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10/25/2013 6:17:43 AM EDT
Hello all, I am looking to buy my first AR15. I would like to know what are the best ARs to buy for $1500 or less. I would like one that can be upgraded gradually if need be. would prefer a flattop to put a nice scope on it. All suggestions and reasons why you would choose the one you do are greatly appreciated. PS. I do live in NJ so it must be compliant.
10/25/2013 6:35:18 AM EDT
[#1]
Noveske N4
10/25/2013 6:51:44 AM EDT
[#2]
My suggestions:

For home defense just get a quality rifle that you can put a light and an Aimpoint on.  I like a standard milspec combat trigger for this role.  A Colt 6920 would be a safe choice.

If you plan to take carbine classes (you should) you might want to keep the rifle as light as possible.  A 10 lb rifle can get really heavy during the day.  I like having a minimum amount of junk on my rifle.  Simple sling, Aimpoint, and light.

If you want to setup the rifle for long distance shooting there are some different qualities needed.  I would invest in a good trigger like the Geissele SSA trigger.  Having a free-float barrel is best.  You may also want to be able to mount a bi-pod to the rifle.  Weight isn't as important here, but I would still avoid making it needlessly heavy.

This will probably not be the only AR purchase you make in your life.  Don't spend a lot of money on things that you later find out you don't like or need.  Start simple, learn what works for you and then build from there.

Good luck!

10/25/2013 7:00:30 AM EDT
[#3]
Instead of a $1500 AR15, buy a $1000 AR15 and spend $500 on ammo and range time.
10/25/2013 7:05:57 AM EDT
[#4]
Greetings. Not to be a douche, but have you done any research before starting this thread...:





http://www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=493
You can find an AR for <$1500 from many places besides KAC [Knight's Armament Co.] , LWRC [LWRC Int'l], LMT [Lewis Machine Tool], JP [JP Enterprises], and BRO [Black Rain Ordnance - Flashy, overpriced rifles] - These companies tend to offer rifles north of $1500.




Edit:


Most other brands that have been around more than 2 years are good, except that Olympic Arms and Bushmaster have a shoddy rep for QA that may or may not be representative of their current product lineup - and you will find lots of polarized opinions of them on this site.





But I agree with the previous poster; it's better to buy a $1000 AR and spend the rest of the money on a red dot/BUIS and ammo.
 
10/25/2013 7:15:30 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
Greetings. Not to be a douche, but have you done any research before starting this thread...:
http://www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=493

You can find an AR for <$1500 from most brands besides KAC [Knight's Armament Co.] , LWRC [LWRC Int'l], JP [JP Enterprises], and BRO [Black Rain Ordnance - Flashy, overpriced rifles].  But I agree with the previous post; it's better to buy a $1000 AR and spend the rest of the money on a red dot/BUIS and ammo.
 
View Quote


Before you buy, sit down and decide exactly what you want the gun to do.  Be specific. Then go shopping.


10/25/2013 7:16:19 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
Instead of a $1500 AR15, buy a $1000 AR15 and spend $500 on ammo and range time.
View Quote


This.
10/25/2013 7:25:23 AM EDT
[#7]
$1500 will buy a nice, tricked out AR...

You can build your own, quality AR for $600 to $700.....or you can start with the same AR and throw in the extra $800 for the rest of the parts for your dream build.

PS...just noted the NJ comment.


Build a base AR and put the rest towards moving expenses... F NJ! and F Christie!
10/25/2013 11:29:35 AM EDT
[#8]

Quote History
Quoted:


$1500 will buy a nice, tricked out AR...



You can build your own, quality AR for $600 to $700.....or you can start with the same AR and throw in the extra $800 for the rest of the parts for your dream build.



PS...just noted the NJ comment.





Build a base AR and put the rest towards moving expenses... F NJ! and F Christie!
View Quote


Move first then buy whatever you want.



 
11/4/2013 9:23:28 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
Instead of a $1500 AR15, buy a $1000 AR15 and spend $500 on ammo and range time.
View Quote

This.
Staying within a $1,500 budget is incredibly easy... you can do an awful lot with that kind of cheddar.
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