AR purchase

[petepeterson]

My ladyfriend is interested in getting an AR as her new toy. Any thoughts on something simple, yet reliable? Something along the lines of an entry-level AR, but one that runs well. She'd prefer not spend a fortune on it, as it's mostly for plinking fun.

Also, the same question on a small reflex sight. Any suggestions?

 

[billwill]

S&W, rock river, psa all have good ones to start with. Others out there to that folks are putting together. Stick with mil- spec

 

[CATI1835]

I don't think finding a decent flat top AR will be a problem, probably in the $500 range, possibly less. More problematic will be finding a good small reflex sight at a reasonable cost. My experience tells me you get what you pay for there. I have yet to find a good one, that will hold zero, for a "reasonable" price.

 

[JaPes]

The new M&P 15 Sport II is as good as it gets.

 

[Irn-Bru]

New M&P Sport II was available online last night for $540. Sold out fast, can get it at Buds for $590. Don't get better value than that.

 

[Collo Rosso]

I built mine with everything from PSA and then ordered another for my son. Both have been excellent.
I've had an original Vortex strikefire on mine for years and it too has been great.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I don't think finding a decent flat top AR will be a problem, probably in the $500 range, possibly less. More problematic will be finding a good small reflex sight at a reasonable cost. My experience tells me you get what you pay for there. I have yet to find a good one, that will hold zero, for a "reasonable" price.

Was talking to my favorite LGS owner on Thursday. He can't get a low to mid priced AR. Real high end stuff, available all day. The cheaper rifles are getting harder and harder to find. If you find one in stock, better buy it . . .

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

For recreational use... Sport II and Bushnell TRS25. For use beyond recreation, Aimpoint Micro.

 

[TX-Dennis]

I have a Del-Ton Sport Lite. It only cost me $500, but it works very reliably. I've put over 3000 rounds of mostly Wolf steel cased ammo through it. Not a single issue. Period. A shooting bud has an M&P Sport that cost him about $200 more. It works, too. He doesn't have as many rounds through his, but it's a been totally reliable, too. Neither has a dust cover or FA. They haven't been missed on either weapon. Looking closely at the two side by side it appears that they are of similar quality. Both are well finished and assembled properly with similar parts. It's hard to find a bad AR. Just find one you like at a price you're willing to pay.

 

[LVSteve]

Was talking to my favorite LGS owner on Thursday. He can't get a low to mid priced AR. Real high end stuff, available all day. The cheaper rifles are getting harder and harder to find. If you find one in stock, better buy it . . .

That's because Bud's, CDNN and all those other bulk places have them.

 

[chud333]

I like the Colt 6920 and the Rock River for the money.
I have a 3x9 Vortex on the Colt and i have an Eotech
512 on the RR.
The Eotech is nice No magnification 1 Mil red dot
and i can regularily hit Skoal cans at 110 yards with it.
I put the 3x9 on the Colt 6920 as it has the 1-7 twist
bbl and i can shoot heavy bullets at longer ranges.
Colt 6920 around 1000-1100
Rock River around 1100-1200

Vortex scope 3x9 120-150. You could get Nikon 3x9 BDC for a little more 170-180 Both are good glass.
Eotech 512 400-450

Then a couple of aftermarket triggers and you are
good to go.

Chuck

 

[alwslate]

I often see the DPMS Oracle flat top on sale for $499 and it has all
the features like the dust cover and forward assist that some others
lack. The DPMS line gets consistantly high praise for quality at a
modest price in the American Rifleman magazine.

 

[9mmCarGuy]

I often see the DPMS Oracle flat top on sale for $499 and it has all
the features like the dust cover and forward assist that some others
lack. The DPMS line gets consistantly high praise for quality at a
modest price in the American Rifleman magazine.

I have a DPMS Oracle, which I purchased from Buds last August for $524 ($499 + $25 lifetime warranty) and it's been flawless. I currently have about 500 rounds through it and haven't had any issues. I couldn't be happier.

 

[petepeterson]

This is a great start- Thank you for the replies. Any other input on a simple-to-use optic? She's new to a rifle, and I'd like to stay away from a scope-type. I thought the reflex dot sight might interest her.

 

[9mmCarGuy]

This is a great start- Thank you for the replies. Any other input on a simple-to-use optic? She's new to a rifle, and I'd like to stay away from a scope-type. I thought the reflex dot sight might interest her.

What's her budget for the optic? Some of the more "hardcore" guys swear by eotech, aimpoint, and trijicon. Howerver, they're all just as expensive as the ar-15's you're considering. If you're looking for something more economical, I'd recommend a red dot from primary arms, vortex, or bushnell. Based on the research I've done, they offer good bang for the buck. And you can get them for less than $100...

 

[9mmCarGuy]

One thing I forgot to mention, be sure to get some back up iron sights for the ar15 if it doesn't have them already. Just out of curiosity, what role is the ar-15 gonna serve? Home defense? Fun range toy?

 

[petepeterson]

What's her budget for the optic? Some of the more "hardcore" guys swear by eotech, aimpoint, and trijicon. Howerver, they're all just as expensive as the ar-15's you're considering. If you're looking for something more economical, I'd recommend a red dot from primary arms, vortex, or bushnell. Based on the research I've done, they offer good bang for the buck. And you can get them for less than $100...

The "less than $100" thing is probably about where we're at. It will be a range toy, so I want something that works, but we will not be shooting National Matches. It will have irons, too, as I want her to learn that portion. So in essence, the reflex sight will be a "fun addition" to a "for fun" rifle. Hence not wanting to sink a lot of money into it.

I have a pretty good understanding of firearms, but the amount of choices for ARs and the gizmos that go with them is mind-boggling (which is why I'm asking here- I trust the members of this fine forum to at least narrow it down some for me). Makes me want to go home and kiss the stock of my Mini-14.

 

[petepeterson]

Update- She bought an M&P Sport.

Took it out this afternoon (in the cold) and ran it a bit. I can see why folks like them!

Seems like a good rifle for her to learn on. Now for the accessories...

 

[mbliss57]

I bought/built my 2nd one over the holidays. I have been studying /watching the AR PHENOM. The simple (uncomplicated) M&P sport is a good gun. IMO as a mil spec firearm there isn't any really good reason to spend a lot of $ on one unless your just into them... As in enjoy pimping them out. Or want to compete with one. Enjoy and good shooting.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The "less than $100" thing is probably about where we're at. It will be a range toy, so I want something that works, but we will not be shooting National Matches. It will have irons, too, as I want her to learn that portion. So in essence, the reflex sight will be a "fun addition" to a "for fun" rifle. Hence not wanting to sink a lot of money into it.

I have a pretty good understanding of firearms, but the amount of choices for ARs and the gizmos that go with them is mind-boggling (which is why I'm asking here- I trust the members of this fine forum to at least narrow it down some for me). Makes me want to go home and kiss the stock of my Mini-14.

I've been using the Bushnell TRS-25 for at least 10 years on my Beretta CX-4 9mm carbine..........great little red dot for the $$s .... can be found for around $80-100.... with or w/o a riser.......