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Posted: 3/29/2008 10:09:48 AM EDT
| I'm not sure where to start. I haven't fired an M-16/AR-15 since my Army days. Back then it was the M-16A1, the A2 was just coming on board when I left active duty. Anyway I'm getting ready to have my midlife crisis and have decided to get an AR-15. The problem is there are so many variants, manufacturers and options I just don't know where to start. Can someone recommend a place to start looking at models and options? Are there any manufacturers I should avoid or specifically look for? I'm leaning toward a basic iron sight A2, 20 inch barrel, but the new carbine sized rifles with the optic sights are intersting. Help! |
Welcome aboard Dallas1!  LMT = LMT CMMG = www.cmmginc.com Hang on and I'll get yous some links. You can't go wrong with Colt of course. But Bushmaster and Rock River Arms are good companies too. With a pretty good selection. |
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Yes. Welcome Dallas! The best reference I could recommend would be here. Checking out the many options you have can be done almost entirely on this site. Surf the threads where people are posting pictures of their weapons. There are so many choices available to a person these days, it can be mind boggling. 1st: Determine your wants/needs. Or at least, try to narrow it down some  2nd: Determine your budget. Nuff said. 3rd: Start comparing the threads showing off particular styles such as the "post pics of your builds" under the build section. there are also several threads under the AR discussion section showing everything from KISS to Sniper wanna be styles. Your imagination and budget are the only limiting factors with the AR platform. It is also fairly easy to change styles completely by swapping uppers or lowers vs. buying a complete 2nd weapon. Word of caution though. Owning only one AR is a very temporary state of being. You WILL get BRD in short order and find spare parts turning into complete rifles. You DO have an understanding significant other right?  That will come in handy as you deplete your savings and become good at justifying precisely why another lower is more important than eating next week. Read, read , read. All of us here have our favorites and reasons to go along with our choices. If there is a dealer close to you that has a decent collection of wares to peruse, then by all means, go handle a few and ask questions ( like your doing now! ) The advantage of a hands on of course is just that. You get to fondle the damn thing without commitment ( kinda like dating ). This way, you help to remove any prejudiceies and start to develop a real feel for whats right for you. Many things about an AR are personal, from the grip to the forearm, sights, etc...After doing your homework... 4th: Comparison shopping. The local gun store or gunshow is great for fondling, but when it comes to laying out your hard earned cash, the internet is king. Many great places to deal with are right here at this site as advertising sponsers. Check out the links/banners above as well as the EE ( Equipment Exchange above far right ) All the dealers here are quite reputable and some good deals can be had if you take the time. Hope this helps  ETA: jeez...post # 666  
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First off Welcome. Secondly this is ARFCOM, the standard response is "Get Both", you will anyway once you contract 'Black Rifle Disease'. IMHO if you're doing this for fun and occasional plinking get (or build) a M16A1 clone, they are as light as the carbines, but have the longer sight radius which is easier for those of us on the far side of 40. When you get more seriouse, after you satisy your nostalgia , then we start talking carbine build. |
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