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Looking for a AR... what make?
- Thread starter Hawk45
- Start date
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Since they are all basically the same in the $800 to $1500 price range, You would be hard pressed to tell whose name is on the side. I dont think anyone makes a junk AR
I like Rock River for the National Match barrels, but Bushmaster makes good stuff as well.
Since they are all basically the same in the $800 to $1500 price range, You would be hard pressed to tell whose name is on the side. I dont think anyone makes a junk AR
I like Rock River for the National Match barrels, but Bushmaster makes good stuff as well.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
hey one thing i noticed was the piston ARs are really not priced that much higher than conventional ones. cleaner operating, plus side folding stock in some models. i think Stag or RRA has a decent model listed for under a grand. CMMG makes one for $899 in M4 config
hey one thing i noticed was the piston ARs are really not priced that much higher than conventional ones. cleaner operating, plus side folding stock in some models. i think Stag or RRA has a decent model listed for under a grand. CMMG makes one for $899 in M4 config
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hey one thing i noticed was the piston ARs are really not priced that much higher than conventional ones. cleaner operating, plus side folding stock in some models. i think Stag or RRA has a decent model listed for under a grand. CMMG makes one for $899 in M4 config </div></div>
How do you have a side folding stock with a buffer tube?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hey one thing i noticed was the piston ARs are really not priced that much higher than conventional ones. cleaner operating, plus side folding stock in some models. i think Stag or RRA has a decent model listed for under a grand. CMMG makes one for $899 in M4 config </div></div>
How do you have a side folding stock with a buffer tube?
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
lol, my bad, i was thinking of the SCAR? or what the heck was i looking at that was a sidefolder and piston driven? i mixed it in with ARs
lol, my bad, i was thinking of the SCAR? or what the heck was i looking at that was a sidefolder and piston driven? i mixed it in with ARs
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I have 2 Rock Rivers, a DPMS lower/RRA upper, my wife has an Olympic Arms (franken gun now with different internals), and my son has a CMMG build. More or less they are all the same. My RRA's have the 2 stage trigger that I really like.
Purchasing an AR will come down to your personal preferences. The name on the side doesn't mean much any more. If you are going for a plain jane (whether its an M4 style or not) just about any brand will do you good.
And if you're wanting to customize it go ahead and build it yourself. I've worked on every one of mine but my first and they are extremely user easy to build. An "AR tool" from Midway and a receiver block are about all you need in adition to tools you probably have in a garage.
Good luck, any choice should be a solid one.
I have 2 Rock Rivers, a DPMS lower/RRA upper, my wife has an Olympic Arms (franken gun now with different internals), and my son has a CMMG build. More or less they are all the same. My RRA's have the 2 stage trigger that I really like.
Purchasing an AR will come down to your personal preferences. The name on the side doesn't mean much any more. If you are going for a plain jane (whether its an M4 style or not) just about any brand will do you good.
And if you're wanting to customize it go ahead and build it yourself. I've worked on every one of mine but my first and they are extremely user easy to build. An "AR tool" from Midway and a receiver block are about all you need in adition to tools you probably have in a garage.
Good luck, any choice should be a solid one.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
If you want a folding stock take a look at the Rodinson XCR, it's caliber interchangeable, piston driven and has most of the modularity that an AR-15 does. I think the only thing it can't use (besides internals with the exception of the trigger) is the stock. It comes with rails and whatnot. I'm pretty sure it's available in 5.56, 6.8, 7.62x39, and 7.62x51. Might be a few more in the mix than that, don't bet on the .308 though been awhile since I saw their site.
If you want a folding stock take a look at the Rodinson XCR, it's caliber interchangeable, piston driven and has most of the modularity that an AR-15 does. I think the only thing it can't use (besides internals with the exception of the trigger) is the stock. It comes with rails and whatnot. I'm pretty sure it's available in 5.56, 6.8, 7.62x39, and 7.62x51. Might be a few more in the mix than that, don't bet on the .308 though been awhile since I saw their site.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
If you just want a plinker..i was just in Scheels in Sioux Falls SD yesterday. They had a bran new flat top DPMS Panther Bull "Sweet 16" for $599.
I was shocked...haven't seen one at that price for a LONG TIME.
If you just want a plinker..i was just in Scheels in Sioux Falls SD yesterday. They had a bran new flat top DPMS Panther Bull "Sweet 16" for $599.
I was shocked...haven't seen one at that price for a LONG TIME.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
thats the lowest ive heard in a while. supply has caught up with demand huh? hell i paid 599 just for my last upper. if you want to build your own, spikes has lowers on sale for $90 this month
thats the lowest ive heard in a while. supply has caught up with demand huh? hell i paid 599 just for my last upper. if you want to build your own, spikes has lowers on sale for $90 this month
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
ANY gun should get a full function check before you buy it.
DPMS, Rock RIver, Armalite, Bushmaster, CMMG, are all good makers.
Colt's tend to be overpriced (IMO) and have had some QC issues in teh past. At least theya re of no greater quality than other makers.
Olympic Arms has had some tight (non-spec) magwells.
Long as the gun functions, you still can't really go wrong with any of those for a nice plinker.
Now if there is any potential for a later build up, you may wanna re-think a bit.
ANY gun should get a full function check before you buy it.
DPMS, Rock RIver, Armalite, Bushmaster, CMMG, are all good makers.
