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

[Muss Muggins]

S&W, DPMS, and Ruger all have very serviceable AR's in your price range, with no a whit's worth of difference between the three . . .

 

[Bamabred]

As has been said before, the major manufactures have solid stuff. I have a S&W M&P15. It's been solid. I kinda think the Ruger AR556 is a slightly better gun. But if you see a Ruger or M&P Sport, grab one and don't look back. The supplies are already getting low and panic buying is starting to set in. I paid a premium during the Great Gun Scare of 2008.

 

[292]

I was toying with the idea when I thought that Hillary was going to win. The idea of building 1 is what pushed me over the top. Mine is about as cheap as I could build it Anderson lower from Primary Arms, everything else kit from CDNN Sports. I kinda goofed up and decided to get mine in 300 Blackout. I love forming my own casings and reloading 300 black, a 110 grain Varmageddon explodes a milk jug like nobody's business, but I'd recommend 5.56. Unless, like me you would rather do it yourself even if it costs more. With the upper already together you don't need any special tools. I'd do it again if I wanted another AR.

 

[sigp220.45]

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.

Thanks! It is an MT6551, according to Colt. The stock is from Rock River, and the buffer tube is metal. I may take it to the Colorado School of Trades and have it threaded and just leave the stock alone.

 

[keithherrington]

I too have just gotten back into ARs...for the same reason

I just bought a new Rock River Arms LAR-15 in M4 configuration off my son who wants an FN SCAR 17. He'd had it for years but had never fired it. It came with a heavy barrel and a VLTOR metal forearm and synthetic butt. Since I've been training people for years I've had the benefit of seeing all manner of AR configurations over the years and had a good idea what seemed to work and what did not. I pulled the VLTOR butt stock off and installed a Magpul UBR Gen 2, Magpul grip (MOE-K2) and Magpul Angled Fore Grip (MAG411). I found a very tidy light from Smith and Wesson, and instead of a red dot I used a Leupold VX 6HD Multigun scope in lightweight Nightforce rings. A Vickers sling rounded out the package. With a loaded 30 round magazine the gun weighs a little more than 10 pounds. Balance is perfect. The gun is also extremely accurate at distance. Its more than the OP wants to spend but like most AR owners, spending more is just a matter of time.

 

[Wishbone]

Long time Bushmaster fan. Even the new Alabama made guns have upped their game these days.

Full auto and MP tested BCG, staked castle nut, staked keys,F marked front sight.

They are advertising these improvements heavily on their site.

Still 1 in 9 twist 4150 chrome lined barrels.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I traded into a Helenbak AR 15, a build from some little company in Mississippi. Probably have around 35- in it. Got a scope and looks cool. Pretty much does it for me

 

[bushmaster1313]

.243 DPMS in NJ legal configuration
(I know it does not meet the OP's needs -- But it tastes like Freedom)

 

[jfleisher]

I recently picked up the new model Ruger 556 "MPR - Multi Purpose Rifle". Shoots great.

 

[zeke]

Have 3 Rock Rivers. All with free floated fore ends. One 223 and two 308's. All get .5 moa with good hand loads (scoped).

While age certainly can affect your accuracy with open sights, scopes equal it up a good bit.

Friend got inexpensive Ruger model. Very accurate, but tight chamber.

 

[RobertJ.]

I can relate to a couple of these posts.

I've never owned one. But back in the summer of 2016, I bought a couple stripped lowers (Anderson). You know, just because.

I've still never done anything with them, but now have plans to turn one into a 10mm, as a companion to my Colt Delta Elite. I've started shopping for all the necessary parts, and there will be a progress report.

 

[Andyd]

After getting out of the military I was not very interested in semi auto - and especially full-auto - rifles. Finally, in 1998 I bought an Armalite M-15 in the AWB configuration and soon signed up on a small dedicated AR15 forum. I gave the Armalite to my son when he was 14 and replaced it with Bushmaster carbine.
AR's are enjoyable to shoot, the ammo is fairly inexpensive for centerfire rifle ammo and the guns are quite accurate. I also took advantage of the component sales of surplus powder and bullets back then. Giving that Armalite M15 to my youngest son had started his love affair with the AR; he has an SBR and several rifles that he built from kits, including one that he built for his older brother as a gift.

As it was recommended here before, PSA has good parts kits and putting them together is not very hard.

My AR changed a bit from 1994 to today and it is harder to find an AR in standard A2/A3 configuration but they still work as well today as they did then.

 

[moralem]

Recommendations on an AR-15?

There are so many out there it is not easy to choose, but just get what you can afford and go from there. It is like buying a car, all the major brands are good and you can option the heck out of whatever you buy. Me, I am a colt guy but that is my preference, just like I am a Dodge guy....they all get the job done.....it's just what can you pay. And once you have one you will have others.

.50 Alexander Beowulf

 

[bushmaster1313]

The following is the most basic of basic black rifles
New Jersey legal Bushmaster XM15
Fixed Ace skeleton stock
16.5: barrel
Folding Backup Iron Sights
Flat top with a Bushnell Red Dot

Kitty's Motto:

 

[Muley Gil]

Back in my college days, a friend had a Colt AR and I shot it. No big deal at the time. I preferred wood & steel rifles.

40 years later, I'm in Afghanistan, armed with a Beretta 9mm and a Bushmaster M4 with semi and three round capacity. It shot fine, but I still preferred my Springfield Armory SOCCOM 7.62x51 that was home in the gun safe.

2016 rolls around and I decide that it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a rifle in 5.56. I checked out the Del-Ton models. Price is good, so I bought one. Got some ammo, extra mags, etc. Took it out and sighted it in. Shoots fair. I'm happy with it, but I probably won't shoot it all that much. S&W revolvers are more fun.

 

[HARDWARE]

the list begins and ends with colt for me.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'm not Swiss ...... but IMO every home should have one!!!!

I don't need one!

But then again...... I don't need a

backyard pool or a car that will do over 100mph.................either



To the OPs question ..... Life was so much easier when all we had were the ABCs for ARs......... Armilite, Bushmaster and Colt.

I've owned Bushmaster, Colt and S&W brand ARs......Colt and Bushmaster both dated to the 1990s the S&Ws .......08 and 012 IIRC .......no complaints about any of them...... it's easy to be an AR snob...... but really no need to be.

 

[WR Moore]

Based upon experience with various AR brands in what several manufacturers termed "abusive use", the S&W M&P 15 is quality, as is the Rock River LR 15. Both those models are slightly above your price range, but not by much.

The Sport would be in your price range and fit your currently planned use. That said, that model saves money in some areas that may become an issue if you graduate to more intensive usage. These include chrome plated bore/chamber and heat shield in the handguard and there might be some others. The plating greatly extends barrel life and only adds about $40 to price, since a quality plated barrel (with front sight assembly) runs ~$200+, this is false economy.

 

[Muss Muggins]

..... it's easy to be an AR snob...... but really no need to be.

Best statement in this thread . . .

 

[Skeptic 9c]

The low price choice: PSA, get a lower with Magpul furniture and a flat top upper with a 16 or 18 inch barrel, Nickle Boron bolt carrier group, and the sight of your choice. Ammunition, AR15 Parts, Magazines, Bulk Ammo - Palmetto State Armory
The mid price choice: S&W Magpul Optics Ready, if you can find one.

Geoff
Who has a 24" PSA and a S&W Sport 1.