Looking for the "glock" of ARs.....

[cheesefries]

I think of Glocks as tools, utilitarian like that just go BANG when you squeeze the trigger. Not the prettiest butt they are extremely reliable no matter what you do to them or feed them. I am looking for input for a farm gun mostly, throw it in the UTV and always have close by for predators. Ive got 200 acres to cover but its pretty hilly- not many shots would be 500 yards. Im thinking 6.5cr, not trying to save pelts and I think .308 recoil would be a bit much for my wife to shoot it comfortably and confidently. Maybe a SFWA 3x15 or even fixed power 10. Prob want to go suppressed eventually to keep from scaring the cattle and goats.. Im not concerned too much about weight- just a rock solid coyote/predator killing rifle. Budget is flexible with reliability as first priority. I have plenty of bolt guns but this is my first semi auto. TIA

 

[TheGerman]

Straight down the middle is a Colt.

Not a Gucci KAC yet not a PSA thing either.

Also priced (usually) right in the middle as well.

Problem right now is, anything AR is basically sold out, or if in stock, you'll be paying 2-3 times the usual price.

 

[hellishot]

Let see, you want a farm gun but you also want it to be reliable. It might be best to go with a cheap lower receiver and invest on a middle of the pack upper receiver.

Honestly any cheap lower will do as long as the takedown pins lock and secure the upper receiver. There may be some rattle but that is acceptable.

But if you are want a whole rifle. Then it really depends on your budget. Bushmaster, Smith & Wesson, etc. sounds like it may fit your needs. I personally like Yankee Hill Machine - they have some varmint rifles.

Upper tier ar15s would be Noveske and Knights Armament.

Colt may be a little pricey nowadays especially when they discontinued civilian ar15 production. The Colt LE6920 Socom which used to be $1,200-$1,500 is now $2,500-$3,000.

 

[MosesTheTank]

Build your own is my first suggestion. After that, Seekins makes nice rifles at an affordable price point.

 

[krw]

I am a Glock 19 FanBoy!! Ur first AR platform should be 223. Personally, I like Rock Rivers. They’re kinda like a Glock, they go bang everytime I squeeze the trigger. To shoot suppressed, I would want adj gas block and 16” carbine bbl. good luck!!

 

[cruikshank]

Take a look at the “What Would Stoner Do” project. You can source all the parts from Brownells.

Aero Precision is worth a look as far as quality machining practices and QC without “bells and whistles”.

 

[madppcs]

First thing most Glock owners do is swap out all that reliability for aftermarket parts.

 

[slothlacrosse]

Armalite LE Carbine and RRA LAR-15 Entry Tactical are about as unsexy and reliable as a Glock.

My Anderson Manufacturing "Poverty Pony" was accurate enough out of the box and has never given me any problems. The only changes I made were a BCM PNT trigger and an enhanced extractor kit. And I wouldn't have put either in the rifle if they weren't already sitting in a box on my workbench.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Buy once, cry once.
LMT, Seekins, JP...
Or build your own and don’t skimp on the parts.

 

[Bakwa]

LMT or KAC products for hard use tools.
If you want "mil-spec" or close then go Colt, FN, Geissele, DD, BCM, etc...
I'd trust my life in crappy environments to all of them about equally.

 

[salks]

I bought a S&W M&P15 Sport for $450 when the the sport II first came out. It is has been rock solid. It is in every sense MIL spec. but it shoots anything i have ever fed it. Reasonably accurate. It is not something I have ever competed with but I have run pretty hard with no failures. I have been very impressed with it considering what I paid.

 

[Rerun7]

BCM and Colt have been my go to hard use rifles. No frills, they just run and are moderately priced.

 

[grapo]

Have never had any trouble with any of my palmetto ARs. For a tool that goes bang they are a great option imo.

 

[Boltyboi]

Cheap lower, bcm upper. Done.

 

[celltech]

+1 for the S&W M&P15 Sport...has shot every piece of trash I ever loaded it with.

 

[slothlacrosse]

Buy once, cry once.
LMT, Seekins, JP...
Or build your own and don’t skimp on the parts.

Saving up for a high end rifle is always a good idea; however, I think having something right now is better than having nothing while you save up. Given a limited budget, I'd rather have an inexpensive rifle and a ton of cheap ammo.

 

[DAJAMES]

I've heard of issues with colts new management. But if I had to pick the "glock or ARs". Would have to go with Colt.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Saving up for a high end rifle is always a good idea; however, I think having something right now is better than having nothing while you save up. Given a limited budget, I'd rather have an inexpensive rifle and a ton of cheap ammo.View attachment 7380340

True, nice thing about AR’s is you can nickel and dime components until you can build a complete gun as opposed to paying up front for the whole package. Even so, I am weary of going through all the troubleshooting threads where guys are trying to get budget rifles to run like quality builds. ‘I bought these blemished lowers for $50 and my trigger pins are walking out, my $80 barrel is short stroking, help me tune my franken-build, are chinese lpk’s gtg?’ and so on.

