AR Sponsor
Posted: 1/14/2015 3:00:47 PM EDT
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First time poster here; I have spent a few weeks on the site reading up and whatnot and would like the opinion of the masses.
I am not a very experienced shooter by any means, I am really just getting into the hobby. Own two handguns (glock and Ruger .44 super redhawk) but it wasnt until a few weeks ago when I went shooting with a buddy that I got hooked to the AR15. His was somewhat custom, M&P lower, etc..... but it seemed pretty similar to the S&W M&P 15 Sport. My question; starting out, do you guys recommend this gun (M&P15)? I do varmint hunting rarely but am really looking to get more serious into that as time allows. I dont have a lot of free time as my job requires a lot of travel and almost 0 free weekends. However, I am just looking for something to shoot to get into it. Longterm plan is to build one but the budget isnt the best right now and I want to get out and shoot ASAP. With 12 rail slots, it seems to allow for some customization as funds allow. So checklist is as follows: Fairly cheap pricepoint ($600-$800) Immediate shooting Somewhat customizable Durable and great performace for 1-2 years Would y'all recommend this gun? If not, what are some other options that are available that are recommended instead? I really appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks so much to all contributors who make this a great and informative site! |
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And we're off!
J/K as this question gets asked frequently and, as you state, this site is informative...a little too informative, sometimes. So before anyone says get a LaRue, build your own, or two dozen other brands, I would take a look at a Colt, especially for a first AR. They can be found for well under $1K and are hard to beat. There are better ARs and there are worse ARs; with the Colt you, and everyone else knows what you have. |
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Welcome! This is my 2nd post here, lol so take it for what it's worth...
M&P 15 was a solid AR for me - have since sold it for reasons having nothing to do with its quality. It will pay dividends to shop around. Range time, cleaning accessories, ammo, mags etc - don't forget these and you'll enjoy your purchase a whole lot more. Also, your price point will preclude a serious optic more than likely but you may want to add one later on. Stick with a mil-spec upper and lower - this will allow the most flexibility. The platform is like nothing else out there in this department. A properly cared-for AR should outlast any of us. If you shoot a truck-load of ammunition through it the cost of replacement parts will be pretty minor by comparison. |
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I'll echo...
If you have a low budget and just want to start plinking... then really any low end rifle (milspec) should work fine for you. If I could impart any wisdom it would be to look into piecing it together on your own and not get a put together package. You find that you have more control over costs and order of purchase as well as the parts you put into it without "double buying". Plus there are really good sales quite often on uppers/lowers etc. Now if you are in a time crunch or like me and just too impatient... then any of the rifles will do you justice at the range having fun. Things like having an ejection port cover may not mean squat to you as you wont be out in the bush or desert... so you can save money on that. Also... get on your local forums here and go out with some of the folks to find what equipment feels best to you or that you want. |
| Can't go wrong with a Colt or M&P 15. If I were going to look seriously at a Colt I would wait a little while and see what they come out with. Part of their bail out deal with Morgan - Stanley was to revamp their line to be more "customer friendly" whatever that means. Might be interesting. |
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You can do this with your budget:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/18872/s/psa-16-carbine-length-5-56-nato-1-7-freedom-diamond-railed-upper-no-bcg-or-charging-handle/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/15587/ http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/bcm-bolt-carrier-group-auto-mp.htm http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-GUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-GFH-Mod-4-p/bcm-gfh-mod-4-556.htm |
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I am also a newbi and agree with all of the above. I had the time so chose to build my 1st ar from basic mil spec stuff (then got carried away).
I recommend that route if you have the time because you will not only know what is in it but how to take it apart and put back together. Great guide to build on this site. Won't save you any money but you will have the knowledge for years to come. Enjoy the shooting. (all it takes is time and money).  [Never release the bomb in anger; only to kill the evil trols below.quote]]
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Thanks for all of the great info -- and also thanks for not lynching me for asking a very repetitive question! Everyone's situation is a little different so I took a "shot in the dark" (see what I did there??) and asked. Came away with a lot of great opinions and information.
