Newbie!

[Gledeasy]

Hello everyone! I'm a member of a few other forums but I am new to this one.

I almost dare not post this as I know there has probably been much discussion and probably lots of opinions on the topic.

I have wanted an AR for a long time, but have never owned one. As a result I know very little about them. My wife and I have talked about buying one to have for home defense. Which is great for me as I don't own a 223 and could also use it for plinking/hunting smaller game.

We intend on having a budget of under $1,000 to get started. We have no problem buying used for the right deal if the item is in good shape. We don't need the best, but definitely want something reliable. What are some good directions to get started in? Good manufacturers to look at? Would it be better/cheaper to try and buy parts then put together or just find a complete set-up? A year or two ago I had the opportunity to buy a colt leo with a few extras for $1,000. Looking back at it, I wish I would have.

Any info to help and get us going would be appreciated.

Thanks guys

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Newbie!

Walmart is selling Colt AR's now, see if you got em local. Hard to beat walmart prices.

 

[Jhnmdahl]

Re: Newbie!

I'm currently building one from parts, and I'm finding it hard not to buy exactly the part you want for each component so will end up costing me more than $1k, excluding optics. Check out Rainier Arms, Bravo Company USA, or White Oak Armament for an idea of what parts are out there from quality suppliers if you're so inclined.

John

 

[BOL556]

Re: Newbie!

Option 1: http://www.windhamweaponry.com/

Option 2: To me its a lil better the barrels are made from FN and have a 1/7 twist. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/rifles.html

Option 3: walmart Colt.

The above rifle you can get for about 800 or a lil above or less then get a red dot sight like Vortex strike or something in that range and then have fun shooting. Zero at 25 yards and you will be good out to 300. Perfect for home defense or even going to a local rifle or 2 gun match just to get practice.

 

[Gledeasy]

Re: Newbie!

Just so happened to make a run to wal-mart. They did have the colt for $1,097, they also had a sig m400 with magpul furnishings for $917. There's also so many local listings for AR's that I'm bound to find some kind of deal at some point right?

Thanks for the suggestions and help so far.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Newbie!

Yeah anymore its hardly cost effective to build one unless you know exactly what you want, which is not entry level, or likely to be low cost. The rifles listed above are good, mil-spec rifles. For home defense and plinking, a 16" or 14.5" pinned FH, and collapsable stocked flat top carbine would be the way to go.

 

[Jeremy45]

Re: Newbie!

That Colt would be a good way to go and it makes it simple.

My brother just put together a LMT lower, Bravo Company upper and bolt carrier group with Magpul mid-length MOE grips and rear sight and it cost him $1050. This is about the cheapest you can go and still have quality, milspec parts but the Colt is essentially the same price once you pay transfer fees to have the lower shipped, and it is a very good rifle.

Lots of AR info on m4carbine.net as well.

Jeremy45

 

[gunslotreaper308]

Re: Newbie!

BCM middy

 

[AvsFan]

Re: Newbie!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gledeasy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello everyone! I'm a member of a few other forums but I am new to this one.

I almost dare not post this as I know there has probably been much discussion and probably lots of opinions on the topic.

I have wanted an AR for a long time, but have never owned one. As a result I know very little about them. My wife and I have talked about buying one to have for home defense. Which is great for me as I don't own a 223 and could also use it for plinking/hunting smaller game.

We intend on having a budget of under $1,000 to get started. We have no problem buying used for the right deal if the item is in good shape. We don't need the best, but definitely want something reliable. What are some good directions to get started in? Good manufacturers to look at? Would it be better/cheaper to try and buy parts then put together or just find a complete set-up? A year or two ago I had the opportunity to buy a colt leo with a few extras for $1,000. Looking back at it, I wish I would have.

Any info to help and get us going would be appreciated.

Thanks guys </div></div>

For a 1st AR - I would highly recommend a factory built gun - Colt 6920. Colt is the gold standard for AR's. BTW, I own 11 AR's so, I know a little about them. I would suggest to not build since it's your first AR.

The Colt will run 99.99% out of the box. Yes, everyone make's a lemon which needs to go back for repairs. However, the odds are very slim to none that Colt will have issues. Learn how it operates, shoots, maintenance, what you like/don't like.

Then after you spend some good trigger time behind it. You can modify accordingly (to suit your taste, style, needs, comfort, etc.) Aftermarket accessories are huge for AR's - stocks, triggers, pistol grips, rails, sights, optics, slings, mags, the list go's on and on.

Keep us posted (w/pictures of course)

AvsFan

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

Re: Newbie!

+1 on Colt, they were my 1st, 2nd, and third AR15's----still have 2 of em---also have a high opinion of Daniel Defense for factory built AR15'S

 

[Gledeasy]

Re: Newbie!

Keeping my eyes open for a colt. In the mean time I'm still looking at other ads. Came across this one for about $1,000. Just wanted to know what you guys think? I see lots of AR's come up for sell I just never know if it's a good one for a good price.

"I have this ar15 that is a bushmaster lower with command arms six position stock and has magpul b.a.d. system on it and the upper reciever is rock river and the barrel is 16 inch yankee hill chambered for 5.56 and 223 and gas block/ front sight is yankee hill as well has vltor oversized charging handle.has a flip up rear sight and laser lyte laser sight and coast tactical flashlight with pressure switch. just broke in the barrel with 50 rounds and was done right, has single point ambidexrous with black hawk sling and black hawk pistol grip and ergo grip quad rail has a folding bipod and fore grip has a tactical case and clips and also comes with scope mounted on yankee hill risers and more. shoots tight groups and is hard to get rid of it but need a street legal motorcyle or cash to get one"

 

[Beef82]

Re: Newbie!

Do yourself a favor, do not buy someone else's assembled project, especially not knowing much about them. Unless its exactly what you want and they have some documentation showing it was assembled by a gunsmith, preferably one you can go talk to. If its a pile of unused and unassembled parts it could be worth something.
I own a couple, I've been around many and fully assembled a few. I've known GIs that couldn't get them back together right after field striping. I've known people that put together complete parts kits and admitted to having to cut springs and do other things to get it together, it happens, it is not right, if I'd been buying I'm sure they wouldn't have said anything. People will BS their credentials, and knowledge while ommitting known mistakes to no end, especially to make a buck.