Gateway Gun

[CajunMouseSniper]

After 9 months and 25k plus rounds through my 15-22 I am feeling the "need" to buy my first AR. I've got excatly $1,000 to spend. Would appreciate any and all advice on what to buy, including calibar 223 vs 308. I will primarily be using it for varmints 100-200 yds and home defense, but would like to also use it as a back up rifle on the rare occasion that my wife is using the 270 for deer. Appreciate any feedback.

 

[Deadonmyfeet]

Why not look at the rest of the M&P line. Can't go wrong with a lifetime warranty and great accuarcy for the money.

 

[GeoffSFAs10]

223 hands down. Its cheap, minimal recoil and easy to find. 308 is going to beat you up a bunch for shooting varmits all day. The newest Field and Stream i just got has an article about hunting deer with 223, if you keep it accurate and in under 200 yards, it'll take a deer down.

 

[Bat Guano]

The "Chart" over at m4carbine.com is useful: Comparison Chart of Major AR Brands - M4Carbine.net Forums

I'm happy with what I use but if I had had that available to me a few years back I might have decided a little differently. An informed decision is always a better decision. The S&Ws seem to be well thought of and a rebate is always nice. At least I got the optics right (an ACOG) so it all worked out.

A 7.62 AR is a whole different thing financially, size, and weightwise.

The one thing that most ARs really need is a decent trigger. I put Jard non-adjustables in routinely. Lots of choices available.

Hold out for decent accuracy, decent trigger, decent accuracy, and RELIABILITY. In the end, it's just a gun.

 

[grimreaper21]

I've always wanted the M&P15T, it looks SICK with all the Troy parts on it.. if you save up only a couple hundred more around 1,200. The PSX gas piston version is also worth a look if you want the 'newer system'.

 

[Deadonmyfeet]

Ditto what Grim says, save up for a couple more months, get a little more wiggle room on price and find a good LGS that will make you a good deal.

 

[dennisuello]

Stick with a regular DI gun. I have a M&P15MOE (that I got long before I got 15-22) and it's been trouble-free. BCM has very good bang for your buck as well. If you get their blem. lower and buy their upper separate, you can get a very good top-tier rifle for about $1000. And stick with mid-length gas system.

 

[Slider_]

Why not just build an AR? That way it'll turn out exactly how you want it and more then likely be cheaper. One of the guys at TDS guns in Rocklin showed me that I could build a really nice 223 with all the fun stuff for about $800-900. Compared to a basic AR for $1200. Source your parts right and I'm sure you can build it even cheaper. Just a thought

 

[zamboni_driver]

What about an M&P15OR? I have been thinking about buying one of these next spring.

 

[dennisuello]

What about an M&P15OR? I have been thinking about buying one of these next spring.

Same good basic S&W, minus the iron sights.

 

[chrisj6061]

I really like Rugers SR556, piston operated, troy rail and sights. Out of box ready it's a very nice rifle though it probably starts around 12-13. It is worth a look, very slim rail system too.. great feel.

 

[patrickmn]

I bought the 15-22 because I didn't think I could afford an AR-15, but now I'm seriously considering getting one. I'll probably be looking for something used or that I can get for under $1000. I wish I had all the money I spent on the 15-22 because that would just about cover an M&P15 new.

 

[Sprefix]

More Bush......Less Obama........

I have a Bushmaster M4 with a mini-Y comp and I love it. It shoots as good as any of the breed. I've owned Colts and a few other brands and am happy with my choice. It has never failed me in 8K rounds.........JMO

 

[stratdragon92]

build your own! I'm done with the lower half, I got a stripped spikes lower and put a daniel defense lpk and moe furniture on it. palmetto state has a good deal on a moe lower build kit

 

[Tram]

I'd vote build your own also.. I'm gearing up for a 7.62x39 AR..

 

[Dragon88]

To maximize your money, I would recommend assembling the lower yourself and buying a complete upper from one of several good companies out there. The stripper lower and parts kit will run you about $160, and will take you about half an hour to assemble with some simple tools. Then add the stock assembly, you can go as cheap or as nice as you want, from about $70 on up.

For the upper, I got mine from Yankee Hill and have been 110% happy with it. Don't buy something on the cheap now that will cost you more in the long run to make it what you really want. For example, if you want quad rails, order them with the upper. The lower you should buy in a local store since that is the firearm and must be done through an FFL, but everything else get online, saving you tax and further extending your money.

In the end you will have exactly the rifle you want, for less money, and you will gain a lot of knowledge about the AR-15 system from doing it yourself.

 

[MikeinCA]

Rock River Arms in .223

$675, add a lower for $100 add some sights and you are good to go.

The lower is EASY to build!

Rock River Arms: .223/5.56mm CAR A4 Kits

 

[jsimmons]

What about an M&P15OR? I have been thinking about buying one of these next spring.

While M&P makes a very fine weapon (I have a MOE), I would go with a rifle with a mid-length gas system, and I don't think any of S&W's rifles come that way.

Someone else suggested going to Spikes, and I have to agree.

Upper - $535

Add a customized lower (I added a CTR stock and KNS anti-walk pins) for $370, and you're just under the $1000 limit. That leaves you about $100 to get a rear sight.

 

[Tram]

You may want to look at DSArms.. I picked up a complete lower for $215 but I paid $25 for the Spartan engraving, do it could have been had for less.. I am impressed with it and will be picking up a stripped flat top from them for my 7.62 build..

 

[Rustpot]

I'm going with a mid-length from Bravo Company for my upper when I do my build. They're about the same price as a Spike's (cheaper but no handguard).

I'm stuck between LMT, Spikes, and a couple others for lowers. Also need to decide if buying stripped is worth it.