 

[everready073]

Cheap lower, bcm upper. Done.

This.

Another really good choice is Centurions CM4 rifle for $1200. A lot of value in that gun

 

[slothlacrosse]

True, nice thing about AR’s is you can nickel and dime components until you can build a complete gun as opposed to paying up front for the whole package. Even so, I am weary of going through all the troubleshooting threads where guys are trying to get budget rifles to run like quality builds. ‘I bought these blemished lowers for $50 and my trigger pins are walking out, my $80 barrel is short stroking, help me tune my franken-build, are chinese lpk’s gtg?’ and so on.

No doubt, but my personal experience (building and buying a complete rifle on a budget) has been that budget rifles have been reliable than budget builds.

Like anything else, @cheesefries needs to do some homework and determine what he's comfortable buying. My recommendations are based on my experience and are no substitute for a metallurgical testing, mutlispectral analysis, and google searches!

 

[SandFam3]

If you decide to stick with 6.5CM as per your initial post, that really narrows down the options that would be the Glock equivalent. From a reliability perspective, the proven systems are LMT/KAC. I would be tempted to just build up a 5.56 gun as a “beater” due to the cost of the large frame guns.

 

[david walter]

Get a 5.56 LMT, then get additional barrels from LMT.

ditto if you get the 6.5 Creed precision rifle. Get a 7.62x51 barrel as well.

 

[sea2summit]

Glock of ARs in what configuration for what purpose? My crossing state lines truck “pistol” AR is a lot different than my SBR which is a lot different than my hunting AR.

If you’re looking for fewest parts to break take a look at HM Defense rifles.

 

[S197]

buy an LMT!
they will fire anything, and will take tons of abuse. LMT and KAC are at the top of the food of the food chain and LMT cost less. If you do some research you find very few complaints or failures on them, and their CS and QC is one of the best in the industry.

Just research places to buy them as some venders jack up the prices!

 

[SuperSneakySniper]

I'll throw Midwest Industries into the suggestion bin. They make tough-as-nails duty guns for a very good price. Very accurate too, since they often use Criterion barrels for their rifles. Great customer service. They sell .308 ARs, and could probably build up a 6.5cm for you if you wanted. Give em' a call and see what they can do for ya. Lead times may be extended though.

 

[UpSideDown]

I built one with a cheap lower and a BCM upper. It absolutely rips, love it.

The first thing not to do, if you want a reliable gun, is to get an AR-10. AR-10's have teething issues. An AR-15 is much more reliable, and I don't know of any predators that I would want .308 over .223 to kill. I'd rather have the .223.

I think there's a difference between 'farm reliable' and 'someone's shooting at me in this mud pit' reliable. A fairly generic AR-15 that's broken in is pretty dang reliable. There's lots of Colt upper assemblies for sale everywhere right now, but it isn't a big price difference to grab something else either.

 

[FishinGuns]

This.

Another really good choice is Centurions CM4 rifle for $1200. A lot of value in that gun

This is the best bang for your buck I can think of. I don’t have a full build, but I have used his parts regularly before his proliferation of full builds. 16” CHF barrel for longevity and pretty darn good accuracy, or his stainless 16” barrel for razor accuracy and less longevity.

Easy button, IMO.

 

[Fishin6061]

If I didn’t have X4 KAC rifles, I’d probably look at a SOLGW.

 

[wbnash]

PSA is a pretty good AR for the money. S&W makes some good ones as well.

Other posters are right: Finding one right now is the problem.

 

[DairyDictator]

BCM or Daniel defense. I don't understand all the love for colt. The older Colt was pretty good, but new Colt is not as good as it used to be. The QC has suffered over time, their offerings are outdated, and by today's standard are overpriced. No real reason a 16" barrel should have a carbine length gas tube when midlengths are just so much better.

 

[everready073]

Another option if you want a little more power than 556, but don't want to spend 2k-3k on a lmt mws in 308 or 6.5 Creed would be build lower and put together or build a 6.5 Grendel upper. Lots of barrel options, works with ar15 receivers and will reach out a little further.

The big problems with the 308 has guns is reliability. You have fewer choices and they cost more

 

[jetjock07]

Go with 556. If buying Daniel Defense, BCM, or Centurion. If building I’d go with BCM or Aero Precision.

