Looking to spend 1100-1200 on an AR

[Travv801]

As the title says, I'm looking to spend 1100-1200 on an AR15.
Intent of this gun would be for varmints, plinking, and slinging rounds a few hundred yards down range. So, ideally I'd like a heavy barrel.
Right now I'm looking at buying a RRA ATH at a local shop for 1200, but I feel like I can do better for 1200.
Another option I've looked at is buying a DPMS from a local and upgrading it with parts, you can see the gun here.

I've also thought about just doing a custom build, but I've only been looking into custom AR's for the past few weeks, and I don't feel comfortable purchasing stuff for a custom rig without some opinions from people with more knowledge.

If you're willing to help, I can answer questions if you got any to narrow me to a better setup.

 

[samnev]

I have a number of AR's 2 of them RRA AR's and other than my 2 Noveske's the most accurate. I would get the RRA ATH rather than a DPMS that you will have to upgrade. The ATH comes with an 18" SS heavy match barrel IIRC and a great match trigger. RRA rates it @ 3/4" @100 yards but I have found their ratings very conservative. $1200 is a decent price for a NIB ATH imo.

 

[BCP]

The RRA ATH isn't a bad rifle. There are a few Colt 16-18" rifles marketed for 3 gun use as well and they have gotten good reviews. They are 900-1400 depending on options.

 

[ORD]

Any of the RRA rifles (or even complete uppers if you want to DIY a lower of your choosing) are VERY capable commercial grade rifles, including some being capable of excellent accuracy with the proper ammo and a shooter that knows what they are doing. The RRA Varmint rifles are easily sub-MOA capable and by far, one of the best bangs for the buck for an "entry-level" AR-15 rifle. The RRA Varmint rifles can all be had, in various bbl lengths from 16" to 24", for ~$1,050 (certainly less than $1100). Similarly, the ATH you are considering is also a quality rifle, but I don't see the $1200 price tag at your local dealer as a great deal. Generally, they can be had for just a little more than the Varmints, or ~$1100. Not sure what your local guys will ding you for a transfer fee, but I'd look nationally (whether on GunBroker or otherwise) for a deal on one that's in stock, factor in S&H and the transfer fee and see where you might come out ahead. Also, don't forget the sales tax if you buy locally at ~5%, plus any local taxes that you might have to bear up to the ~8% or so and include that in your calculations when cost comparing because a $1200 rifle on the shelf can quickly morph into an almost $1300 one "out-the-door."

As for going the DIY route and building/assembling on your own...it really all comes down to what you want at the end of the day. For your stated purposes, the reliability and accuracy of all the RRA's mentioned above will be top-notch. Unless you just want something more "customized" toward your end goals, like a specific barrel type, twist, mfg., or a different handguard, or [FILL__IN___THE___BLANK___], then an off-the-rack RRA is a great option. Only you can decide what best "works" for you at the end of the day.

 

[pnorris]

Colt 6920. Can't go wrong.

 

[Travv801]

Any of the RRA rifles (or even complete uppers if you want to DIY a lower of your choosing) are VERY capable commercial grade rifles, including some being capable of excellent accuracy with the proper ammo and a shooter that knows what they are doing. The RRA Varmint rifles are easily sub-MOA capable and by far, one of the best bangs for the buck for an "entry-level" AR-15 rifle. The RRA Varmint rifles can all be had, in various bbl lengths from 16" to 24", for ~$1,050 (certainly less than $1100). Similarly, the ATH you are considering is also a quality rifle, but I don't see the $1200 price tag at your local dealer as a great deal. Generally, they can be had for just a little more than the Varmints, or ~$1100. Not sure what your local guys will ding you for a transfer fee, but I'd look nationally (whether on GunBroker or otherwise) for a deal on one that's in stock, factor in S&H and the transfer fee and see where you might come out ahead. Also, don't forget the sales tax if you buy locally at ~5%, plus any local taxes that you might have to bear up to the ~8% or so and include that in your calculations when cost comparing because a $1200 rifle on the shelf can quickly morph into an almost $1300 one "out-the-door.".