Colt's tend to be overpriced (IMO) and have had some QC issues in teh past. At least theya re of no greater quality than other makers.
Olympic Arms has had some tight (non-spec) magwells.
Long as the gun functions, you still can't really go wrong with any of those for a nice plinker.
Now if there is any potential for a later build up, you may wanna re-think a bit.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I think alot will depend on what you want it for. Right now it's hard to beat the quality you get with the Bravo Co mid length. Again, ask what you want it for and tht will help out alot.
I think alot will depend on what you want it for. Right now it's hard to beat the quality you get with the Bravo Co mid length. Again, ask what you want it for and tht will help out alot.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Para ordnance make a piston AR-ish rifle with a folding stock.
Google that and see if that isn't what you are looking for.
Personally I would go with a rockriver standard DI gas gun.
Get their 2-stage trigger and their stainless 1-8 twist Wilson barrel with Wylde chamber.
Those barrels shoot very well for the cost.
Get a yankee hill freefloat tube of some description and you're GTG.
If you are going to stick with iron sights get the NM fixed carry handle upper.
Those irons are excellent.
The folks there are very nice and helpful.
They will take care of you.
Para ordnance make a piston AR-ish rifle with a folding stock.
Google that and see if that isn't what you are looking for.
Personally I would go with a rockriver standard DI gas gun.
Get their 2-stage trigger and their stainless 1-8 twist Wilson barrel with Wylde chamber.
Those barrels shoot very well for the cost.
Get a yankee hill freefloat tube of some description and you're GTG.
If you are going to stick with iron sights get the NM fixed carry handle upper.
Those irons are excellent.
The folks there are very nice and helpful.
They will take care of you.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I'd never consider an Olympic, have seen too many frozen up, Colt, LMT, LWRC, Noveski, Bushmaster, Rock River, and Stag in no paticular order are all top of the food chain. As always, budget is a huge question. JPG
I'd never consider an Olympic, have seen too many frozen up, Colt, LMT, LWRC, Noveski, Bushmaster, Rock River, and Stag in no paticular order are all top of the food chain. As always, budget is a huge question. JPG
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Have 6 DPMS, 1 Armalite, 2 Smith & Wesson's and all work good with no problems
Have 6 DPMS, 1 Armalite, 2 Smith & Wesson's and all work good with no problems
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Start with a basic flattop platform of nearly any make and go from there, you can always swap barrels, stocks, foreends, optics, etc. Personality should be said with the AR name as long as versatility. I have 2 DPMS and a Stag, function great always can upgrade if something goes wrong, or just get some extra money. For instance I have one with DPMS barrel and lower Del-ton parts, Magpul Stock, and various other brand accessories.
Start with a basic flattop platform of nearly any make and go from there, you can always swap barrels, stocks, foreends, optics, etc. Personality should be said with the AR name as long as versatility. I have 2 DPMS and a Stag, function great always can upgrade if something goes wrong, or just get some extra money. For instance I have one with DPMS barrel and lower Del-ton parts, Magpul Stock, and various other brand accessories.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
CMMG products are reliable as hell and you can always find good rifles in their bargain bin. They make piston and direct impingement and they are a really good price. They also make a drop-in .22 conversion for all AR's that you could throw in for around 200 bucks. You can find CMMG anywhere for a decent price. I personally own an LWRC M6A3 that I picked up for 2100 and I love it. Piston driven, a good warranty, and reliable as hell. Depends on your price range really and what if any accessories you intend to put on. Most AR's are gonna last for a while so look for what gives you the best overall package for the price you want to spend. Just my .02
CMMG products are reliable as hell and you can always find good rifles in their bargain bin. They make piston and direct impingement and they are a really good price. They also make a drop-in .22 conversion for all AR's that you could throw in for around 200 bucks. You can find CMMG anywhere for a decent price. I personally own an LWRC M6A3 that I picked up for 2100 and I love it. Piston driven, a good warranty, and reliable as hell. Depends on your price range really and what if any accessories you intend to put on. Most AR's are gonna last for a while so look for what gives you the best overall package for the price you want to spend. Just my .02
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Can't go wrong with LMT, LWRC, Noveske, Colt, S&W, BCM, or LaRue - they are all top notch IMO. I drink the Cool-Aid, I have all colts in my safe with the exception of a future LaRue build that I have been aquiring parts for.
Can't go wrong with LMT, LWRC, Noveske, Colt, S&W, BCM, or LaRue - they are all top notch IMO. I drink the Cool-Aid, I have all colts in my safe with the exception of a future LaRue build that I have been aquiring parts for.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I like Smith and Wesson's M&P line. DPMS, LMT, Larue used them all and never had problems with the above.
I like Smith and Wesson's M&P line. DPMS, LMT, Larue used them all and never had problems with the above.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you just want a plinker..i was just in Scheels in Sioux Falls SD yesterday. They had a bran new flat top DPMS Panther Bull "Sweet 16" for $599.
I was shocked...haven't seen one at that price for a LONG TIME.</div></div>
i like sioux fall's been there many times,
i have a DPMS , shoots fine.
599 is a good price
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you just want a plinker..i was just in Scheels in Sioux Falls SD yesterday. They had a bran new flat top DPMS Panther Bull "Sweet 16" for $599.