 

[Des_Draws]

LMT no question ultra reliable, built to last and probably overkill if your’e not in combat
But for Glock type utility / value
I’d go DPMS. mid range price and super reliable and accurate

 

[ae7v]

I think of Glocks as tools, utilitarian like that just go BANG when you squeeze the trigger. Not the prettiest butt they are extremely reliable no matter what you do to them or feed them. I am looking for input for a farm gun mostly, throw it in the UTV and always have close by for predators. Ive got 200 acres to cover but its pretty hilly- not many shots would be 500 yards. Im thinking 6.5cr, not trying to save pelts and I think .308 recoil would be a bit much for my wife to shoot it comfortably and confidently. Maybe a SFWA 3x15 or even fixed power 10. Prob want to go suppressed eventually to keep from scaring the cattle and goats.. Im not concerned too much about weight- just a rock solid coyote/predator killing rifle. Budget is flexible with reliability as first priority. I have plenty of bolt guns but this is my first semi auto. TIA

 

[ae7v]

Well if you're going to build a big AR I think i would do a 243. Built one for a customer a while ago. When I shot it i could keep 20 rounds in an inch with factory 80gr blue box Federal. If you do the AR 15 size i think the new 6mm ARC has alot of promise.

 

[GeeDeeBee]

Build your own is my first suggestion. After that, Seekins makes nice rifles at an affordable price point.

I agree; build your own. If you built plastic models when you were a kid (cars, ships, airplanes, etc.) It's just as easy. With all the step by step videos on YouTube it's a piece of cake. I was able to build mine with the tools around my shop in about three hours (took my time). The only thing I had to buy was a torque wrench and an armorers wrench. You can build a basic AR-15 (with iron sights) for under $700. After you've had it awhile and decide you might want to upgrade certain features (optical sight, better trigger, better barrel, etc.) the replacement parts are easily interchangeable. Try Anderson Mfg and PSA; they offer complete build your own kits.

 

[Rkpnw]

Honestly you cant go wrong with Aero, quality control is out of this world and if you find blemished deals they arent too expensive. That being said I have had good luck with the more expensive PSA kits (CHF barrels, polished triggers) i have at least 10,000 rounds through my 10.5 PSA pistol and it has not had any hiccups (besides my reloaded ammo). I am not an operator, but i wouldn't think twice of picking up that pistol and rely on it.

 

[DairyDictator]

Surprised nobody has said this yet. Geissele super duty. or just duty.

Only reason I didn't is because they're fairly new. I'd like to see some guys run it hard for a long period of time before I'm completely sold on their stuff. Barrels and bcg specifically.

 

[S197]

Surprised nobody has said this yet. Geissele super duty. or just duty.

They are too new and currently over priced, who knows how they will hold up under use. The LE rifle seems nicely priced but I would not carry it yet.

 

[DairyDictator]

They are too new and currently over priced, who knows how they will hold up under use. The LE rifle seems nicely priced but I would not carry it yet.

I wouldn't say they're overpriced. They can be had for right around the same price as a BCM

 

[Dobermann]

For higher dollar / high reliability LMT and Centurion have already been mentioned.

For more mid-dollar but still reliable, along with the already-named Aero (who make parts for other manufacturers/brands) and Rock River, Stag Arms does a 6.5 and I think their stuff is underrated. I had one; while the Gucci crew looked at it snootily, it was a champ. YMMV of course.

 

[eugevita]

My buddy has a PSA 6.5 with adjustable gas block. He really likes it, it gets out to 1000 no prob. I think a SFWFA 3-9 or SWFA 3-15 would be a great choice.

 

[Bakwa]

Surprised nobody has said this yet. Geissele super duty. or just duty.

Post #10, Geissele recommendation.

They are too new and currently over priced, who knows how they will hold up under use. The LE rifle seems nicely priced but I would not carry it yet.

There has been a decent amount of testing done in the DOD's URGI program. So at the very least, the Geissele components in those products have been heavily tested and spec vetted.
Side note, One of my buddies helped in the testing. He said that Geissele really did stand out over the other test subjects. This one was not as political as say choosing the M14 over the FAL. lol

 

[Caterpillardoc]

Since you are leaning to 6.5 Creedmoor your options are more limited and will cost more. I would look at getting an Aero Precision M5. I have three and have been very happy with them, all have been very accurate and reliable.

You can assemble an Aero platform in 6.5 Creedmoor for $1200-$1500 depending on the trigger you use. You will want to upgrade from a mil spec trigger. I like Giessele however they are pricey. Larue makes a great trigger at a good price, compares well to Giessele at less than 1/2 the cost.

I have found some pretty good deals on Aero parts at Schuler Arms and Brownells had good prices on stripped lowers before all the craziness.

