recommendations for AR-15

[bblackmoor]

So apparently the huge run on AR-15s is winding down ... http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2013/0 ... 15-market/

I am in central VA, near Charlottesville. If I were looking for an AR-15 now that the prices have more or less come back down, which of the many, many models of AR-15 would be a good choice? My experience with firearms is mainly with pistols. Are some brands of AR-15 style rifles considered better or more reliable than others? Or is it really just a matter of taste?

And is there a particular dealer that people recommend for this sort of purchase? There is a gun dealer right here in Zion Crossroads, but I only happened to notice them the other day and I haven't made the time to drop by and check it out.

Thank you for any thoughts or expertise you wish to share.

[grumpyMSG]

You won't be disappointed with a Colt. Bravo Company (BCM), Daniel Defense and Lewis Machine and Tool (LMT) also make great rifles. They aren't difficult to assemble, but experience and knowledge are critical in certain steps of the assembly process so it is wise to stay away from "custom" rifles unless you know what you are looking for. If you want to grow your knowledge base on the rifle http://m4carbine.net/and http://www.ar15.com/have a wealth of material. Both sites have resident curmudgeons who see their role as scaring and harassing new members who ask the same question that hundreds of other new members have asked, similar to yours. just use the search feature to find the answers you seek. There is Albemarle County Firearms at 29 and Rio road in Charlottesville that isn't too far from you and he had a decent selection of black guns before Sandy Hook happened.

[MarcSpaz]

Grumpy gave you some good advice.

I have to say that a lot of recommendations I received (prior to coming here) were biased and subjective based on limited experience. That wont be the case with everyone, but that was my experience.

After owning and using many different brands and models over the past 2 years (mostly via rentals and friends) I found that they all all pretty much the same. I would stick with major brands and away from custom builds, regardless of who built them, until you get some experience and figure out what you really want to do.

I would like to give you some quick info that may help. This was the biggest thing I didn't understand about Armorlite style rifles (AR's)

There are two different bolt types available right now through the AR platforms. There is what is called "direct gas impingement" and there is a "gas piston" system.

The direct gas impingement is cheaper to buy, repair and replace. However, they get dirty and hot with moderate use. That leads to dependability issues during prolonged use and infrequent cleanings.

Gas piston bolt types stay clean because no gases blow into the bolt action assembly and lower. They also stay much, much cooler under heavy/rapid fire and prolonged use, making them much more reliable for field and extended use. Downside is you will double the price for the rifle. Closer to 250% more if its gas piston and a heavy barrel.

Unless you are going to battle with it or you are going to be doing some kind of competing/training were in a few days you are going to fire thousands of rounds between complete cleanings or you need really consistent trigger drag for some competing... you likely won't need a piston style. It is always fun to say you have one though.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[bryanrheem]

I agree with grumpy: Do your research. There are so many different debates ... videos ... blogs and posts about the merits of different types of rifles (gas vs piston, carbine vs mid-length, irons vs optics, etc).

You can quickly and easily jump into the AR15 world and spend a TON on accessories that you will never , ever need if you get caught up in the fray.

My advice, buy a bare bones riles and shoot it as much as you can afford. Then figure out what 'mission' you need the rifle for and accessorize accordingly.

All the manufacturers listed above are excellent, as well as other ones like CMMG, Stag Arms, LWRC, POF, and the list goes on and on. In the end, the platform is similar (operation, location of mag release, safety, etc) so it does come down to taste, features, and availability.

If you think shooting 223/5.56 is going to be expensive, you might want to first get a M&P 10-22 or other 22lr AR. That way, ammo cost won't prevent you from becoming familiar with the platform.

Good luck!

[jdonovan]

So apparently the huge run on AR-15s is winding down ...

thoroughly...

Are some brands of AR-15 style rifles considered better or more reliable than others?

YES! But the parts that matter a lot in the reliability are not easily seen/inspected by a person new to the platform. M4 feed ramps, individually MPI'ed bolts, hammer forged barrels, gas key staking etc...

which of the many, many models of AR-15 would be a good choice?

Depends entirely on what you want to do with it, and what your budget is.

If you want to shoot 50 rounds a range trip, twice a year, and 4" groups are fine... then buy the cheapest one you can, and have fun. If you are going into harms way and will count on it to save your life, well that's an entirely different requirement.

I think the best deal in the current market are the Colt 6920's. You can buy better, but you'll need to spend 40-50% more to do so. I'm seeing them pop up for under $1100, and they sold for about $1000 pre-panic. Wait a month or so, and we should be back to pre-panic pricing. Or catch a used one on gun broker and save some more.

Save some budget for optics. Most folks prefer something other than iron sights, and you'll probably spend $200+ on reasonable glass/red dot for the rifle.

[JackFlag]

The easiest answer. Get a Colt. Other top tier makers include Bravo Co., LMT, LWRC, Daniel Defense, Noveske, etc.

Still decent options, but not "top tier" include Wyndam Weaponry, Stag, Bushmaster, Stag, DPMS, etc.

