Which AR?

P

Passport223

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Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 25, 2009
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Rockford, MI
#1
Im in the market for an AR and have no idea which one to get. I know Rem 700's inside and out but dont know jack about the AR. Im sure I will want to do trigger so on and so forth.

Which one is best? I dont think I want to just get a lower and build one up either.

Thanks

PP
 
#3
Re: Which AR?

Gte a lower and build what you want. Ask some friends (friends of friends) shoot a few and decide what you want. OOnly you can decide what you like.
For me, that's easy as I am building it now. 20 inch always seemed too long, 16 inch was great......but I couldn't shoot it as well. Then I shot a friend's SPR. 18 inch barrel, great balance, fits me perfectly.

Pop
 
#4
Re: Which AR?

lazy just built this one cost him 1800 for just the ar, but he got exactly what he wanted


DSC01915.jpg
 
#5
Re: Which AR?

I have a Remington 700P as well as a couple of AR platforms.

I have a DPMS Panther Bull 20 with a Timney trigger and Leupold VXII scope. Do not remember the power but it is around 3-9.

The rifle really does shoot well.

I have a Bushmaster Carbine length with the removable carry handle. I put an EOTech HWS on it. Don't remember the model.

That rifle has the factory trigger which is ok but the rifle really could use a better one.

Both rifles are .223.

I also have a DPMS LR308 carbine length and an EOTech 552 on it.

Rifle shoots good but needs a better trigger and a scope to find out how well it will really shoot. That also goes for the Bushmaster. I need to mount a scope on it to find out how well it shoots.

The .223 platforms have been very reliable.

The LR308 shot well with the two supplied magazines but I had trouble with some new ones from DPMS.

DPMS replaced them and have had no further issues.
 
#6
Re: Which AR?

What will you be doing with the rifle? High-Power Competition, 3-gun, varmint shooting, Long-Range, etc. This will determine the most appropriate length and twist rate of barrel, proper trigger for the application, as well as the proper type upper. Personally, I try to steer people towards a National Match version. In that configuration, you can do it all! As far as a factory gun,Rock River Arms is hard to beat and they support the Junior Rifle Programs (the future of our sport!). Good thing about it...the worst one is great!
 
#8
Re: Which AR?

I've got a few RRA AR-15s. My Varmint-Target gun is a Predator Pursuit with a 20" NM barrel, NM trigger, shoots every bit as good as my Rem 700 SPS Varmint! My plinker AR is a RRA 9mm. Both rifles run like a Swiss watch. As far as factory triggers go, RRA has one of the best in their NM 2 stage, at around 4.5lbs
smile.gif
 
#9
Re: Which AR?

They're all about the same if you buy a factory gun. If you want simple, buy a complete lower, then buy a complete upper for it. I just saved over $250 by buying separate parts (complete upper and complete lower) as opposed to buying the rifle as a kit.

Now I have a DPMS Sweet 16 with SS Bull Barrel, Chip McCormick Trigger, A2 stock w/ adjustable buttplate, titanium firing pin, Panther grips, all for less than the cost of a Sweet 16 rifle because I pieced it together.
 
#12
Re: Which AR?

Thanks for the replys guys. If I was to do it my way I would build from the ground up but my wife wants to get me one for our anniversary. So to not be a dumb ass I just need to giver her a make and modle and add mods later.

First time ever Im not in the dog house!

And I want a 223
 
#14
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Passport223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the replys guys. If I was to do it my way I would build from the ground up but my wife wants to get me one for our anniversary. So to not be a dumb ass I just need to giver her a make and modle and add mods later.

First time ever Im not in the dog house!

And I want a 223</div></div>

give her a part's list
 
#15
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Passport223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the replys guys. If I was to do it my way I would build from the ground up but my wife wants to get me one for our anniversary. So to not be a dumb ass I just need to giver her a make and modle and add mods later.

First time ever Im not in the dog house!

And I want a 223 </div></div>

You still haven't told us what you want to do with it? In the AR, this makes a huge difference. A CQB set-up is way different than a medium-range precision set-up. This is kinda like saying, "I want to buy a Ford...which model is the best for me?" More info will really help. Thanks.
 
#17
Re: Which AR?

Get about any base model that is out there and then you can build upon it at a latter date. Or as MRS Lazy said, give her a parts list and have at it.

This really comes down to how much you want to pay - under 1000 or close to it - name the brand - If you want a Gas Piston then it will cost more.

I have seven AR's of different calibers and I like having the same platform that I shoot with and hunt with. It makes familiarity in different situations easier to cope with.
 
#19
Re: Which AR?

