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Posted: 8/19/2014 1:45:13 AM EDT
| Looking at getting my first AR. Recommended from this site was the Spikes Midlength. I like that one, DPMS Recon, and Yankee Hill Manufacturing Black Diamond Spector XL. I want a complete one so I can see how they are put together and hopefully build a nice one later. Just getting it to shoot paper and just to have one more gun in the arsenal. I know I have like 4 post in 11 years. I got to get my troll game on. Thanks a bunch for all your input. I am open to other suggestions. Keep the budget around $1000 - $1200. |
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With that budget for a base rifle, I would go Colt or BCM. Even those will probably be under $1k.
If that's the budget with a decent optic, I think Spikes, Sig, Smith & Wesson, probably BCM again, and the like would be good choices. Should leave enough for an Eotech, Aimpoint Pro, or something magnified. I've had a poorly assembled gun come NIB from DPMS, but that was sometime in 2005-06. You're looking for your first AR at an exciting time. Prices are very low on top quality rifles and complete halves. If I was to buy something new right now, I'd possibly start with a 14.5" complete upper from BCM, which they have a free bolt carrier group deal right now. The only companies I really trust at all are Colt, FN, LMT, and probably Bravo Company and Daniel Defense. Hope you get what you want! 
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When I got my first AR15 which is the MP15 then I learned about lots of other good deals at better price so now's the time because what's gonna happen later? I paid $679 for mine but it's from my local range and I like dealing with them especially trading in my guns toward the AR. Saves me a lot of headaches. So far all my guns came from them and they went back when I upgraded.
Even though my MP15 doesn't have a forward assist and dust cover I really like it. It shoots good and I got some tight groups out of it at 25 yards. I haven't tried 50 yards yet but will do next time. Do some research on the brands and their warranties and make the best deal out of it. I'm pretty well covered with S&W. |
I hate to be that guy, but I would recommend you get a Colt 6920. Nothing wrong with any of the others, but the Colt is a great rifle to learn with. One great asset to the Colt is if you decide that you want something else, you will have no trouble selling your Colt for nearly what you paid for it (I would know).
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PSA has colt 6720's for $799 flat. +2 Or for a little more this... Daniel Defense |
| I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as most of these guys but I wanted to throw in that my first AR was a DPMS Recon. I was impressed with the gun and thought it was a good deal. Magpul stock and grip, quad rail, stainless free float barrel, and Magpul flip sights. I thought for $1,100 I couldn't go wrong and the gun hasn't missed a beat after a few thousand rounds. |
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I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as most of these guys but I wanted to throw in that my first AR was a DPMS Recon. I was impressed with the gun and thought it was a good deal. Magpul stock and grip, quad rail, stainless free float barrel, and Magpul flip sights. I thought for $1,100 I couldn't go wrong and the gun hasn't missed a beat after a few thousand rounds. ^ same here ^ |
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If you're able, just build one from scratch now and learn it that way. It's easy, you know what you have and you can tell people you "built it" and you can build a nice one with that budget. I decided to go this route. First, it made me do even more research on the components than I would have on complete rifles. Second, it will be mine, nobody else will have exactly what I have and that meant a lot to me, it's truly PERSONALIZED. Third, I knew this would teach me more about the AR platform than any other way to learn about it. Plus, I found numerous manufacturers of AR products within 20 miles of me. Including Quentin Defense and I immediately knew that their billet would be my upper and lower. Timney triggers is nearby too. Sun Devil's ADIGS adjustable gas system is now on my list of upgrades. This just created so much more fun for me than buying a complete rifle. I also feel like I've got a $2000 rifle for $1000 investment... I know that's subjective, but it works for me. |
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4 posts in 11 years. You win the Oscar for lurking. 
You can never go wrong with a Colt.  I know the feeling, made an account several years ago that I used, recently got back on and can't find my old account email so had to create a new one, very few posts on the old on anyway. My first was PSA complete build FN barrel and nickel BCG, no issues and goes bang every time I pull the trigger. |
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I know the feeling, made an account several years ago that I used, recently got back on and can't find my old account email so had to create a new one, very few posts on the old on anyway. My first was PSA complete build FN barrel and nickel BCG, no issues and goes bang every time I pull the trigger. Quoted:
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4 posts in 11 years. You win the Oscar for lurking.