As for going the DIY route and building/assembling on your own...it really all comes down to what you want at the end of the day. For your stated purposes, the reliability and accuracy of all the RRA's mentioned above will be top-notch. Unless you just want something more "customized" toward your end goals, like a specific barrel type, twist, mfg., or a different handguard, or [FILL__IN___THE___BLANK___], then an off-the-rack RRA is a great option. Only you can decide what best "works" for you at the end of the day.

.


Very good write up. Last time I paid transfer fees it ended up being 15 bucks, I should look at gunbroker.

I might go down to the shop with the ATH and see if we can negotiate an out the door price.

About the custom build, I was more concerned about getting something similar or better for a better price.

I have a number of AR's 2 of them RRA AR's and other than my 2 Noveske's the most accurate. I would get the RRA ATH rather than a DPMS that you will have to upgrade. The ATH comes with an 18" SS heavy match barrel IIRC and a great match trigger. RRA rates it @ 3/4" @100 yards but I have found their ratings very conservative. $1200 is a decent price for a NIB ATH imo.

As mentioned above, a 1200 dollar ATH ends up being around 1300 after all the fees.

How much do the Noveske setups run? I've heard a lot of good things, maybe I can extend the budget if its worth it.

The RRA ATH isn't a bad rifle. There are a few Colt 16-18" rifles marketed for 3 gun use as well and they have gotten good reviews. They are 900-1400 depending on options.

I was originally looking at colt's but haven't found any with a heavy barrel (locally). Might have to go with gunbroker on this one.

 

[samnev]

I generally agree with ORD as he has helped me out quite a few times in the past when I have had questions. However I would go to your LGS and dicker with them on the out the door price and see if you can strike a deal. I like to look at and examine a rifle I am buying if at all possible. It is worth it to me to spend a $100 more rather than buy or order a rifle. I bought a rifle out of state and had it transferred in. It was NIB from another dealer (Colt 6920MP-R TALO Limited production). It came in from the dealer with 3 scratches on the receiver. My dealer of course was not to blame and the other dealer would take it back for a refund but the shipping and insurance would be my responsibility. So I learned "bird in the hand" is best for me even if it cost a few $$$ more. At least I know exactly what I am getting.

 

[KUSA]

Colt 6920. Can't go wrong.

This is a great rifle but not for varmit hunting.

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[Sweetyzfd]

Very happy with my Daniel Defense. If you look around you can find a good deal on one

 

[ORD]

I generally agree with ORD as he has helped me out quite a few times in the past when I have had questions. However I would go to your LGS and dicker with them on the out the door price and see if you can strike a deal. I like to look at and examine a rifle I am buying if at all possible. It is worth it to me to spend a $100 more rather than buy or order a rifle. I bought a rifle out of state and had it transferred in. It was NIB from another dealer (Colt 6920MP-R TALO Limited production). It came in from the dealer with 3 scratches on the receiver. My dealer of course was not to blame and the other dealer would take it back for a refund but the shipping and insurance would be my responsibility. So I learned "bird in the hand" is best for me even if it cost a few $$$ more. At least I know exactly what I am getting.

Sam is right on with his advice and if you can get the dealer to work with you, even if it costs a little bit more, it is never a bad thing to buy local, support your local dealer/businesses, and keep your money "close to home."

Caveat emptor always rules when dealing with persons out-of-state or otherwise further than your eyes can readily see or your arms readily reach. Furthermore, stuff happens in shipping sometimes and you just have to take all necessary precautions to ensure that you deal with reputable persons who'll stand up and take care of you if stuff happens. Similarly, insuring shipments helps some, but generally, all USPS and common carriers have a bunch of box monkeys working for them that show little to no regard for securing the contents of the shipments they carry. A few scratches to me, while unsightly and irritating especially on what should be new, pristine items, rarely bother me because I run my rifles like the tools that they are and they'll see far worse in relatively short order.

As for the Colt recommendation...while they are truly excellent rifles and within your budget...Varmint or precision rifles they are NOT (not even close...not in the same sport much less ballpark)!!

As for DD...they are also excellent, but I have not seen any for a LONG time in the $1100 or so price range, nor do they fill the role that the OP is looking for.

