong with any of those. Prices are all similar.

 

[tielir999]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Any one have any experience or feed back on the DPMS Panther Lite 16 (Rfa2-L16)? or the DPMS AP4 Panther Carbine 16 (rfa2-ap4 a2)?

 

[battlestick]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

If it is your first and you will buy it built, something else to consider is service.

I have a RRA and it is a 1/2 MOA gun from a vise when testing new loads. With me shooting it, it's 1 - 1.5 MOA depending on distance, I'm not commando worthy!

One month before deer season last year my two stage trigger seared into pieces and it became full auto. I called RRA, sent in my lower RMA, and had it back at my door in two weeks time. Others may have horror stories about RRA service, so YMMV.

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Calibur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spikes tactical.
M4 LE
there is an awesome review on that page.

The price is affordable enough to curb the cost of optics. </div></div>

+1 DEFINITELY! Spikes Tactical makes the very Best AR you can get for the money. You can spend more for something like a Colt or LMT or Noveske or any of the other "High Dollar" AR's but you're mostly buying the name.

 

[salmonaxe]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Colt 6920. Now-a-days, it's a great price and doesn't have any of the old BS that colt used to do. Great freakin rifle.

 

[glock1985]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Calibur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spikes tactical.
M4 LE
there is an awesome review on that page.

The price is affordable enough to curb the cost of optics. </div></div>

+1 DEFINITELY! Spikes Tactical makes the very Best AR you can get for the money. You can spend more for something like a Colt or LMT or Noveske or any of the other "High Dollar" AR's but you're mostly buying the name. </div></div>

I would not say buying the "High Dollar" AR's are mostly buying a name. They offer different components that if you want on your AR, Spikes does not offer (ex. SS match barrel, switchblock, etc.).

I have a few Noveske's and this weekend I am building an AR pistol with Spike's parts. It just depends on what parts/components you want in your rifle. With all that said Spikes makes a very good rifle for the money.

 

[Austincqc]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Calibur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spikes tactical.
M4 LE
there is an awesome review on that page.

The price is affordable enough to curb the cost of optics. </div></div>

+1 DEFINITELY! Spikes Tactical makes the very Best AR you can get for the money. You can spend more for something like a Colt or LMT or Noveske or any of the other "High Dollar" AR's but you're mostly buying the name. </div></div>

+10 Spikes offer a GREAT value for the money!! Higher grade aluminum upper and lower...barrel...everything is very tough! For around $750, you're getting a very high quality rifle!

LMT and some others offer different components for sure, but if you're not looking for those, there's no need for the extra $$.

I didn't read what the rifle would be used for though. Maybe I missed it?? That might help us make recommendations.

 

[Austincqc]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

I just re-read the post...didn't see the purpose of the rifle. Let us know what you're gonna use it fer!!

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock1985</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Calibur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spikes tactical.
M4 LE
there is an awesome review on that page.

The price is affordable enough to curb the cost of optics. </div></div>

+1 DEFINITELY! Spikes Tactical makes the very Best AR you can get for the money. You can spend more for something like a Colt or LMT or Noveske or any of the other "High Dollar" AR's but you're mostly buying the name. </div></div>

I would not say buying the "High Dollar" AR's are mostly buying a name. They offer different components that if you want on your AR, Spikes does not offer (ex. SS match barrel, switchblock, etc.).

I have a few Noveske's and this weekend I am building an AR pistol with Spike's parts. It just depends on what parts/components you want in your rifle. With all that said Spikes makes a very good rifle for the money. </div></div>

Yes, I'll concede on the issue of options like you mentioned. But I will tell you I've seen Spike's AR's that have run 10,000 rounds and are no worse for wear than a similarly run Colt. FWIW

 

[reich10]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Stag also makes a good rifle for less than a 1000. Alough i would save for the Para TTR

they have a sweet recoil system and i like the ability to have a folding stock.

 

[CL1KKL4C]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

check out BCM's stuff too. They recently began selling complete rifles.

 

[BaileyMoto]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

I vote LMT.

Not too long ago I purchased an upper and lower separately. Found a great deal on a slightly used upper and bought a complete LMT lower from Rainierarms (great mil/LE discount)

If not LMT, I vote BCM. BCM probably offers one of the best AR's for the money right now.

 

[Ando]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Bravo company uppers are on sale right now.

$520 complete, best price ever on these.

 

[tielir999]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

I will be using it mostly for target shooting and maybe some varmit hunting.

Thanks again for all of the solid advice.

 

[okiefired]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AustinCQC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Calibur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spikes tactical.
M4 LE
there is an awesome review on that page.

