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10/30/2012 6:35:28 PM EDT
Im new to the AR15 world and want to buy an AR soon. I have shot a Bushmaster, Daniel Defense, RRA, and a DPMS because my buddies have them. I have asked them all about what AR I should go with and they of course said to get the brand they had which was no help. I know the prices start at around $600 up to $1350 for the basic rifle. So far I havent decided is it really worth it to pay that much for a basic rifle with nothing on it or is it worth it to buy a $600-$800 basic AR and have $500-$700 to spend on accessories right away? I will be deer, hog, coyote, bobcat, fox huntin, out with buddies shootin every once in a while, and i want a realiable self defense weapon as well. Which one would you pick?
10/30/2012 6:46:47 PM EDT
[#1]
I am new also, I just purchased a Windham Weaponry Ar15 from my local Walmart for $799 will be getting it out of layaway on the 8th. Eager to see how it does.
10/30/2012 6:50:14 PM EDT
[#2]
I haven't been in the game very long, but if I were you, I'd get something like these two.  My lower and lower parts are from PSA, and I am very happy with them.  You may have to wait two or three weeks for them to ship it to you, but they would be well worth the wait in my opinion.  When I was building mine, I didn't wanna wait so I went with BCM.  I definitely don't have any regrets, but I can see myself ordering a rifle from PSA in the future.

PSA 1

PSA 2
10/30/2012 6:51:09 PM EDT
[#3]
If your not doing a bunch or carbine classes or anything like that, my opinion would be...

-S&W sport ($550ish)
-You could get yourself an optic, or a decent amount of ammo and mags.

or, an even better deal if you don't mind a wait.
-Palmetto State Armory M4, ($699)

or, any reputable, well known brand. Can't really go wrong these days...
-Smith, Stag arms, Colt
-Probably $850+
10/30/2012 6:55:06 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I haven't been in the game very long, but if I were you, I'd get something like these two.  My lower and lower parts are from PSA, and I am very happy with them.  You may have to wait two or three weeks for them to ship it to you, but they would be well worth the wait in my opinion.  When I was building mine, I didn't wanna wait so I went with BCM.  I definitely don't have any regrets, but I can see myself ordering a rifle from PSA in the future.

PSA 1

PSA 2


Why should I go PSA versus daniel defense, DPMS, and bushmaster?
10/30/2012 7:03:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I haven't been in the game very long, but if I were you, I'd get something like these two.  My lower and lower parts are from PSA, and I am very happy with them.  You may have to wait two or three weeks for them to ship it to you, but they would be well worth the wait in my opinion.  When I was building mine, I didn't wanna wait so I went with BCM.  I definitely don't have any regrets, but I can see myself ordering a rifle from PSA in the future.

PSA 1

PSA 2


Why should I go PSA versus daniel defense, DPMS, and bushmaster?


From the research I've done, and from what more knowledgeable members have said, DPMS and bushmaster have fallen off the wagon lately in quality and/or customer service.  I haven't had any personal experience with them, so take that with a grain of salt.  Daniel Defense on the other hand will definitely serve you well.  They are well-liked around here for sure, but for your first rifle I think it's hard to beat PSA.  Their barrels are made by FN and their prices are awesome.  My thinking is that since this is your first AR, you can buy something like the PSA and use the rest of the money to stock up on mags, ammo, optics, etc. and then once you start handling it and shooting it, you'll get a better idea of what you really want.  I've only had mine a few months and I've already chopped the front sight base and installed a freefloat rail.
10/30/2012 7:12:05 PM EDT
[#6]
wow i remember when i was in your shoes just about 2 years ago. I ended up getting a STAG ARMS which is a good rifle. But as much as i spent i should have saved a little more for a COLT. If your going to spend more than $900 get a COLT. Now if you want cheaper ($) theres a few options. I dont know about bushmaster, they were good back in the day but now there are better ARs' for the money. Like PSA, SPIKES, BCM, Daniel defence is good (but expensive) and a ton others that i dont even know about. I would narrow it down to 1.COLT (if you have the money  2. PSA ( the price is wonderful and specs too)  3. BCM  4. SPIKES thats my OPINION. However if you know what you want get what you want.
10/30/2012 7:36:01 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Im new to the AR15 world and want to buy an AR soon. I have shot a Bushmaster, Daniel Defense, RRA, and a DPMS because my buddies have them. I have asked them all about what AR I should go with and they of course said to get the brand they had which was no help. I know the prices start at around $600 up to $1350 for the basic rifle. So far I havent decided is it really worth it to pay that much for a basic rifle with nothing on it or is it worth it to buy a $600-$800 basic AR and have $500-$700 to spend on accessories right away? I will be deer, hog, coyote, bobcat, fox huntin, out with buddies shootin every once in a while, and i want a realiable self defense weapon as well. Which one would you pick?