I was shocked...haven't seen one at that price for a LONG TIME.</div></div>
i like sioux fall's been there many times,
i have a DPMS , shoots fine.
599 is a good price
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Haven't looked at AR's in a long time.. Looking for a fun plinker.. who makes a decent AR platform? Smith&Wesson, Bushmaster, Olympic..etc? Or maybe more importantly.. who to stay away from?</div></div>
my neighbor has a stock DPMS sportical, with over 7000 rounds through it, not tipical, but its been one tuff rifle, he also has a OLY, 20'' plinker , G.I. ?model ? i think thats what its called, its a tack driver.
i have a bushy, m4. and a dpms also, plus the rock river, i like em all.
i truly do like rock rivers two stage triggers.
i think all the AR's out there are good.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Haven't looked at AR's in a long time.. Looking for a fun plinker.. who makes a decent AR platform? Smith&Wesson, Bushmaster, Olympic..etc? Or maybe more importantly.. who to stay away from?</div></div>
my neighbor has a stock DPMS sportical, with over 7000 rounds through it, not tipical, but its been one tuff rifle, he also has a OLY, 20'' plinker , G.I. ?model ? i think thats what its called, its a tack driver.
i have a bushy, m4. and a dpms also, plus the rock river, i like em all.
i truly do like rock rivers two stage triggers.
i think all the AR's out there are good.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I'm a big fan of LMT and Larue. I have 2x LMTs (1 DI, 1 piston) and a Larue SPR. Having said that, any of the brands listed above will work fine for plinking. Some other brands that were not listed but have decent reputations in the budget range are: Stag, YHM and Double Star.
However, if its a duty weapon - a few of those on the list start falling off the plate for consideration. From doing a LOT of research when shopping for mine, the consensus (such as it is) is Olympic Arms and DPMS would probably be the 1st to go.
I'm no AR expert (not even close), so take this with a grain of salt: I've generally classified AR brands into 3 tiers. Top tier ARs would generally be Colt, Noveske, LWRC, LMT, Larue, etc. Middle tier (where the majority live) would be: RRA, Bushmaster, Double Star, Stag, BCM, S&W, Ruger, POF, CMMG, Spikes, Daniel Defense, etc. Bottom tier usually include DPMS, Armalite and Olympic Arms.
To the OP: check out this link before you buy:
AR-15 comparison chart
I'm a big fan of LMT and Larue. I have 2x LMTs (1 DI, 1 piston) and a Larue SPR. Having said that, any of the brands listed above will work fine for plinking. Some other brands that were not listed but have decent reputations in the budget range are: Stag, YHM and Double Star.
However, if its a duty weapon - a few of those on the list start falling off the plate for consideration. From doing a LOT of research when shopping for mine, the consensus (such as it is) is Olympic Arms and DPMS would probably be the 1st to go.
I'm no AR expert (not even close), so take this with a grain of salt: I've generally classified AR brands into 3 tiers. Top tier ARs would generally be Colt, Noveske, LWRC, LMT, Larue, etc. Middle tier (where the majority live) would be: RRA, Bushmaster, Double Star, Stag, BCM, S&W, Ruger, POF, CMMG, Spikes, Daniel Defense, etc. Bottom tier usually include DPMS, Armalite and Olympic Arms.
To the OP: check out this link before you buy:
AR-15 comparison chart
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Bottom tier usually include DPMS, Armalite and Olympic Arms.
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I cannot imagine you'll have alot of company seeing Armalite as bottom tier, but its prolly based on some personal experience you've had.
My friends Armalites are top shelf in fit, finish and function.
I personally would put DPMS mid level. My LR-308 is a very fine firearm.
And Oly bottom. I've owned many of them, and except for the mag well, all functioned fine.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Bottom tier usually include DPMS, Armalite and Olympic Arms.
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</div></div>
I cannot imagine you'll have alot of company seeing Armalite as bottom tier, but its prolly based on some personal experience you've had.
My friends Armalites are top shelf in fit, finish and function.
I personally would put DPMS mid level. My LR-308 is a very fine firearm.
And Oly bottom. I've owned many of them, and except for the mag well, all functioned fine.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
DPMS has sourced bad parts in the past.
They used badly cut barrels and rejected parts in the past.
Poor chamber reaming, tight chambers and all the extraction problems that come with that.
They also wouldn't fix any rifle returned to them.
I went through this as did many others.
They got their start sourcing parts and often had rejected parts that they needed to find a home for.
I'm sure they made plenty of money selling rejects.
I personally feel that those days are long over for DPMS, but I know in the past they were more than willing to pass on junk and then not make right when given the opportunity.
Armalite is just the budget rifle maker eagle arms who bought the name.
Similar to today's Springfield armory. The name was bought privately but there is zero connection to the original company.
Olympic arms has also made many rough, tight chambered barrels that refuse to extract the empties for whatever reasons.
Why? They also make rifles that run like a top so??????
Most AR parts are coming from the same sources.
Better companies will not let you get hold of problem components and know how to chamber and headspace a barrel properly.
They use sharp reamers and allow for perfect slop in the tolerances.
Bushmaster uses excellent parts in their builds and I would consider them top tier for a generic AR rifle.
DPMS has sourced bad parts in the past.
They used badly cut barrels and rejected parts in the past.
Poor chamber reaming, tight chambers and all the extraction problems that come with that.
They also wouldn't fix any rifle returned to them.
