Looking to buy first AR

[oneyeopn]

You seem concerned with a 1 in 9 twist but don't mention why.

A 1 in 9 twist is actually a very good choice for a 'do all" Ar. Bushmaster has been using 1:9 for years. The slower 1:7 or 1:8 are geared towards shooting heavy bullets (75gr+ ) at long ranges. They however, loose something if you want to shoot lighter (say 45 gr) varmint bullets. All else aside, unless you are going to be shooting the heaviest bullets/ past 300 yds on a regular basis, the 1:9 is fine. ( Keep in mind that many bolt action 223's are 1;12 or faster. )
FWIW, I shot a bushmaster in 1:9 for years and never felt held back.

I beg to differ with you sir, For the last few months I have been loading 40gr and 45gr ballistic tip/V-max bullets to run in my Sport with the 1:8 5R barrel. They shoot like little lasers and haven't been overly affected by crosswinds. I had heard that the 8 twist wouldnt shoot the little bullets but they shoot great and are great for both punching paper and prairie dog hunting.

 

[Bikemobile]

I have a stag arms model 1 setup as a patrol rifle. I paid $791 a week before sandy hook at buds guns online. Really well built for the money and supposedly cut on the same machines as the colts.

Now i see the model 2 with a2 front and flip up rear for $845 at buds. Not too bad.

stag model 2 at buds

 

[texas_kid]

Once you remove the TRX a couple times it's pretty easy. The issue is actually getting the nuts inside and catching them with the screws when putting on rail sections - particularly when they're far enough in you can't poke your finger in and hold them.

Here's mine before I got my Larue mount.

Have you noticed any issues with the rail not lining up properly when tightened into place? I've read that has been an issue but that was on some earlier production runs.

 

[BillK01]

The rail is secured via 3 screws around the perimeter. There is no slot or anything to line it up so the the top rail lines up with the receiver rail just a small protrusion that - if snug against the receiver causes the rails to not line up perfectly - so its up to the user to keep it aligned while tightening the screws. My protrusion is just slightly off the receiver. Here are some pics that may help:

Finished product:

 

[texas_kid]

The rail is secured via 3 screws around the perimeter. There is no slot or anything to line it up so the the top rail lines up with the receiver rail just a small protrusion that - if snug against the receiver causes the rails to not line up perfectly - so its up to the user to keep it aligned while tightening the screws. My protrusion is just slightly off the receiver. Here are some pics that may help:

Finished product:

Ah I see. You answered my question perfectly. Thanks for the instructional photos too! Those were awesome for helping me see how it works!

 

[bwalton1]

Thanks for the input! I hadn't considered Colts that much, but if I found a good deal on one it would be hard to pass up. I'm almost set on an Aimpoint micro dot once I've gotten good with the iron sights.

I have owned Colts for years starting with the original Colt A-2 H-bar that I used to shoot in competition. I have always had a 1:7 twist barrel. You can shoot a wider variety of 223 ammo thru it. My latest is a Colt LE 6920 carbine to which I have added an Eotech holgraphic sight and a g33 STS Eotech magnifer.

 

[joaquinwalking]

First AR Type Rifle

I believe the HK 416 is considered one of the best of this type.

Due to clean design (described in HK website) it is one of the most dependable types.

Best regards,

joaquinwalking

 

[texas_kid]

Okay guys the search is narrowing... and widening... and narrowing again lol.

I've got it down to 3 finalists that I can't decide on.
the TS as mentioned above
the Daniel Defense M4V7 and
the Ruger SR556 (with the Ruger being the cheapest)

What are the opinions on piston vs DI?
(that may become a deciding factor)

Thanks everyone for the advice!

Hopefully I'll make up my mind soon and stop picking y'alls brains.

 

[vipermd]

Piston VS DI I think that might have been mentioned before, But, cleaner? cooler?
You are shooting a semi-auto without a can for range/defense/hogs I really believe it is a non issue. You can make an AR stop, grab a few beta mags, flip the giggle switch, with the can on and it will stop, but probably since the chamber will not close due to carbon/burnt powder build up. Out of the 3 you have narrowed it to my money would be on the TS. Enjoy Be Safe,

 

[texas_kid]

Piston VS DI I think that might have been mentioned before, But, cleaner? cooler?
You are shooting a semi-auto without a can for range/defense/hogs I really believe it is a non issue. You can make an AR stop, grab a few beta mags, flip the giggle switch, with the can on and it will stop, but probably since the chamber will not close due to carbon/burnt powder build up. Out of the 3 you have narrowed it to my money would be on the TS. Enjoy Be Safe,

TS will be the likely buy unless I happen upon a DD for an equal price. Otherwise it's hard for me to argue with all the goodies the TS has.
Thanks for the input.

