Need advice - best AR-15?

[Double-O-Dave]

Greetings,

Lately, it seems that the prices on used AR-15s have been dropping locally, and the availability has also improved (Central Texas area). I've always wanted to own an AR-15 rifle, and now seems like it may be a good time to buy. Lately, I've seen used Colts, including HBAR and Match versions, DPMS, Rock River, Bushmaster, and S&Ws - most averaging around $850.00 for the rifle and 1-2 magazines, no optics. Primary uses would be target shooting and possibly home defense. As far as features, I think a 6-position stock and either a flat-top, or removable handle would be desirable, but I would appreciate some advice regarding barrel length, twist rate, and manufacturer.

Thank you.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Kanewpadle]

I have a Rock River that I love. Has a two stage match trigger and removable carry handle.

There are many other quality brands to choose from too.

Colt
Bushmaster
LMT
S&W
DPMS
Stag

Look for a good deal and go with it.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

See this: http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/146475-s-w-m-p-15-rifle-v-colt-ar15-le-6920-m4-carbine.html

And this: http://cdn5.thefirearmsblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/070810-ar-chart.jpg

I just picked up a S&W M&P 15 for $750 (out the door, after the rebate), this for the OR (SKU#811003) Model: Product: Model M&P15OR Rifle

A set of Troy flip-up sights, and one of these: http://smith-wessonforum.com/wanted-buy/156148-leupold-mark-4-1-3x14mm-cq-t-52155-a.html, and you are in business.


Bullseye

 

[Farmer17]

Colt has about the highest quality control and it has the best resale, but the other brands are just as accurate and work just fine for most people for a lot less money. Buds Gunshop has a pretty good sale right now and free shipping. I like the "optics ready" guns so you can mount a scope low and there is no front sight in the way.

 

[GatorFarmer]

I'd just wait. There's some new piston guns coming from Colt (and some other non piston guns) that when commercial versions are to be had ought be quite interesting.

Or just wait for some of the new toys from FNH that will make the AR's seem less interesting.

If you just have to have one now, Colts hold their value.

 

[Bat Guano]

"The Chart" of AR quality over on m4carbine.net

Comparison Chart of Major AR Brands - M4Carbine.net Forums

is considered to be a fairly good analysis of current AR quality from different manufacturers. Some people refer to them as Tier 1, Tier 2, etc. and place great emphasis on the ranking. For instance, I have dealt with a number of Bushmasters, and while Colt, Daniel Defense, LMT, etc., may "rate" higher on certain things, I'm not sure it always matters. some of it may be one-upmanship, if you can believe that.

I had a Colt SP CAR-15 way back when, and while it was okay, it was a bit primitive compared to what an AR can morph into nowadays. My Bushmaster's alleged shortcomings are easily addressed; the triggers, optics, and odd bits on it make it a lot better weapon than that old Colt was, no matter what kind of critter's logo is on the side. On the other hand, some makes (Olympic comes to mind) I don't want to fool with.

At the moment it's a bit of a buyer's market, so new or virtually unused Colts abound; if I "needed" another AR I would probably search one out. As it is the BM doesn't know it's inferior so on we go.

I happen to like the old A1 handle and sights. A flat top makes a lot of sense as it offers a lot of optics options that a handle doesn't. I would prefer the old slim pencil barrel but have the usual M4 grenade launcher profile which serves no useful purpose. If and when it wears out I will toss it and go slim just because I can. Most stock triggers are lousy so changing that out is the first order of business to me. My barrel is a 1:9 but a 1:7 would let me try heavier bullets. Also not a big deal. Enhanced extractors are good in any of them IMHO.

If I were to build a longer range piece it would look different. However it would cost me around 2K to put it together complete with optic so I will get what I can out of the 16" barrel that I have now. It's more the shooter than the hardware anyway.

Lots of opinions (and even some facts) around so good research will save you time and money. YMMV.

 

[Walker45]

I highly recommend the M&P15A, for the price and quality to include fantastic customer service.

 

[Harrison]

In addition to others mentioned, Armalite makes a good product, I have personal experience with Bushmaster, Armalite, Rockriver and DPMS. All are good products. Whichever you can get a bargin or good deal on, take it. 20" barrel is probably more practical than 16", unless you are doing SWAT entries.

 

[Frank237]

You asked for the BEST....take a look at Patriot Ordnance, LWRC, La Rue Tactical, to name a few.

I've got a pair of LWRC's ....doesn't get much better. Speaking fit, finish, accuracy, piston system,etc.

FN in MT

 

[HEAD0001]

I own(and have owned) several Colt's, including H-bars and 2-Delta H-Bar's. I have also owned DPMS, Rock River, and Bush Master rifles.

IMO it depends solely on your use.

I am a varmint hunter so accuracy is KING to me. Of all the-rifles above the most accurate-BY FAR was the Rock River Varminter. DPMS was second. The Colts, including the Delta's are in last place, and by a good bit.

IMO the Colt's hold their value solely on their name. They function well, but just are not as accurate.

If accuracy is not KING for you and you can pick up a Colt for a good price then go for it. For normal shooting the accuracy differences will never rear their head. It is only when you add optics and hundreds of yards that you will notice the difference.

And You can never go wrong by buying a Colt. They have resale appeal. I sold one of my Delta's(they shot like cr**). I bet I had 50 calls on that rifle. And I live in rural WV!!