Out of those you mentioned, the only rifle worth buying if it will have any sort of self defense role rifle is the DD.

Another great option is pic the cheap lower of your choice (PSA has blem lowers for $60 once in a while but I linked the $100 normal one) a lower build kit from PSA for $109.00, BCM upper on it with some Magpul MOE handguards and you will have a great rifle for $850 or $900. You cannot beat that. Great parts for an even greater price. Barrel and bolt are the most important to get high quality and not skimp.

Upper Receiver group

BCM BCG

Lower

Lower build kit

MOE Handguards

Rear sight of your choice from anywhere from $40 (Magpul) to $120 (Troy).

10/30/2012 7:41:34 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
If your not doing a bunch or carbine classes or anything like that, my opinion would be...

-S&W sport ($550ish)
-You could get yourself an optic, or a decent amount of ammo and mags.

or, an even better deal if you don't mind a wait.
-Palmetto State Armory M4, ($699)

or, any reputable, well known brand. Can't really go wrong these days...
-Smith, Stag arms, Colt
-Probably $850+


Where you picking up S&W sports for $550?  Ive been looking for the past 3 months.  LGS just got them in and are selling @ $650
10/30/2012 7:52:18 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Im new to the AR15 world and want to buy an AR soon. I have shot a Bushmaster, Daniel Defense, RRA, and a DPMS because my buddies have them. I have asked them all about what AR I should go with and they of course said to get the brand they had which was no help. I know the prices start at around $600 up to $1350 for the basic rifle. So far I havent decided is it really worth it to pay that much for a basic rifle with nothing on it or is it worth it to buy a $600-$800 basic AR and have $500-$700 to spend on accessories right away? I will be deer, hog, coyote, bobcat, fox huntin, out with buddies shootin every once in a while, and i want a realiable self defense weapon as well. Which one would you pick?


Out of those you mentioned, the only rifle worth buying if it will have any sort of self defense role rifle is the DD.

Another great option is pic the cheap lower of your choice (PSA has blem lowers for $60 once in a while but I linked the $100 normal one) a lower build kit from PSA for $109.00, BCM upper on it with some Magpul MOE handguards and you will have a great rifle for $850 or $900. You cannot beat that. Great parts for an even greater price. Barrel and bolt are the most important to get high quality and not skimp.

Upper Receiver group

BCM BCG

Lower

Lower build kit

MOE Handguards

Rear sight of your choice from anywhere from $40 (Magpul) to $120 (Troy).



That's what I did

ETA: I love my BCM but I don't see where PSA's FN barrels are not high quality
10/30/2012 7:57:06 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If your not doing a bunch or carbine classes or anything like that, my opinion would be...

-S&W sport ($550ish)
-You could get yourself an optic, or a decent amount of ammo and mags.

or, an even better deal if you don't mind a wait.
-Palmetto State Armory M4, ($699)

or, any reputable, well known brand. Can't really go wrong these days...
-Smith, Stag arms, Colt
-Probably $850+


Where you picking up S&W sports for $550?  Ive been looking for the past 3 months.  LGS just got them in and are selling @ $650


An awesome local gun store! $556 S&W Sport

10/30/2012 8:20:07 PM EDT
[#11]
I been reading these $550 deals for over a month and they are not that cheap in my area!

