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2/28/2015 6:02:35 PM EDT
I am looking to get my first ar and looking for the best bang for the buck. My budget is 700. I found a few I like and they all seem to have their pros and cons. Can you help me decide?  Here is my list.

S&w m&p 15 sport
Ruger ar556
Diamondback db15
Mossberg mmr
Bushmaster carbon 15
2/28/2015 6:13:41 PM EDT
[#1]
For a $700 budget, I would be buying a PSA lower with a BCM upper.

Link to lower here

Link to upper here and be sure to add a Mod 4 charging handle for $39 and the M4 handguards for $19.

Add a carry handle or whatever rear sight you like, and you're golden. Toss an Aimpoint PRO on there as well if you can expand your budget to $1k.

2/28/2015 6:18:31 PM EDT
[#2]
S&W or the ruger are the way to go.
2/28/2015 6:19:22 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
For a $700 budget, I would be buying a PSA lower with a BCM upper.

Link to lower here

Link to upper here and be sure to add a Mod 4 charging handle for $39 and the M4 handguards for $19.

Add a carry handle or whatever rear sight you like, and you're golden. Toss an Aimpoint PRO on there as well if you can expand your budget to $1k.

View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
For a $700 budget, I would be buying a PSA lower with a BCM upper.

Link to lower here

Link to upper here and be sure to add a Mod 4 charging handle for $39 and the M4 handguards for $19.

Add a carry handle or whatever rear sight you like, and you're golden. Toss an Aimpoint PRO on there as well if you can expand your budget to $1k.



I'll second this idea.

If you're absolutely dead set on buying a complete rifle off your list:

S&w m&p 15 sport
Ruger ar556
Diamondback db15
Mossberg mmr
Bushmaster carbon 15


Cross the bottom one off.  The others should serve you well.
2/28/2015 6:23:57 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:


I'll second this idea.

If you're absolutely dead set on buying a complete rifle off your list:


Cross the bottom one off.  The others should serve you well.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
For a $700 budget, I would be buying a PSA lower with a BCM upper.

Link to lower here

Link to upper here and be sure to add a Mod 4 charging handle for $39 and the M4 handguards for $19.

Add a carry handle or whatever rear sight you like, and you're golden. Toss an Aimpoint PRO on there as well if you can expand your budget to $1k.



I'll second this idea.

If you're absolutely dead set on buying a complete rifle off your list:

S&w m&p 15 sport
Ruger ar556
Diamondback db15
Mossberg mmr
Bushmaster carbon 15


Cross the bottom one off.  The others should serve you well.

Agreed. the combination of a polymer upper with the flat top rail literally glued to the plastic upper still makes me cringe. I'd rather have it than no rifle, but if you have a choice it would be insane to choose a carbon 15.
2/28/2015 6:27:33 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I am looking to get my first ar and looking for the best bang for the buck. My budget is 700. I found a few I like and they all seem to have their pros and cons. Can you help me decide?  Here is my list.

S&w m&p 15 sport
Ruger ar556
Diamondback db15
Mossberg mmr
Bushmaster carbon 15
View Quote


avoid the diamondback and carbon 15.
be wary of the mossberg.

S@W and ruger make decent guns.

If it were me i'd follow the advice above.  Buy a bcm upper have it shipped to your door and then slap it on any complete lower you have transferred to your ffl.   If you don't mind waiting 3 weeks psa assembles a decent upper.



2/28/2015 7:09:44 PM EDT
[#6]
Bcm upper which ever lower u like and  call it done






2/28/2015 7:25:32 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
For a $700 budget, I would be buying a PSA lower with a BCM upper.

Link to lower here

Link to upper here and be sure to add a Mod 4 charging handle for $39 and the M4 handguards for $19.

Add a carry handle or whatever rear sight you like, and you're golden. Toss an Aimpoint PRO on there as well if you can expand your budget to $1k.
View Quote

This or PSA premium upper.
2/28/2015 7:42:13 PM EDT
[#8]
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/15072/category/4284/

This


http://grabagun.com/spike-s-tactical-556nato-m4-le-upper-16-blk.html

And This

$700 bucks excluding shipping and FFL, you'll have to add rear sight and mags but better then all you listed.