If you are planning on getting additional uppers at a later time for distance/precision/hunting etc.etc. just have your wife get you an M4. The M4 is generic for collapsable stock, flat top (may or may not come with carry handle) and a 16 in barrel. As far as brand, just about any brand will be the same. Go for RRA, DPMS, Bushmaster, CMMG, the list is long of good makers.
This configuration will allow you to throw a red dot on top for CQB or home denfense. You can also put a decent rail system on for mounting all your cool kid gear, I suggest a simple Surefire G2LED with a $30 mount and vertical grip and call it good.
I highly recommend Magpul PMAGs though. They are supper tough mags and are extremely reliable.
 
#21
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are planning on getting additional uppers at a later time for distance/precision/hunting etc.etc. just have your wife get you an M4. The M4 is generic for collapsable stock, flat top (may or may not come with carry handle) and a 16 in barrel. As far as brand, just about any brand will be the same. Go for RRA, DPMS, Bushmaster, CMMG, the list is long of good makers.
This configuration will allow you to throw a red dot on top for CQB or home denfense. You can also put a decent rail system on for mounting all your cool kid gear, I suggest a simple Surefire G2LED with a $30 mount and vertical grip and call it good.
I highly recommend Magpul PMAGs though. They are supper tough mags and are extremely reliable. </div></div>

This is exactly what I was getting ready to post. The only difference is that I would lean toward Rock River. I have owned Olympic CAR, Colt SP1, Colt A2, E.A., and Rock River M4. On balance, I like the tolerances of RR.
 
#24
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are planning on getting additional uppers at a later time for distance/precision/hunting etc.etc. just have your wife get you an M4. The M4 is generic for collapsable stock, flat top (may or may not come with carry handle) and a 16 in barrel. As far as brand, just about any brand will be the same. Go for RRA, DPMS, Bushmaster, CMMG, the list is long of good makers.
This configuration will allow you to throw a red dot on top for CQB or home denfense. You can also put a decent rail system on for mounting all your cool kid gear, I suggest a simple Surefire G2LED with a $30 mount and vertical grip and call it good.
I highly recommend Magpul PMAGs though. They are supper tough mags and are extremely reliable. </div></div>

+1 Good advice.
 
#25
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy this upper and throw it on any lower you can buy and you'll be good.

You can get a full AR for less than $700 that way and have a place to get started. Already has a heavy barrel for accuracy, free floated and a stud for your bipod. Throw on any optics you want from a 1x red dot to a high end NF and you're GTG. </div></div>


Good points, where can I get an AR for under 700?
 
#27
Re: Which AR?

OK, so not to sound like a total dumb ass......... to late I know
smile.gif


So here is my game plan.

Im gonna have the wife just score me a 223 AR in whatever, Im gonna get a quality upper and get the trigger nice. Sounds like the rubber meats the road in the upper. Am I reading this right?

2 pins to swap out the upper right?

Thanks for all the help.
 
#28
Re: Which AR?

Good game plan. Any of the big name stuff is nice. I have built 2 ar's and along the way have dreamed of all the parts that get regularly discussed and maybe sometime I will get some extras but I havent yet. My rifles are what would be considered stock m4's in two different calibers and Im happy. Thats the neat thing.. you can always add. I have 5.56 and 6.8. The thing I have done a lot of and dont ever regret is the reading I have done on this forum and also www.68forums.com and ar15.com. Education is a great tool to have. I have mixed together DPMS, Doublestar, Rock River Arms, Daniel Defense, Stag. I would consider Colt, Bushmaster, and Remington. Have fun. Yeah, Just two pins.

I just bought a colt 1911 from Budsgunshop.com last month and was happy with the price and the transaction.
 
#29
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Colt 6724 </div></div>


+1 for the Colt, not just coolaid I have one and its a hammer with reloads and shoots great with factory varmint ammo. Free Floated, Decent factory trigger (still needs work but decent) Can be had used for $1000 to $1100 especially now since the AR market is pretty much flooded and everyone wants the tactical rifles.
 
#30
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Passport223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2 pins to swap out the upper right?</div></div>

Usually. You may need to polish in the fit. ONLY work on the upper. That way, other uppers can be fitted to the same lower. If you can find a pony, buy it.
 
#31
Re: Which AR?

What are you going to use the AR for? High-power, 3 gun, or just plinking? The lowers I would stay away from are Olympic foremost and then Colts. Some lowers need to have modification to accommodate a quality match trigger, which is usually the first up grade. Bushmaster are fine out of the box as a complete rifle and is probably what you're looking for. Very good costumer service and when you shoot an AR enough, you'll have a very good platform to build off of. If putting a rifle together is your goal. Then the only two people that I buy quality parts from are John Hollinger from White Oak precision or Frank White from Compass Lake Engineering. Will not go wrong doing business with these two gentlemen!
 