I went through this as did many others.
They got their start sourcing parts and often had rejected parts that they needed to find a home for.
I'm sure they made plenty of money selling rejects.
I personally feel that those days are long over for DPMS, but I know in the past they were more than willing to pass on junk and then not make right when given the opportunity.
Armalite is just the budget rifle maker eagle arms who bought the name.
Similar to today's Springfield armory. The name was bought privately but there is zero connection to the original company.
Olympic arms has also made many rough, tight chambered barrels that refuse to extract the empties for whatever reasons.
Why? They also make rifles that run like a top so??????
Most AR parts are coming from the same sources.
Better companies will not let you get hold of problem components and know how to chamber and headspace a barrel properly.
They use sharp reamers and allow for perfect slop in the tolerances.
Bushmaster uses excellent parts in their builds and I would consider them top tier for a generic AR rifle.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Bottom tier usually include DPMS, Armalite and Olympic Arms.
]
</div></div>
I cannot imagine you'll have alot of company seeing Armalite as bottom tier, but its prolly based on some personal experience you've had.
My friends Armalites are top shelf in fit, finish and function.
I personally would put DPMS mid level. My LR-308 is a very fine firearm.
And Oly bottom. I've owned many of them, and except for the mag well, all functioned fine.
</div></div>
I probably should have labeled them as tier 1-3 rather than "top, middle, bottom" to keep someone from getting upset that their AR is not in the "top" group. Honestly I have no personal experience with either DPMS, Armalite or Oly. As I said take what I post with a grain o' salt. I'm only stating what I've read during a fairly exhaustive reserach before I bought. And I don't think the DPMS .308 is in the same league as the regular ARs - my understanding is both the Armalite AR10 and the DPMS .308 are head and shoulders better than their AR-15 cousins. But since we're talking about .223 guns - my reading has shown quite a bit more issues all around with the DPMS, Oly and other tier 3 rifles I listed.
Yes those bottom/tier 3 guns probably will shoot fine out at the range. And I up front said that for plinking guns they are most likely great buys for the $$. But I doubt that there are many people who would choose a DPMS over a LMT or Colt if they had to hump one in Afghanistan. Nor would I imagine on the whole an Oly would stand up to a carbine course where 2K+ rounds over a weekend are expended. It just depends on what you plan to use the tool for as to how robust you need the tool to be.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Bottom tier usually include DPMS, Armalite and Olympic Arms.
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I cannot imagine you'll have alot of company seeing Armalite as bottom tier, but its prolly based on some personal experience you've had.
My friends Armalites are top shelf in fit, finish and function.
I personally would put DPMS mid level. My LR-308 is a very fine firearm.
And Oly bottom. I've owned many of them, and except for the mag well, all functioned fine.
</div></div>
I probably should have labeled them as tier 1-3 rather than "top, middle, bottom" to keep someone from getting upset that their AR is not in the "top" group. Honestly I have no personal experience with either DPMS, Armalite or Oly. As I said take what I post with a grain o' salt. I'm only stating what I've read during a fairly exhaustive reserach before I bought. And I don't think the DPMS .308 is in the same league as the regular ARs - my understanding is both the Armalite AR10 and the DPMS .308 are head and shoulders better than their AR-15 cousins. But since we're talking about .223 guns - my reading has shown quite a bit more issues all around with the DPMS, Oly and other tier 3 rifles I listed.
Yes those bottom/tier 3 guns probably will shoot fine out at the range. And I up front said that for plinking guns they are most likely great buys for the $$. But I doubt that there are many people who would choose a DPMS over a LMT or Colt if they had to hump one in Afghanistan. Nor would I imagine on the whole an Oly would stand up to a carbine course where 2K+ rounds over a weekend are expended. It just depends on what you plan to use the tool for as to how robust you need the tool to be.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
i have a Charles daly defense that has been top notch. good gun tight fit never had a jam or miss feed and i use it as my three gun rifle i would highly recommend it to any one
i have a Charles daly defense that has been top notch. good gun tight fit never had a jam or miss feed and i use it as my three gun rifle i would highly recommend it to any one
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Honestly I have no personal experience with either DPMS, Armalite or Oly.
</div></div>
Amazing how that fact often doesn't stop people from spewing garbage opinions anyway.
See sig line.
I'll give ya props for admitting your ignorance of the subject matter AFTER the fact, tho.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Honestly I have no personal experience with either DPMS, Armalite or Oly.
</div></div>
Amazing how that fact often doesn't stop people from spewing garbage opinions anyway.
See sig line.
I'll give ya props for admitting your ignorance of the subject matter AFTER the fact, tho.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
i have a DPMS, runs fine...my buddy has two rifles. one's an OLY, G.I. PLINKER PLUS 20'', with probly 4k through it, zero problems, it's a TACK DRIVER, his DPMS sportical, has over 7k rounds through it, never a problem,[he's killed a truck load of deer with it] they run like a clocks.
my rock river with the two stage trigger, shoots almost as good as his oly,
and my bushy m4, runs fantastic, i guess ? all our rifles are good, we havent any complaints.
i dont think ? theres such a thing as a bad AR . maybe just lucky ?
i have a DPMS, runs fine...my buddy has two rifles. one's an OLY, G.I. PLINKER PLUS 20'', with probly 4k through it, zero problems, it's a TACK DRIVER, his DPMS sportical, has over 7k rounds through it, never a problem,[he's killed a truck load of deer with it] they run like a clocks.
my rock river with the two stage trigger, shoots almost as good as his oly,
and my bushy m4, runs fantastic, i guess ? all our rifles are good, we havent any complaints.
i dont think ? theres such a thing as a bad AR . maybe just lucky ?
