Ar 15

[EricnGa]

I'm looking to purchase an AR 15. I know I want it in .223/5.56. Anyone have any advice on a particular name brand and model? Been looking online and did not realize there were so many makers. Any advice is welcome.

 

[jg1967]

You can spend 600$ on this or, well, insert any amount here.

How about this at Classicarms.com: ITEM # RPG-AR-FT........$649.95

Looks like a good starter gun.

 

[EricnGa]

Yea most of what I've looked are about $900 or more depending on accessories and name brand.

 

[ricesdepot]

My personal preference is Armalite but they can be a bit pricey (for a reason). I would stick with a major brand. DPMS, S&W and Bushmaster are a good bang for the buck. Also should you have a problem or want to upgrade the internet is full of parts for them.

 

[SGB]

Like most things in life you get what you pay for, not all AR's are created equal - IMO the best bag for the buck AR is the M&P 15 MOE

 

[pookelstof]

Rock river arms entry tactical.

 

[Filmsmith]

I have a Stag Arms... Main reason is they make a lefty version. But I've found that its an outstanding rifle.
Spike tactical makes a nice one too.

 

[jg1967]

Check this out ...

Link Removed

 

[peepsnet]

Your answers are here

http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/

This is home of the famious "The Chart"

Read it.

Don

 

[Live_Free_orDie]

I bought a Rock Entry Operator 2 w dominator rail and /an Eotech last year when they were on sale...love it. ...and they are on sale now for the same price $1,000. Rock River Arms: NEW! RRA LAR-15 Entry Operator2

 

[dojoman]

I have a Bushmaster A2 5.56 and love it. Bought some after market things for it but besides that its never failed me. I don't put on all that "go-go-gadget" military/police/swat stuff on it like most. Simple factory iron sights and a sling and I'm happy.

 

[cawpin]

Rock River Arms or Stag if you're looking to buy a complete rifle.

 

[EricnGa]

Thanks I'm left handed so that info will come in good for a south paw model.

 

[EricnGa]

What about the Ruger SR 556, is it worth the money.

 

[Raider-3]

Like others on this thread I like my s&w m&p 15. Just remember if you get a 5.56 stamped barrel you can do both 5.56 and .223. If you get a barrel stamped .223, only shoot .223

 

[jammer1]

Go with the COLT PREBAN SP1 CARBINE, can't miss with this one IMO.

 

[Horkos]

. I would stick with a major brand. DPMS, S&W and Bushmaster are a good bang for the buck. Also should you have a problem or want to upgrade the internet is full of parts for them.

I agree with this guy. I would only add that DPMS has slimmed down packages that you can pick up for around $700. So for a good price you're still getting a proven, quality, major brand name weapon system. At my local shop you can take home the 5.56 Sportical for right at $700. Remember you get what you pay for. So it would be worth saving up the extra scratch. I have and love my S&W M&P 15.

 

[Horkos]

What about the Ruger SR 556, is it worth the money.

Ruger just came out with the SR 556E. Its they're version of an optics ready slimmed down package. All the important stuff is still there just not some of the bells and whistles and its less exspensive. If i were to get an SR 556, the 556E version is what I would get.

 

[JSDinTexas]

I bought the Colt LE6920 a couple of weeks ago. 1. because it's a Colt which is IMO second only to Armalite, and 2. the price was very close to the DPMS, Bush, Stag, etc etc group, actually they all are pretty good
My only comment about which one to get is be sure to get one rated for 5.56 not just .223

 

[walt629]

Not mention in the OP was what the intent for the weapon is.
The introduction of the piston operated, both long stroke and short stroke systems have definitely change the rules for the AR platform. The gas impingement's dirty operating method has been eliminated and has greatly improved the reliability of the AR. However the piston systems have created a wide gap between the cost of the 2 systems.

If the AR is used for plinking and target range operation and will be cleaned after every use, then A low cost impingement system would be okay.

If you're going into the field and exposing the AR to the elements and don't plan on putting a lot of maintenance it the weapon, then I'd say a piston operated system is in order. (Use it, throw it in the truck, forget it until the next time you need it).

Just about every make of the AR platform makes a 'lefty' but you will need to shop around.

The marvel of the AR is that the lower is the only FFL part of the system. I would suggest you put most of your starting effort into choosing the correct lower for your needs and then go looking for the upper. THere are so many aspects to be considered when choosing a lower. Fixed stock, collapsable stock, forged, billett, standard or flaired well and the list goes on, and on and... well you get the idea.

Personally, I started with a fixed position Rock River lower and built my own custom upper. I did a lot of research, handeled a lot of uppers at shows and finally though 'why not build my own?' I invested in the fixtures and specialty tools and did it my self. Learned a lot in the process too!

Good luck with it EricnGA!