User Panel
Posted: 1/20/2022 10:01:20 PM EDT
Hello all,
Super long story short, I used to live in CA and built my first AR about 9 years ago with some cool parts (Geissele, Magpul, etc.) I wanted and was happy with. I eventually converted it to a 22 cause I was sick and tired of all the changes in the laws. I soon fell off the AR bandwagon and forgot about AR's for the most part. Fast forward to now, I have moved to Texas and for my job I am strongly, strongly advised to purchase my own AR as soon as possible. There is no strict criteria, other than it has to be basically quality and duty grade. Looking to make the purchase ASAP. I have a budget of around $1,500 for just the rifle. So far I am looking at this FN rifle: https://www.gtdist.com/fnh-fn15-556-16-tactical-carbine-mod3-w-buis-first-responder-pricing.html Seems to offer a lot for $1000 some dollars. I already know what optic and light I want to run and also plan to drop in a few upgrades like an ACT trigger I have lying around and also switch out some of the furniture to Magpul. Just wondering if you guys think it is a solid choice for a foundation AR? Thanks! |
|
Colt 6920 or a BCM of one flavor or another would probably be the easiest to acquire
Edit SOLGW usually have some for sell at one of their vendors. |
|
That looks like a good option OP. If you choose that one it will likely serve you well. I would also consider the following:
Daniel Defense Windham Weaponry Geissele Colt |
|
Quoted: Colt 6920 or a BCM of one flavor or another would probably be the easiest to acquire View Quote Probably Hard to find an AR that isn't good to go even at a 3rd of that budget but the 6920s are relatively cheap right now for something that will absolutely be reliable and durable for just about anything you need. Edit Geissele Super Duty's are a probably my favorite right now if they can be had at 1500. Trigger, rail, and gassed perfect only need buis and whatever you want to mount to it. |
|
|
Giessele has LEO rifles at good prices too.
Colt 6920 BCM M4 of some sort Centurion Arms SOLGW, if you can find in stock. Rainier, LaRue a few other boutique companies probably will too |
|
Daniel Defense. But we're all gonna have our favorites and thankfully it's tough to buy a stinker nowadays if you do a little bit of due diligence
|
|
|
|
I would skip the FN and look for a 6920 EPR or 6933 EPR if you don't mind doing paperwork.
|
|
6920 EPR is a little hard to find in stock right now, but here's one on Gunbroker that isn't too expensive.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/919770575 |
|
13.7" for in and out of vehicles. And you won't find a better warranty than SOLGW. Use it in a lawful defensive shooting and your rifle is seized for evidence, they'll replace it. Shoot out the barrel, they'll replace it.
https://www.interstateguns.com/solgw-m4-patrol-sl-13-7.html https://www.interstateguns.com/solgw-patrol-sl-16.html |
|
Quoted: Same brands everyone has listed. For my work gun I use a 12.5 Centurion Arms https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/86935/2D5E130A-B2D3-4D75-98BC-020028A30CB3_jpe-2248268.JPG View Quote Those are nice but haven’t been in stock for like 2 years |
|
I would go with Sionics or Colt if the budget is 1500 or less. DD or Geissele if you can go up to 1700-1800
|
|
That FN 15® TAC3 Duty rifle is built with 4140 barrel.
A rifle with CMV barrel is much better option. |
|
|
|
You aren't getting better for your money with a BCM BFH upper, their furniture is some of my favorite as well.
|
|
If it where me
Bravo Company Manufacturing 5.56 NATO Mid-Length BHF AR-15 Barreled Upper - MCMR-15 - 16" Aero Precision M4E1 Complete AR-15 Lower Receiver - MOE SL Grip & SL Carbine Stock - Black Sons of Liberty Gun Works 5.56 M16 / AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group - Phosphate That setup from primary arms is is $1280 shipped That leaves you cash for a sling and some good metal back up sights |
|
Why not just build your own? Easy enough and you get exactly what you want, and it will be less expensive. Its fun too.
