Newbie type question about AR manufacturers

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Newbie type question about AR manufacturers

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:11:15 PM EDT

Three or four years ago when I started lurking here, I got the impression that among AR manufacturers, most people would rank them this way:

1)Colt
2)Bushmaster
3) RRA
4)Pretty much everybody else.

It didn't really matter to me at the time, because I really couldn't afford to comparison shop.
But three or four years later, I see that many here like Stag and LMT, and some others I don't even know about.

So, please, pretty please, one more time, humor me and rank the AR manufacturers. I'd like to keep this thread positive, not degenerate into a bitch session about the manufacturers you don't like.

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:12:17 PM EDT

[#1]

Colt
Armalite
RRA
DPMS
Bushmaster
All Others

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:19:28 PM EDT

[#2]

And by the way while I'm at it, what is the difference between Armalite Eagle and Armalite brands? Why are there two?

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:19:29 PM EDT

[#3]

Well I did my research last March, and came to the conclusion that it was a tie between Colt, Rock River, and Bushmaster. I ended up with a Rock River since it's cost was less, and I have been shooting the best I ever have with it lately. Very happy with my purchase, but I think between those three, its a strait up tie. Colt will cost more though.

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:22:51 PM EDT

[#4]

It's probably easier to come up with a list of manufacturers you should avoid, than it is to recommend all the "good" ones. The ones listed so far are perfectly fine.

Besides, it's almost a religous thing. Opinions are like assholes, know what I mean?

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:24:06 PM EDT

[#5]

since we're asking newbie questions...I'll throw one out...what is so bad about the other brands that you guys aren't listing?

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:25:24 PM EDT

[#6]

I've got a Bushy and a RRA. They're both nice. I'd actually like an Olympia, I like 'em. I think DPMS lowers suck, good uppers. Hesse is shit.

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:25:56 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
since we're asking newbie questions...I'll throw one out...what is so bad about the other brands that you guys aren't listing?

Fit/finish/parts quality. Just bad rifles all around.

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:25:57 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
since we're asking newbie questions...I'll throw one out...what is so bad about the other brands that you guys aren't listing?

Quality control, comformance to standards (this gets picky), and reliability. That said, my most stone cold reliable AR has an ASA upper, and a Wilson non-chrome barrel. Go figure.

Posted: 12/28/2006 8:26:47 PM EDT

[#9]

I've had the chance to so far directly compare the RRA and the Colt, and they are both superior firearms, with excellent fit and finish, and after a few thousand rounds each, they are equally reliable. Maybe you can tell a difference at 10k+ rounds, but not so far.

Posted: 12/29/2006 5:26:42 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
It's probably easier to come up with a list of manufacturers you should avoid, than it is to recommend all the "good" ones. The ones listed so far are perfectly fine.

Besides, it's almost a religous thing. Opinions are like assholes, know what I mean?

Would the Stag and the LMT be on the same level as the Colts, Bushies and Rock Rivers?

Posted: 12/29/2006 5:27:30 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:

Quoted:
It's probably easier to come up with a list of manufacturers you should avoid, than it is to recommend all the "good" ones. The ones listed so far are perfectly fine.

Besides, it's almost a religous thing. Opinions are like assholes, know what I mean?

Would the Stag and the LMT be on the same level as the Colts, Bushies and Rock Rivers?

In my humble opinion (worth what you paid for it), yes.

Posted: 12/29/2006 5:55:42 PM EDT

[#12]

The A,B,C's,C's, D, and R's of AR-15 rifles. Buy one of these and you will get a good rifle:

Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt, CMMG, DPMS, and Rock River. I suspect LMT falls into the same category, but can't say from first hand experience.

Posted: 12/30/2006 12:44:27 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
And by the way while I'm at it, what is the difference between Armalite Eagle and Armalite brands? Why are there two?

From the Armalite FAQ

There are normally very few differences between ArmaLite and Eagle Arms brand rifles.

ArmaLite rifles are the top of the company's line. They tend to be more up to date, and include higher quality parts such as chrome lined barrels. They are produced from selected forgings.

Eagle Arms rifles are intended to compete with lower priced brands. They are extremely high quality rifles in their own right. They bear un-chromed barrels as standard.

ArmaLite Lower Receivers and Lower Receiver Assemblies are NEVER sold to the public. All ArmaLite rifles are either factory or government built. ALL other brands of receivers are sold to the public, including Eagle Arms brand receivers, and thus rifles of all brands except ArmaLite may have been assembled by hobbyists.

ArmaLite rifles bear a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Eagle Arms rifles bear a Limited One Year Warranty.