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Posted: 1/4/2014 1:20:29 PM EDT
| I'm interested in getting my first AR-15 which won't bust the budget. I've been looking at the Bushmaster Carbon 15. The prices are within my range and I'm wondering if there are any comparable AR's that I should be considering. I'm an experienced pistol shooter but have no history with rifles, other than as a kid with a 22. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. |
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Avoid polymer AR's, too many better and competitively priced options out there to even go down that road.
If you provide a price range you'll get 100 recommendations and I doubt the Carbon 15 will be one of them. I would also recommend building your own lower at a minimum. |
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Avoid Bushwackers
http://grabagun.com/firearms/ar/complete-ar-rifles/palmetto-state-armory-m4-orc-16-556-mil-spec.html Best deal out there |
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Avoid Bushwackers http://grabagun.com/firearms/ar/complete-ar-rifles/palmetto-state-armory-m4-orc-16-556-mil-spec.html Best deal out there Was about to post the same link. OP I'm assuming the average Carbon 15 is probably about $750 - $800. $971 gets you a 6920. Can't go wrong with the original. Great quality, decent price. I know it's easy for everyone to say just add money to your budget. Sometimes more $$$ aren't available but you really are better off with a 6920 if you're in the $800 range already. |
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Was about to post the same link. OP I'm assuming the average Carbon 15 is probably about $750 - $800. $971 gets you a 6920. Can't go wrong with the original. Great quality, decent price. I know it's easy for everyone to say just add money to your budget. Sometimes more $$$ aren't available but you really are better off with a 6920 if you're in the $800 range already. Quoted:
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Avoid Bushwackers http://grabagun.com/firearms/ar/complete-ar-rifles/palmetto-state-armory-m4-orc-16-556-mil-spec.html Best deal out there Was about to post the same link. OP I'm assuming the average Carbon 15 is probably about $750 - $800. $971 gets you a 6920. Can't go wrong with the original. Great quality, decent price. I know it's easy for everyone to say just add money to your budget. Sometimes more $$$ aren't available but you really are better off with a 6920 if you're in the $800 range already. I think carbon 15s are >$650 at Wal-Mart |
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I think carbon 15s are >$650 at Wal-Mart Quoted:
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Avoid Bushwackers http://grabagun.com/firearms/ar/complete-ar-rifles/palmetto-state-armory-m4-orc-16-556-mil-spec.html Best deal out there Was about to post the same link. OP I'm assuming the average Carbon 15 is probably about $750 - $800. $971 gets you a 6920. Can't go wrong with the original. Great quality, decent price. I know it's easy for everyone to say just add money to your budget. Sometimes more $$$ aren't available but you really are better off with a 6920 if you're in the $800 range already. I think carbon 15s are >$650 at Wal-Mart They might be but it's not the same value for the money For $40 some dollars more (not counting shipping or FFL fees) you get a mil-spec rifle using a 7075 grade lower receiver, not a plastic POS....... Ok, here's the Grabagun price for a Carbon 15 http://grabagun.com/catalog/product/view/id/13273/category/70/ No contest in my mind, complete PSA is a overall better deal. Becomes even when you get the rear sight for the PSA but I'd trust my life to one, Carbon 15 I wouldn't use for anything but a whiffle ball bat |
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I think carbon 15s are >$650 at Wal-Mart They might be but it's not the same value for the money For $40 some dollars more (not counting shipping or FFL fees) you get a mil-spec rifle using a 7075 grade lower receiver, not a plastic POS....... Ok, here's the Grabagun price for a Carbon 15 http://grabagun.com/catalog/product/view/id/13273/category/70/ No contest in my mind, complete PSA is a overall better deal. Becomes even when you get the rear sight for the PSA but I'd trust my life to one, Carbon 15 I wouldn't use for anything but a whiffle ball bat I agree re: PSA too. I just didn't mention it because I didn't see any good deals in stock. If the OP can wait, a decent PSA would fall within the budget. |
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Would you guys recommend starting with something like this for a first time AR?
Link |
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Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. (To dispel any garbage about buffer tube quality) Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. Or pony out 189 for a BCM bolt group. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. |
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Quoted:
Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. Quoted:
Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. For about $25 more you can buy a 6920. 
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Skip the carbon.
