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There's a comparison chart of the major manufactures here: www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=176349 Out of those, Armalite, Colt, Bushmaster and Rock River are all top notch. I have a Colt and Bushmaster and love them both. (But not at the same time) 
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I would agree that any of the aforementioned brands would be just fine, although Colt and Bushmaster are slightly on top due to the use of 4150 steel in thier barrels as opposed to 4140. But regardless of brand you choose you definatley want two things: 1. Chromelined bore and chamber, this increases the life, durability and corrosion resistance of your barrel, thereby enhancing overall reliability. Plus, the inherrant lubricity of the chrome will make cleaning easier. 2. A3(4 depending on brand) flatop upper receiver, this will give you maximum flexibility in your AR's configuration which will inevitably change through time. |
Welcome to the addiction... but just remember, the wonderful 'sproinggg' sound your AR purrs in your ear is perfectly normal, Gene Stoner's built in magazine change indicator, you don't need magic grease on the action spring or some wizbang buffer toy to make the sproinggg go away...  When it comes to buying your first Black Rifle, stick with the ABC + R for a well built weapon... |
Welcome to the addiction!
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I too fell HARD for AR's after my 1st time out shooting one.... and bought 2 Colt pre-bans shortly afterwards. I've never heard the infamous "sproingg" sound while shooting mine. I do use ear plugs and headphones, and maybe why I can't hear it. I hear the very metallic sound of the bolt re-loading the chamber after each round is fired but no sproinngg |
Welcome to a new addiction,I have been addicted 20 plus years now and it only gets worse. Most of my AR's have been Colt but just recently got into building my own.It may be something you might want to consider doing yourself.In my opinion you should read everything you can on this site then decide what name brand you want or if you want to build one yourself. 
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With a collapsible stock, the sproing sound is not as obvious. |
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spring noise? squirt (2-3x as much as you use to brush your teeth/tooth) some RIG(rust inhibiting grease) in there(after you remove the spring) and smooth out w/finger(s).....wont hear it again. but if ya do just re-apply.hot |
+1 but not from scratch. Buying stripped lowers and assembling them doesnt give you enough of a savings to be worth it... especially if you have to go out and buy the pin punches. Assembling barrels and uppers is even harder. Get a complete lower w/o buttstock and a complete upper assy and all the accessories you wat and assemble it. the other best option would be to get a LE colt when the ban ends. They are cool for the simple fact they are marked AR-15... I'll probably be getting one and leaving it stock. |
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If you want something like an M4... here is what I would do. I went the long route and bougth a bushmaster M4A3. Decided I wanted something a little more (for the ban and everything) so instead of having them build me another upper, I sourced out parts I really wanted. Eagle Firearms had everything I wanted, including a 1/7 bushmaster 14.5 with a vortex attached. They also had RAS numbered uppers, and RRA enhanced bolt groups. So, I had them throw together an upper for me, and for around 520 bucks, I had a complete M4 upper, complete with side sling swivel and handguards. No mars on it whatsoever, everything was perfect. Couldnt be happier, and I got exactly what I wanted. Costs about the same as a factory rifle, but you get to choose individual parts. Or you can buy all the components and put them together yourself, if you're comfortable with that. Scott |
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Here's a link to some pic's of AR's that some of us have. It should give you some good ideas. www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=187750 First decide on what type of sights you want to start with...iron...red dot or standard glass scope. Next get plenty of mags and ammo.......................then practice, practice and practice. Good luck and enjoy. |
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Welcome! If you haven't done so already, please read the following: ammo-oracle.com and also read the articles in the "Wound ballistics information - Articles by Dr. Fackler" thread tacked up in the Ammo Forum. It will save you many questions down the road. 
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Bushmaster, Colt, Armalite, Rock River Arms, LMT...just like the rest have said. All will be made well and will operate reliably. As far as "goodies," I would think about what you'll be using the rifle for; Distance, like a varminter, or shorter range M4gery style defensive type weapon. A lot of guys here like to put a lot of crap on their rifles, and that's all well and good, but it does weigh the rifle down. I'm an advocate of K.I.S.S. Only as much as neccessary and nothing more. You can either go carry handle (A2)or flat top (A3/A4) with removable carry handle. I prefer removable carry handle, which allows for a more appropriately mounted red dot and cuts down on weight a tad. Aimpoint and Eotech seem to be the leading optics for a CQB type rifle. Also, a lot of guys like ACOG, which will give you a greater magnification if you're looking at putting the round out a bit farther. Verticle Grips on your forend can be quite comfortable. As far as after the ban goes. I'm getting a collapsable stock, birdcage or other type of flash suppresor, might get a front site base with a bayonet lug, but I haven't decided yet. Have fun! |
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Junkman, Welcome aboard. I agree with those that recommend building your first, but that's just my opinion. I had the tools and a modicum of assembly skills, so building the lower was actually fun (except for that stiff hammer spring...damn  ). If you don't feel that ambitious, the vendors the folks here recommended would be just fine.Also, email me if you might be interested in joining a bunch of AR shooters in Dade/Broward who are resurrecting the old South Florida Defensive Carbine Club. We're just talking about it right now, but it looks like it might actually pan out. Look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy the disease - there is NO cure.  miamilightning |
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