 

[samnev]

"Caveat emptor always rules when dealing with persons out-of-state or otherwise further than your eyes can readily see or your arms readily reach. Furthermore, stuff happens in shipping sometimes and you just have to take all necessary precautions to ensure that you deal with reputable persons who'll stand up and take care of you if stuff happens. Similarly, insuring shipments helps some, but generally, all USPS and common carriers have a bunch of box monkeys working for them that show little to no regard for securing the contents of the shipments they carry. A few scratches to me, while unsightly and irritating especially on what should be new, pristine items, rarely bother me because I run my rifles like the tools that they are and they'll see far worse in relatively short order.

As for the Colt recommendation...while they are truly excellent rifles and within your budget...Varmint or precision rifles they are NOT (not even close...not in the same sport much less ballpark)!!

As for DD...they are also excellent, but I have not seen any for a LONG time in the $1100 or so price range,"

Once again ORD hits it out of the ball park with his advise. The few times I have purchased new items on line my heart has always been in my mouth due to the uncertainties about what I was getting and would it arrive safely. I have pretty much decided it is not worth the aggravation I cause my self or the tension it causes me. The again I am a control freak and it always causes me trepidation when something happens that I can not control. Hence my advise on the LGS. As for scratches dings and/or dents on any weapon new or old it really bothers me. I wish I wasn't so OCD about them but I am and I don't think this old dog will ever change. But that's just me, it drives my poor wife batty.
I also agree with the advise on the Colt ORD opined. For the OP's use the RRA ATH is the right choice. I have a Colt 6721 H3 Heavy Barreled Enhanced with a SS 24" barrel and has a great trigger, Colt's Varmint rifle. While it is a nice rifle it shoots just under 1 moa both of my RRA's shoot tighter groups and cost 2/3 of the what the Colt does. IIRC RRA's heavy barrels are made buy Wilson one of the premium barrel makers in the US.
On the 6920 recommendation as ORD says it's a fine rifle but its a battle rifle with a crummy trigger IMO (I've owned 2 of them. Still have the 6920MP-R TALO) and its certainly not a precision weapon. For a nice handy light self defense weapon they are great for varmint hunting no so good. The 6920 just is not accurate enough for serious varmint hunting.

 

[tacshooter223]

Picked up a Troy Defense Carbine the other day for $1170 out the door. Love it so far.

I did however replace the trigger, stock and grip straight out of the box.

 

[samnev]

Troy make excellent carbines but buy the time you replace the trigger (Timney, Geissele etc) $200-300) the stock (ACS, CTR, UBR ETC) and grip another $100-125 you are way over the price of the OP's ATH. They have a NM trigger and an ERGO grip and an Operator Car stock that do not need replacement imo.

 

[tacshooter223]

Troy make excellent carbines but buy the time you replace the trigger (Timney, Geissele etc) $200-300) the stock (ACS, CTR, UBR ETC) and grip another $100-125 you are way over the price of the OP's ATH. They have a NM trigger and an ERGO grip and an Operator Car stock that do not need replacement imo.

Understood. I was stating what I did, not saying they were necessary modifications. On the contrary, while the battle ax stock looks ugly as hell, it feels pretty good.

 

[tickled pink]

I had a Bushmaster DCM 12 years ago when I was into High Power. Right out of the box with no modifications except putting a scope on it it would shoot "TEN" shot groups consistently under 1/2" at 100 yds. with my reloads. I bought it at a gun show for $1250.

I just scooped up a Colt LE6920 for $1049 + tax at Walmart. I am replacing the stock trigger with a Geissele SSA-E for $230. My buddy has the 6720 rifle with the trigger I'm getting. Here is the 3 shot target he shot while I was with him 3 weeks ago. He reloads as do I. The groups do open up when the barrel gets hot, but I'm not planning to go prairie dog hunting with it. The 6920 has a slightly thicker barrel than his 6720.

PS: The target says:

100 yds.
65 gr. Sierra Game King
26.5 g. Varget
Colt 6720

 

[elfster1234]

Some of the most under rated ar15's for about 1100 to 1200 dollars. You will find tons of real life info on my semi auto shootout threads and EPIC AR thread.... Especially on rock river varmint and ATH rifle. Specs and for the money the ATH is hard to beat.