If not that then go this route

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STR5035MLS&name=Spikes+Tactical+5.56%2f.223+16%22+Midlength+Rifle+(No+Magazine)&groupid=11

Out of stock right now but a good deal, get on the notification email list.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/barreled-upper-assemblies/psa-16-mid-length-chf-5-56-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html

This would be a good choice also. I used this for a friends build at Xmas and might get one myself down the road (I have 7 AR's here now)
2/28/2015 7:47:48 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/15072/category/4284/

This


http://grabagun.com/spike-s-tactical-556nato-m4-le-upper-16-blk.html

And This

$700 bucks excluding shipping and FFL, you'll have to add rear sight and mags but better then all you listed.

If not that then go this route

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STR5035MLS&name=Spikes+Tactical+5.56%2f.223+16%22+Midlength+Rifle+(No+Magazine)&groupid=11

Out of stock right now but a good deal, get on the notification email list.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/barreled-upper-assemblies/psa-16-mid-length-chf-5-56-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html

This would be a good choice also. I used this for a friends build at Xmas and might get one myself down the road (I have 7 AR's here now)
View Quote

+1 all good suggestions. Out of the ones you listed O.P, I would go with the Smith &Wesson.

I dont usually reccomend Colt because they charged too much for what they were offering.... but they have lowered thier prices as of late and I would be remiss not to recommend this
https://dsgarms.com/cole6920-oem1 Choose your hand guard and stock
2/28/2015 8:09:47 PM EDT
[#10]
You will get a lot of "advice" from brand loyalists and brand bashers. Do your own research, talk to owners of the different ones and watch the test vids on youtube. All the major manufacturers are making good ones now days. I've heard a lot of bad about Busmaster carbons and although I don't own one I know people who do and love them. I went against the forum tide and bought a DPMS because it's what I liked the best. Very happy camper. It's your life and your money. Best advice? Buy the one you like best.
2/28/2015 8:12:33 PM EDT
[#11]
I just saw a DPMS for $499 in my email but I erased it.

It had to be either grabagun, PSA or DSGArms. Also Lanbos armory has good prices.

OP, I think you need to research more cause there is a lot more quality rifles in your range than the ones listed. Check the above websites.
2/28/2015 8:38:32 PM EDT
[#14]
I would avoid the DPMS rifles in your price range.  I have one.  I like it.  But they are priced too high when you figure things up.  If you bought a Sportical, or Oracle, or anything else from other brands that are "optics ready" you have to figure an additional $100-$200 in sights just to fire it.  Maybe more if you wanted an optic.

So by the time you purchase your budget friendly rifle for around $600 and put sights on it, you are now in Colt or BCM territory price wise.  And you will still be missing some features that they have.  

Keep in mind I'm not a budget basher.  I like many of the brands mentioned.  I own an Oracle with more money thrown into it than I would care admitting.  It has been solid.  But I bought during a time when other brands were markedly higher priced.  That is not the case anymore, and I can no longer recommend them because of it.

And it pains me to make this recommendation.  But I'm going to for the team, and your benefit.

I would consider something like this........

Colt 6720 $799
2/28/2015 8:50:01 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:
I would avoid the DPMS rifles in your price range.  I have one.  I like it.  But they are priced too high when you figure things up.  If you bought a Sportical, or Oracle, or anything else from other brands that are "optics ready" you have to figure an additional $100-$200 in sights just to fire it.  Maybe more if you wanted an optic.

So by the time you purchase your budget friendly rifle for around $600 and put sights on it, you are now in Colt or BCM territory price wise.  And you will still be missing some features that they have.  

Keep in mind I'm not a budget basher.  I like many of the brands mentioned.  I own an Oracle with more money thrown into it than I would care admitting.  It has been solid.  But I bought during a time when other brands were markedly higher priced.  That is not the case anymore, and I can no longer recommend them because of it.

