So, I'm thinking it might be time for me to finally bite the bullet and get an AR...

[Echo40]

EDIT: I'VE GOT IT!

I've avoided get one thus far, mostly because I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about getting the "Assault Rifle" that the all the anti-gunners have been gunning for since, well...Forever. However, I've realized that it makes little sense to deprive myself of a firearm for such a reason. Besides, those creeps haven't succeeded yet, despite their best attempts with no shortage of scum-bags using them for all manner of violent crimes nor coffins of shooting victims for them to use as soapboxes to shamelessly push their agenda.

Besides, I'll most likely be using it as my Designated Boat Defense Battle Rifle, for use against Water Moccasins, Pirates, and Great White Sharks, so I may end up losing it regardless in some form of unfortunate accident. What's important is that I have it with me when it counts, better for it to go down with the ship after frantically shooting holes in the boat to get the Water Moccasins, fall overboard after a battle with Pirates, or end up in the belly of a Great White Shark than for me to lose my life over any of the aforementioned threats because I didn't have a proper rifle to defend myself.

Anyway, I've got a couple of appointments coming up this month for a teeth cleaning as well as an eye exam, so once those are over I figure I'll treat myself afterwards buy buying a rifle, but the question is; which one?

Obviously, I'm a big fan of Smith & Wesson, so an M&P15 is the first one that comes to mind. Not only are they affordably priced, but they're frequently available at a discounted price because there are often Police trade-ins floating around. However, I'm unfamiliar with ARs, so I'm curious to hear from others.

NOTE: I know that it's widely considered to be best to build one yourself, but I'm really not interested in doing so, I'd rather just buy one pre-built. I'm not looking for anything too special anyway, just a basic AR Pattern Rifle.

EDIT: The choice has been made! I have placed an order for a police trade-in M&P15X!

More details on Post #111

 

[RM Vivas]

The American government says you don't need an AR-15.


Get two.

 

[lihpster]

The M&P 15s are decent rifles. If you can find them for good prices, all the better. Building one is fun and you can tailor it however you want, but for a basic AR the Smiths are fine.

 

[luvsmiths]

Smith & Wesson M&P15T vs Colt LE6920 Help | Sniper's Hide Forum

A lot of good opinions in that older thread. My purpose of posting it was to show you that you really can't go wrong with one GOOD maker over another.
You can add to yours, or not as you like.

 

[NewLiberty]

My advice would be to figure out what you think you would want to use it for, and then figure out what attributes the rifle will need to work best in that role.

My advice is worth exactly what you pay for it. But for an all-purpose AR, something with a 5.56 chamber with a 16" barrel and mid length gas system usually fits the bill. I tend to suggest something with a free float rail and flip up sights vs a fixed front sight post, as it makes switching things down the road easier.

Now, there are lots of options that meet that criteria, so the price you are willing to spend will narrow it down to the best options for you.

Visually things don't look too different as you go up the price range usually, but the materials used and testing they are put through improves. There usually is a sweet spot in the mid tier range where you get quality components, without just paying for a name.

 

[Echo40]

The American government says you don't need an AR-15.


Get two.

Then they should follow Joe Biden's advice by arming the Secret Service with 12 Gauge Side-by-sides then firing two blasts in the air to scare off any terrorists who come after them.

 

[Bozz10mm]

I've avoided get one thus far, mostly because I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about getting the "Assault Rifle" that the all the anti-gunners have been gunning for since, well...Forever.

This is exactly the reason you SHOULD get one. I held off until 2013 when the POTUS at the time started calling for a ban after Sandy Hook. Now I own 5 ARs including the 2 pistol ARs.

S&W M&P 15 Sport II is an excellent choice for your first one.

 

[ladder13]

Get one or half a dozen. I have Colts, PSA’s, and a Smith.

I use them for hunting and plinking.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Every well stocked gun owner should have at least one AR-15 or M4.

 

[gdogs]

Watch out, they tend to multiply in the safe. I built my first AR right before Obama got elected the first time. I started with an M&P stripped lower receiver. I would agree with what others have said, the M&P is a great rifle, if all you are wanting is a basic rifle. My guess is if you like it at all, it won't be long before you will want to start making some changes - or adding some different caliber uppers to it. It is the barbi doll of guns afterall. I'd have to go check to see exactly how many I'm up to, seriously, they multiply.

