AR-15 QUESTIONS

[cobra44]

I think (maybe) that I want an AR-15. This probably is not the right time to buy one with all of this madness.
I am looking at DPMS, ROCK RIVER,BUSHMASTER and S&W.
I think that I want the fixed handle model, and one with a chromed lined barrel.
One thing that I have noticed is that the different companies list them as .223 caliber, but also list a 5.56 , and even a 5.56 Nato.
I have been told that either will work, and others say to get the 5.56 model as it will shoot either. Searches on forums provided basically the same information.
Is there a difference in .223 and 5.56. I thought that they were both the same.
Any information on this ammo or buying tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[john traveler]

This is exactly the time to buy one while you can. If it was up to BHO, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, etc you would not be allowed to buy one. That is a distinct possibility in the near future.

All those makes are good ones.
What you call the fixed handle model or the service rifle M16A2 lookalike is a good choice. The chromium plated bore and chamber is a MIL-SPECIFICATION, most barrels have them.

For all practical purposes, the .223 and the 5.56 NATO are interchangeable. There are minor difference is in SAAMI chamber specifications and pressures, but nothing to prevent you from using one in the other.

 

[2Loud4You]

I err on the side of caution as the 5.56 NATO is loaded to a higher pressure which COULD cause damage in a gun made for .223. While not likely why chance it?

A couple months ago I picked up a SIG 556 and enjoy it quite a bit. As pointed out, get it while you can.

 

[7.62foryou]

My AR was made in 1972. I've shot both with no problems. As John traveler stated the differences are minor. Chrome barrel is the way to go. Also find out which rilfing twist will allow you to shoot heavier bullets. I think it's a 7 to 1 twist I'm not certain but you should be so ask or look it up. AR15.com might help you also. Buy it soon and spare parts springs, pins, firing pins wouldn't hurt to have either.

 

[2Loud4You]

My Sig has a 1 in 7 twist which is supposed to be better for heavier grains. Many AR's are 1 in 9 twist.

 

[FrankD45]

Cobra:

Check this out, it gives a pretty good explanation of the differences. Most of the AR clones are chambered in 5.56 so either .223 Rem or 5.56 NATO is OK.

http://www.thegunzone.com/556v223.html

I hope that helps,

Frank

 

[7.62foryou]

Originally posted by 2Loud4You:
My Sig has a 1 in 7 twist which is supposed to be better for heavier grains. Many AR's are 1 in 9 twist.

Thank you 2loud4you clearly a case of ordanace dislyxeia on my part.

 

[FennRx]

i bought a DPMS Panther Lite-16 about 1.5 months ago. couldnt be happier.

the trick is to find a dealer who isnt going to gouge you. i got mine for about $850 out the door, which is about right. One shop was selling it for $1200 and another for $2600! of course, the price of ammo is getting stupid, so I tend to shoot my AK 'cause I can still get Wolf at a decent price.

Note: if you do get the AR, and i think you should

i would avoid Wolf ammo. the AKs can eat anything, but it seems that some ARs are pretty picky about steel/coated ammo (and it voids the warranty in my case).

 

[VAPA]

Wolf ammo is "approved" by Bushmaster, I have shot hundreds of rounds through mine with no problems other than a dirty gun at the end of the day. Also our local Gander Mtn. has shelves full of .223 ammo.

 

[Farmer17]

Check out Del-ton for a parts kit to build one yourself. You can get all the parts but lower receiver for about $450 off the internet. Then you can get a stripped lower receiver from a dealer or FFL for about $ 140. So for under 600 bucks and 45 minutes work you will have a nice AR/M-4 and you can brag you built it yourself.
I would recommend a flat top or "optics ready" rifle because then you can put a low mounted scope or Red Dot sight.

 

[FennRx]

Originally posted by VAPA:
Also our local Gander Mtn. has shelves full of .223 ammo.

mine too. there's a reason for that.....$$$$$$

 

[GatorFarmer]

DPMS - eh, not so good. Bushmaster - Meh, not terrible, but you can do better. RRA - acceptable. S&W - decent with the latest offerings probably being outright "good".

Better still? Buy a Colt. It'll cost more, but you won't lose money on it. Don't want a Colt? There's always Noveske.

