Help me choose my first AR please?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help me choose my first AR please?

Posted: 7/9/2018 7:40:09 PM EDT

Hey all!

Looking to buy my first AR15. This AR will be for home defense / SHTF . I know I want a MLok free floating handrail for a front grip attachment and mounted flashlight, and I dont want a FSB because I want a red dot optic, and flip up Iron sights as a backup. So as long as I can have a 1/3 co witness, that would be awesome. I am also concerned about warranty, which is why i dont want to build one. the most I want to do is join an upper and a lower. I want an AR that wont break on me and will last at least 20 years or until I buy a better one (haha)

All of these below meet my critiera, anyone have any opinions on these? Recommendations? Advice?

Note: I own a hand me down mini 14, a P320, and an XDS, so I am not a complete noob, but I would still love your opinions!

Anyway, my list below!

Posted: 7/9/2018 7:40:48 PM EDT

[#1]

Aero Precision
Upper: M4E1 Enhanced 16" 5.56 Mid-Length Barrel Quantum Handguard Complete Upper ReceiverProduct Sku: APAR640104M7
M4E1 Enhanced 16" 5.56 Mid-Length Barrel Quantum Handguard Complete Upper Receiver

Lower: AR15 Complete Lower Receiver, Standard - Anodized BlackProduct Sku: APAR501111
AR15 Complete Lower Receiver, Standard - Anodized Black

Palmetto State Armory
Upper: PSA 16" MIDLENGTH 5.56 NATO 1:7 NITRIDE 13.5" LIGHTWEIGHT M-LOK UPPER WITH BCG, CH, & MBUS SIGHT SET
PSA 16" Midlength 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride 13.5" Lightweight M-Lok Upper With BCG, CH, & MBUS Sight Set

Lower: PSA AR-15 COMPLETE CLASSIC LOWER - NO MAGAZINE – 7244
PSA AR-15 Complete Classic Lower - No Magazine - 7244

Smith and Wesson
M&P®15T TACTICAL WITH M-LOK®
M&P®15T Tactical with M-LOK® | Smith & Wesson

Springflield armory
SAINT™ AR-15 – 5.56 W/ FREE FLOAT HANDGUARD

Posted: 7/9/2018 7:56:22 PM EDT

[#2]

The LWRC DI is what I would look at.

Posted: 7/9/2018 8:04:42 PM EDT

[#3]

A budget range you are trying to reach would help. Both previous posters have made solid recommendations but with a wide price range.

Posted: 7/9/2018 8:06:09 PM EDT

[#4]

If warranty is truly a concern save your money and get the UU kit from Larue and have them put the upper together for you.
Building a lower is not difficult.

https://www.larue.com/products/larue-ultimate-ar-15-upper-kit/

From your list, I would go with PSA or Aero. Both are good starting platforms. Aero would get the edge
in warranty coverage. PSA comes thru, but it can take a while.

I have all three manufacturers and have had no issues, but I usually build my own.

Posted: 7/9/2018 8:50:15 PM EDT

[#5]

Colt LE6920-R Trooper

Not an exact description match, OP, but a damn solid rifle. Just throwing it out there, in case you were not aware.

Posted: 7/9/2018 8:50:33 PM EDT

[#6]

Ruger MPR

Posted: 7/9/2018 8:52:08 PM EDT

[#7]

From your list, the Smith and Springfield are fine. Also look at Ruger's stuff and the Bushmaster ORC.

Posted: 7/9/2018 9:12:26 PM EDT

[#8]

Thank you everyone for your replies! More choices only make more more indecisive, and the AR15 is all about choices lol

Posted: 7/9/2018 9:13:30 PM EDT

[#9]

Gah, i need to learn how to reply -_-

Posted: 7/9/2018 9:14:03 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ruger MPR

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I would have gone with this one, but it has an 18" barrel :(

Posted: 7/9/2018 9:16:04 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
A budget range you are trying to reach would help. Both previous posters have made solid recommendations but with a wide price range.