If it's just for general plinking once a month, you could get one of the second group and save 200-300 dollars. If you want something for hard/semi-hard use. Get a Colt or spend more money and go with the other top tier makers.

[bblackmoor]

What about Sterling Armory? It's actually one of their posts on Facebook that made me wonder if buying one would be feasible now.

[Hawaiianbro]

I agree with what everyone has said. Do some research figure what your willing to spend. A good AR15 will run around 1000-1300 from a known top tier company like Spikes Tactical, Daniels Defense, BCM etc. Typically they have sight options for irons. If you don't get iro s that come with the rifle you can save a 100 bucks and put it towards sights you want.

I have a cmmg le, rocker river operator 2, Daniels v5lw and a recent custom built I did myself.

So far only issues is my gas rings on my cmmg went bad after 1500 rounds and had to be replaced.

Check with local shops see what they have and also handle each AR they all may be the same in ways but there's always that one that feels good and you just like it and gotta have it.

[MarcSpaz]

Nothing toward you hawaiianbro, but I'm starting to displike the term "operator". It seems like everyone with a gun says they are an "operator", really devaluing the word and its original meaning with regard to military operations. Im shocked a weapons company actually used the word "operator" in the name.

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[Hawaiianbro]

Nothing toward you hawaiianbro, but I'm starting to displike the term "operator". It seems like everyone with a gun says they are an "operator", really devaluing the word and its original meaning with regard to military operations. Im shocked a weapons company actually used the word "operator" in the name.

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Yeah it was my first AR and got a crazy deal. I think I got it for 700. I'm looking at changing it up. RockRiver makes decent AR's but they are heavy in my opinion. But I do agree with the name.

[MarcSpaz]

Wow, $700 is a great price. Even prior to the recent ban threats.

I have not handled a Rock River, but I have heard they are heavy too. My DPMS SASS is 16+ lbs with the scope and bi-pod. Not an easy weapon to use while on your feet.

My Sig M4 with a 16" barrel comes in at 8 lbs fully decked out. Ita a great little rifle. I am going to get a trust started in the next month or so, then upgrade it to a SBR with BATFE so I can put the original 10" barrel on it with a can (maybe a 7.5"). That will be about as close as I can get to a Mil style rifle without becoming an arms dealer and getting all the needed licenses for that. I hope that shaves even more weight off though. I know some cans are heavy.

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[AdamG]

Really good advice in here. I built mine a few weeks ago with out having a clue about them. I just went on the net and just read article after article and look at other peoples builds and saw what people liked and didn't like. You can buy a 700 dollar gun but your going to start changing stuff and be a lot more into it then 700 so kind of think about that.

The big thing I would thing about is what you are going to use is for as there are several calipers in ar15 .223/5.56, 300 AAC black out, 6.5 grendel, 22lr, and 6.8spc. those are the bigger ones there maybe more.

I aslo add I used a Nickle boron coated bolt in my direct impingement. makes it easy to clean and also stays cooler then a regular BCG.

[LittleLebowski]

The Smith & Wesson ARs are built right and not expensive. Great warranty, too. I've ran the heck out of mine.

[LittleLebowski]

also stays cooler then a regular BCG.

The coating doesn't make heat go away any faster.

[jdonovan]

The coating doesn't make heat go away any faster.

I think he meant cooler... like snoopy

[BertMacklin]

also stays cooler then a regular BCG.

The coating doesn't make heat go away any faster.

Nickel Boron Plating makes supposedly less friction between moving parts, less friction less heat. No, it won't cool any faster but it is advertised to heat less quickly, even if marginally so.

[AdamG]

also stays cooler then a regular BCG.

The coating doesn't make heat go away any faster.

Never said it dissipated heat faster. I said it stays cooler. Like other stated it less friction less heat. Not a very hard concept to comprehend take you hands rub them together and feel the heat build up. Then take your hands do the same but with a lubricant. The problem with lubricants on traditional bolts is that the residue that builds up on the bolts negates the lubricant. However since the Nickle boron acts like a self lubricant or for those who have trouble understanding like Teflon on your frying pan it always stays slick. If you have ever had one of these BCGS in your hand you can feel the difference in the coating.

Plenty of reviews on them on AR15.com. One guy on AR15.COM fired over 2000 rounds through a nickle boron coated BCG never cleaned or even applied one drop of lubricant to the bolt.

[dmharvey]

Here's one for $499.99 that I've been considering...

http://www.classicfirearms.com/long-gun ... magandcase

[Mindflayer]

Unless you really, really want a piston AR, stick with DI for ubiquity of parts. I do have a Ruger SR556 piston AR, but I'm also building a gas DI. The former was because I really really wanted the piston, and I was also chewing up a lot of ammo on weekends.

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[Bags30]

My latest is a PSA M4 knockoff with an EOTech 512 and I love it. Got it for $1000 during a sale. They have the same rifle with Aimpoint Pro for about $100 more. I have about 4 or 500 rounds thru it with no issues. I am hitting clay pigeons at 100yds (sometimes. The rifle is capable but I. We'd more practice).
Like them on Facebook and you will get notices when they have their sales.