You can never go wrong with a Colt. I know the feeling, made an account several years ago that I used, recently got back on and can't find my old account email so had to create a new one, very few posts on the old on anyway. My first was PSA complete build FN barrel and nickel BCG, no issues and goes bang every time I pull the trigger. I only had $550 in the original build ^^ |
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Check out Windham Weaponry. Check product, years of industry experience, solid warranty, and outstanding customer service. I'm a very pleased WW owner. That was at the top of my list before I found my MP15 at my local range. It's well worth considering. |
| Really leaning towards that Spikes middy. I know it is too soon but I would like to build an 18" varmint rifle. I just need to learn what 2 stage triggers are, twist rate in the barrel, etc. Thanks everyone you all have been very helpful. Keep the recommendations coming. |
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Really leaning towards that Spikes middy. I know it is too soon but I would like to build an 18" varmint rifle. I just need to learn what 2 stage triggers are, twist rate in the barrel, etc. Thanks everyone you all have been very helpful. Keep the recommendations coming. Solid choice. I think Aim has them for $800 shipped |
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Really leaning towards that Spikes middy. I know it is too soon but I would like to build an 18" varmint rifle. I just need to learn what 2 stage triggers are, twist rate in the barrel, etc. Thanks everyone you all have been very helpful. Keep the recommendations coming. Just do this. This many years on the site is procrastination enough. As for 2 stage triggers, visit the Geiselle site. ALL you ever wanted to know about triggers is there, and there will be no need for a thread about which brand to buy. 1:8 in an 18" varmint barrel will likely cover anything you can dream of accomplishing. Post your Spikes pictures |
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We were all in your shoes at one point and some of us had more to choice from than others. Majority will stand behind their manufacture of choice. I purchased a Stag Arms for many reasons, although I am not going to tell you mine is better than any other manufactures just because I own it. I will tell you this they have the best warranty in the business hands down. https://www.stagarms.com/warranty/
Although I would not tell you to buy a Stag Arms just because of their warranty and I will also tell you don’t get caught up in some people saying you need a Colt because it is the Standard. I believe no matter which rifle you buy you will be happy with your purchase. You just want to buy the rifle that you like the best and then buy the accessories that you want on the rifle. If I had to redo it I would still have seriously looked at Stag Arms but I would have purchased a ……. |
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We were all in your shoes at one point and some of us had more to choice from than others. Majority will stand behind their manufacture of choice. I purchased a Stag Arms for many reasons, although I am not going to tell you mine is better than any other manufactures just because I own it. I will tell you this they have the best warranty in the business hands down. https://www.stagarms.com/warranty/ Although I would not tell you to buy a Stag Arms just because of their warranty and I will also tell you don’t get caught up in some people saying you need a Colt because it is the Standard. I believe no matter which rifle you buy you will be happy with your purchase. You just want to buy the rifle that you like the best and then buy the accessories that you want on the rifle. If I had to redo it I would still have seriously looked at Stag Arms but I would have purchased a ……. note from stag warranty........EXCLUSIONS: Modification or alteration of a firearm will void this warranty. This warranty does not cover normal wear. Any damage resulting from careless handling, neglect, unauthorized repairs, unauthorized adjustments, unauthorized modifications, rust, or corrosion is not covered. seems to me if you update the internals ie trigger etc you void the warranty. now theseare a good price ar-15A4 le carbine ar6721 |
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note from stag warranty........EXCLUSIONS: Modification or alteration of a firearm will void this warranty. This warranty does not cover normal wear. Any damage resulting from careless handling, neglect, unauthorized repairs, unauthorized adjustments, unauthorized modifications, rust, or corrosion is not covered. seems to me if you update the internals ie trigger etc you void the warranty. now theseare a good price ar-15A4 le carbine ar6721 Quoted:
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We were all in your shoes at one point and some of us had more to choice from than others. Majority will stand behind their manufacture of choice. I purchased a Stag Arms for many reasons, although I am not going to tell you mine is better than any other manufactures just because I own it. I will tell you this they have the best warranty in the business hands down. https://www.stagarms.com/warranty/ Although I would not tell you to buy a Stag Arms just because of their warranty and I will also tell you don’t get caught up in some people saying you need a Colt because it is the Standard. I believe no matter which rifle you buy you will be happy with your purchase. You just want to buy the rifle that you like the best and then buy the accessories that you want on the rifle. If I had to redo it I would still have seriously looked at Stag Arms but I would have purchased a ……. note from stag warranty........EXCLUSIONS: Modification or alteration of a firearm will void this warranty. This warranty does not cover normal wear. Any damage resulting from careless handling, neglect, unauthorized repairs, unauthorized adjustments, unauthorized modifications, rust, or corrosion is not covered. seems to me if you update the internals ie trigger etc you void the warranty. now theseare a good price ar-15A4 le carbine ar6721 Yes my friend you are correct and no manufacture will cover this. It is like buying a sports car and modifying the motor with after market performance parts and thinking the manufacture would cover it. This would also void the warranty. I believe Stag Arms manufacture majority of their rifle parts in house. So they are unlike many manufactures who buy their parts from other companies. Even with that being said.. There are many quality companies to buy from. I don’t think the OP will be unhappy if he picked himself up a PSA, DPMS, Colt, Spike, Yankee Hill or any of the other choices he has to choice from. We hope that he buys the rifle that he like the best. |
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Quoted: note from stag warranty........EXCLUSIONS: Modification or alteration of a firearm will void this warranty. This warranty does not cover normal wear. Any damage resulting from careless handling, neglect, unauthorized repairs, unauthorized adjustments, unauthorized modifications, rust, or corrosion is not covered. seems to me if you update the internals ie trigger etc you void the warranty. Quoted: Quoted: I purchased a Stag Arms for many reasons, although I am not going to tell you mine is better than any other manufactures just because I own it. I will tell you this they have the best warranty in the business hands down. https://www.stagarms.com/warranty/ note from stag warranty........EXCLUSIONS: Modification or alteration of a firearm will void this warranty. This warranty does not cover normal wear. Any damage resulting from careless handling, neglect, unauthorized repairs, unauthorized adjustments, unauthorized modifications, rust, or corrosion is not covered. seems to me if you update the internals ie trigger etc you void the warranty. |
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