I would start by purchasing a stripped lower and only use Aero parts to assemble. You will save yourself many headaches by not mixing parts on AR308 platforms. Trust me, I learned the hard way

http://schuylerarmsco.com/

 

[Constructor]

I think of Glocks as tools, utilitarian like that just g

o BANG when you squeeze the trigger. Not the prettiest butt they are extremely reliable no matter what you do to them or feed them. I am looking for input for a farm gun mostly, throw it in the UTV and always have close by for predators. Ive got 200 acres to cover but its pretty hilly- not many shots would be 500 yards. Im thinking 6.5cr, not trying to save pelts and I think .308 recoil would be a bit much for my wife to shoot it comfortably and confidently. Maybe a SFWA 3x15 or even fixed power 10. Prob want to go suppressed eventually to keep from scaring the cattle and goats.. Im not concerned too much about weight- just a rock solid coyote/predator killing rifle. Budget is flexible with reliability as first priority. I have plenty of bolt guns but this is my first semi auto. TIA

A lot of the answers you are getting above is for combat rifles with chrome bores, they usually aren't that accurate. Sounds like you want a reliable hunting rifle so stay away from chrome lined bores. Stainless will corrode especially after sweaty hands have been on them. I would look for a Melonite/Nitride treated barrel chambered in 223 Wylde. The S&W M&P rifles are fairly cheap and will do the job you want done without spending $1000 for a name.
Yeah some will come around saying stainless will not corrode, here are 2 -6.5 Creedmoor barrels for a G2 that sat in this bucket for 6 months.
I would choose the 6mm ARC over the Grendel if that was a choice. The ARC shoots much flatter especially with lighter bullets and more versatility from 55-110gr .

 

[KYAggie]

A few thoughts. If you want a handy gun and your range is mostly under 500 yards, you may want to consider a 6.5 Grendel which is an AR15 platform. It’s a decent round in a 16” to 18” barrel, which is the length you’ll want if you want a handy rifle especially if you want to suppress it in the future. When you shorten a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel to those lengths you’re getting close enough to the Grendel territory that it warrants a look. I would not put a fixed 10x on that weapon, the swfa 3-15 would be a better choice.

1). Decide between the Creedmoor AR10 and Grendel AR15.

2). Build it for sure. The Aero uppers and hand guards in either platform are solid choices and will take a beating.

3). Look hard at Faxon nitrided barrels. If you are going to suppress, stick with their Gunner or Match barrels no more than 18”. The light weight pencil barrels are not great suppressor platforms.

4). I highly recommend a SLR or Superlative adjustable gas block with either platform.

5). Sling it with a Blue Force Gear Vickers sling.

Vickers Sling

Looking for additional colors and hardware options? Use the Sling Configurator

www.blueforcegear.com

6.5 Creedmoor- Effects of Barrel Length on Velocity 2019

“We do it right because we do it twice!”Greg Wagner, Wildlife Photographer Background The 6.5 Creedmoor has become one of the most popular center-fire cartridges in the precision rifle …

rifleshooter.com

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?17226-6-5-Grendel-Barrel-Length-Comparison

AR Barrels | Rifle Barrels | Gun Manufacturers in Ohio

Faxon Firearms Rifle Barrels is the pinnacle of quality and performance. We have a variety of options including barrels for your .300 blackout or .233 Wylde.

faxonfirearms.com

 

[S197]

Post #10, Geissele recommendation.



There has been a decent amount of testing done in the DOD's URGI program. So at the very least, the Geissele components in those products have been heavily tested and spec vetted.
Side note, One of my buddies helped in the testing. He said that Geissele really did stand out over the other test subjects. This one was not as political as say choosing the M14 over the FAL. lol

URGI‘s have barrels built by DD barrels.

 

[Bakwa]

URGI‘s have barrels built by DD barrels.

Yes, which would further explain why one would be interested in their URGI uppers if they were searching for a hard use product with those specs.

 

[UpSideDown]

I'm going to repeat what I said before - there's a difference between farm reliable, and battlefield reliable. This is a farm-reliable discussion.

With that said, AR-10's are the wrong choice. An AR-15 is perfect for predator control on a farm. It's not like a .308 or 6.5CM is really going to give you that much more range than a .223 in an AR platform shooting off a tractor or bed of a truck. AR-15's are generally a lot easier to make reliable than AR-10's.

Chrome-lined barrels affect accuracy, they don't kill it. My Barrett and BCM are chrome-lined and they're still shooters. Who cares if it's 1.5 MOA on a farm, you're shooting a coyote, not a bullseye.

 

[hypno02]

If you want the glock of AR's that means you're looking for something that will cycle basically any ammo in any environment right out of the box. It may not be the prettiest or the most accurate but it's going to be durable and low maintenance.

In no particular order:
1. Colt
2. Centurion
3. LMT

The "glock" of AR's is going to utilize a chrome lined bore & chamber, have a pinned gas block, staked castle nut, and a properly built mil-spec BCG. Hope this helps!