View Quote

Under 800 if possible

Posted: 7/9/2018 9:28:18 PM EDT

[#12]

I would say deal with the front site post and get a Colt 6920. They can be had for close to $800 if you look hard enough. You can put on a Magpul handguard with mlock for $30 or less.

A fsb with a 1/3 cowitness redot is not a hard gun to shoot and it is bombproof. The highest quality gun you can get for around $800 is a 6920/6720 and if you want it to last 20 years like your OP states this is your best option IMO

Another option would be to buy a bcm mlock upper for $600ish a toolcraft BCG for $70 and throw it on a PSA complete lower $130 or build one. That puts you at $800 for a quality set up the way you want it. All the items come with a separate lifetime warranty and would be taken care of if any issues arise

Posted: 7/9/2018 10:00:37 PM EDT

[#13]

The Aero upper and lower with a Toolcraft bcg would also be a solid choice.

(The M4E1 does not come with bcg and ch, unless I missed it?)

Personally, I'd do a 6920 from Arms Unlimited at $850 shipped.

Posted: 7/10/2018 12:21:58 AM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
I would have gone with this one, but it has an 18" barrel :(

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Ruger MPR

I would have gone with this one, but it has an 18" barrel :(

Fair enough, but honestly 2" probably won't break you, regardless of your intended uses. Keep in mind folks have been kicking in doors with fixed stocks and 20" barrels for a while.

Posted: 7/10/2018 12:32:26 AM EDT

[#15]

I'm a PSA fan. I've not had any trouble at all out of any of my PSA AR15's. I've got three, one with an 18" ss barrel and Mloc ff forearm, one 16" nitride with Mloc ff forearm, and one Freedom with 16" barrel with carbine gas and F marked front sight and standard forearm. All three have been gtg.

Get a basic lower, and mod it to whatever you like as far as trigger, stock, and grip. PSA's warranty is excellent. They will take care of you if you have a problem.

Posted: 7/10/2018 9:02:02 AM EDT

[#16]

PSA, aero, Andro Corp are all good starting points. Take some time and browse the industry section to see what the site sponsors have to offer, most offer some form of arf discount too. Welcome aboard

Posted: 7/11/2018 6:02:00 AM EDT

[#17]

Noveske - buy once, cry once. I've been looking around and been gravitating to Noveske. Expensive as heck but oh well. It will out last you.

Posted: 7/11/2018 1:43:48 PM EDT

[#18]

From the list, I'd go with the S&W M&P 15 Tactical.

It has the features you seek, plus outstanding reputation and warranty. S&W is company that will always be there to take care of you.

But, the real defining factor for me would be that nitride, 1:8 twist, 5R rifled barrel.

I'm pretty sure they source those barrels from their wholly owned subsidiary, Thompson Center, known for both its accurate barrels, and its license to do 5R rifling. It is likely to be extremely accurate. That rifling is often used on match grade barrels. Whether it improves accuracy is somewhat up in the air, but it definitely makes barrel cleaning easier and reduces the frequency of cleaning.

Some might say "well, its only 4140 steel, not 4150 CMV." From my perspective, that matters little, if any, for nitride barrels. They are extremely hard inside and out, harder than hard chrome, and are likely to last almost as long as chrome lined, but with better accuracy potential. And the nitride treatment, which is a surface hardening at the molecular level, not only protects the bore, but also protects the entire barrel, including the outside. It is over 10 times more resistant to corrosion than hard chrome.

A 4150 CMV chrome lined barrel might be better if you plan on a steady diet of rapid fire mag dumps, as it may handle extremely high heat better. Otherwise, I'd go for the prospect of very good accuracy. The 1:8 twist is optimal for ammo from 55 grains all the way up to any ammo that will cycle through an AR15 magazine. Most match barrels are 1:8 for a reason. Best all around choice to go from light to heavy bullets and all in between.

Posted: 7/11/2018 8:58:56 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
Personally, I'd do a 6920 from Arms Unlimited at $850 shipped.