#33
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Passport223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gonna punch paper & p dogs for 99% of it. Home protection would be the other 1%. Thanks for the info on the atfermarket stuff too. </div></div>

If 1% of the bullets you fire are for HD, I'm glad I don't live where you do!

LOL

smile.gif
 
#34
Re: Which AR?

Your plan of getting an AR and then a higher quality upper later for accuracy is valid. I have two uppers that I use on my Pony lower. One is the original upper that I use for plinking and punching paper etc. Have an Aimpoint M2 and 3x on it. I have a 20 inch Heavy floated upper with a nice 3x9 SS on it for coyotes and the like. The advice on Magpul items I second, they make good stuff.
 
#35
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are planning on getting additional uppers at a later time for distance/precision/hunting etc.etc. just have your wife get you an M4. The M4 is generic for collapsable stock, flat top (may or may not come with carry handle) and a 16 in barrel. </div></div>

Collapsible stocks suck on a precision AR. The only thing they are good for is looking tacticool or if you are in the Army and you have to carry it in a Humvee.

If you want an M4 then get one and after you shoot it a couple of times it will be your safe queen. Then build a precision AR that you can have fun hitting shit with.
 
#37
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bigwheeler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RRA in a predator pursuit. Buy the short upper later on. </div></div>
Thats a good choice but forget the short upper. Save your money up for good glass.
 
#38
Re: Which AR?

I own the bushmaster xm-15 in the complete pre-ban m-4 config. I have shot my buddy's dpms and another guys S&W MandP both in the same m-4 config as well.

Accuracy Results from my tests:
1. DPMS
2. S&W
3. Bushmaster

Finish:
1. Bushmaster - Although the S&W was very close to being a 1.
2. S&W
3. DPMS

Although the DPMS was a little more rough around the edges in the finish, it nailed the targets well.

These were all production rifles with no mods. If I had to do it over I would have gotten the DPMS in .308.

I use mine at the range as PA doesn't allow for semi-auto hunting.
 
#39
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Humungus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Collapsible stocks suck on a precision AR. The only thing they are good for is looking tacticool or if you are in the Army and you have to carry it in a Humvee.

</div></div>


Really? I didn't know that. I guess my 0.50 MoA DPMS LR-308 with collapsible CTR buttstock "sucks." What would a "good" group be? Like..... -0.75 MoA?

34zm0ya.jpg




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want an M4 then get one and after you shoot it a couple of times it will be your safe queen. Then build a precision AR that you can have fun hitting shit with. </div></div>


I don't know anyone who's M4 is their "safe queen." In fact, they end to be the most frequently shot guns (other than in the "tweed and Perrazzi" crowd. That you?)

And in the hands of a skilled shooter, you can hit plenny with an M4. Sometimes, it IS the carpenter, and not the tool.



Your post is another illustration of my sig line. Thanx for illustrating is so well.

 
#40
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Humungus</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bigwheeler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RRA in a predator pursuit. Buy the short upper later on. </div></div>
Thats a good choice but forget the short upper. Save your money up for good glass. </div></div>


I love my shorty AR15.

jb4nbs.jpg


2129t10.jpg


zwdhqf.jpg
 
#41
Re: Which AR?

I am kinda partial to JP's. I have had many AR's in different forms...long rang/varmint (read heavy), gas piston type (not a fan for what I use my AR's for), but by far the JP's have been very good to me.

Here is my JP Vtac (top pic) and my JP-15 with low mass operating system,etc., that my beautiful wife got me for Christmas. I have not shot it yet...waiting on a Timney trigger for it. But if it shoots like the other one I will be happy.

I use them for coyote hunting and shooting paper and they are light and easy to pack around all day.

Good luck on your hunt...let us know what you come up with.

Take care,Stan

 
#42
Re: Which AR?

LWRC all the way, I have the M6A2 I carry with me from home to work everyday , and it is setup for close quarters with an EOTECH but the gun will hold MOA at 100 if I do my part.
 
#43
Re: Which AR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Humungus</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Collapsible stocks suck on a precision AR. The only thing they are good for is looking tacticool or if you are in the Army and you have to carry it in a Humvee.

If you want an M4 then get one and after you shoot it a couple of times it will be your safe queen. Then build a precision AR that you can have fun hitting shit with. </div></div>

Tell that to the guys at GAP and Noveske...
smirk.gif
 
#44
Re: Which AR?

Everyone has an opinion. Mine is "get a Les Baer". Will reliably shoot .25 moa and no malfunctions, no excuses. Look at his site. I like the short ones with collapsible stock. Shoots under 1.5" at 300 yd. Likes heavy bullets with the 1/8 twist. I like mine so well I sold all of my other AR's(6 of them). I cannot stand a rifle that will not shoot.
 
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