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Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 10:04:20
by OakRidgeStars
Looking for any and all opinions on low-end AR-15's, such as the ATI rifle that Classic Firearms is selling for around $480. What do you think about the polymer receiver? Can you throw any reasonable upgrades on this rifle to improve it, or would it be better to spend the extra green on something nicer?
http://www.classicfirearms.com/atiomnia ... opticready
Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 12:45:00
by ShotgunBlast
I guess that depends on your intentions. If it's just a range plinker, why spend the extra cash? If it's a go to war gun, do you feel confident using it to potentially save your life?
Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:05:52
by grumpyMSG
I'd have to touch it and inspect it before I gave an opinion on it. The fact that they used zinc castings instead of steel for reinforcing the plastic leads me to go Hmmmmmmm.
Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:38:17
by FiremanBob
I hate to be crass, but for that price you could have my Kel-Tec SU16 which is a proven, quality rifle.
Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 15:02:59
by MarcSpaz
I'm like SB on this one. If its a plinker, it doesn't sound bad at all. I'm sure you can put "toys" on it.
If you plan on having it keep you alive some day, maybe not such a good idea.
I got my MP5 in a 22LR for $450. It was just I plinker to go to the range on the cheap. Got two $2,000+ Sig's (m4 and AR10) for defense during any civil unrest. Not really a fan to entrusting my life to the lowest bidder.
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Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 20:14:39
by jdonovan
I'll take the other side... any gun I can't, or won't depend on I'm not sure I want to plunk down my hard earned cash.
The polymer receivers have a questionable long term durability. The delta between a stripped polymer and forged aluminum lower is less than $50. IMO I'd rather spend the extra 50 for something I know WILL work, vs something that may well let me down.
Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 07:34:31
by vaeevictiss
I would never buy a poly ar. Poly is for pistols.
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Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 09:46:44
by 0ne5hot
vaeevictiss wrote:I would never buy a poly ar. Poly is for pistols.
What about a poly AR "pistol"???
Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 09:47:58
by RO73
You can buy a lower and upper from Palmetto State armory for a little over $500 all in. They have a great product at great prices.
Re: Opinions on sub-$500 AR-15's
Posted: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 20:11:34
by cwfunrider
I built an AR last year on a ATI poly lower that I got a goooood deal on. Everything thing else is standard AR fair. It shoots well and it is light.
I have other non poly ARs for the civil unrest situation.
I buit it with the intention to sell it but I still have it.
BTW I put more than 500 into this build. So a 500 or sub 500 AR would make me question to rest of the internals.