 

[BillK01]

TS will be the likely buy unless I happen upon a DD for an equal price. Otherwise it's hard for me to argue with all the goodies the TS has.
Thanks for the input.

I knew I liked you for some reason!

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[texas_kid]

Well guys after all those weeks of trying to figure out what to get, I made my purchase yesterday I picked up a Colt LE6920 from my LGS, he had a deal on it I couldn't pass up. I was a little disappointed that its not a Smitty, but I feel I got a quality rifle.

I want to thank you guys again for all of the advice and input everyone gave. This will always be my go to place when I have any questions or issues about my rifle.

(Don't worry I won't become a Colt fanboy! I'm forever a S&Wer!)

 

[Smitty357]

Well guys after all those weeks of trying to figure out what to get, I made my purchase yesterday I picked up a Colt LE6920 from my LGS, he had a deal on it I couldn't pass up. I was a little disappointed that its not a Smitty, but I feel I got a quality rifle.

I want to thank you guys again for all of the advice and input everyone gave. This will always be my go to place when I have any questions or issues about my rifle.

(Don't worry I won't become a Colt fanboy! I'm forever a S&Wer!)

I'd rather see u own a Colt than see u own a Glock.

At least u may one fine choice, IMO.

 

[akrawc2]

^^ ok, please tell me what is wrong with a Glock? I am courious as to why?

thanks

 

[jdizzel1209]

I went on 8-1-13 to get my first ar and i have the 15-22 and love s&w allways have. anyway i went with the 15t and i love it put about 250 rds the day after i got it havent got any extra's for it yet but got a good price 925 or i think its a good price anyway good luck and shop around

 

[batmann]

There are so many options out there and some have been mentioned here. The more you read, the more you get confused.
I went through the same thing before I settled on my S&W MOE, older version w/chrome lined 1/9 barrel and have never looked back. I did add a Mid-West Industries quad rail so I could add a weapon light because the MOE front guard required removal anyway and I added a Burris AR 332 optic. The 1/9 has exceeded my expectations and I think it would do about anything required by you.
I looked at many different brands, including Colt, before getting the M&P. I doubt any AR platform could be anymore reliable as I have shot close to 2000 cheap Russian steel case and over 1000 XM855 out of it and it has NEVER given me the slightest bobble. I keep pretty good track of how much and what kind of ammo I run through it.
All the mentioned brands are good, just some cost more, but I doubt you will do better than the M&P IMHO. Add the warranty with a company you know will be around to honor it and go for it.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Just get a Colt 6920SOCOM or the S&W M&P15X and then all you have to worry about is a light and an optic since both of those rifles have the quad rail.

Colt is, of course, the real deal, but S&W makes quite a nice rifle. You cannot go wrong with either, although I think you would have better luck on resale with a Colt.

Less fiddling around with the rifle means you are less likely to ruin your nice rifle through your inexperience.

 

[Vinney47]

Just get a Colt 6920SOCOM or the S&W M&P15X and then all you have to worry about is a light and an optic since both of those rifles have the quad rail.

Colt is, of course, the real deal, but S&W makes quite a nice rifle. You cannot go wrong with either, although I think you would have better luck on resale with a Colt.

Less fiddling around with the rifle means you are less likely to ruin your nice rifle through your inexperience.

^ this. The 15X is super rugged and all set up for you. I have one and have really liked having the quad rail. For one setup (close quarters) I have a red dot optic and a AFG, and for longer ranges a 4x scope and a VFG/bi-pod. Can't go wrong with the 15x

 

[texas_kid]

Really appreciate everything y'all have said. It was a heck of a time trying to figure it out. But as more time passes I'm more and more satisfied with my Colt. I finally got some time off from work so I get to take it to the range today (along with my trusty M&P 9). It won't be the last AR I get and I'm set on a S&W for my second. Thanks again guys.