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Posted: 9/26/2008 8:06:54 AM EDT
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I've decided it's time to pick up my first AR15 to tinker with, but I am overwhelmed with the wealth of information and options out there. I know I want the following: flat top 16" barrel (not chrome lined) front/rear folding irons (don't want the front post permanently in view of the optic [probably a 1x red dot]) adjustable stock all in one package (I don't want to piece together a lower/upper/exc) an accurate, reliable firearm around or under $1100 so..... RRA? S&W M&P? BM? ARMALITE? Any suggestions are much appreciated. Please go easy on the acronyms, I haven't picked up on all of them yet! Also, if you can suggest a certain brand AND model that fits my bill I'd appreciate it. I plan on doing more research before I spend this kind of money, but I'm looking for some guidance to get me started. Thanks! edit: edited for clarity... |
| RRA does not chrome line their barrels unless you request it. S&W, Armalite, and BM do(it is not an option). so if you do not want chrome lined, check RRA, they are supposedly pretty accurate due to their non chrome-lined barrels and 2-stage triggers. I am a S&W man myself, but with the specifications you gave, I would say an RRA is what you should get. Im sure you will be happy with an RRA if you get one. |
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What is your reasoning for the non-lined barrel? If it's because you heard the chromed ones are not as accurate, you will most likely never see the difference, especially with a non magnified dot sight. My S&W (lined barrel) is very accurate - and easier to clean and maintain. Have fun with your research - it can be fun, and drive you crazy at the same time.  Take care, Bob S. |
| There are lots of good choices in your price range. I'd consider BM as a good place to start to use as baseline to compare with other options for price and features. I believe they have a model that is sold without sights or optics called the "optics ready carbine" or something like that. I also believe as noted, that all of their models have chromed barrels, and unless you have a specific reason for not wanting chrome, I suggest you reconsider. The tiny difference in accuracy between chrome and non-chrome barrels is not going to be evident in anything but a dedicated target/varmit rifle and it's pretty debatable there. There are tangible advantages in having chrome in terms of corrosion resistance, cleaning, and resale. My BM conventional M4-type carbine has been totally reliable reliable and a good purchase. I use it with the front sight in place, a BUIS (back-up iron sight) and EoTech without any problems. Pretty hard to go wrong if you stick to the popular brands for your first AR, and agree totally with your decision to go for a complete rifle as opposed to building one up from components. |
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i know you said that you did not want a CL barrel but for the price and quality i give the nod to STAG. the link (STAG M3) has a list price of $895 but i know for a fact that this rifle can be had for almost $100 less from a STAG dealer. don't forget that it'll run you $240 for a set of TROY sights but this STAG can be had for a bit under $900. ready to run out of the box. i favor the fixed FSB for AR's that will see "combat" style optics. EoTech, Aimpoint, Trijicon tripower, etc.. that's just me. in the end it's all about what makes you happy. knowing what i know now i build all of my AR's but if i were to buy an off the shelf AR today i think STAG would be my first choice. |
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Thanks for help gentlemen! I was originally opposed to a chrome lined barrel because I heard they were more expensive and decreased accuracy in favor of barrel life- But if I'll never know the difference then I'm okay with a CL barrel. I have recently reconsidered the optics.....and would like something 3x or 4x. As of right now, the M&P15 seems very appealing, but I will definitely look into bushmasters. Any further suggestions or information is much appreciated! Thank you. |
| The smith comes with many of the more desirable features given the price you will pay, including m4 feedramps(on the newest production models), MP and HP tested bolt, properly staked castle nut and BCG, 5.56 chamber, and a bbl made by Thompson Center(they're owned by smith). You will not regret buying one. |
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