First AR-15

[chrisdev01]

On a previous, unrelated thread I posted a question regarding whether an AR-15 or a Scout Squad would be better as a SHTF rifle for my wife...

The overwhelming majority of responses recommend an AR-15.

I'm sure this has been posted here many times, but a brief search of the forums here for "first AR-15" did not help.

Buying my M1A was easy. I knew what I wanted and I bought it.

Unlike the M1A, there are so many options for the AR-15 platform I am overwhelmed. I have no idea where to begin.

My budget is $1000 for the firearm, and $500 for the optic.

I should also state that I am new to this, so I prefer not to build my first AR 15, but would prefer to buy "off the shelf".

I have read that Colt, RRA, and DPMS have quality offerings.

Suggestions?

 

[gunslotreaper308]

Re: First AR-15

My opinion: If you're looking for "off the shelf", I would do a search and see if I could find a colt or BCM in your price range. There are a lot of rifles to choose from in the sub $1000 range. If you can't find a colt, daniel defense, BCM, LMT (usually these are over $1000, but you may find a desperate seller/lightly used rifle) I would take a serious look at this rifle:
http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/st15-midlength-le-carbine-p-443.html
Spikes uses good quality parts, has good quality control and this is pretty fairly priced for what they're offering. This rifle has mid length gas which is a little smoother than carbine gas which may help your wife. You may want to look into a brake to throw on the end to help her with recoil. Add a sling and a T1 or H1 on here and she's set.

 

[Luvman]

Re: First AR-15

I'd follow the K.I.S.S principle for my first AR:

fixed A1 style sights (C7 upper) with A2 aperture
midlength gas system
standard style handguards
govt or lightweight barrel profile
16" or 14.5" with pinned flash hider (SS or chrome lined 1:7 or 1:8 twist)
Magpul CTR on a milspec buffer tube
NON adjustable trigger of your liking (less to break)
whatever grip you prefer
highest quality standard type small parts you can find

and last but not least as much trigger time and as many quality mags as your budget allows. in no time flat you'll be killing 2 liter bottles out to 300 meters.

save the fancy stuff for your second AR

 

[pilotguy299]

Re: First AR-15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My opinion: If you're looking for "off the shelf", I would do a search and see if I could find a colt or BCM in your price range. There are a lot of rifles to choose from in the sub $1000 range. If you can't find a colt, daniel defense, BCM, LMT (usually these are over $1000, but you may find a desperate seller/lightly used rifle) I would take a serious look at this rifle:
http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/st15-midlength-le-carbine-p-443.html
Spikes uses good quality parts, has good quality control and this is pretty fairly priced for what they're offering. This rifle has mid length gas which is a little smoother than carbine gas which may help your wife. You may want to look into a brake to throw on the end to help her with recoil. Add a sling and a T1 or H1 on here and she's set. </div></div>


i agree with the spikes recommendation. the only difference is that i would put an eotech on it. much better for close in shots, better eye relief, and you can still hit out to 200 with not much practice.

 

[USACS]

Re: First AR-15

For under $1k, look at a Spikes Tactical ST-15 midlength, a S&W M&P15, Stag Arms Model 1, Sig Sauer M400, Armalite M15, or get a Colt 6920 for as little as $1081 online.
If you want a much more affordable one in the $700 range, look into Double Star or Del-Ton.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pilotguy299</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

i agree with the spikes recommendation. the only difference is that i would put an eotech on it. much better for close in shots, better eye relief, and you can still hit out to 200 with not much practice.

</div></div>
There is no such thing as Eye Relief when it comes to non-parallax red dot sights, regardless of them being a collimator, reflex or holographic weapon sights (HWS),

Better for close-in shots is subjective to the user. It's also subjective to what one means by "better". You can go to a shooting course and see guys on the line with Aimpoints making shots at close range at the same pace as those with EOTechs. It's all dependent on the shooter's ability to get on target and drive the weapon correctly.

The ability to hit out to 200yds with "not much practice" is misleading. That's a shooter's skill, not the function of the optic. This also implies that you can't do that with an Aimpoint, which is false.

When it comes to RDS use, it's all about personal preference. I don't think we need another EOTech vs. Aimpoint thread.

 

[chrisdev01]

Re: First AR-15

Excellent input gents. Thanks.

The Spikes Tactical name keeps coming up. I think the gun gods are trying to tell me something, so I'll start there.

It seems the optic choice is a matter of personal preferece and might warrant some additional research on the threads here.

 

[USACS]

Re: First AR-15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisdev01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Excellent input gents. Thanks.

The Spikes Tactical name keeps coming up. I think the gun gods are trying to tell me something, so I'll start there.

It seems the optic choice is a matter of personal preferece and might warrant some additional research on the threads here.</div></div>
Spikes is a good company. There are lots of good companies out there besides them as well. I tend to favor BCM, Noveske and Daniel Defense.

As far as the optic, the best way to make the decision is to look at the stats and info, but ultimately you need to get behind them and see how they work for you.

 

[KhmerKid904]

Re: First AR-15

I also recommend the spikes ar. But would like to add that I would get the .Eotech xps that runs on cr123s. These batteries are very common and last longer than the Eotech 511.a65 that use n size batteries. They use only one and is a very compact unit. Welcome to black rifle syndrome support group.

 

[gbird001]

Re: First AR-15

Don't overlook Bushmaster. I have two and have been very happy with them. got into each of them for under $1k too, but not by much. as for the optics, whatever you run I'd suggest a set of flip up BUIS (back up iron sights) particularly if you have SHTF in mind. Batteries can die, electronics can fail, lenses can become compromised, ect... As you search for optics be mindful of BUIS and make sure you get something that will leave enough space for this, if you set it up thoughtfully you can mount a rear sight behind your EOtech or aimpoint, (or whatever) and should the optic fail, flip the sights up and be able to witness through the optics glass without having to waste time removing your optic.

 

[gunslotreaper308]

Re: First AR-15

This link was posted in another "first AR" thread. I'm just re-posting it in case you didn't happen to see it. I have absolutely no experience with palmetto's rifles, but from their specs, they look pretty good. This one comes with an aimpoint (which is usally around $400) and leaves you with money left over for ammo and training.


http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/2557.php