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Posted: 10/16/2008 9:39:34 PM EDT
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I am unfamiliar with AR 15s. I mentioned to my father that I was interested in purchasing a tactical rifle, and he immediately said to get an AR 15. He works in a particular branch of law enforcement that uses them. I am told and have read that Colt, DPMS and Rock River are all fine manufacturers. Basically, I am looking for a high quality, entry level tactical rifle that will be expandable at a later point. When I say expandable, I mean I want to have the option of modifying it later, if I want to. Also, accuracy is of high importance to me...I'd prefer accuracy over sheer power, and so I'm guessing that maybe .223 is the best caliber for me. I don't know. That last sentence is more or less a question. Any advice, the more knowledgeable people here could give me on this subject before I purchase, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Wildstar |
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The AR15 platform has what you are looking for. It's a combat tested design that is still being used by our troops. Yes, Colt, DPMS and Rock River are fine manufactorers. I think Colt is a bit pricey, but it's good. There are a lot of accessories available for the AR15. The only other major tactical rifle would be the AK47. However, the AK isn't as accurate, but has a reputation of being more dependable. Also, what is your definition of an entry level tactical rifle? Are you looking to take long range shots? Are you looking for a CQC rifle? Hope this helps. |
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Hey there, Hannism. What I mean by entry level...I guess I meant something that is relatively easy to maintain. I've done some more research since my post and have learned that there really is no "entry level" AR weapon. I want something that is highly accurate, yet can hold it's own in close quarters combat. Does that make any sense? Thanks for your help! |
Here's another good primer: forums.officer.com/showthread.php?t=81462 The main question is, whats the honest budget? Figure about 500 rounds of ammo, 1K preferably ($180-380) and about 10 magazines ($100) to get off to a decent start of actual ammo to shoot with. And about $60 for basic cleaning items and AR-specific tools like a chamber brush into that budget as right-off-the-bat expenses. So if you're thinking $1200 to dive in, you're shopping in the $800 range for the rifle. If you blow the budget to get the firearm, then ammo and accessories are going to seem like they're too expensive. If there is no budget, then you have opened a whole can o' worms for choices that'll make your head spin....  |
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If you're going to spend Colt's asking prices you might as well go better than that and buy Noveske, LMT, or Sabre. Colt is more or less the most expensive "out the door" AR, but to be honest there are several other brands that perform just as well for a little less. For example, Bushmaster, RRA, DPMS, Stag, CMMG are all good options. |
I challenge this statement. Prove how they are better, or just as good. I particularly don't agree with Bushmaster, DPMS, and Stag being as good as the Colt. Noveske makes great barrels, but their remainder is Stag. LMT is a great company, and is closest to Colt, but "almost", is still only "almost". CMMG is good, but lacks the proof testing performed by Colt, and use DPMS parts. Bushmaster, DPMS, and Stag all fall well short of the mark. ...and yes I do own Bushys, CMMG, Stag,(parts or complete weapons) and plan to get a Noveske N4 barreled upper, as well as a few items from LMT (Like an MRP upper). DPMS is owned & operated by veterans, but they short-cut in too many areas, otherwise they would get more of my buisness. |
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Get a Colt 6920 Law Enforcement Carbine and you'll never have to say you're sorry. It's the Gold standard by which all other AR-15s are judged. (Just read some of the posts in this thread) Go with the best! Who do you think as been making AR-15 rifles the longest? Go Colt 6920! There are a lot worse choices you could make. (Psst: You get what you pay for!) |
Don't worry...I (and probably everyone else) here knew it would be challenged by the "Colt or nothing" crowd. It still doesn't change the fact that a ton of people here have Bushmaster, DPMS, Stag, and others that have never given them problems and are still running great. For example, I have a Bushy LE XM15-E2S 16" HBAR that has been flawless since I've owned it, and it's approaching 3000rds down the barrel. And yes...the gas key is staked beautifully on the Bushmaster. |
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Wildstar, what is your intended usage of this rifle? Sit in safe, occasionally take to range for a few hundred rounds? Hunting? Carbine classes every weekend? Use at work? Sit in corner untill SHTF? 3 gun competitions? How you answer will dictate just how much you "HAVE" to spend to get into AR's. If you only commute back and forth to work, you don't really need a Porche, it may be nice, but you'll rarely use it to its potential, you can get the job done with a lot less. If you plan on weekend racing, then sure, the Porche may be just what the Dr. ordered. Choose what suits YOUR needs since its YOUR money. |
Did you not notice the part in red? 3000 rounds is about 2 carbine classes worth of shooting. How long have you had your Bushy? My patrolman's carbine from Bushy ate 1500 rounds of Wolf ammo in 2 days in the desert when it was 105 degrees & windy, but it isn't the same quality as the Colt weapons that attended the course. It did have a few issues when things got really heated up. That is what motivated me to buy my Colts. Get with Pat Rogers at EAG Tactical, and sign-up for one of his 3 day classes. That will show you a few things about your weapon's reliability, and give you some other weapons to compare it too. To the OP; get the 6920, 6721, or even a 6520. You will not suffer buyers remorse. |
I've had this particular Bushy about 1 month now. After I got it I dropped in an RRA 2-stage trigger and a BCM extractor upgrade kit. I beat it to hell the first time out. I put those 3000rds through it in 1 weekend, with no cleaning...I just kept it wet with CLP. Had no issues with it the entire weekend, and I cleaned it thoroughly Sunday night. My friend had his DPMS and put about the same amount of rounds through it that weekend...he had a few problems but it wasn't the rifle, he let it run dry. After some CLP his rifle did fine the rest of the time. |
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BUILD YOUR OWN. Customize it how you want, and save $500 in the process. I snagged my Rock River stripped lower for $129 this weekend, and then just ordered my complete kit from Model 1 Sales for $707. Add magazines, foregrip and cleaning supplies (most of which I already have, just needed the bore snake), and I'm at $937 (shipping and taxes included) for a complete build that satisfies my needs (minus optics). Same thing off the shelf would probably run me $1300-$1400. |
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If your Dad works in law enforcement, then I would talk to him about possibly getting one through his work. Many times, there is a discount with the vendors they work with that could help you out. Talk to your Dad a bit more - I doubt he'll steer you in the wrong direction. |
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Guns like anything else,are one layer of compromise on top of another. Define your own intended usage and go from there. I would recommend looking at all the brands that interest you and make comparison notes. The "MP tested bolts" thing is ok. But lack thereof shouldn't be deal breaker, why? Because every Army issue M4 bolt that failed was MP tested and made by the exclusive contract holder. MP testing means your carbine bolt is not cracked at the time of testing, not that it won't. Mid Length gas systems are easier on bolts than carbine length's why I am biased towards Middy's in the AR15 type platform and will tend to steer people towards them. |
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