And it pains me to make this recommendation.  But I'm going to for the team, and your benefit.

I would consider something like this........

Colt 6720 $799
View Quote


Yep this
2/28/2015 9:31:18 PM EDT
[#16]
Check out the Armalites. They have a couple good rifles in that range. Armalites are good to go.
2/28/2015 9:46:40 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:


Yep this
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I would avoid the DPMS rifles in your price range.  I have one.  I like it.  But they are priced too high when you figure things up.  If you bought a Sportical, or Oracle, or anything else from other brands that are "optics ready" you have to figure an additional $100-$200 in sights just to fire it.  Maybe more if you wanted an optic.

So by the time you purchase your budget friendly rifle for around $600 and put sights on it, you are now in Colt or BCM territory price wise.  And you will still be missing some features that they have.  

Keep in mind I'm not a budget basher.  I like many of the brands mentioned.  I own an Oracle with more money thrown into it than I would care admitting.  It has been solid.  But I bought during a time when other brands were markedly higher priced.  That is not the case anymore, and I can no longer recommend them because of it.

And it pains me to make this recommendation.  But I'm going to for the team, and your benefit.

I would consider something like this........

Colt 6720 $799


Yep this


What they said, good value for the money.
2/28/2015 9:47:38 PM EDT
[#18]
Armalite
Ruger----looked better than the last several armalite rifles I have seen.
Check out  Kentucky gun company they have one coming out for like $509
2/28/2015 9:49:53 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Quoted:

+1 all good suggestions. Out of the ones you listed O.P, I would go with the Smith &Wesson.

I dont usually reccomend Colt because they charged too much for what they were offering.... but they have lowered thier prices as of late and I would be remiss not to recommend this
https://dsgarms.com/cole6920-oem1 Choose your hand guard and stock
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/15072/category/4284/

This


http://grabagun.com/spike-s-tactical-556nato-m4-le-upper-16-blk.html

And This

$700 bucks excluding shipping and FFL, you'll have to add rear sight and mags but better then all you listed.

If not that then go this route

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STR5035MLS&name=Spikes+Tactical+5.56%2f.223+16%22+Midlength+Rifle+(No+Magazine)&groupid=11

Out of stock right now but a good deal, get on the notification email list.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/barreled-upper-assemblies/psa-16-mid-length-chf-5-56-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html

This would be a good choice also. I used this for a friends build at Xmas and might get one myself down the road (I have 7 AR's here now)

+1 all good suggestions. Out of the ones you listed O.P, I would go with the Smith &Wesson.

I dont usually reccomend Colt because they charged too much for what they were offering.... but they have lowered thier prices as of late and I would be remiss not to recommend this
https://dsgarms.com/cole6920-oem1 Choose your hand guard and stock


I'm hoping someone has a sale on those 6920 bodies myself down the road......if I could get one for $600.00 I'd snag one and I have 2 Colt 6920's here now
2/28/2015 9:59:13 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:


I'm hoping someone has a sale on those 6920 bodies myself down the road......if I could get one for $600.00 I'd snag one and I have 2 Colt 6920's here now
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/15072/category/4284/

This


http://grabagun.com/spike-s-tactical-556nato-m4-le-upper-16-blk.html

And This

$700 bucks excluding shipping and FFL, you'll have to add rear sight and mags but better then all you listed.

If not that then go this route

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STR5035MLS&name=Spikes+Tactical+5.56%2f.223+16%22+Midlength+Rifle+(No+Magazine)&groupid=11

Out of stock right now but a good deal, get on the notification email list.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/barreled-upper-assemblies/psa-16-mid-length-chf-5-56-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html

This would be a good choice also. I used this for a friends build at Xmas and might get one myself down the road (I have 7 AR's here now)

+1 all good suggestions. Out of the ones you listed O.P, I would go with the Smith &Wesson.

