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Posted: 6/29/2006 8:01:13 AM EDT
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I've mostly just been into pistols as funds have been low and pistols are cheaper, but I've come into some money I'd like to invest in an AR-15. Well, when I say some money, I've budgeted (or the wife has) $1,000 for my AR-15 project. First I should mention that I am a gun assembly/disassembly noob, so building would definitely be a project but something that I'm not necessarily afraid of (I said 'necessarily'). I am also not opposed to buying a prebuilt AR-15 as my first. I have been told to look at Bushmaster, Rock River Arms and Olympic Arms. I noticed right off the bat that Bushmaster is too steep for my blood right now. I really like what I see at both Rock River Arms here (A2) and Olympic Arms here. As far as the style I really like, it's definitely in the above two links I provided (handle, collapsable stock, etc). I guess my question is, if you had $1,000 and you were buying your first AR-15, what would YOU buy? This is primarily a home defense weapon but will be taken to the range regularly to practice. Could you provide some links also if readily available? Thanks so much for your help, I hope this is not a repost. -Cory |
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Stag, Bushmaster, RRA would be my first choices read around and use your search button--there are many opinions out there on what are the best out of the box brands and it will vary h/w, for the money, quality, and company backing, i would definitly look at the above 3... stags are great---just get a complete stag lower and a complete 16in upper and snap the pins together bushmaster: also great, and you can get thier NIB rifles/carbines for less than $1K RRA: probably the best bang for the buck out there--great fit and finish, and they have the best prices on the Midlength system (my favorite) check out the tagged threads and the build it your self forum if you are really interested in building your own AR--it can be as simple as snapping in 2 pins or assembling all the parts like legos  what are your purpposes for the AR? off hand, i would get a A3(flatop) as its more versitle for optics mounting, Chrome-lined bbl (std on bushy and stag) for use, and i prefer the midlenght system, but he CAR system is good too yea i forgot: check out the EE and industry forums for great prices and dealers; Aimsurplus for stag uppers and complete bushmasters; Eaglefirearms.net, leagal transfers for RRA uppers and rifles; Mooney's and DSGarms, and Rainier Arms for parts, uppers, etc--all are great places to order from w/ the best prices  oh and welcome to the site 
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I'm a noob but I'm building my first one. total cost is going to be around $730 with a pair of mags, removable sights on a flat top, a free floating aluminum handguard, and a case. My kit was shipped from Model 1 yesterday after ordering it on monday. I have to buy a stripped lower receiver and am getting that locally for $95 for a Superior Arms lower. I bought some sites off of the EE and they look pretty good I also got some fire control group springs from JP to lighten up the trigger. So I'll have pretty much the exact AR that I want for $730 :) |
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I restrict myself to one post a month on the "which is best" question. It's almost the end of June so here it goes. Both are good rifles. I have remote experience with Oly which was good and I own an RRA. The fit and finish of the RRA is quite simply outstanding. They keep their tolerances tight and everything works very smoothly. Their NM trigger is crisp and consistent if you are going for that thing. They offer a wide selection of options for their midlengths as you know. Steve over on the RRA industry forum is a nice guy and answers a lot of my dumb questions. In sum, RRA is a lot of gun for the money--probably the best deal going in the price/quality balance right now. My $0.02. Here's my baby I completed a few months ago--I did the paint job and the grip and panels.  |
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Personally I have issues with all of the "factory" rifles on the market right now. Some of those are what others would consider trivial, YMMV. With a budget of $1000 I could build a pretty nice rifle though (even spending some $ on tools for the build). If you're looking for an iron-sight 16" rifle, the RRA you linked would probably be my choice of "factory" rifles. |
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RRA over Oly any day of the week. Get the flattop one, trust me. I have a very nice Colt A2, it is a kick ass rifle but I wish it was a flat top. Look at Stag also, that would probably be my choice if I was looking for a rifle right now and I had some budgetary concerns. Check Aimsurplus price on Bushmasters also. |
Thanks for all of the advice guys, looks like the majority says RRA. Sounds good, they have lots of options, so that's also good. Do you mind if I ask why go with a flat top? What are the advantages? Thx |
Much easier and more flexible scope mounting. So you don't want a scope? Well. . . .once the AR bug takes hold you will be kicking yourself for not having a flat top to mount your scope or other optic. Take it from an AR Junkie. You may also want to consider a flip up front and rear sight as the fixed front sight will show up in some optics. Don't you like how I can spend your money??? |
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Advantages are a great mount for a scope (optics) The A2 carry handle isn't a great platform for mounting optics. That said, I got the RRA A2 midlength. Great rifle. Know this, you will get the disease and you will want to mount a nice scope to it later... you might change your mind later though I suggest you hold off, READ ARFCOM DAILY (no need to read the GD) for one month to learn all you can before you buy. Ask questions! Lots of questions!! eta: beat me to it! |
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As some have already stated, you do not need to build your own if you have $1,000 to spend. You can get a new 16" Bushmaster M4 for just over $800 (comes with a medium quality hard case). You will also need extra mags, a cleaning kit, ammo, ect... Get used to iron sights first before you go with any optics. |
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I'd start with an LMT lower, then get either an LMT M4-type upper, or maybe a Sabre Defense midlength. You could easily bring it in for under $1000 with a BUIS, or you could easily spend more, depending on how you set it up. With the LMT lower, you get a mil-spec receivr extension (a/k/a buffer tube), so if you want to upgrade to a SOPMOD or Vltor stock later on, you'll be set to go. The same can't be said for Bushmaster, RRA and Olympic. With the LMT upper, you'll get a chrome lined barrel (which you won't get with Olympic and pay extra for with RRA) and a 1-in-7 twist (I think Bushmaster, RRA and Olympic are all 1-in-9) to better stabilize the heavier bullets that are currently in fashion. |
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rather than a carry handle I would get one of these two sights, which you could still use with an aimpoint or eotech later if you buy one, but you could also use them now the same as a carry handle 1st choice www.globaltactical.com/axami/shop.php?grd=299&prd=306 2nd choice www.globaltactical.com/axami/shop.php?grd=128&prd=129 The lmt does allow rear elevation adjustment, which the larue does not, but most people never adjust the rear windage on a defensive carbine. |
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getwild, If you want you could try out some of my ARs to get a feel for what you may like. I think I live near you, I'm in Fenton. I'm only saying this cause I saw your ad for your brother's XR for sale and saying he is in Davison. Anyways I go up to the pit sometimes and you could try them out there. Does just your brother ride, or do you too? I'm up north riding as much as I can in the warm weather. |
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