1. Any rock river arms varmint bull barrel from 18 to 24"

2. Rock river ATH

3. Dpms 3g1

4. Keep an eye out for the new rock river competition rifle that should be out soon and is total bad ass and will give the ATH a run for the money. It will be hard for me to resist: Rock River Arms: NEW! LAR-15 R3 Competition Rifle

http://www.snipershide.com/[email protected]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...00yard-semi-auto-6group-30round-shootout.html

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...0yard-semi-auto-6groups-30round-shootout.html

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...ock-river-arms-ath-18ss-1-8-barrel-wylde.html

 

[Nisils14]

I like the custom route because I can pick the parts I want, which saves you money from switching out parts from the get go. ARs are super easy to assemble with the right tools. If you're going 18" or longer, try looking for something with a rifle length gas system. Midlength if you're doing a 16", and I wouldn't go any longer then 20" IMO. 1200 can get you a nice AR, but probably not a tack driver. Barrel and trigger are going to have your biggest influence in terms of accuracy.

 

[Travv801]

Some of the most under rated ar15's for about 1100 to 1200 dollars. You will find tons of real life info on my semi auto shootout threads and EPIC AR thread.... Especially on rock river varmint and ATH rifle. Specs and for the money the ATH is hard to beat.

1. Any rock river arms varmint bull barrel from 18 to 24"

2. Rock river ATH

3. Dpms 3g1

4. Keep an eye out for the new rock river competition rifle that should be out soon and is total bad ass and will give the ATH a run for the money. It will be hard for me to resist: Rock River Arms: NEW! LAR-15 R3 Competition Rifle

http://www.snipershide.com/[email protected]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...00yard-semi-auto-6group-30round-shootout.html

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...0yard-semi-auto-6groups-30round-shootout.html

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...ock-river-arms-ath-18ss-1-8-barrel-wylde.html

Since I've considered at picking up an AR, I've read a lot of your posts. You provide a lot for the community. Can't wait to do my reloads as you provide more than enough info on that subject. Gets me excited

Troy make excellent carbines but buy the time you replace the trigger (Timney, Geissele etc) $200-300) the stock (ACS, CTR, UBR ETC) and grip another $100-125 you are way over the price of the OP's ATH. They have a NM trigger and an ERGO grip and an Operator Car stock that do not need replacement imo.

I do plan on upgrading the rifle, at some point. Timney or geissele trigger, possibly new stock. Possibly a silencer as well.

I like the custom route because I can pick the parts I want, which saves you money from switching out parts from the get go. ARs are super easy to assemble with the right tools. If you're going 18" or longer, try looking for something with a rifle length gas system. Midlength if you're doing a 16", and I wouldn't go any longer then 20" IMO. 1200 can get you a nice AR, but probably not a tack driver. Barrel and trigger are going to have your biggest influence in terms of accuracy.

Thanks for the info.

I might skip out on a custom for my first AR and after a few months of shooting, and knowing what I want in a rifle, I'll go the custom route. That'll prevent me from investing in things I second guess once I know what I want.


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[BCP]

.
I was originally looking at colt's but haven't found any with a heavy barrel (locally). Might have to go with gunbroker on this one.

That's why I've always built my own, got tired of dealing with goofballs on Gunjoker, FFLs who want a bunch to transfer it etc. Better to just buy 3-4 stripped lowers and put together what you want, when you want. My last one was a 'mk12 SPR' wannabe with a bravo 18" barrel and the PRI carbon fiber free floats + full length top rail, flip up gas block, giessele trigger, I think I'm into it about 1300 or so and it shoots very well.

 

[kamakauzy]

Colt 6920. Can't go wrong.

I agree, this is the way to go.

 

[BCP]

I like the custom route because I can pick the parts I want, which saves you money from switching out parts from the get go. ARs are super easy to assemble with the right tools. If you're going 18" or longer, try looking for something with a rifle length gas system. Midlength if you're doing a 16", and I wouldn't go any longer then 20" IMO. 1200 can get you a nice AR, but probably not a tack driver. Barrel and trigger are going to have your biggest influence in terms of accuracy.

