Recommendations on an AR-15? UPDATE: I got one.

[Grayfox]

I'm still considering buying an AR. In all honesty, I'm really not a big fan. The only reason I'm even considering it is just so I can say I have one and thumb my nose at the antis. I'm just sick and tired of their lying BS.
This would be purely a range toy and would probably spend most of its time sitting in the safe. But it will be shot some and usually at about 100 yards as that's what the local range is. I'll likely stick to the 5.56 caliber since ammo is readily available and reasonably priced. I'm thinking 16" barrel and a flat top receiver as I'll probably put some type of optic on it.
While I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a top of the line rifle, I do want something decent that shoots well in the $500-700 range.
The problem is that I know very little about ARs and have no idea what I should even be looking at. There's a gun show here next month and its usually overflowing with ARs. Odds are that I'll just walk around there and see if anything strikes my fancy.
So what brands/models should I be looking at? Are there any that should be avoided?
BTW: I do know about the M&P-15. So let's not beat that option to death. What else is out there?

 

[sigp220.45]

I'm probably a lot like you. I have had an AR issued to me in one form or another since 1983 (until I retired in 2016). I had no desire to own one, since they always seemed like work guns to me. I had a Mini-14 for shooting zombies.

I finally got this Colt because it was only $475 as a police (prison, actually) trade in. I figured I couldn't go wrong with a Colt.

Its kind of a weird set-up, with the 20" barrel and no flash hider and a collapsible stock. I've meant to get it threaded and replace the stock, but by now it has grown on me. Its like the girl with an overbite who is oddly attractive somehow.

The M&P Sport is probably the best buy out there, but I think it was the fact this one was a Colt is what pushed me over. So I would say hold out for a Colt.

 

[CajunBass]

I was in the same boat a few weeks ago, so I picked up a Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II. They seem to be well thought of and the price was reasonable, (<600) or, at least I thought so.

I know next to nothing about these things but I showed it to a young fellow I work with who's all gaga over them and his comment was SWEET.



I haven't shot it, and really don't know when I will, but like you I wanted to be able to say "I've got one."

 

[fedoff]

My Sig Sauer AR



I purchased Sig 516 pistol with a 7 12" barrel. It is a nice shooter and stays cleaner due to the piston rather than an impingement system. Issued a Colt 556 with a 16" barrel in the squad. Sig is shown with a 30 and 60 rd mag. The Sig is only 24" and weighs 6 pounds without the mag.

 

[scooter123]

The big positive for the AR is that it's an Erector Set for grownups. What this means is that if there is something about whatever you choose you can always change out some of the bits and pieces and end up with exactly what you want. Of course it may take some time for you figure out exactly what you want. During that period you can enjoy shooting your new rifle.

 

[cadmike]

I think it’s interesting that so many people seem to poopoo the AR15 but then confess to wanting one because of today’s political climate. Like most on this forum, I’m definitely a handgun guy first and a rifle guy second so I can understand not necessarily being interested in owning the rifle.

I own one AR, that I bought back in 2002. Back in 2002 I was single with no kids and had some extra cash. I had always wanted an AR since I grew up an avid shooter and already owned several handguns at the time. Back in 2002 ARs we’re not quite as popular as they are now and I didn’t personally know anyone my age who had one (however my dad owned one). So one day I came home from work, got bored, and drove to a LGS to buy an AR. I did not price shop or shop around for an AR with specific features. I really did not know much about them and had only ever fired my Dads on a few occasions. I just knew I wanted one. I went to the counter, and asked to see one of the AR15s they had on the rack. The one the salesman handed me was the one I bought.

It was a bushmaster xm15e2s A2 Dissipater. At the time I didn’t know what a dissipater even was, or what A2 meant. But I did know that my new rifle was a “post ban” rifle because in 2002 the Clinton era Assault weapons Ban was in full affect. My rifle didn’t have a bayonet lug or a flash suppressor and came complete with a 10 round magazine. Ha! That was easy to fix, a quick conversation with my dad, who was overjoyed that I had bought an AR, and he hooked me up with som gun-show-bought 20 and 30 round military surplus magazines.

So then I owned an Ar15, and boy did I feel cool. To be honest, I enjoyed shooting it but I enjoyed showing it off to my friends even more. I was THE guy that owned an AR15! I was dripping with coolness!

In 2004 the Clinton AWB expired, which meant that you were legally allowed to alter the so-called “post ban” rifles to “pre ban” configuration. I promptly sent my upper assembly back to bushmaster and they installed a flash suppressor on it for me. Now my rifle looked a lot cooler for sure. An AR just doesn’t look right without a flash suppressor on it.

Over the years I have really become attached to my AR. I have learned how to properly use the A2 sight system and can out-shoot most of the folks who show up at the range with their fancy optics. Some younger guys have called my AR “old school” because of the fixed carry handle and iron sights. To them, it’s old fashioned. Ha! They should see my dads rifle, an A1 slickside with triangular hand guard and three prong flash hider!

My advice is if you want an AR, get it now while you can. And learn to shoot it. They really are a lot of fun.

