AR Sponsor
Posted: 5/17/2006 5:56:27 AM EDT
|
I am thinking about entering the evil black gun cult. I would like to know what models you would suggest for an entry-level rifle (not a $1000) rifle. I would be upset if I decided that I did not like shooting it. I have also seen information about building your own, but not sure if this is a possibility for me due to lack of knowledge. Right now, it will be a plinker and HD rifle, no hunting! Thanks in advance for your help! |
|
Let me be the first to say welcome. Noobs buy the beer. Buy yourself a good general purpose rifle. Buy a decent one, get familiar with the system, don't spend a ton of money. Carbine or mid-length, 16 in barrel chrome-lined (of course), flat top is a must. You'll get the fever an will buy more purpose specific models later, I promise. And you WILL love to shoot it, whats not to love. |
|
Welcome to the board  . Definitely spend some time reading, and looking at the various picture threads. Take your time so that you end up buying exactly what you want and don't rush into it.When people say "building your own" it can mean several things, from the skill level of a retarded child, to some mechanical skill and some specialized tools. If you buy a complete lower (i.e. the lower receiver with stock), you can then look around for a complete upper in exactly the configuration you want - then "building the rifle" consists of putting the upper on top of the lower and pushing in two pins with your thumb. Anyone can do that. What other people do when they "build" a rifle, is that they buy a stripped lower, which is just the aluminum part, and then buy a lower parts kit and assemble them all together (if you ever built model airplane kits as a kid, this is about the same skill level), and then buy a complete upper and put the two together. It takes about an hour, and doesn't really require any specialized tools beyond a screwdriver (and maybe a wrench). Finally, you can "build" a rifle by fully assembling everything, including the upper as well - in which case you will need a couple of specialized tools (like an action block and a vise). This involves attaching the barrel to the upper receiver, putting on the gas block, etc. Because it starts involving headspace issues (as well as needing specific tools) this is probably not recommended for the beginner - but is not really super difficult either. (Keep in mind that the lower receiver - whether stripped or complete - counts as the "firearm" and thus is what requires the 4473 federal form and phone call to the FBI if you buy it from a dealer. If you buy if from out of state, it needs to be shipped to a local dealer who will then transfer it to you for a small fee) |
|
if i could do it all over again...which the BRD is gonna make me.... as far as brands the list is endless 16" chrome lined 1/7 twist m4 profile midlength gas system w/ DD 9.0 rails hogue grip troy front and rear buis standard m4 stock (to keep the price down) flat top upper receiver phantom or vortex flash hider tango down vfg and that would be a pretty good start later when funds provided you could go w/ an acog, m2/m3 (possibly add the 3X), or an EOtech....or you could opt for a variable powered optic also....the list is endless like i said b4 hehe |
|
I bought my first AR a couple of months ago. I just started lurking on this site to find out what options were available. Looked at several of the manufacturers web site until I found a couple that I liked. Asked questions on this board and narrowed down to a 16" carbine. Went to the gun show looked at the diferent brands and liked the Entry tactical from RRA the best. That's what I ended up with a very happy with. It is also used for plinking and varmint hunting. Good luck with you choice. |
|
Welcome to the board. Hard to beat the classics also. I end up bringing out the 20" A2 to work on my iron sight skills on a regular basis. DCM or Highpower competition is great for iron sight skills. My truck gun is a 16" A2 with the midlength gas system with a M4 stock. Then there's the flat tops..... |
|
For a first AR I'd get a 16" barrelled carbine from Armalite, Colt, Bushmaster, Stag or Rock River with iron sights. Although I am guilty of having a collapsible stock on my main AR, I don't need it and most civilians don't either. I would not get a two stage trigger for a first carbine. Although this varies by person, I think buying your first AR is the way to go, you can build the next one. |
Well put. Someday we should put together a basic FAQ with info likethis for guys buying their first AR. |
I'll drink to that! Welcome aboard! Just be careful, you'll get hooked!  It sounds like you are not even sure that you want an AR (something I can't understand), but if that's the case, see if you can borrow a buddies before you dive into this. Another option for your first AR is to search the classifieds and pawn shops in your area. You might be able to pick up a good AR for around 500-600 bucks, then if you like it, you can buy all the goodies and customize it yourself, which is half the fun! Plus this will give you a good working knowledge of the rifle and how it works! AR's or 1911's, I'm not too sure which one is more addictive......just be prepared to buy A LOT OF STUFF!!!!! CB CB |
|
I would recommend a mid length gas system, 16", carbine first and secondly a M4 or lightweight CAR type. The mid length gas system is longer than the CAR gas system and shorter than the standard rifle gas system and operates smoother, more reliable than the CAR system. Armalite, CMMG and Sabre Defence sells standard profile mid length barrels, also CMMG got mid weight contour barrels, Rock River Arms (RRA) have heavy profile barrels. I also recommend a flat top A3/ A4 model upper receiver and get a flip up or fixed back up rear sight (BUIS) so it's ready for a dot sight or optics later on if you want to upgrade it. For HD get a Surefire G2 or any equivalent tactical light. Go to the Industry section (tab) of this site for their website and contact links. |
AR Sponsor