I did recently get one though!
http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu292/STi489/20121030_120441.jpg
10/30/2012 9:05:48 PM EDT
[#12]
That sport goes nicely with the M&P pistol.. I've been thinking about getting a 5.5in M&P to shoot IDPA with, I still use my glock 19.
10/30/2012 9:13:49 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Im new to the AR15 world and want to buy an AR soon. I have shot a Bushmaster, Daniel Defense, RRA, and a DPMS because my buddies have them. I have asked them all about what AR I should go with and they of course said to get the brand they had which was no help. I know the prices start at around $600 up to $1350 for the basic rifle. So far I havent decided is it really worth it to pay that much for a basic rifle with nothing on it or is it worth it to buy a $600-$800 basic AR and have $500-$700 to spend on accessories right away? I will be deer, hog, coyote, bobcat, fox huntin, out with buddies shootin every once in a while, and i want a realiable self defense weapon as well. Which one would you pick?


Out of those you mentioned, the only rifle worth buying if it will have any sort of self defense role rifle is the DD.

Another great option is pic the cheap lower of your choice (PSA has blem lowers for $60 once in a while but I linked the $100 normal one) a lower build kit from PSA for $109.00, BCM upper on it with some Magpul MOE handguards and you will have a great rifle for $850 or $900. You cannot beat that. Great parts for an even greater price. Barrel and bolt are the most important to get high quality and not skimp.

Upper Receiver group

BCM BCG

Lower

Lower build kit

MOE Handguards

Rear sight of your choice from anywhere from $40 (Magpul) to $120 (Troy).



OP, follow this advice. I personally think you'd be fine with getting a PSA upper and BCM BCG (just to save some scratch) since both BCM and PSA use pretty much the same quality barrels. Either way, PSA + BCM = win.

Stay away from the consumer grade rifles. They will not afford you the best quality for your money.
10/30/2012 9:22:45 PM EDT
[#14]
Colt.  Bravo Company (BCM), Daniel Defense, Lewis Machine and Tool (LMT), Smith & Wesson.
10/30/2012 11:20:19 PM EDT
[#15]
+ 1 for PSA when looking at cost:quality ratio. i love mine
10/31/2012 6:13:13 PM EDT
[#16]
One of my buddies is going to build be a great quality AR for $600. He works at an indoor shooting range/shop and gets 40% off anything in the store. Im pretty siked and cant wait to start tearin into the hogs that are a big problem on our place and shootin with my buddies.
10/31/2012 10:46:07 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Im new to the AR15 world and want to buy an AR soon. I have shot a Bushmaster, Daniel Defense, RRA, and a DPMS because my buddies have them. I have asked them all about what AR I should go with and they of course said to get the brand they had which was no help. I know the prices start at around $600 up to $1350 for the basic rifle. So far I havent decided is it really worth it to pay that much for a basic rifle with nothing on it or is it worth it to buy a $600-$800 basic AR and have $500-$700 to spend on accessories right away? I will be deer, hog, coyote, bobcat, fox huntin, out with buddies shootin every once in a while, and i want a realiable self defense weapon as well. Which one would you pick?


I picked up a M&P 15 OR about 4 years ago.  At the time I think I paid $650 for it, but had to add my own optics.  The S&W line of AR15 rifles is excellent imo.  From reviews, to my own personal experience, they just work.  Not to say others don't.  With the sport model all you really lack is the dust cover and forward assist, but you get some great features for the money as others suggested.  I'd say rather than blowing money on accessories, pick yourself up some ammo as finding 5.56/.223 at a steal is becoming more difficult each year.  

10/31/2012 10:47:06 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
One of my buddies is going to build be a great quality AR for $600. He works at an indoor shooting range/shop and gets 40% off anything in the store. Im pretty siked and cant wait to start tearin into the hogs that are a big problem on our place and shootin with my buddies.


Didn't see this post.  Hope it works out for you.
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