I went with one of these Windham Weaponry Rifles Assuming you are wanting to get a complete rifle. You will need a Red Dot so look at Primary Arms |
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For about $25 more you can buy a 6920.
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Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. For about $25 more you can buy a 6920.
You sir are correct, but like an idiot I build an AR every month in my garage as a hobby. So I get the pleasure of putting together a product that I enjoy and understand. Colts are good, nothing wrong with them. Do they make a midlength gas sytem these days? I honestly have not looked. |
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If you're interested in researching an AR purchase, just browse through the forum.
We just went through the whole Carbon 15 thing... again... http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/628394_How_is_the_Bushmaster_Carbon_15_.html |
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You sir are correct, but like an idiot I build an AR every month in my garage as a hobby. So I get the pleasure of putting together a product that I enjoy and understand. Colts are good, nothing wrong with them. Do they make a midlength gas sytem these days? I honestly have not looked. Quoted:
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Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. For about $25 more you can buy a 6920.
You sir are correct, but like an idiot I build an AR every month in my garage as a hobby. So I get the pleasure of putting together a product that I enjoy and understand. Colts are good, nothing wrong with them. Do they make a midlength gas sytem these days? I honestly have not looked. He's right about it being only few more bucks for the 6920 but still, those are quality build parts you listed. That build would serve someone well. |
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He's right about it being only few more bucks for the 6920 but still, those are quality build parts you listed. That build would serve someone well. Quoted:
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. For about $25 more you can buy a 6920.
You sir are correct, but like an idiot I build an AR every month in my garage as a hobby. So I get the pleasure of putting together a product that I enjoy and understand. Colts are good, nothing wrong with them. Do they make a midlength gas sytem these days? I honestly have not looked. He's right about it being only few more bucks for the 6920 but still, those are quality build parts you listed. That build would serve someone well. Indeed it would, I built 4 guns from top to bottom in December using this method. Sub DD and Troy rails in place of MOE handgaurds. |
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Quoted:
Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. (To dispel any garbage about buffer tube quality) Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. Or pony out 189 for a BCM bolt group. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. Quoted:
Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. (To dispel any garbage about buffer tube quality) Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. Or pony out 189 for a BCM bolt group. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. Thank you for the info, I just ordered the trigger-less lower and will spend some time researching the rest! |
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Thank you for the info, I just ordered the trigger-less lower and will spend some time researching the rest! Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy a stripped Spikes Lower from gunbroker.com for 85, plus 20 dollar transfer fee. Get a PSA lower trigger-less kit for 29.99 RIGHT NOW. (I just ordered 3) Get an ALG QMS trigger for 45 dollars, at various sources. But a buffer tube kit from BCM for 57 dollars. (To dispel any garbage about buffer tube quality) Get a quality stock from Magpul MOE/CTR for 50-70 dollars (MOE/CTR) or a US made GI spec stock for about 30-40 dollars, watch for knock offs. Thats your lower, you built it for around 285 with good parts. Get a built BCM upper, 16 inch midlength standard for 459. Spikes bolt group for 150 at DSG arms. Or pony out 189 for a BCM bolt group. A Magpul handgaurd for 30 bucks. You are at 924 and you need a rear sight. But you got a solid rifle that will rival many around you and something you can build off of as you gain experience in the AR15 field. Thank you for the info, I just ordered the trigger-less lower and will spend some time researching the rest! Good man, and even if you do end up buying a complete Colt or PSA or Windham rifle as others have posted that trigger-less kit will make a great spare parts supply in the unlikely event that you break something. Or it can be the start of your second AR15. Keep us updated. |
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Not bad but I would go this route if it were me http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/upper-parts/bolt-carrier-groups/palmetto-state-armory-5-56-bolt-carrier-group.html That's PSA's top of the line BCG http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/palmetto-state-armory-enhanced-lower-build-kit-blk.html Same level LPK It's worth the extra $10.00 to me to get the better grade BGC If it were in stock and on sale I would suggest this also http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/warehouse-moving-sale/palmetto-state-armory-classic-lower-build-kit.html It was $85.00 when in stock, another $5.00 would have gotten all the best parts PSA has to offer. I bought 2 of the BCG's myself and used 1 in a BCM upper I just built with the PSA premium LPK and spikes lower |
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