Determine your needs and how much you want to spend. If just for fun a standard BushMaster will fill your needs, and probably for the best price.

But if accuracy and hunting is on the agenda then take a good long look at the Rock River's.

I have a buddy that has a S&W but I have only shot it about 40 rounds. It was pop can accurate off handed at 100 yards. but I never really tested it. So I do not feel qualified to give an opinion on the S&W. But my friend really likes it. Tom.

 

[chessail 77]

The AR15 market is flooded with excellent values, however for your first you might want to choose a S&W due to excellent customer service which might be a difference maker.....

 

[tbury]

I have a colt HBAR 5.56 and a Stag 6.8 spc upper on a DoubleStar lower. Both guns shoot very well since I installed Rock River Natl Match triggers in them. Both have 20 inch barrels. The Colt was bought used for $700 from a buddy who could never get it to shoot satisfactorily enough for him. He used the money to buy a Rock River Natl Match AR. He is now happy and after I installed the RR trigger in his old Colt it shoots as well or better than his new gun. My point is that most of the brands are plenty accurate but may need a better trigger for you to achieve the results you want. The RR Natl match trigger is a good buy at $120. Of course if you start with RR you can specify the trigger you want.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thanks, all for your advice and inputs...keep it coming! Good stuff and more advice is always good.

Regards,

Dave

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

For a $2k AR, LaRue and Wilson Combat are worth looking at.

For a $1k AR, Bushmaster is worth looking at.

If the primary use will be "target shooting" an AR might not be worth looking at. What kinda target shooting are you going to be doing?

 

[perrazi]

for a great one but expensive, noveske. small shop and production runs sell out quick. this is for the ar guy that is a real afionado.

 

[R. G. Amos]

Get a Colt 6520 for simplicity (fixed carry handle) or a Colt 6920 for more advanced use (removable carry handle). The S&W's have 1/9 twist while the Colts have the military 1/7. The Colts with the exception of select fire capability and barrel length are the same as used in the US military. There is not currently enough price difference between the Colts and copies to justify the copies. Everyone's first AR should be a Colt.

 

[fastsw]

After having the mp1522 for awhile, I am looking to get into something centerfire. Main use would be target shooting at 100yards. Rarely anything longer but would like to keep it open as an option. I don't need anything to do 1/2" groups, just for fun recreation. Looking to spend about $1000 on the rifle if its possible (not including the accessories), but would bump up a bit if the quality warranted it. Because of my location, can't have moving stocks or threaded barrels. I also would like to use some of the cheaper 5.56 steel ammo to keep range costs down, so need something that can fire this.
For accessories, that is what I have my mp1522 for, so for this new centerfire would most likely just drop on my existing bushnell elite scope and be happy.

Was thinking of either an AR platform or one of the newer Ruger Mini-14's (as the latest run seems to be getting good reviews).
I am not familiar at all with the various AR brands, I have heard good things about Bushmaster. Still in research phase!

 

[Steave]

I got my first AR-15, a Colt SP1, when I was 13, this was around 1979 or 1980 when, for the most part, that was the only AR around. I still have it and have never had any problems with it. I now have AR's made by Colt, Bushmaster and Rock River along with several Rock River and S&W stripped lowers that are just sitting around for a rainy day along with an Armalite AR-10T. I also have several Colt M16's. I have never had a problem with any of these.

With the exception of some of the premium mfgs., LWRC, LaRue, etc., I think Colt probably has the best rifle as it is a true mil-spec piece. However, Colt was (is?) screwy on some things, the older Colt's had a large front pivot pin, then they switched to oversize pins for the fire control group, I think they still use these, but am not 100% sure; that may or may not be an issue for you. With that said, I'm sure a rifle from any of the mfgs. would serve you well, decide what you want in the rifle and look what various companies offer and make your decision from there.

Also, you can always just put one together from parts. I think the AR I keep in my Suburban is a Bushmaster lower, a RRA upper and Lord knows whose 16" barrel is on it. I put one together for my dad that is a S&W lower, RRA upper with a Colt 16" barrel; both of these guns run just fine. One other thing I'll point out is, unless storage space is an issue, a fixed stock is always more comfortable to shoot than a collapsible stock. A lot of folks immediately think a fixed stock goes with a 20" barrel and a collapsible stock goes with a 16" or shorter barrel if it's an SBR; a fixed stock with a 16" barrel makes for a pretty handy rifle. Of all of my AR's and M16's, which range from 11.5" barrels to 24" heavy barrels, I think the original design, fixed stock with a 20" barrel is the best way to go.

 

[Engineer1911]

I have a 26" Bushmaster V-Match that has amazing accuracy, 1/4" groups are no big deal for 5 rounds. The tactical boys stop bragging about their guns after I shoot 5 rounds. I have not found anyone to take me up on 10 rounds and $.25 a point for 10 rounds on a 100 yard bullseye target. I have never been outshot by anybody's Colt.

Talk to friends, handle what's on the shelf and decide what you like. Never buy a gun or truck without a test drive. The worst mistake I ever made was shooting 5 rounds with Tim's 45 ACP 1911. It became an expensive addiction.

 

[fastsw]

Barrel length

for target shooting, what is recommended barrel length? 24", 20", 16"? I am leaning toward a 24" stainless barrel.
Thoughts?