Even if you buy an off the shelf firearm, in my mind its not "reliable" until proven so. Lots of rounds, in adverse conditions provide the proof. With a little searching, you can probably buy all the parts you need or want, unless you are getting exotic, in an afternoon session on the internet, or a really good local gun shop. Entirely off topic, but I'm curious: what sort of job does one have where you are very, very highly encouraged to get yourself an AR? |
|
Keep it simple, that FN you found is perfectly fine. FN makes great firearms.
|
|
Quoted: Keep it simple, that FN you found is perfectly fine. FN makes great firearms. View Quote |
|
SOLGW / Sionics or most of the others (non-propietary) at the top of the "tier" list.
Get on the "SOLGW Owners Group" Facebook page and I'm sure you can find one in stock somewhere. Big Tex Ordnance (in Conroe) has 6920's in stock @ $999, FN-15 @ $1300... Primary Arms, sorting by brand has quite a few candidates. Geissele has their Super Duty, coupled with a SHOT show 35% off coupon it would be around $1,300. |
|
|
Aero M4E1 lower with act trigger.
Aero upper with rail of your choice, omitting the BCG Sionics phospate BCG |
|
For $1500 you should be able to buy a Colt 6920, Aimpoint, Blue Forces Gear Vickers sling.
|
|
|
|
Quoted: Why not just build your own? Easy enough and you get exactly what you want, and it will be less expensive. Its fun too. Even if you buy an off the shelf firearm, in my mind its not "reliable" until proven so. Lots of rounds, in adverse conditions provide the proof. With a little searching, you can probably buy all the parts you need or want, unless you are getting exotic, in an afternoon session on the internet, or a really good local gun shop. Entirely off topic, but I'm curious: what sort of job does one have where you are very, very highly encouraged to get yourself an AR? View Quote Yea I’d build as well. Start with This Barrel OP and start buying parts If not building I’d feel good with most the brands listed here, and I’d even throw in a premium PSA rifle. |
|
Thanks for all the responses, guys.
The Colt 6920 EPR seems like a nice rifle, but I noticed that it is a carbine gas system. Isn't that pretty undesirable for a 16" barrel compared to a mid length gas system? My criteria right now is 5.56mm, 16" barrel, and as of now, I prefer a mid length gas system. However, I have been out of the AR loop for quite some time and if the 6920 is really all that then I might give it a top consideration. Thank you! |
|
Quoted: Thanks for all the responses, guys. The Colt 6920 EPR seems like a nice rifle, but I noticed that it is a carbine gas system. Isn't that pretty undesirable for a 16" barrel compared to a mid length gas system? My criteria right now is 5.56mm, 16" barrel, and as of now, I prefer a mid length gas system. However, I have been out of the AR loop for quite some time and if the 6920 is really all that then I might give it a top consideration. Thank you! View Quote Nothing wrong with a 16in 6920, port size is more important than gas length and Colt does it right, or find a 16in BCM that should be easy since it seems to me most people want a pinned 14.5. |
|
There are those who say that mid-length is better on a 16" AR. I don't have one, so I can't weight in on that debate.
But, if you're talking "duty-grade," every issued M16 "carbine" in the US military has been carbine gas, from the XM177 to the M4. So, regardless if there's a better way, carbine gas has been working for over 50 years now... |
|
|
|
Add it to your cart and it's $1,425.00.
https://tombstonetactical.com/product/daniel-defense-ddm4-carbine-v7-5-56-16in-32rd?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Exercise+Your+2A+Rights+With+The+DDM4+V7+From+Daniel+Defense+%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8&utm_campaign=Weekly+1+16+22+-+DANIEL+DEFENSE#product_detail |
|
|
I have a 20" WW and find it to be superb. I'd expect nothing less from their other guns. Same with a few parts from them I have on builds. I equate "Duty-Grade" to the dude with the 4-hour boner. Great marketing. "Sucker born every minute" deal.