If you are in the military and using issued ammo designed for that rifle, or if you are a handloader and are going to shoot just one hot handload then that is okay. But for someone who wants to run commercial ammo in various weights a mid length 18" will probably be better, especially if they want to run a collapsible stock.

 

[samnev]

Nisils14 Quote:
"1200 can get you a nice AR, but probably not a tack driver. Barrel and trigger are going to have your biggest influence in terms of accuracy".

That is why there have been so many recommendations for the Rock River ATH AR's. They come with great barrel and triggers and are very accurate out of the box.

 

[bman940]

I just shot a couple of Tactiko Arms 5.56 uppers last Sat. and they were shooting sub 1 inch groups at the beginning of the day and at the end ( over 500 rounds easily) of the day. I was impressed and they are priced right. I am not affiliated with them in any way. I just know when something shoots good because of quality parts. They don't make lowers but that would certainly be easier and more reasonable to do now then 6 months ago! Check em out, you have nothing to lose. I also have DPMS,Noveske, and Seekins, all different tools for different jobs.

 

[Nisils14]

If you are in the military and using issued ammo designed for that rifle, or if you are a handloader and are going to shoot just one hot handload then that is okay. But for someone who wants to run commercial ammo in various weights a mid length 18" will probably be better, especially if they want to run a collapsible stock.

I ran just about everything I could find in a rifle length 18" and it functions well. Haven't done steel case though, don't think I want to. Having shot both a mid length 18" and my rifle length 18". Both were shooting similar groups but the softer gun was definitely mine. You can run a rifle 18" with a collapsible with no ill effect.

 

[Arfcommer]

I have a similar goal. The plan is to start off building a really nice lower that I will swap between different uppers (cannot afford to give each upper a dedicated lower). Then I'll buy a complete upper and tweak a few parts.

Honestly, you could buy a complete upper the way you want it then build a lower. Added bonus is that you could probably buy a used, stripped one face to face on the cheap. Or look into a PSA blemish + parts kit.

 

[BCP]

I ran just about everything I could find in a rifle length 18" and it functions well. Haven't done steel case though, don't think I want to. Having shot both a mid length 18" and my rifle length 18". Both were shooting similar groups but the softer gun was definitely mine. You can run a rifle 18" with a collapsible with no ill effect.

I've built several and had problems with a couple, usually solved by opening the gas port a little bit. It's a small gripe but not everyone is comfortable enough or has the right tools to do that properly.

 

[Travv801]

Ended up buying an RRA ATH for 1250 to support a local shop. Works out as I got a vortex 4-16 FFP for 675 that should be in the mail box tomorrow.

Gun show this weekend; should be able to find reloading supplies as well.

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[elfster1234]

nice! damn, you got a 4-16 vortex FFP for $675?? how did you pull that off with a $900 scope? used? what mount are you going with?

Ended up buying an RRA ATH for 1250 to support a local shop. Works out as I got a vortex 4-16 FFP for 675 that should be in the mail box tomorrow.

Gun show this weekend; should be able to find reloading supplies as well.

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[ORD]

Ended up buying an RRA ATH for 1250 to support a local shop. Works out as I got a vortex 4-16 FFP for 675 that should be in the mail box tomorrow.

Gun show this weekend; should be able to find reloading supplies as well.

Glad you are pleased with it. I think you'll find the ATH to be a capable rifle with an optic like the Viper PST you got for it (for a VERY good price BTW) and with quality ammo. It should serve your stated goals/purposes very well at the end of the day.

Congrats and good luck at the show...God willing, it'll be 100x better than the @#$% I have been dealing with at my local funshows for the last 9mos!!

 

[Chemguy]

I would suggest a White Oak armory upper. He builds very accurate, competition grade rifles that are very well regarded in the NRA high power circuit.

Here are his varmint uppers:

White Oak Armament | Complete Uppers | Varmint Uppers

That will leave you $550 or so. You could build a lower from quality parts with a good trigger.

 

[Travv801]

nice! damn, you got a 4-16 vortex FFP for $675?? how did you pull that off with a $900 scope? used? what mount are you going with?

Long story short. A month ago, a site had open boxes of the scope. They went on sale. During that time they had a 10-15% off everything (except open boxes) Emailed the owner to see if he could apply it to the scope. I lucked out.

