I am going to invest in an AR-15 but I wanted to get the advice of the knowledgeable people out there.  I would like to know the good and bad of each brand that you suggest and all possible details you could give me.  I am military so I am familiar with the M-16 and that is somewhat I am looking for.  Thanks hippie.gif

Man, there are quiet a few mfgrs out there to list all that. If you stick with the ABC’s as some people refer call it, you should do all right.

Not in any order of quality, cause you’ll end up starting a pissin’ match, but:

A= Armalite
B= Bushmaster
C= Colt

There are other new comers to the market also i.e. Rock River Arms, Stag Arms ect, ect. Both provide quality products that compare in quality to the bigger Mfgrs.

You also have the option of a BIY AR, which is the route I like to take. Lower receivers can be had in the $85 to $150.00 range depending on Mfgr. Kit’s can be had in the $450 and up range depending on what features your looking for.

Hope this info helps. Cruise the board for more info, especially the BIY forum if your interested in going that direction. There’s a whole lot of knowledgeable guys out there that can get you squared away!

Welcome!

I have talked to a few of our MPs and a few have suggested Olympic.  Any info?

If I were you I would build it, start with a stag, bushy, or rra lower. Build it up the way you want, buy quality parts and do it once. That way you will know how everything works (I know you have previous experience) and have it built to your specs. What is it you are look for? m4, service, target?

DISCLAIMER: MY OPINION ONLY

There are many good brands out there as suggested, but you need to decide what you want it for.

Whether you want it for Home defense or professional use or just casual range plinking or hunting may make a difference in the price paid vs quality relationship. For professional or personal defense use I always recommend Colt LE carbines, these are somewhat expensive, but you get consistent quality control and Proofing. They are not as expensive as Les Baer and Wilson Arms for example. I would not include these two in  my list because while they are excellent rifles they are overpriced IMO.

My personal preference, in order I would purchase would be as below, regardless of the type of rifle you want. However please understand that I place priority on quality control and proofing over price everytime. This is not the same priority that everyone has.

1. Colt
2. Stag/CMT/RRA (many components by same mfg - CMT)
4. Bushmaster
5. Armalite
6. DSA
7. Fulton Armory
8. DPMS

There are many other good mfgs out there like CMMG now making their own stuff, Sabre, etc. Always a good idea to post here first to purchase to see what experiences members have had. Just be prepared for varying opinions.

The Only one I would advise to avoid at all costs are Hesse Arms and Vulcan products, reports of poor quality  control are numerous on these, and I have seen some of the issues first hand.

Also be careful of used guns of questionable origin, remember that just because the receiver  may say Bushmaster or Colt, everything else on the rifle could be a cheap kit or other parts of unoown origin and dubious quality.  Never assume it's all original unless you can prove it with markings or it's a new rifle in the box.

ETA you asked about Oly. I have an Oly, 2002 mfg, has been a good rifle but replaced the barrel with a chrome line 4150 steel barrel. Quality control/materials is not as good as ABC. OK rifles.

Well,
What I really want it for is just a gun that is fun to go out and shoot.  I have many rifles, but just to go out and shoot theme would be rediculas when it comes to the price of ammo and I really love shooting the gun.  I don't really get to shoot it a lot because my job does not require me to carry one and it is like pulling teeth to talk someone into just letting you go up to the shooting range and shoot the M-16 unless you have a valid excuse.  I also collect guns and thought this wuld be a nice one to be able to say I own.  I am a very firm person when it comes to getting rid of an old weapon.  I don't!  If I think it is time to retire a weapon then I just clean it up and put it away.  Anywaz any opinions are welcome!   hippie.gif

Quoted: Well, What I really want it for is just a gun that is fun to go out and shoot.  I have many rifles, but just to go out and shoot theme would be rediculas when it comes to the price of ammo and I really love shooting the gun.  I don't really get to shoot it a lot because my job does not require me to carry one and it is like pulling teeth to talk someone into just letting you go up to the shooting range and shoot the M-16 unless you have a valid excuse.  I also collect guns and thought this wuld be a nice one to be able to say I own.  I am a very firm person when it comes to getting rid of an old weapon.  I don't!  If I think it is time to retire a weapon then I just clean it up and put it away.  Anywaz any opinions are welcome!

If you both collect and shoot, I recommend Colt because they will typically retain the highest resale value, even when used, for a base firearm without considering accessories and add-ons.  Opinions vary widely on which one brand is "best overall" but most will agree Colt retains the highest resale value if you pay a reasonable price to start with and that they are a quality firearm. In terms of bang for your buck, that is a more personal choice. Another nice AR to collect is the KAC SR-15, but this is very expensive.