My father-in-law is thinking about buying his first AR, and he DEFINATELY wants a SS barrel,and prob. a flattop in the $800 range. so... which factory gun should he get and why?


Thanks in advance for the replies!


Tony

Why not look at a kit?  You will get more for your money, have bragging rights, and would be more familiar with your weapon.  

A kit's not a bad idea, the only draw back is warranty and loosing all those idy-bidy spring loaded pins!

If you're looking at the barrels in specific, then I might also suggest Olympic Arms since they really make about the best barrels out there and their AR's also come with a lifetime warranty and can easily fit within your father-in-law's price range.

Rock River Arms and Armalite make damn fine rifles as well and also come with a lifetime warranty.  Armalite's kind of hard to find right now, though.

Before I could really nail down a recommendation, what is he planning to use the rifle for?

Quoted: My father-in-law is thinking about buying his first AR, and he DEFINATELY wants a SS barrel,and prob. a flattop in the $800 range. so... which factory gun should he get and why? Thanks in advance for the replies! Tony

Your really vague in your description of the rifle.

What is the purpose for the rifle?????

Is it a Shooter, Bench rifle, DCM rifle, or a Varmint rig.   If you narrow the rifle down to it's primary usage, then were can focus on the best rifle for that purpose, and keep the rifle in the $800 range.

Hope this helps.

It's going to be a range gun. Mostly a plinker that he can put a scope on. He wants a 20" SS. I think he just likes the SS barrel. Longest shots will be 220yrds.

I would suggest a kit, but I'd have to put it together for him, and I don't want to do it for my own reasons.

Thanks,

Tony

Bench or free hand at the range?

bench

Quoted: Armalite

Yep.

If he's planning to use a scope as his only sight, I might suggest a DPMS Bull rifle.  They have an excellent selection of SS Bull Barreled rifles at a good price.

freshhoarse,
Got to go with the rest of the guys,  A big bull barrel, and install a butt stock weight to balance the rifle. On a bench rifle, the heaver the better.  It keeps the rifle from dancing/pulsing when holding on target.  And, if bench work will all that the rifle sees, have him go with a 24" barrel.

As for the $800 mark, he will need to build one up from a parts kit. Start off with a RRA receiver($95) and a JT bull barrel kit($535). This will put him at the $650 mark with FFL and shipping, and still leave him $150 left over for a scope or other toys.

P.S. This combo also work great for lazy days on a blanket, overlooking a prairie dog town.

http://webcats.net/store/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=J&Product_Code=BBK&Category_Code=K

I like the Olympic Arms 416F SS bbls.  I have one rifle with the free floated bull barrel (Stainless Ultra Match), a 20" Stainless Heavy Match (like an HBAR bbl), and a 16" Stainless Heavy Match.  All three are black oxided, no shiny finish.  And all shoot accurately.  I live in a very humid area, so there is no worry about  rust.