The final verdict, I do believe, is that I am going to take my time and build what I want. It is going to be tough to fight the impatience but in the long run, I think I will be very glad I decided to go this route. Prob going to stay as average as I can with the upper and lower and put most of the money into the bolt carrier group and barrel. Since I will mostly be using it for varmint hunting, would y'all agree a 1 in 7 or 8 would be best for the barrel twist rate? I appreciate all the input! Looking forward to showing off this coyote slayer one piece at a time! |
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I was in a similar situation a few months ago... Build or Buy? I decided to by for the reason that how was I going to know what parts and accessories I would want if I have no experience with the platform. I bought a M&P15T and plan to add anything I think I might like in order to get a feel for these rifles. I went to the range the same day after I made the purchase... instant gratification. Now I do plan on building my next one as I am quickly learning what is important to me, and what I need from my rifle. I got a 16" with a carbine gas system, maybe the one I biuld will be an 18" middy for some better long distance reach or maybe a SBR for better HD. The thing I felt was, How the hell would I know what I want when I don't know much about the AR 15. Would I try to cook a five star Greek meal if I had never eaten at a Greek restaurant before, no. Build seems to be the best way to get everything you want, but how would I know what I really want?
My $.02 |
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You are EXACTLY where I am. This forum has certainly helped, but I am so new to the rifle that I am a little unsure of what I want because I dont have much to compare to. I have a brother in law who is guiding me and teaching me quickly, as is this site and a lot of other information on the web but its still all about personal feel. I am still pretty torn. The one advantage is my brother in law offered to let me borrow his built throughout the process so I can see what I like and dont like as I hunt and go to the range. I am still leaning towards building just because I do have that advantage. For instance, I know I dont like the trigger system in his so thats a focus. I do like his stock bc it has 6 position settings so I will get one like that.
Slowly, I am learning. Without his to shoot constantly I think buying the first one would be the best way. Thanks for the reply! |
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Quoted:
Thanks for all of the great info -- and also thanks for not lynching me for asking a very repetitive question! Everyone's situation is a little different so I took a "shot in the dark" (see what I did there??) and asked. Came away with a lot of great opinions and information. The final verdict, I do believe, is that I am going to take my time and build what I want. It is going to be tough to fight the impatience but in the long run, I think I will be very glad I decided to go this route. Prob going to stay as average as I can with the upper and lower and put most of the money into the bolt carrier group and barrel. Since I will mostly be using it for varmint hunting, would y'all agree a 1 in 7 or 8 would be best for the barrel twist rate? I appreciate all the input! Looking forward to showing off this coyote slayer one piece at a time! Everyone just recommended that you buy a Colt without even considering what your use is for.... What kind of varmint hunting are you talking? If it is prairie dogs and such, then the 1:7 twist is too fast for the lighter loads... Milspec is great for shooting tangos in the desert, but not so much for shooting little vermin. If you plan to shoot 60 gr and less, I would probably go with a 1:9 twist, 1:8 would be the fastest... neither being "Milspec". |
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So decided to go with build. After a few weeks of browsing, I finally made my first two purchases last night.
LPK: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1608/ Lower receiver: http://sfarmoryinc.com/product.spikes-tactical-spider-semi-automatic-lower-223-rem-556nato-na-black-non-color-72 Now on to the uppers! Another noob question; when buying a stock, I would need the entire stock kit -- correct? The LPK doesnt come with any of the components of the stock, so I am assuming thats the case. Just wanted to double check. |
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Another newbie here. After reading this thread and all the posts, seems like a safe place to ask some "elementary" questions to increase the knowledge base. Like others I'm sure, I am somewhat apprehensive because my experience with AR's isn't very extensive. With that being said I have many of the same questions and will list my criteria below. I would like to build but am leaning more to just buy for time limitations.