The price is affordable enough to curb the cost of optics. </div></div>

+1 DEFINITELY! Spikes Tactical makes the very Best AR you can get for the money. You can spend more for something like a Colt or LMT or Noveske or any of the other "High Dollar" AR's but you're mostly buying the name. </div></div>


+10 Spikes offer a GREAT value for the money!! Higher grade aluminum upper and lower...barrel...everything is very tough! For around $750, you're getting a very high quality rifle!

LMT and some others offer different components for sure, but if you're not looking for those, there's no need for the extra $$.

I didn't read what the rifle would be used for though. Maybe I missed it?? That might help us make recommendations. </div></div>

No personal experience with Spikes, I imagine they're fine rifles but the $750 rifle comes with 7075 forged upper/lower and chrome moly barrel. Thats pretty much standard fair for good AR's everywhere. The billet stuf starts at $500 just for the naked upper/lower combo. Everyone has good sales from time to time. Find one from a quality maker that you like and is priced right with the options you want and go with it. Have fun.

okie

 

[BaileyMoto]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Calibur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spikes tactical.
M4 LE
there is an awesome review on that page.

The price is affordable enough to curb the cost of optics. </div></div>

+1 DEFINITELY! Spikes Tactical makes the very Best AR you can get for the money. You can spend more for something like a Colt or LMT or Noveske or any of the other "High Dollar" AR's but you're mostly buying the name. </div></div>

You're getting more than just a name with something like Noveske, you're also getting a match grade barrel, for starters.

Needed for this particular job? Not so much.

 

[tielir999]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Ended up buying the DPMS panther arms AP4 with removable carry handle and standard stock. Hopefully get to the range and puts some rounds through it today.

 

[Austincqc]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
No personal experience with Spikes, I imagine they're fine rifles but the $750 rifle comes with 7075 forged upper/lower and chrome moly barrel. Thats pretty much standard fair for good AR's everywhere. The billet stuf starts at $500 just for the naked upper/lower combo. Everyone has good sales from time to time. Find one from a quality maker that you like and is priced right with the options you want and go with it. Have fun.

okie
</div></div>

I'm sure you can find some rifles being sold for $750, but not all of their components will be of the same quality. I agree that a lot of ARs are 7075 forged with Chrome moly, but not usually at that price range of the Spikes sets. A lot of ARs are 6061 with cheaper barrels on the less expensive side of the spectrum. It's all up to the buyer to check and determine if they want/need the better components or not.

Congrats on the new rifle! Post some pics of the new addition!

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

CDNN has S&W M&P-15s for $599.00 after a $100.00 rebate. I don't know if these come with the coupon for 5 free mags like they did at Christmas.

Jim

 

[feesix]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

I have a colt 6920 nib for 1000.00 if the guy backs out ill let you know. Ill find out the 31st

 

[okiefired]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AustinCQC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: okiefired</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
No personal experience with Spikes, I imagine they're fine rifles but the $750 rifle comes with 7075 forged upper/lower and chrome moly barrel. Thats pretty much standard fair for good AR's everywhere. The billet stuf starts at $500 just for the naked upper/lower combo. Everyone has good sales from time to time. Find one from a quality maker that you like and is priced right with the options you want and go with it. Have fun.

okie
</div></div>

I'm sure you can find some rifles being sold for $750, but not all of their components will be of the same quality. I agree that a lot of ARs are 7075 forged with Chrome moly, but not usually at that price range of the Spikes sets. A lot of ARs are 6061 with cheaper barrels on the less expensive side of the spectrum. It's all up to the buyer to check and determine if they want/need the better components or not.

Congrats on the new rifle! Post some pics of the new addition! </div></div>


I agree that thats a good deal but great its not. Literally, in just a few minutes, I found Smith & Wesson and DPMS (A3 Lite @ $679) rifles with CM barrels and 7075 recievers for <$700, both are concidered by most (not particularly me

) to have good quality componants through out. I'm sure I could find others if I took the time which I dont care to. I assume 6061 recievers and cheap barrels can be had cheaper but personally I would'nt have any interest in tnem.

okie

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BradyJackson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be using it mostly for target shooting and maybe some varmit hunting.

Thanks again for all of the solid advice. </div></div>


Here's solid advice for the purpose you are looking for:

Click the "got impingement" link in my signature. Email scott and see if he can still builld you a base model AR.

Name brands are cute and will get you street cred at arfcom, but a great shooting AR will be more satisfying.......

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: First AR 15 Advice

Oops, saw you found something.....