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
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And Oly bottom. I've owned many of them, and except for the mag well, all functioned fine.
[/quote]
why ? the mag well ? my buddys oly, mag well is a little stiff ? but ? we like that for hunting,
havent lost a magazine yet...ha.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
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And Oly bottom. I've owned many of them, and except for the mag well, all functioned fine.
[/quote]
why ? the mag well ? my buddys oly, mag well is a little stiff ? but ? we like that for hunting,
havent lost a magazine yet...ha.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Don't get me wrong here after all I hate ruger but just wanted to throw this out there, Ruger now does have its own AR and for the money it loaded and piston driven, so I would still say stay away from the ruger and buy the non piston driven cousin (Smith and Wesson M&P 15T with the free floated barrel and then put a little money into it to make it yours. ARs are like a Christmas tree, there are lots of ornaments to choose from but you could end up with a overcrowded heavy ass tree that looks cool but now you can’t even see what kind of tree it is anymore, GET MY POINT? When I say upgrade I mean little things like hydraulic buffer tube, larger bolt catch, BUIS, Sling, flash hider, trigger then choose a optic if you want to go that route or leave the irons they work great also. If you give a price of what you would max want to spend then it would help, there are a lot of cars on the lot but some cost much more than others. If your wallet is heavy I would go with Les Baer or Wilson.
Don't get me wrong here after all I hate ruger but just wanted to throw this out there, Ruger now does have its own AR and for the money it loaded and piston driven, so I would still say stay away from the ruger and buy the non piston driven cousin (Smith and Wesson M&P 15T with the free floated barrel and then put a little money into it to make it yours. ARs are like a Christmas tree, there are lots of ornaments to choose from but you could end up with a overcrowded heavy ass tree that looks cool but now you can’t even see what kind of tree it is anymore, GET MY POINT? When I say upgrade I mean little things like hydraulic buffer tube, larger bolt catch, BUIS, Sling, flash hider, trigger then choose a optic if you want to go that route or leave the irons they work great also. If you give a price of what you would max want to spend then it would help, there are a lot of cars on the lot but some cost much more than others. If your wallet is heavy I would go with Les Baer or Wilson.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: weet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
why ? the mag well ? my buddys oly, mag well is a little stiff ? but ? we like that for hunting,
havent lost a magazine yet...ha. </div></div>
Yes. I've owned numerous Oly's (own a lower now that I use for my SPR) and if a gun is outta spec, I rate it down.
That said, all the Oly's I owned function fine even with the out of spec mag well.
Oly's barrels are quite excellent, and I am told they are one of the few makers that cut their own barrels.
Oly would just be the last of a list of very good manufacturers that I'd buy from. (the foregoing represnts an opinion
)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: weet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
why ? the mag well ? my buddys oly, mag well is a little stiff ? but ? we like that for hunting,
havent lost a magazine yet...ha. </div></div>
Yes. I've owned numerous Oly's (own a lower now that I use for my SPR) and if a gun is outta spec, I rate it down.
That said, all the Oly's I owned function fine even with the out of spec mag well.
Oly's barrels are quite excellent, and I am told they are one of the few makers that cut their own barrels.
Oly would just be the last of a list of very good manufacturers that I'd buy from. (the foregoing represnts an opinion
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Amazing how that fact often doesn't stop people from spewing garbage opinions anyway.
See sig line.
I'll give ya props for admitting your ignorance of the subject matter AFTER the fact, tho.
</div></div>
Garbage opinion? Who's opinion here <span style="font-style: italic">isn't</span> garbage other than your own? An internet forum, by it's very defininition, is nothing BUT opinion when someone asks the usual "what make should I buy?" I gave an opinion, you gave an opinion, others gave opinions. It's up to the OP to sort out those opinions and make a decision. At least I was very careful to state what I wrote as opinion rather than fact - so I don't think your precious sig line really applies here. And I certainly didn't state anything "loud or strong" - just stating what I had read from my own fairly thorough search on the subject.
And I'm sorry if you don't like the fact that IMO, I rate Olys, DPMS, and others lower than you'd like. I'm sure they work well for you. But those brands seems to me to be at the top of the complaint list for owner issues and poor customer service. But as I said, that doesn't necessarily rule one of those out to buy - because depending on the expected use and budget - A DPMS or Oly might be just the right ticket. It was just MY opinion.
An old saying about opinions and assholes comes to mind.....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Amazing how that fact often doesn't stop people from spewing garbage opinions anyway.
See sig line.
I'll give ya props for admitting your ignorance of the subject matter AFTER the fact, tho.
</div></div>
Garbage opinion? Who's opinion here <span style="font-style: italic">isn't</span> garbage other than your own? An internet forum, by it's very defininition, is nothing BUT opinion when someone asks the usual "what make should I buy?" I gave an opinion, you gave an opinion, others gave opinions. It's up to the OP to sort out those opinions and make a decision. At least I was very careful to state what I wrote as opinion rather than fact - so I don't think your precious sig line really applies here. And I certainly didn't state anything "loud or strong" - just stating what I had read from my own fairly thorough search on the subject.