 

[C J]

For the price range you quoted it's very hard to beat a S&W M&P 15 Sport 2. They are accurate and reliable for the most part. There are always a few bad examples but that's true with all guns. There are a couple of other brands with similar deals and similar quality now. IMO they imitated the success of the Sport line because of the huge numbers being sold by Smith. They are good rifles also (Ruger, etc.) but there are still things about the Smith that are better IMO. The warranty for one thing. Lifetime on the Sport. That's pretty hard to beat. There are some other things that make the Sport a better choice IMO like the finish and a chromed firing pin. I waited for years for the right deal on an AR and the Sport was it. I have zero regrets about buying.

Unfortunately right now is not a good time to buy any AR. With President Trump threatening to make it harder to get an AR they once again started selling fast. Panic buyers have driven up the price and reduced inventory in retailers. It may be hard to find any good budget AR right now and if you do find it chances are it will be more expensive than it was a month ago but a good margin. I would suggest you wait a month and see if prices don't come back to earth because I don't think Trump will actually do the things he threatened to do. The Sport 2 was selling for $500 or even less not long ago. My guess it will be back down to that price soon. Again it may be hard to find one now at any price.

 

[rwsmith]

I wasn't interested in a AR...

...Until I shot one. It FEELS so good. The ergonomics are great compared to some other modern military-ish guns that I've tried. I've decided that for several reasons, including the satisfaction of just doing it, I'm going to build one. The lower receiver is the FFL part so I've got one on order. I also ordered a 30 round mag pul mag in case they decided to get funny with the mag capacity. This is going to take a long time because I'll only be able to buy one group at a time. At least I may end up with a slightly better product though there is nothing wrong with Andersons and Bear Creeks.

PS: I gotta buy a bunch of tools, too. Barrel wrench, go no go and field gauges, that are specific to the AR.

 

[vonn]

Only suggestion I have is to get one you can shoot with minimal expense and then learn it and shoot it a bunch before you start making modifications so you really know what mods you want. I personally try to keep mine as light and handy as possible with out a lot of tacti-cool hang on options but you may want the tacti-cool look,no right or wrong in what you like or don’t like. Have fun!

 

[6518John]

Only suggestion I have is to get one you can shoot with minimal expense and then learn it and shoot it a bunch before you start making modifications so you really know what mods you want. I personally try to keep mine as light and handy as possible with out a lot of tacti-cool hang on options but you may want the tacti-cool look,no right or wrong in what you like or don’t like. Have fun!

I think many non-AR shooters will be surprised at how much they might use an AR after they get one. Aside from simply being fun to shoot, they are an immensely practical farm, tractor, truck, varmit gun if you do any sort of outdoor activities. And like Vonn says, the fewer the “hang-on” the better they serve that purpose. They are nearly indestructible, easy to shoot well, easy to clean and maintain. The ONLY draw-back is they are LOUD. I personally think any of the major brands are excellent. Colt, S&W, Sig, H&K, etc.

 

[Farmer17]

I suggest buy a complete lower unit from Palmetto State Armory which they frequently have on sale for $129 with free shipping. Then get an upper with an aluminum free float rail handguard because it should be a hair more accurate than the military style plastic hand guard and you can attach things to it (light, lazer, sling swivels, 45 degree back up sights, bi-pod, etc). I bought an Anderson for $309 shipped so with a $10 transfer fee I have an excellent gun for under $450 and it took under 60 seconds to put together. A lot of the AR-15 snobs were saying you had to buy a Colt, Daniel Defense, or Lewis Machine toot gun to get a good one but even they are now saying Palmetto State Armory products are great. The only problem is most AR's have a military spec trigger which is about 7lbs but you can get a decent drop-in trigger for 85 bucks.

 

[Bozz10mm]

There are a couple of good ARs in your price range. The M&P Sport II and the Ruger AR556. Good, solid, ARs. You will be happy with either.

 

[4506517]

This is like a Ford/Chevy/Dodge question. All of us have brands we like/are partial to. Since you asked I will give you my OPINION.

My favorite is Colt. It just is. I have built 2 Colt SBR clones (LE6943 & LE6945) and purchased one Colt factory SBR (LE6933). I also have 4 other 20 inch barrel factory Colts. I find their quality, fit, and finish to be excellent. Yes, you are paying for a name, but I find their quality to be first rate.

Next for me would be ORIGINAL Bushmaster. Not the garbage that Remington is peddling. The real deal. I own three of them and I find them to be fine shooters. Fit and finish isn't as nice as Colt, but still pretty nice. I am in the process of Form 1-ing my 1993 vintage Bushmaster, and utilizing a heavy barrel 11.5 inch barrel.

Now these 2 are in no order of preference. I recently built an Anderson with a PSA 14.7 inch upper with a pinned and welded A2 flash suppressor. I actually found the Anderson lower and parts to be of quite good quality and fit together quite well. The PSA upper is of passable quality. Not great, but by no means bad either.

