Looking for 1st AR15 recommendations

[KL7]

I just recently joined the forum and started learning about the AR15. I grew up hunting pheasants, geese, duck, etc, so I'm not new to guns, but I've mainly dealt with shotguns.

I'm looking to get an AR15 to learn and target shoot, but I'm not looking to drop a ton of money on a new hobby. I've looked around and most recommendations are in the $1,000-$1,500 range (RRA, Bushmaster, S&W). I've found a few options that are about half that price, but want some experts to tell me if it is worth it. Again, I'm just looking for something to learn from and shoot. I'm not looking to go out and build my own (I have no experience at all to do this) and I'm not looking to buy a top of the line AR. I want something that works and shoots well, something that I can tear apart to learn how it works, and something fairly cheap to get into.

How here is what I have found, let me know your thoughts:

CMMG Bargin:
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cart=1971827&cat=161&

AimSurplus.com
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/New_Rifles_.html
(4th gun down the list, Del-Ton DTI-4)

Both of these are in the $600-$700 range.

Thanks for the input! [AR15]

[hobowh]

I've heard nothing but good things on the cmmg

[Tora]

Both should work fine for what you are looking for. I would urge you to get some training on it right off, you'll enjoy it more if you do.

[GreenScoutII]

Welcome aboard! I'm new to AR-15's too and the guys here have a lot of good info and are actually happy to help newbies like us. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the accuracy and ergonomics. I sure was. I grew up shooting trap, skeet, metallic silhouette, and running game target. I was used to bolt action rifles and was kind of biased against anything else for accuracy. I was mistaken.

I have a RRA lower with a Stag 16" flat top upper. A decent set up, but by no means top of the line. I think you'll be happy with any of the more economy priced options.

Also, the AR platform is like the small-block Chevy. Parts are plentifull and easy to come by. A guy can really set one of these up any way he wants, anything from a plinker to a precision competition rifle pretty easily.

[DocMedic]

You'll do good with either or, don't get caught up on "big name" guns. There all basicly the same [Peep]. For at least what you want it for.

I know you said you don't want to build one, but I would suggest in buying a full upper assembly and build a lower assembly. Lowers can be built with tools around the garage and if you know how to play with lego's you can build a lower. It will also give you a better understanding of the M16-M4 series rifles.

[KL7]

You'll do good with either or, don't get caught up on "big name" guns. There all basicly the same [Peep]. For at least what you want it for.

I know you said you don't want to build one, but I would suggest in buying a full upper assembly and build a lower assembly. Lowers can be built with tools around the garage and if you know how to play with lego's you can build a lower. It will also give you a better understanding of the M16-M4 series rifles.

Is there a recommended book or website out there that displays how everything goes together? I'm an engineer and not afraid to build an AR15, but if you gave me a pile of parts, I wouldn't know where to start. If I had something to read, I'm sure I could figure it out.

[hobowh]

I found this helpful

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

[DocMedic]

Here's a good start
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

*edit* damn beat me to it :P

[Marlin]

So simple, even an engineer could build one....


[ROFL1]




Sorry Had too... Been in construction for over 21 years....

[Uberjager]

Is there a recommended book or website out there that displays how everything goes together? I'm an engineer and not afraid to build an AR15, but if you gave me a pile of parts, I wouldn't know where to start. If I had something to read, I'm sure I could figure it out.
The hardest parts is getting in the roll pins, the rollpins are a bit hard to start. Other than that, it's really easy.

[BadShot]

AR's come in a bunch of flavors and configurations. You've got a really good price range for a quality rifle. Nothing wrong with building one, just use quality parts not cheapest you can find.

Think of these like cars.. sure you can get a Yugo and it'll do what you basically want, but reliability and longer term costs will not really be worth the money you might save up front.

Take some time and read Rob's post here: http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642

He's taken the time to assemble some great data and take input from folks that know these weapons inside and out. So here are some "brand names" to consider that fall well within your price range.

Traditional:
Daniel Defense
Saber Defense
LMT
Noveske
Bravo Company Manufacturing
Colt

Piston:
LWRCi
PSW
Ruger SR556

Those are the big boys.. they all make a great product and have an excellent reputation within the AR community. You get a absolutely reliable weapon with a great company to back it up if something does go wrong with it. After those, well, while I'm not a massive fan of the "Chart" that Rob created, you can see for yourself where the quality differences are in the likes of DPMS, RRA, Bushmaster and others.

[KL7]

Thanks for all the great information. I've been reading all the links. Now I just need to make up my mind what I want to do and start ordering.

[tmckay2]

i personally got two bone stock delton ar15's when i first started two years ago. first a 20" kit, then a 16" kit. you can mess with the kit to how you like it, picking all the options, but i wanted it cheap, and i think i got each for like 600 even. then i upgraded things as time went on. don't get caught up in high end brands early on. if they are better, its not by much. that being said, never go completely cheap in the ar15 world. delton is cheaper but still very reputable and have great customer service. the problem is their rifle kits may be back ordered if they are still reeling from the obama craziness. but i love both of mine, never had a single issue.

when i got mine i had never had a gun, ever. i had hardly shot one. but i went on youtube and they show you how to put the lower together. i think its nice to do this because you become very familiar with the ar15 and how it works. its also very simple. took me like an hour the first time. just need a few punches, hammer, pliers, etc. basic tools. i didn't get any fancy tools although these would be nice if youre messing with the upper. the lower you don't need them. you just need to pay close attention to protecting parts of the rifle so it isn't scratched for dented while putting in pins, etc.