AR Sponsor
Posted: 4/12/2007 9:43:23 AM EDT
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I am on this Forum's Handgun section daily, but this is the first time I've go to the AR-15 area, and I need some advice. Frankly, I have not shot an M-16 since I was in Vietnam in the late '60s. I know there have been huge changes in the weapon over the years, to the point it's probably the most popular assault-style rifle behind the AK47 in the world. I do own some rifles, including two M-1 carbines, but am principally a handgun shooter (especially 1911s). But I'm thinking it's time to add a nice AR-15 to my collection of firearms. I know a good one isn't cheap; probably at least $1,000. Being a novice with this weapon, I don't want to spend $1K and make a mistake, so I would appreciate some advice from people on this forum who are experts on the subject. I hope I don't start a big "flame" session with what follows, as often happens in similar requests for handgun advice. What I want is an M-15 carbine with collapsible stock and probably a 16" +/- barrel. I will want to be able to use 30 round magazines, but I'm sure they all can accept them. I live near the Bushmaster plant, so I'm partial to them, but I also like Wilson Combat. Further, on various TV shows I've seen Panther Arms and Stag AR-15s, and they seemed to be well-regarded as well. So what are the best options for me, given that I only want one AR-15 and am clueless as to what I should be considering? All advice cheerfully accepted. Thanks. |
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I suggest you order a complete lower from HERE (make sure to have it shipped to your FFL dealer---he will charge you a fee to handle the transfer) and then order the complete upper of your choice from HERE (you can have the upper shipped directly to your house). By ordering the upper and lower separately, you will avoid the 11% excise tax on complete firearms and will have more options available to you. |
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The Bushmaster M4 style carbine lists for $1230 on their website. If you are going to get only one AR, I'd spend the extra $100 or so and get a new Colt LE6920. If nothing else it will have the best resale value of them all. ..and no I don't have a 6920... yet. On the other end, you can't go wrong with Stag or RRA. The Stag (CMT) uses a mil-spec stock and has a gov't profile conture under the handguards, RRA does not. Both barrels are 1/9 and use 4140 steel. Also the Stags cost less. RRA prices have been rising here lately. |
Check out the Equipment exchange for the CMMG web page link. Great Gun. In the same leage as colt. 1/7 barrel, M4 ramps std. Crome lined M/P tested barrel and bolt. And a lot less than a new Colt. Much better Quality control than bushmaster or RRA. If you are going to bye a Ar15 get a good one. Stay away from Olympic and Panther also ASA Vulcan hesse. LMT also a great rifle, Not as maney options as CMMG. And for the money. Colt still cant be beat! They should all accept 30rd mag's. Save some money and pic up at lest 10 30 mag's USGI work great. You can also upgrade them with magpull anti tilt followers and Crome silicon springs. Then AMMO and go out and shoot the POOP out of it!
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The basics of the AR have changed little since your time serving in Viet Nam, which by the way I thank you for. Since A2 sights seem to be over rated on a carbine, and your already familiar with the A1 sighting system, I would suggest purchasing either a full size 20” AR from Bushmaster with the A1/C7 upper, or 16” carbine with A1/C7 upper. Since your partial to BM, a call to them placing a custom order would be the best bet. Explain to them what your looking for and I bet they can square you away. |
Already done  . The first link I posted for the OP was Ameetec (M4 lower sale $200) and the second was CMMG's uppers page (they really do have the most options and top-of-the-line quality)
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