I dont usually reccomend Colt because they charged too much for what they were offering.... but they have lowered thier prices as of late and I would be remiss not to recommend this
https://dsgarms.com/cole6920-oem1 Choose your hand guard and stock


I'm hoping someone has a sale on those 6920 bodies myself down the road......if I could get one for $600.00 I'd snag one and I have 2 Colt 6920's here now



You just wishing, nada
2/28/2015 10:06:28 PM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I am looking to get my first ar and looking for the best bang for the buck. My budget is 700. I found a few I like and they all seem to have their pros and cons. Can you help me decide?  Here is my list.

S&w m&p 15 sport
Ruger ar556
Diamondback db15
Mossberg mmr
Bushmaster carbon 15
View Quote



Nah get this.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/153394/le6920mpbh/colt-m4-carbine-5.56mm-magpul-bounty-hunter
2/28/2015 10:08:11 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
Bcm upper which ever lower u like and  call it done






View Quote


I completely agree with this comment and the one above it. With BCM's deals right now, it's one of the best options for a top-notch budget gun. If you are dead-set on getting a factory complete rifle for less than $850, look into the M&P15 Sport that you mentioned, as well as Windham Weaponry. Good luck and keep us posted!


2/28/2015 10:09:51 PM EDT
[#23]
I just picked up a M&P Sport today after having it transferred from Florida. I got mine for $539 and while I had more to spend on it, I figured since it's my first I can spend the money I saved on mags and ammo.
2/28/2015 10:11:33 PM EDT
[#24]
I'd honestly save your money a little longer and get into a nicer rifle. You'll end up doing that eventually anyway.  A "one and done" carbine is better that 2 or 3 cheapies.

That being said a Colt 6920 is probably the best deal in the Carbine market right now for a no frills gun.
2/28/2015 10:55:56 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I am looking to get my first ar and looking for the best bang for the buck. My budget is 700. I found a few I like and they all seem to have their pros and cons. Can you help me decide?  Here is my list.

S&w m&p 15 sport
Ruger ar556
Diamondback db15
Mossberg mmr
Bushmaster carbon 15



Nah get this.

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/153394/le6920mpbh/colt-m4-carbine-5.56mm-magpul-bounty-hunter

Damn. I'm glad I'm addicted to building them myself... or I would be $879.65  in the hole right now.
2/28/2015 10:56:58 PM EDT
[#26]
That being said a Colt 6920 is probably the best deal in the Carbine market right now for a no frills gun.
View Quote

+1
3/1/2015 12:00:33 AM EDT
[#27]
Believe I would stay away from Colt for a while until we see what is going to happen to them. Kinda shaky right now.
3/1/2015 12:04:33 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:
Believe I would stay away from Colt for a while until we see what is going to happen to them. Kinda shaky right now.
View Quote


They'll be fine. Plus since their rifles are actually built to a spec, there should be no problems using other manufacturers parts in a Colt AR.
3/1/2015 12:21:41 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Quoted:


They'll be fine. Plus since their rifles are actually built to a spec, there should be no problems using other manufacturers parts in a Colt AR.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Believe I would stay away from Colt for a while until we see what is going to happen to them. Kinda shaky right now.


They'll be fine. Plus since their rifles are actually built to a spec, there should be no problems using other manufacturers parts in a Colt AR.


Absolutely.  I'm not a big Colt fan.  But if I were in the market for a good carbine I would be a fool not to consider Colt for the asking prices these days.

OP, see my previous link.  Buy the Colt.  Don't over think it.  lol.

You won't find a better value on a good rifle.
3/1/2015 12:58:24 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:


They'll be fine. Plus since their rifles are actually built to a spec, there should be no problems using other manufacturers parts in a Colt AR.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Believe I would stay away from Colt for a while until we see what is going to happen to them. Kinda shaky right now.


They'll be fine. Plus since their rifles are actually built to a spec, there should be no problems using other manufacturers parts in a Colt AR.


That is the good part any one you buy. Parts are nearly 100% interchangeable between manufacturers so the only drawback would be warranty service.

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