Next is an SBR I am still building. The lower is by an almost never heard of company called Temple located in Owego NY. It is a milled lower, but really cool. I am doing a total custom build using parts from Geiselle, Vltor, Bravo Company, Brownells, and Battle Arms. I am still trying to source a Kino configuration upper which is proving to be difficult.

Best advise to you is to do exactly what you're doing......research and figure out what people are saying. ARs are like any other hobby....you buy, try, and keep what works.

Good luck with your quest. The AR is a neat platform in that you can find one configured to meet EXACTLY what you want.

 

[4506517]

I'm probably a lot like you. I have had an AR issued to me in one form or another since 1983 (until I retired in 2016). I had no desire to own one, since they always seemed like work guns to me. I had a Mini-14 for shooting zombies.

I finally got this Colt because it was only $475 as a police (prison, actually) trade in. I figured I couldn't go wrong with a Colt.

Its kind of a weird set-up, with the 20" barrel and no flash hider and a collapsible stock. I've meant to get it threaded and replace the stock, but by now it has grown on me. Its like the girl with an overbite who is oddly attractive somehow.

The M&P Sport is probably the best buy out there, but I think it was the fact this one was a Colt is what pushed me over. So I would say hold out for a Colt.

For some reason, I really, really, like this rifle. I would get the barrel threaded and leave the stock alone. I suspect this was originally an 6551. SOME (but not all) of the 6551s came with a plastic (cheap) buffer. Check yours and see. It is readily apparent because it is black (as well as plastic, lol). There were originally marketed as "Match Target" (MT 6551) rifles and were roll marked as such on the mag well. There is some debate as to whether or not the barrels are chrome lined. I purchased one brand new. It was crazy accurate. I ended up trading the upper, stock, receiver extension, and buffer assembly to a buddy for a complete Colt lower. I then used the MT 6551 lower to build my LE6945 clone and the traded for Colt lower to build my LE6943 clone. It should be easy to replace the plastic buffer with a steel one from Brownells.

I remember the thread where you were asking about these rifles and it sparked a great discussion amongst a few of my friends.

AWESOME rifle.

 

[4barrel]

Yesterday a friend went to get a Ruger ar556 on sale at a local store and they were sold out but got a rain check signed by the manager. He went to the next town over and they had several in stock but they were higher. The manager told him they would match a sale price + 15% . He puled out the rain check from the other store and paid for it with a 8% back credit card. About $445 out the door. No one was happy but him.

 

[inspcalahan]

Agreed on all counts - personally, I'd keep the upper off to the side and drop a little coin for another upper. Doesn't have to be Colt, but get one to shoot with all the bells and whistles you want...flash hider, flat top, etc. If you're swapping the buttstock, take some advice from my past and keep the factory one somewhere. Being able to put it back to 100% as it first was could be important to you at some point and to a collector, even more so. That's a great rifle! Rifles of that era, while sometimes built bizarre due to the climate, were wickedly accurate - some of the best made.

For some reason, I really, really, like this rifle. I would get the barrel threaded and leave the stock alone. I suspect this was originally an 6551. SOME (but not all) of the 6551s came with a plastic (cheap) buffer. Check yours and see. It is readily apparent because it is black (as well as plastic, lol). There were originally marketed as "Match Target" (MT 6551) rifles and were roll marked as such on the mag well. There is some debate as to whether or not the barrels are chrome lined. I purchased one brand new. It was crazy accurate. I ended up trading the upper, stock, receiver extension, and buffer assembly to a buddy for a complete Colt lower. I then used the MT 6551 lower to build my LE6945 clone and the traded for Colt lower to build my LE6943 clone. It should be easy to replace the plastic buffer with a steel one from Brownells.

I remember the thread where you were asking about these rifles and it sparked a great discussion amongst a few of my friends.

AWESOME rifle.

 

[mrmike7189]

I bought a Ruger Mini 14 in 2012 and am happy with it. Shoots 5.56 NATO and 223REM like the AR15. Costs between 500-700 dollars. It is blued steel with a wooden stock and looks more like a 10/22 rifle. It wont scare anybody ,like those "extra killy, scary black assault rifles".

 

[gnystrom]

This thread is deja vu for me as I could have written it one year before Hillary was guaranteed to win the 2016 election. I never wanted one until I thought I was going to be told I could not have one. I built one from a stripped lower, installed a two stage Geissele trigger, and added a unnecessarily higher quality upper topped with a red dot.
Be careful as these things are lego's for adults and weigh the amount of actual trigger time vs the cost.
A reasonable place to start if you want to go that way,
Palmetto State Armory sells everything in all grades and stages from low to high. If nothing else they will give you an idea of what very competitive pricing should be.
BTW, mine is seldom shot, often fondled and I would do it again.

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[KSDeputy]

No comment.

 

[Rio Laxas]

I like BCM uppers a lot for a self defense rifle. I have 2 of them, both with lightweight barrel profiles and mid-length gas systems.

That being said, my 2 favorite ARs to have fun with are an M16A1 clone with a Vietnam era Colt upper & barrel and an XM177E2 CAR-15 clone with a Colt upper and Daniel Defense barrel.