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+1

Posted: 7/11/2018 10:13:15 PM EDT

[#20]

For 290 bucks you don't get a warranty kid, you put it together yourself. For $8 more, you get an aluminum lower, just ask for the MLok forend, $15 more they put the upper together for you. If it breaks, you borrow the one you built your wife, and give her the spare out of the safe you bought w/ the money you saved on all these fancy ARs folks are recommendin.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/2047298_-290-AR-thread-for-Summer-.html

Posted: 7/12/2018 1:42:44 PM EDT

[#21]

PSA 16" Midlength 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride 13.5" Lightweight M-Lok Upper With BCG, CH, & MBUS Sight Set $350 shipped to you

+

PSA AR-15 Complete MOE Lower w/ MagPul furniture, Gray - No Magazine - 5165448191 $160 shipped to your FFL

TOTAL $510

+ Transfer fee to your FFL dealer

+ sling

+ optic

+ light

+ mags/ammo

Posted: 7/19/2018 12:51:23 AM EDT

[#22]

I'd get a BCM recce

Posted: 7/19/2018 3:29:55 AM EDT

[#23]

That m&p that was recommended looks solid. Actual purchase price would be pretty close to your budget. Hmm I may look into getting this one myself.

Posted: 7/28/2018 6:21:57 PM EDT

[#24]

Log onto Springfieldarmory.com and type in Saint Edge. I purchases one and they are very well built. Awesome weapon, a little pricey but it'll last you a longtime. You know what they say "you get what you pay for."
Craftman ship is flawless.
I bought mine at the end of march, and now I have to find a good scope for it.

Posted: 7/29/2018 7:40:23 PM EDT

[#25]

Agreed Ruger Mpr has everything the op wants

Posted: 7/30/2018 12:49:19 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
If warranty is truly a concern save your money and get the UU kit from Larue and have them put the upper together for you.
Building a lower is not difficult.

https://www.larue.com/products/larue-ultimate-ar-15-upper-kit/

From your list, I would go with PSA or Aero. Both are good starting platforms. Aero would get the edge
in warranty coverage. PSA comes thru, but it can take a while.

I have all three manufacturers and have had no issues, but I usually build my own.

View Quote

This is the deal to beat in the AR15 world ^^^^^^^^.

The amount of value you get is unprecedented.

Billet, true free float with rock-solid mate-up of the handguard to the upper, improved gas tube mating to the gas block, MBT-2S trigger, RAT stock, precision machined RET ("buffer tube"), LPK, TranQuilo brake (not obnoxious, but works).

Posted: 8/6/2018 5:36:16 AM EDT

[#27]

I'd get a Palmetto State Armory upper / lower set for ~500 and spend the rest on ammo.

Posted: 8/6/2018 5:46:41 AM EDT

[#28]

BCM

Posted: 8/7/2018 11:47:11 PM EDT

[#29]

I'll second the PSA purchase, the lower for $129 is fine, then pick out a couple uppers you like and watch for the sales, you can get a decent combination for under $500 possibly $400, nothing wrong with PSA, you can research some videos on Youtube.

Posted: 8/10/2018 11:42:33 AM EDT

[#30]

If your going to go it on the cheap, then get the psa kit for $299 and a $50 lower. That is by far the best deal around... If you want a better rifle then save a few more $ and get the Aero ac-15, spikes tactical st-15,Wyndom weaponery, or a Colt 6920 can be had new for $850 or less online if you search. If you bump your budget up to $1000 then get a BCM. Cheap rifles are great but, If you have to use it for home protection and hard use training, Id spend a few more $ and get a quality rifle that you can rely on.

Posted: 9/9/2018 8:11:30 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
Colt LE6920-R Trooper

Not an exact description match, OP, but a damn solid rifle. Just throwing it out there, in case you were not aware.

View Quote

I picked up one of these from the EE about two months ago for $750. It came w/ a Blackhawk! soft rifle case, ALG ACT trigger, Magpul CTR stock, and a Vortex Crossfire red dot optic and 200 rounds down the pipe. It is a sweet rifle that I happily stumbled upon. I don't think I could have done any better. You can't go wrong w/ a pony! Good Luck w/ your decision.