CDNN had some CMMGs in stock. Those are also usually good.

If you get a removeable carry handle, then you have the option of either using it for fixed sights or else taking it off and using whatever optics you want. Most people use flat tops and some type of optic, often in conjunction with a BUIS.

Colts have always been 5.56, even those marked .223. But in general, yes, try to get one marked 5.56mm.

You could also get a Sig 556, but those aren't ARs. Top Gun Supply had them in stock as of last night for a little under 2 grand.

 

[Abbynormal]

In an AR-15, choose Colt, everything else is a copy. This link will explain why:

http://spreadsheets.google.com...QsEuEhjFwPrgTA&hl=en

 

[FennRx]

opinions vary on most brands except for Colt and Bushmaster. these seem to be held in the highest regard, from what i have read. Colts will hold their value better as well, i understand

as for DPMS, fair number of negative opinions. based on my limited time at AR15.com, these opinions seem to based on their older guns (which have now been improved). there is a striking similarity between DPMS and Taurus....the people who own the guns tend to have a very favorable opinion of them. i am no expert by any means, but for recreational purposes, my Panther Lite is awesome.

 

[kennyb]

my vote goes to the S&W ar....great gun...i love mine!

 

[crofoot629]

I’m not an expert, but I know some.

I have no problem stating that either Colt or Noveske are considered the best production rifles.

I also have no problem stating you’d be foolish to buy an AR chambered for .223, 5.56 is the way to go.

Also a flat top is the only way to go, gives you all the options.

Twist rate, I believe 1 in 7 is the way to go for an AR.
Looking through my notes I don’t see where I’ve recorded any groups with any thing lighter then 55 grn. But I think I’ve shot lighter bullets fine too. (examples include Hornday 55 grn Varmit express, Federal 55 grn red box into less then MOA @ 200 yards).
And of course the 1 in 7 lets you shoot longer bullets too.

I like the Voltor stock on my Noveske, previously I was a fixed A2 stock guy.

Btw I work for a small Sheriff’s Department and I’ve had some personal experience with Colt, Noveske, and RockRiver. You can’t ro wrong with either Colt or Noveske. jmho

A couple of poor pics for you.

Shot with scoped Colt

Two Colts

Noveske

Emory

 

[m1gunner]

Originally posted by GatorFarmer:
Colts have always been 5.56, even those marked .223.

.

Careful with those always and never statements.

Colt also made .222 and 6mm barrels. When looking at used rifles, read what it says on the barrel when looking at colts.

Most (not all) Colts and Bushmaster barrels are chrome lined. Some Rock River barrels are as well. I am not familiar with the S&W barrels, but the rifles are well thought of by their owners.

As far as twist rate, what will you be shooting out of the gun?

The 55 gr military loading gives the best all around performance, and it does best out of a 1 in 12 twist. Plus, if you want to shoot some of the lighter varmint loads, you will want the 1 in 12. 1 in 7 barrels will cause some of the varmint bullets to literally fly apart 50 feet from the muzzle due to the twist being too much for them.

 

[silvercorvette]

Originally posted by crofoot629:


I also have no problem stating you’d be foolish to buy an AR chambered for .223, 5.56 is the way to go.

I kind of agree but if you get a super deal on a gun in .223 why not get it and swap out the barrel?

I bought a M-16 at an OK price but it is .223 and if I want to shoot 5.56 I can just swap barrels with my AR-15

 

[cobra44]

WOW. A lot of stuff to read here.
Thanks for all of the information. I will check all the links and dig further into which one to buy.
There are several brands mentioned that I have never heard of, I will look into those.
From what I have read so far, the 5.56 model would be the way to go, just to be safe.

 

[perpster]

Originally posted by Abbynormal:
In an AR-15, choose Colt, everything else is a copy. This link will explain why:

http://spreadsheets.google.com...QsEuEhjFwPrgTA&hl=en

That spreadsheet is really cool. I hope it's as accurate as it is cool. BTW, it can be downloaded and/or printed. Go to "File" on the spreadsheet menu bar (below the top of the page, not at the very top of the page) and select "Export". There are several choices, including PDF, XLS, RTF. Nice!