I am trying to help a friend pick out an AR and I was just curious what the hive mind thought would be the best deal from these two choices. Which of the below would you rather choose?
Option #1 (His preference)
Ameetec upper and lower
Ameetec bolt carrier group
Predator Rail System
YHM flip up front and rear sights
ACE Socom M4 stock
chorme lined M4 profile barrel
Phantom flash hider
Ergo Grip
(It is the LE carbine at this site: http://www.ameetecarms.com/)
Price: $1,395
Option #2 (my preference)
Midlength SPR upper from Adco:
RRA upper receiver
RRA bolt carrier group with Crane O-Ring
18" SPR profile barrel
Daniel Defense 12.0 rail
PRi SS gas block
ARMs 40 BUIS
Troy Industries Folding Front Sight
RRA lower w/ no stock
Ace Socom M4 stock
Price: $1,464
The price difference is a consideration but it is not a deal breaker.
My friend really wants the Ace Socom M4 stock, front and rear folding sights, and a rail system.
My friend's major argument for the Ameetec AR15 is that it already has all of the parts included in the rifle and it is a little cheaper. He also prefers this rifle because it will already be put together; he does not want to have to deal with assembling the rifle himself. From my research, Ameetec has a good reputation and the Phantom rail system is pretty solid.
My major arguments for the other AR is that people generally regard the parts on that rifle as better. I think that a majority of people would choose Daniel Defense over the Phantom (but I am not sure). I have felt the Daniel Defense handguards and they feel really solid, I have never handled the Phantom rail system before. Also, I would rather have a Rock River upper and lower over an Ameetec; again this preference is based primarily upon general opinion and not as a result of negative opinions regarding Ameetec uppers and lowers. The upper and lower would already be put together. The only things that would have to be done is to attach the stock (it is being ordered from another vendor) and then pin the lower to the upper.
In the end, I know that this is his decision and he should get whichever rifle he thinks that he would enjoy better. I feel that the second rifle is a better deal then the first rifle, but from what I have read both rifles would be very high quality. I just prefer the second rifle over the first because of general reuptation of the parts that have gone into it.