I am looking at ways to get out and shoot more before I purchase to help with some direction, but I haven't always found this to be the easiest to do with any variety to compare to. I have shot a few of the Rock Rivers and Colts, both seem awesome to me, but again not really sure I know enough to even realize some of the differences. 1. $1500 and under for Rifle, would like to stay at 2k with rifle and optics,etc 2. Use for mainly for Varmint Hunting 3. Shooting at range 4. SHTF situation I liked both the Rock River LAR 5.56 ATH, and the Elite Operator 2. I am leaning towards the ATH because of the stainless barrel, but any input is appreciated. As for the Colts don't really have a starting point. Any insight or even more places to look, increase knowledge, etc would be very much appreciated. This site is awesome and glad to see people helping out newbies like myself. Thanks again! |
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Another newbie here. After reading this thread and all the posts, seems like a safe place to ask some "elementary" questions to increase the knowledge base. Like others I'm sure, I am somewhat apprehensive because my experience with AR's isn't very extensive. With that being said I have many of the same questions and will list my criteria below. I would like to build but am leaning more to just buy for time limitations. I am looking at ways to get out and shoot more before I purchase to help with some direction, but I haven't always found this to be the easiest to do with any variety to compare to. I have shot a few of the Rock Rivers and Colts, both seem awesome to me, but again not really sure I know enough to even realize some of the differences. 1. $1500 and under for Rifle, would like to stay at 2k with rifle and optics,etc 2. Use for mainly for Varmint Hunting 3. Shooting at range 4. SHTF situation I liked both the Rock River LAR 5.56 ATH, and the Elite Operator 2. I am leaning towards the ATH because of the stainless barrel, but any input is appreciated. As for the Colts don't really have a starting point. Any insight or even more places to look, increase knowledge, etc would be very much appreciated. This site is awesome and glad to see people helping out newbies like myself. Thanks again! I think we now have three different users seeking advise, all in the same thread. Each is new to ARs, eager to learn and trying to get their needs met. One is now partially under way. Problem is that, like most of us, they are not going to be using their rifles the same way. This makes it hard to give anything other than general advice. It might be better for each of you to have a different thread, so the advice can be tailored, as there are an almost infinite number of ways to configure these rifles. A $1500-$2000 budget for a precision varmint rifle is much different than what will be likely recommended to someone looking to stay under half that. I don't know who to help. For $1500 there are quite a few really good Daniel Defense rifles to consider. |
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You can do this with your budget: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/18872/s/psa-16-carbine-length-5-56-nato-1-7-freedom-diamond-railed-upper-no-bcg-or-charging-handle/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/15587/ http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/bcm-bolt-carrier-group-auto-mp.htm http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-GUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-GFH-Mod-4-p/bcm-gfh-mod-4-556.htm Look for parts that are actually :in Stock: the above link does not meet your impatience level. lol There are $400 uppers everywhere and the lower can be had for the same. add some sights, magazine and ammo and bang, your on your way. Shop for what appeals to you and link to your post see if you can find an upper with freefloat handguard and mid-lenght barrel with mid-length gas. There will be numerous opinions to choose from based on your choices. M&P?.. meh. your needs and choices. Here is a good start.... Call and see if they can get it out to you with a mid-length set-up and you are GTG. SS barrel too! http://daytonatactical.com/collections/ar15-complete-uppers/products/16-1x9-wylde-carbine-15-inch-keymod-rail-no-bcg-or-charging-handle |
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So decided to go with build. After a few weeks of browsing, I finally made my first two purchases last night. LPK: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1608/ Lower receiver: http://sfarmoryinc.com/product.spikes-tactical-spider-semi-automatic-lower-223-rem-556nato-na-black-non-color-72 Now on to the uppers! Another noob question; when buying a stock, I would need the entire stock kit -- correct? The LPK doesnt come with any of the components of the stock, so I am assuming thats the case. Just wanted to double check. OK, you're off to a good start, Buy a milspec receiver extension, figure out what stock you like. Shop sales for your upper, especially PSA for FN barreled uppers. What kind of rifle do you want? A good barrel and trigger are my priorities, for spending big bucks. no other parts will affect your accuracy as much. A PSA upper with FN barrel will probably shoot better than you can hold. Triggers, I'm a Geissele junkie, I have seven, 3SSAE, 2SSA, and 2 ALG , they are the best. Just figure out what kind of shooting you want to do. Actually 8 Geisseles, just finish a build with an SD3G, It's awesome. Start basic, spend a bunch on ammo, shoot a lot, Have fun |