 

[BC38]

I was of the exact same mindset myself just 3-4 years ago.
Then I finally came to the conclusion that I wanted one SPECIFICALLY because the Anti-2A crowd DIDN'T want me to have one. They might try to take it away, but why should I cave to THEM?
So I bought a lower and a PSA upper with a lower builid kit.
For just about $350 I got to put one together and learn them inside & out.
You might want to reconsider building your own. No better way to get intimately familiar with how they work and are put together.
JMO...

 

[kev74]

The American government says you don't need an AR-15.


Get two.

True story!

The kits are fun to put together and will give you an understanding of how everything works. You can put together a kit with an assembled upper without any special tools.

Assembled rifles are just as fun!

 

[glenwolde]

12 ga slugs are best for big sharks.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Had handguns and long guns since I was legally able to purchase them, but never had any interest in any military rifles or civilian copies.

Then the democratic Maryland governor, Martin O’mally stated he was going to outlaw certain “assault weapons.

I went out and bought a Colt AR15 that week. Changed the stock and forearm and added a red dot optic. Sighted in with standard NATO ammo, it’s very accurate to 100 yards.

Truth be told, I don’t shoot it anymore. It sits in the safe until my brothers and nephews beg to bring it to range.

If you want one, really know what you will use it for. Then look at the options in that category. Example, home defense, hunting, long range shooting ect.

Oh, and as others mentioned, the 12 ga shotgun is the choice for a boat gun. Center fire bullets can ricochet off the water surface and travel over a long distance.
Good luck

 

[Drm50]

I’m not AR fan either but have nothing against them. I just could see no reason for me to have one. I have rifles from 22s to 45/70, 375H&H. Nice classic rifles that are deadly accurate. People always amazed that I didn’t have AR-AK ect.
Little over year ago caught good deal on forum and bought PSA carbine. Back aways I got good bit of trigger time on M16. This 16” PSA is like a brick compared to original M16a1 we were issued
Flat top, little pugey had guards. I didn’t like it. Put M16 style stock and handle on it. Doesn’t shoot bad but weighs to much for what it is.
PSA is suppose to have bought H&R, which was the maker of the M16a1 we had in RVn. If they do I will sell my carbine and get AR on M16a1 pattern. Finished gun should be in 5lb area. Longer barrel version and drop foreward assist would shave weight. That was the beauty of the rifle, light and accurate. I know quite a few guys who would buy stockers, they have no interest in bells and whistles. They only want one for nostalgia value and if it’s needed will still be as good as a tricked out version.

 

[ColbyBruce]

That kind of thing doesn’t interest me too much.

 

[Rpg]

I periodically think about getting an AR platform.

Then I realize that I can’t imagine what I’d use it for.

 

[BSA1]

New owners tip;

30 round magazines are easily available and often on sale on-line from places like Brownells. One doesn’t have to look back very far for past magazine panics and how States like Colorado are banning them

Storage tip;

A 50 caliber military surplus ammo can will hold 10 30 round magazines such as Magpul with room for loose ammunition or preload the mags. The cans are water and air tight, can withstand very rough handling and are convenient to store in a closet or on a boat.

Boaters tip;

The ammo cans will most definitively not float.

 

[BSA1]

I periodically think about getting an AR platform.

Then I realize that I can’t imagine what I’d use it for.

For the same reason you have a fire extinguisher in your home. When a fire occurs that is not the time to go out and buy a fire extinguisher.

 

[Capt. F.]

For the same reason you have a fire extinguisher in your home. When a fire occurs that is not the time to go out and buy a fire extinguisher.

Amen.
Bought a Del-Ton AR three years ago. Paid $439 out the door.
Bought six 30 round mags, enough ammo to fill’em. Fired a mag full thru it to make sure bullets come out.
Cleaned it, put it back in the safe and haven’t fired it since.
BUT, I have it should I need it and who knows what those boneheads in Washington may or may not do despite the support we’ve been recently getting from SCOTUS.