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AR15.COM
11/17/2010 6:57:20 AM EDT
okay hive mind need a little advice.

I have found a couple of AR's that I really like and i am struggling to find what I want as a first AR.  

First is a Smith and Wesson with colapsable stock, flip up rear sight (with rail for optics), A2 front sight and front quad rail forearm.  If I am buying a carbine this one I have made my mind up about.

Now here is my problem.  I cant figure out should I get the carbine I want or get a full length 20' A2.  Why?  Well I want to become very proficient at using my gun.  I definately want to learn iron sights first then use optics.  Have to learn to walk before I run.

Found a Bushmaster 20' A2 that I like and also a DPMS Panther Arms Classic 20' A2 that I like.  Both are in the same price range thats why I am looking at those 2.   the 20' A2 to me is a simple and dead sexy rifle, but so is the carbine with the option to add stuff to it.

which ever way I fo I will end up getting the other later (carbine or full length).  

I do not want to build my first rifle, that I will reserve for my 2nd or 3rd.
11/17/2010 6:58:47 AM EDT
[#1]
Why not buy the carbine, and then buy a 20" upper?



PS - that's what I did.
11/17/2010 6:59:28 AM EDT
[#2]
get both, but pick bushmaster for your A2
11/17/2010 6:59:55 AM EDT
[#3]



Quoted:


Why not buy the carbine, and then buy a 20" upper?
PS - that's what I did.


This is kinda dumb because the lower is the cheapest part, why not just get another one for $200?

 
11/17/2010 7:00:52 AM EDT
[#4]
Go S&W carbine first....IMHO better quality than the other brands of 20"ers, and you can always buy that 20" upper from someone like BCM.


It's hard to go wrong with the S&W...I really like their ARs.
11/17/2010 7:01:56 AM EDT
[#5]
you can throw a rear iron sight on the carbine and learn the irons just fine on it the carbine.  Then slap an optic with quick detach on it.
11/17/2010 7:02:11 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
get both, but pick bushmaster for your A2


dis
11/17/2010 7:02:43 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Why not buy the carbine, and then buy a 20" upper?


PS - that's what I did.


I thought about that too, but I thought there have been issues with using a colapsable stock with 20' uppers.  (i could be completely wrong here but I thought i have read that here before)
11/17/2010 7:05:22 AM EDT
[#8]




Quoted:



Quoted:

Why not buy the carbine, and then buy a 20" upper?





PS - that's what I did.




I thought about that too, but I thought there have been issues with using a colapsable stock with 20' uppers. (i could be completely wrong here but I thought i have read that here before)


Meh. Sometimes. I've never had a problem but enough people have that it's basically hit and miss. There are some simple fixes though. Not necessarily cheap, but they're there; VLTOR A5 kit for instance.

11/17/2010 7:06:14 AM EDT
[#9]
Get the S&W Carbine.
11/17/2010 7:06:54 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Go S&W carbine first....IMHO better quality than the other brands of 20"ers, and you can always buy that 20" upper from someone like BCM.


It's hard to go wrong with the S&W...I really like their ARs.


I have a friend who recommended it to me in the first place and after a little searching on Buds found the exact setup for a carbine I want and this S&W is the one I want.  Also they are supposed to have a stellar warranty should I ever need to use it
11/17/2010 7:07:36 AM EDT
[#11]
Go with the Smith & Wesson if that is where your heart leads you to.

The M4 configured carbine, in the hands of a trained shooter, should be capable of headshots at 100 yards and torso shots at 200 yards.

Practice to this standard, and if you feel moved move up to an A2 upper.  (I'd go with BCM).
11/17/2010 7:08:13 AM EDT
[#12]
You like the S&W.

It has iron sights.

Nothing wrong with using the rear BUIS with no optic.

Buy it.
11/17/2010 7:12:09 AM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
get both, but pick bushmaster for your A2


I am leaning to Bushmaster as it was should I go for a 20'.  

Just out of my own curiosity why Bushmaster over Panther?  I guess what I am asking is what is wrong with Panther?  I never hear anything either way about them on here.  Good gun for the price? Mediocre compared to what else is out there?
11/17/2010 7:47:49 AM EDT
[#14]
Bushmaster has a better REP than DPMS.  The 20" guns are nice for some things, but the carbine is far handier.  I have no troubles running carbine stocks on my 20" guns.
11/17/2010 11:30:45 AM EDT
[#15]
Well I have made my final decision and it was also my first decision....get the carbine.  Soon will be the owner of a S&W Carbine and I can really let my black rifle disease take over.