And I'm sorry if you don't like the fact that IMO, I rate Olys, DPMS, and others lower than you'd like. I'm sure they work well for you. But those brands seems to me to be at the top of the complaint list for owner issues and poor customer service. But as I said, that doesn't necessarily rule one of those out to buy - because depending on the expected use and budget - A DPMS or Oly might be just the right ticket. It was just MY opinion.
An old saying about opinions and assholes comes to mind.....
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Garbage opinion? Who's opinion here <span style="font-style: italic">isn't</span> garbage other than your own? </div></div>
A "garbage opinion" is one where someone gives a negative opinion about a gun THEY HAVE NO PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH.
Now let's see....who has ALREADY admitted to doing JUST THAT in this thread?
I can think of one person who has. Opinions from such a person would be garbage, in my view.
I, on the other hand, gave opinions OUT OF my own PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience. They are still opinions, but at least they have some basis in reality.
Others have rated DPMS, Oly and Armalite as very good quality out of THEIR PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience.
Then there's a guy who speaks out of his personal first hand ignorance. But he doesn't let that stop him. He just keeps diggin' him a deeper foxhole. Eventually he finds himself over his head, but he keeps diggin'....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Garbage opinion? Who's opinion here <span style="font-style: italic">isn't</span> garbage other than your own? </div></div>
A "garbage opinion" is one where someone gives a negative opinion about a gun THEY HAVE NO PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH.
Now let's see....who has ALREADY admitted to doing JUST THAT in this thread?
I can think of one person who has. Opinions from such a person would be garbage, in my view.
I, on the other hand, gave opinions OUT OF my own PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience. They are still opinions, but at least they have some basis in reality.
Others have rated DPMS, Oly and Armalite as very good quality out of THEIR PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience.
Then there's a guy who speaks out of his personal first hand ignorance. But he doesn't let that stop him. He just keeps diggin' him a deeper foxhole. Eventually he finds himself over his head, but he keeps diggin'....
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Garbage opinion? Who's opinion here <span style="font-style: italic">isn't</span> garbage other than your own? </div></div>
A "garbage opinion" is one where someone gives a negative opinion about a gun THEY HAVE NO PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH.
Now let's see....who has ALREADY admitted to doing JUST THAT in this thread?
I can think of one person who has. Opinions from such a person would be garbage, in my view.
I, on the other hand, gave opinions OUT OF my own PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience. They are still opinions, but at least they have some basis in reality.
Others have rated DPMS, Oly and Armalite as very good quality out of THEIR PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience.
Then there's a guy who speaks out of his personal first hand ignorance. But he doesn't let that stop him. He just keeps diggin' him a deeper foxhole. Eventually he finds himself over his head, but he keeps diggin'....
</div></div>
Whatever dude. I wasn't so much giving an "opinion" of a gun I don't have 1st hand experience with - it was more "passing on" of research information I had gathered. I was VERY clear about that in my original post. Now if I had said that DPMS and Olys were "SHIT" without the specific caveats that I wrote - you might have a point. But you don't, you're just arguing for the hell of it.
I always get a chuckle when someone like you bristles up when someone says anything negative about their pet toys. And you didn't dissappoint. I'm glad your guns working out well for you.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Garbage opinion? Who's opinion here <span style="font-style: italic">isn't</span> garbage other than your own? </div></div>
A "garbage opinion" is one where someone gives a negative opinion about a gun THEY HAVE NO PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH.
Now let's see....who has ALREADY admitted to doing JUST THAT in this thread?
I can think of one person who has. Opinions from such a person would be garbage, in my view.
I, on the other hand, gave opinions OUT OF my own PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience. They are still opinions, but at least they have some basis in reality.
Others have rated DPMS, Oly and Armalite as very good quality out of THEIR PERSONAL FIRST HAND experience.
Then there's a guy who speaks out of his personal first hand ignorance. But he doesn't let that stop him. He just keeps diggin' him a deeper foxhole. Eventually he finds himself over his head, but he keeps diggin'....
</div></div>
Whatever dude. I wasn't so much giving an "opinion" of a gun I don't have 1st hand experience with - it was more "passing on" of research information I had gathered. I was VERY clear about that in my original post. Now if I had said that DPMS and Olys were "SHIT" without the specific caveats that I wrote - you might have a point. But you don't, you're just arguing for the hell of it.
I always get a chuckle when someone like you bristles up when someone says anything negative about their pet toys. And you didn't dissappoint. I'm glad your guns working out well for you.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
"Fun plinker"... almost anything except an Olympic. Heck, a DoubleStar can be had now for 600ish. My current '15 is from Rock River and has shot very well, but if I were going to run it hard I'd re-stake the gas key and change the bolt group to a BCM.
I'd also point you to the link that ReaperDriver provided, The Chart, for an excellent comparison of brands.
"Fun plinker"... almost anything except an Olympic. Heck, a DoubleStar can be had now for 600ish. My current '15 is from Rock River and has shot very well, but if I were going to run it hard I'd re-stake the gas key and change the bolt group to a BCM.