Posted: 9/9/2018 8:13:38 PM EDT

[#32]

I remember when I asked this question

Posted: 9/9/2018 8:38:38 PM EDT

[#33]

Colt LE6920-R Trooper in stock at Budsgunshop for $983

Posted: 9/15/2018 4:30:57 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'd get a BCM recce

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The BCM RECCE is the best value/performer on the WWW! AimSurplus & Brownells typically have it on sale for 1250-ish. If you can save up an extra $400, would be my recommendation.

Posted: 9/19/2018 6:09:48 AM EDT

[#35]

FWIW Stag Arms has had some real good sales right now for instance they had the Stag15 MLok railed upper for $219 and you could pick up a bcg and charging handle for around $100. Stad al sh o had their M4 type complete lowers for $149. Add Magpil back ups for another $80 and youd have a pretty nice rifle for around $550 which I believe would be better quality than many of the other sub $500 rifles out there.

Posted: 9/19/2018 9:37:14 AM EDT

[#36]

Maybe, but when you can build 2 rifles for that price...?

Posted: 9/19/2018 10:02:41 PM EDT

[#37]

I just put my first rifle together I chose a PSA stripped $40 lower and their mid length FDE MOE/CTR kit with the 16" Nitride barrel, and the EPT trigger . It's an excellent value and , I'm all iinto it for $460 including the transfer. That leaves quite a lot for ammo, and accessories if you have a $900 budget.
Shortly after I bought mine labor day weekend it went out of stock.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15/rifle-kits.html?p=2&upper_gas_length=1377

Posted: 9/19/2018 10:12:57 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
Under 800 if possible

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
A budget range you are trying to reach would help. Both previous posters have made solid recommendations but with a wide price range.

Under 800 if possible

palmetto state kit and the lower of your choice.

you can build a great rifle for 500 bucks right now

Posted: 9/19/2018 10:21:19 PM EDT

[#39]

Aero or PSA lower on sale. BCM or other upper from the EE. Always a few on sale here.

Posted: 9/20/2018 2:56:22 AM EDT

[#40]

I wouldn't do lower-third. The idea with that is that you have the irons up all the time. If you have flip-down sights then leave them down and use an absolute cowitness. That will lower the center of gravity of the gun, make the irons line up better with the dot (but you still need to zero them independently and not just line up one with the other), and make them more visible through the optic in case you can't remove your optic quickly.

Posted: 10/3/2018 5:20:36 PM EDT

[#41]

Colt 920 OEM-2 Finish it with the furniture of your choice.

If not, then get the Trooper as others have suggested.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/2680/colt_le6920-oem2_le6920_sa_223_rem556_nato_30+1_161_or_no_furniture_blk

Posted: 11/15/2018 6:41:43 PM EDT

[#42]

Windham Weaponry MPC

Posted: 11/16/2018 10:04:38 AM EDT

[#43]

Larue Ultimate Upper kit. They are assembling for free until Christmas.

https://www.larue.com/products/larue-ultimate-ar-15-upper-kit/

Posted: 11/16/2018 7:06:26 PM EDT

[#44]

Colt if you want a complete factory rifle.

If not, buy this PSA lower and add whatever upper floats your boat. CTR stock for $140 black friday special.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-ctr-edition-black-no-magazine.html?trk_msg=NU4KIESVAT049CRK8KA7J2Q8RG&trk_contact=F77S33U2L1I1L2M6HVJK1SESMO&trk_sid=6KIJNHT7CGCULEPBCT0E2E5H04&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fpalmettostatearmory.com%2fpsa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-ctr-edition-black-no-magazine.html&utm_campaign=Daily+Deal+Email&utm_content=5%3a00+PM+Email

Posted: 11/21/2018 2:03:08 AM EDT

[#45]

SOLGW. They have exactly what you want for a reasonable price with the best manufacturer warranty in the business. Last rifle (figuratively) you'll ever buy!

Posted: 11/23/2018 9:52:20 PM EDT

[#46]

I'd go with that Larue kit. Great deal on a great gun. On your list I'd go with the aero. I'm actually doing a combination of the two. Had the Larue kit been there when I started buying parts for mine I'd have gone that way. As it is I'm doing the aero M4E1 receivers and rail with all larue other parts. Some day I'll drag out the parts and finish putting it together