Some extra info, I didn't purchase it then (life got in the way) So I called him up last week and he's sending me one... I don't know if it's New or just an open box. From his description from the first time talking to him, they aren't used, just opened. Either way, it's a good scope for the price. Used or not.

About the mount, I have no idea. I haven't done enough research. I was originally looking to get a mount that I can swap across my long range rifle, but I might buy a new scope for that. Lots of first world problems going on

While I don't want to copy your build as I'm already close to it haha. What rings/mounts do you suggest?

Now I just need to decide on the caliber I want for my long range rifle...

Glad you are pleased with it. I think you'll find the ATH to be a capable rifle with an optic like the Viper PST you got for it (for a VERY good price BTW) and with quality ammo. It should serve your stated goals/purposes very well at the end of the day.

Congrats and good luck at the show...God willing, it'll be 100x better than the @#$% I have been dealing with at my local funshows for the last 9mos!!

I've very excited as this is my first rifle outside of 22's.

I work Saturday, so I have to attend Sunday which wont hold the best results, but I'm sure I'll be able to find dies and hopefully primers/powder. I haven't been to a show in a few years, so I'm excited either way. Who knows, I might find my long range rifle there too!

 

[ORD]

I've very excited as this is my first rifle outside of 22's.

I work Saturday, so I have to attend Sunday which wont hold the best results, but I'm sure I'll be able to find dies and hopefully primers/powder. I haven't been to a show in a few years, so I'm excited either way. Who knows, I might find my long range rifle there too!

Sundays aren't bad days for deals at some shows depending on how far the vendors travel to get there. Just remember that at the end of the day, all the vendors have to pack up all their @#$% and take it back to whatever shop they crawled out of. Reloading supplies/components/dies/etc. add up in weight after a while and you might find a deal or two to save them the trouble of having to pack it, stow it and unpack it again later.

 

[Travv801]

Sundays aren't bad days for deals at some shows depending on how far the vendors travel to get there. Just remember that at the end of the day, all the vendors have to pack up all their @#$% and take it back to whatever shop they crawled out of. Reloading supplies/components/dies/etc. add up in weight after a while and you might find a deal or two to save them the trouble of having to pack it, stow it and unpack it again later.

Sundays are bad in Utah as most people don't go out on Sundays, but this could work out in my favor. If things aren't selling, they might drop the price

Best tactic to use in my opinion. With my other hobbies, I have had a lot of nice Sunday pickups for a fraction of the price due to the reason you listed.

 

[samnev]

Congrats on getting the ATH from your local LGS. OTD for $1250 isn't a bad price and you were able to see exactly what you were buying without any angst with what the box monkeys (I like ORD's description of the order packers) at on line vendors would send you. I am 100% sure that it will meet if not exceed your expectations. You found a really great deal on the Vortex PST FFP PST 4-16X50 scope. I own 2 and have been very happy with them

 

[Travv801]

Congrats on getting the ATH from your local LGS. OTD for $1250 isn't a bad price and you were able to see exactly what you were buying without any angst with what the box monkeys (I like ORD's description of the order packers) at on line vendors would send you. I am 100% sure that it will meet if not exceed your expectations. You found a really great deal on the Vortex PST FFP PST 4-16X50 scope. I own 2 and have been very happy with them

I'm pretty pleased with the purchase. Went to go show the old man as he has a RRA Varmint. Of course he remarks with his barrel is thicker

When I contacted the owner for the purchase, he asked how many do I want. I stuck to my original order and said one. I should have bought more. Worst case is I sell them for profit.

He might be receiving an email today...

 

[samnev]

I'm pretty pleased with the purchase. Went to go show the old man as he has a RRA Varmint. Of course he remarks with his barrel is thicker

When I contacted the owner for the purchase, he asked how many do I want. I stuck to my original order and said one. I should have bought more. Worst case is I sell them for profit.

He might be receiving an email today...

Watchout those RRA's tend to multiply like rabbits once an owner sees how accurate they are.

 

[gunfreak101]

Build your own you will get more bang for the buck. If you buy the right components the first time it is always cheaper.