I'd also point you to the link that ReaperDriver provided, The Chart, for an excellent comparison of brands.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
For the most part, internals aside since some bolts and carriers can be chromed, have non-staked keys, etc., they will differ mostly in fit and finish. I've seen "top tier" makes with ugly "seams" and non-matching finish to bottom tier makes with excellent, matching, finish and tight lower to upper fit.
I believe it really comes down to the batch and how pressed the manufacturer was in getting them out the door (maybe when demand, and prices, are up, they will let a few rougher-finished ones slip out).
I have an Olympic Arms carbine and a Bushmaster rifle and they both function perfectly. They could've just as well been Stag and DPMS except for the fact I think their stamps look cheesy.
The truth is, if something doesn't work properly, it can usually be very easily fixed by the end user with a few basic tools and some common sense, as well as reading ability.
For the most part, internals aside since some bolts and carriers can be chromed, have non-staked keys, etc., they will differ mostly in fit and finish. I've seen "top tier" makes with ugly "seams" and non-matching finish to bottom tier makes with excellent, matching, finish and tight lower to upper fit.
I believe it really comes down to the batch and how pressed the manufacturer was in getting them out the door (maybe when demand, and prices, are up, they will let a few rougher-finished ones slip out).
I have an Olympic Arms carbine and a Bushmaster rifle and they both function perfectly. They could've just as well been Stag and DPMS except for the fact I think their stamps look cheesy.
The truth is, if something doesn't work properly, it can usually be very easily fixed by the end user with a few basic tools and some common sense, as well as reading ability.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I have Smith & Wesson M&P that I couldn't be happier with. Never a jam, never a problem one. Very accurate for a 16" with a 1-9 twist, even with 75gr Hornady Tap. I take this along with me on extended hiking trips and I am NOT nice to it. The finish has held up tremendously well, no scratches or marks to speak of.
I have Smith & Wesson M&P that I couldn't be happier with. Never a jam, never a problem one. Very accurate for a 16" with a 1-9 twist, even with 75gr Hornady Tap. I take this along with me on extended hiking trips and I am NOT nice to it. The finish has held up tremendously well, no scratches or marks to speak of.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Don't spend big money for a lower (unless you have extra money and you just feel like spending it). Paying for a fancy AR is a tourist trap. The lower is just an apparatus that holds the trigger. Free-float a good barrel and get a good trigger. The rest doesn't matter all that much.
Don't spend big money for a lower (unless you have extra money and you just feel like spending it). Paying for a fancy AR is a tourist trap. The lower is just an apparatus that holds the trigger. Free-float a good barrel and get a good trigger. The rest doesn't matter all that much.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I highly recommend DPMS and Bushmaster. Both are making excellent rifles that are adequately priced and are excellent shooters. The best part about AR's right now is that a lot of guys ran out and bought them post Obama for some big money thinking he was gonna ban the things. Now 100's of AR's are walking around every gun show and you can pick them up for a fraction of what they usually cost. And 9 times out of 10 the damn things are brand new cause the newbies who bought them couldn't get a round of ammo!!!
I highly recommend DPMS and Bushmaster. Both are making excellent rifles that are adequately priced and are excellent shooters. The best part about AR's right now is that a lot of guys ran out and bought them post Obama for some big money thinking he was gonna ban the things. Now 100's of AR's are walking around every gun show and you can pick them up for a fraction of what they usually cost. And 9 times out of 10 the damn things are brand new cause the newbies who bought them couldn't get a round of ammo!!!
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
ARs are definitely coming down in price. I put together a DPMS Sweet 16 (stainless Bull barrel with free float handguard) for <span style="font-weight: bold">LESS THAN $700</span>! It's reported as a very sweet and accurate gun. I'll drop a Chip McCormick trigger in it and have a very good gun for a great price.
$444 for the complete upper assembly from DPMS (they are on a closeout special right now), and $241 for the lower.
Perhaps now gun nuts will get over the insane idea that "Obama is after our guns" and allow all of us access to decently priced ammo and reloading components. Everything is ridiculously overpriced because gun nuts are afraid tha the same democrats who were supposed to take our guns when Carter was in office and when Clinton was in office (who never did in the event we haven't noticed) are back and that their number 1 priority is the abolition of the 2nd amendment.
ARs are definitely coming down in price. I put together a DPMS Sweet 16 (stainless Bull barrel with free float handguard) for <span style="font-weight: bold">LESS THAN $700</span>! It's reported as a very sweet and accurate gun. I'll drop a Chip McCormick trigger in it and have a very good gun for a great price.
$444 for the complete upper assembly from DPMS (they are on a closeout special right now), and $241 for the lower.
Perhaps now gun nuts will get over the insane idea that "Obama is after our guns" and allow all of us access to decently priced ammo and reloading components. Everything is ridiculously overpriced because gun nuts are afraid tha the same democrats who were supposed to take our guns when Carter was in office and when Clinton was in office (who never did in the event we haven't noticed) are back and that their number 1 priority is the abolition of the 2nd amendment.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
Hi Hawk45,
I have a Spikes Tactical 16" (their M4 model) with about 3000 rounds through it.
No malfunctions of any kind.
Almost all Wolf ammo-most of it the older lacquer coated stuff.
I get about 3" groups at 100 yards with the wolf and about 2" groups with Remington 55 grain softpoints-iron sights.
When I get time I will put a scope on it and try some match ammo to see how well it can group.
My buddy got the same rifle at the same time and has about 2000 rounds through it-same ammo-also no malfunctions.