|
|
Quoted: Thanks for all the responses, guys. The Colt 6920 EPR seems like a nice rifle, but I noticed that it is a carbine gas system. Isn't that pretty undesirable for a 16" barrel compared to a mid length gas system? My criteria right now is 5.56mm, 16" barrel, and as of now, I prefer a mid length gas system. However, I have been out of the AR loop for quite some time and if the 6920 is really all that then I might give it a top consideration. Thank you! View Quote When you say duty grade, you are talking for a LEO application correct? Or are you using it as an arbitrary term which means nothing? |
|
Quoted: https://atlanticfirearms.com/colt-m4a1-socom-5-56-rifle-le6920socom https://www.armsunlimited.com/Colt-Law-Enforcement-M4-Carbine-p/cr6920.htm View Quote Have you ever bought anything from Atlantic Firearms? Online reviews give them 1.5 stars. |
|
Quoted: Add it to your cart and it's $1,425.00. https://tombstonetactical.com/product/daniel-defense-ddm4-carbine-v7-5-56-16in-32rd?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Exercise+Your+2A+Rights+With+The+DDM4+V7+From+Daniel+Defense+%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8&utm_campaign=Weekly+1+16+22+-+DANIEL+DEFENSE#product_detail View Quote Can't beat that TBH. |
|
|
Lots of options. Not sure if you a have a length requirement, but a factory built DD mk18 upper half is around $1,100. You could build a basic lower with decent parts and stay close to the 1500 mark.
|
|
Quoted: There are those who say that mid-length is better on a 16" AR. I don't have one, so I can't weight in on that debate. But, if you're talking "duty-grade," every issued M16 "carbine" in the US military has been carbine gas, from the XM177 to the M4. So, regardless if there's a better way, carbine gas has been working for over 50 years now... View Quote None of the military ones were 16", though. 10.3", 10.5", 11.5", and 14.5". The URGI 14.5" are mid-length, though, IIRC. |
|
Quoted: Quoted: Add it to your cart and it's $1,425.00. https://tombstonetactical.com/product/daniel-defense-ddm4-carbine-v7-5-56-16in-32rd?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Exercise+Your+2A+Rights+With+The+DDM4+V7+From+Daniel+Defense+%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8&utm_campaign=Weekly+1+16+22+-+DANIEL+DEFENSE#product_detail Can't beat that TBH. Looks like they're out of stock now. Showed in stock when I posted it. |
|
Quoted: Yes. Got my ZPAPM70 from them last April and multiple AK magazine orders. Absolutely no issues and they don't charge tax (to my state at least). View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Have you ever bought anything from Atlantic Firearms? Online reviews give them 1.5 stars. Yes. Got my ZPAPM70 from them last April and multiple AK magazine orders. Absolutely no issues and they don't charge tax (to my state at least). Thanks. I've been thinking about one of the newly released 6920 SOCOMs and that's a decent price, just don't know that I'd be willing to roll the dice with them after reading the reviews. |
|
At this point I would go for a 6920, 6920-EPR or Centurion C4
|
|
Just wanted to post an update.
I ended up just buying the Colt 6920 Enhanced Patrol Rifle. It seems to be really hard to find but my local gun store I guess remembered that I called and ended up getting one for me. I ended up paying $1379 + tax so essentially full price. It's not a mid length gas system but oh well hopefully it shoots well. I was going to settle with a Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 but it was really going to stretch my budget plus I would need flip up sights for it right away, whereas the Colt already comes with MBUS Pro sights which I really wanted to try. On a side note, wow is the buying process painless here compared to California.... |
|
Quoted: Just wanted to post an update. I ended up just buying the Colt 6920 Enhanced Patrol Rifle. It seems to be really hard to find but my local gun store I guess remembered that I called and ended up getting one for me. I ended up paying $1379 + tax so essentially full price. It's not a mid length gas system but oh well hopefully it shoots well. I was going to settle with a Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 but it was really going to stretch my budget plus I would need flip up sights for it right away, whereas the Colt already comes with MBUS Pro sights which I really wanted to try. On a side note, wow is the buying process painless here compared to California.... View Quote I just went through the same thing trying to find a new rifle. I too ended up back with Colt. So far I’ve put 400rds through it and it’s run flawlessly. I think it (6921 upper) may actually be more accurate than my older 6920. The Centurion rail is awesome, it’s very thin and feels great |
|
Quoted: Just wanted to post an update. I ended up just buying the Colt 6920 Enhanced Patrol Rifle. It seems to be really hard to find but my local gun store I guess remembered that I called and ended up getting one for me. I ended up paying $1379 + tax so essentially full price. It's not a mid length gas system but oh well hopefully it shoots well. I was going to settle with a Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 but it was really going to stretch my budget plus I would need flip up sights for it right away, whereas the Colt already comes with MBUS Pro sights which I really wanted to try. On a side note, wow is the buying process painless here compared to California.... View Quote Hell yeah, you did good |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.