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OK, you're off to a good start, Buy a milspec receiver extension, figure out what stock you like. Shop sales for your upper, especially PSA for FN barreled uppers. What kind of rifle do you want? A good barrel and trigger are my priorities, for spending big bucks. no other parts will affect your accuracy as much. A PSA upper with FN barrel will probably shoot better than you can hold. Triggers, I'm a Geissele junkie, I have seven, 3SSAE, 2SSA, and 2 ALG , they are the best. Just figure out what kind of shooting you want to do. Actually 8 Geisseles, just finish a build with an SD3G, It's awesome. Start basic, spend a bunch on ammo, shoot a lot, Have fun Quoted:
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So decided to go with build. After a few weeks of browsing, I finally made my first two purchases last night. LPK: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1608/ Lower receiver: http://sfarmoryinc.com/product.spikes-tactical-spider-semi-automatic-lower-223-rem-556nato-na-black-non-color-72 Now on to the uppers! Another noob question; when buying a stock, I would need the entire stock kit -- correct? The LPK doesnt come with any of the components of the stock, so I am assuming thats the case. Just wanted to double check. OK, you're off to a good start, Buy a milspec receiver extension, figure out what stock you like. Shop sales for your upper, especially PSA for FN barreled uppers. What kind of rifle do you want? A good barrel and trigger are my priorities, for spending big bucks. no other parts will affect your accuracy as much. A PSA upper with FN barrel will probably shoot better than you can hold. Triggers, I'm a Geissele junkie, I have seven, 3SSAE, 2SSA, and 2 ALG , they are the best. Just figure out what kind of shooting you want to do. Actually 8 Geisseles, just finish a build with an SD3G, It's awesome. Start basic, spend a bunch on ammo, shoot a lot, Have fun Thoughts SSA vs S3G? |
| Since your job is demanding and your budget is tight and your firearm experience is limited your best bet is to purchase a fully assembled rifle. I suggest visiting Rock River Arms and requesting a catalog. RRA has a huge variety to select from and their catalog will help you with ideas about what will suit your needs the best. I also suggest www.FultonArmory.com if you want a well built problem free weapon. You'll also need ammo, visit www.natchezss.com And try shopping your local dealers, etc. One more bit of advice...Individuals on forums advising you about building and repairs will be nowhere to be found should something go wrong and you find yourself in need of an attorney, etc. Always verify by seeking hands on advice from a qualified gunsmith. |
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New parts added!
Got a Spikes upper to match the lower. Also, my wife "allowed" me to buy a 16" carbine M4 Voodoo melonited barrel for my birthday. So, there's that. I am really glad I decided to build. It has been a lot of fun shopping around for good deals and learning more and more. I have a friend of mine who has built tons of guns that will be assembling. I am hoping by maybe #2 or #3 I can begin to do the assembling, as well. I ended up getting a MOE Magpul LPK that came with the stock and kit so that was good. Its coming along! Slowly, but surely. Thanks for all the help -- will keep you posted on the progress. Also will have pics coming soon. |
Where in VA are you located? If you are in the SW part of the state I am in Mt Airy and you are welcome to come along on a range trip and shoot anything that I have. Check out PSA, COLT, SPIKES and BCM and buy what fits you and your needs. You can't go wrong with any of these. 
NCH |
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Where in VA are you located? If you are in the SW part of the state I am in Mt Airy and you are welcome to come along on a range trip and shoot anything that I have. Check out PSA, COLT, SPIKES and BCM and buy what fits you and your needs. You can't go wrong with any of these.
NCH I'm in Hampton Roads but my grandma lives in Dobson which is right near you! Small world! My wife and I usually take a trip or two during the summers. Also usually try to make it for Mayberry Days in the fall. By the summer, the build should be done. We can def get up and shoot! |
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