All we do for maintenance is brake cleaner and a bore snake.
I am very impressed with the dependability.
Spikes is about 2 miles from my house, that adds to the cool factor for me-and they are nice folks.
It also has a lifetime warranty.
http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=113&products_id=59
Have fun!
Kev
Hi Hawk45,
I have a Spikes Tactical 16" (their M4 model) with about 3000 rounds through it.
No malfunctions of any kind.
Almost all Wolf ammo-most of it the older lacquer coated stuff.
I get about 3" groups at 100 yards with the wolf and about 2" groups with Remington 55 grain softpoints-iron sights.
When I get time I will put a scope on it and try some match ammo to see how well it can group.
My buddy got the same rifle at the same time and has about 2000 rounds through it-same ammo-also no malfunctions.
All we do for maintenance is brake cleaner and a bore snake.
I am very impressed with the dependability.
Spikes is about 2 miles from my house, that adds to the cool factor for me-and they are nice folks.
It also has a lifetime warranty.
http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=113&products_id=59
Have fun!
Kev
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I would try to stay with Colt, LMT (standard guns, not the MPR), BCM, and Noveske.
BCM is probably the best bang for your buck when you consider quality, features, price, avaliblity, and options.
<span style="font-style: italic">03designgroup</span> | <span style="font-weight: bold">BCM Complete AR15 Upper and Lower Receivers
</span>
I would try to stay with Colt, LMT (standard guns, not the MPR), BCM, and Noveske.
BCM is probably the best bang for your buck when you consider quality, features, price, avaliblity, and options.
<span style="font-style: italic">03designgroup</span> | <span style="font-weight: bold">BCM Complete AR15 Upper and Lower Receivers
</span>Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
If I were buying a complete rifle on a budget right now I'd get a BCM. Great products and great folks, from my experience buying parts from them.
If I were buying a complete rifle on a budget right now I'd get a BCM. Great products and great folks, from my experience buying parts from them.
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I currently have a Bushmaster with the 11.5 barrel and 5.5 flash hider. The upper wasnt my first choice but I got it for a great deal. I am partial to Bushmaster and am building 2 more of them in different configurations. I stuck with Bushmaster b/c its what I like, however I agree with Pinkgunsaresilly that you really dont need to go all out in an expensive lower as they are just there to hold things together.. I have personally seen stripped essential arms, rock river arms, and bushmaster recievers and honestly wouldnt be able to tell the difference if I hadnt read the name on them. I also agree with getting the expensive trigger and barrel. I havent shot an expensive barrel but it makes sense to me. I have shot a nice trigger though. I held a AR with a RRA NM two stage ($120.00) and my stock Bushmaster and pulled the triggers at the same time. I can say that even being a nooby in the AR realm the difference was night and day with the RRA trigger set (so I bought one and intend on putting one in the other two AR's as well). The cool things about AR's is you can build a lower that your comfy with and then build multiple uppers for different situations and then switch them out in literally seconds... If your looking to keep the gun forever then building a Frankengun might not be a bad idea to keep cost down, but if you intend on selling it in the future remember that some buyers may be reluctant to buy a mixed brands gun (my .02 cents).
I currently have a Bushmaster with the 11.5 barrel and 5.5 flash hider. The upper wasnt my first choice but I got it for a great deal. I am partial to Bushmaster and am building 2 more of them in different configurations. I stuck with Bushmaster b/c its what I like, however I agree with Pinkgunsaresilly that you really dont need to go all out in an expensive lower as they are just there to hold things together.. I have personally seen stripped essential arms, rock river arms, and bushmaster recievers and honestly wouldnt be able to tell the difference if I hadnt read the name on them. I also agree with getting the expensive trigger and barrel. I havent shot an expensive barrel but it makes sense to me. I have shot a nice trigger though. I held a AR with a RRA NM two stage ($120.00) and my stock Bushmaster and pulled the triggers at the same time. I can say that even being a nooby in the AR realm the difference was night and day with the RRA trigger set (so I bought one and intend on putting one in the other two AR's as well). The cool things about AR's is you can build a lower that your comfy with and then build multiple uppers for different situations and then switch them out in literally seconds... If your looking to keep the gun forever then building a Frankengun might not be a bad idea to keep cost down, but if you intend on selling it in the future remember that some buyers may be reluctant to buy a mixed brands gun (my .02 cents).
Re: Looking for a AR... what make?
I have seven Colt AR-15's (6520, 6721, 6920, and 6940) and would buy no other brand. The "quality control issues" I have read about are a few instances of poor finishing and less than pristine forging surfaces. Recently when I bought my 6940's, I looked at about six and they were all well finished. One, however did not have the accessory pack in the box. It is possible to buy a 6920 for about $1000 and a 6940 for about $1200. Just look the rifle over before you put your money down. If you order one, insist that the dealer remove the rifle from the box and look it over.
I have seven Colt AR-15's (6520, 6721, 6920, and 6940) and would buy no other brand. The "quality control issues" I have read about are a few instances of poor finishing and less than pristine forging surfaces. Recently when I bought my 6940's, I looked at about six and they were all well finished. One, however did not have the accessory pack in the box. It is possible to buy a 6920 for about $1000 and a 6940 for about $1200. Just look the rifle over before you put your money down. If you order one, insist that the dealer remove the rifle from the box and look it over.
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