Suggestions for my 1st AR

[Glock Shooter]

Greetings and thanks in advance for all the help.

My collection consists of a few shotguns, a Ruger 10/22, Marlin .22 single shot, Glock 17 (circa 1992) and my new Glock 26 (circa last week). I've been reading as much as I can here and I'm looking to purchase my 1st AR type firearm. Needless to say there are a TON of choices.

Would some of the experts here do me a favor and suggest a beginning AR configuration, caliber, upper/lower, etc? Maybe even a book?

I was a few weeks away from my first one back in the 90's but then Clinton got elected and my $795 Colt turned into a $2500 Colt overnight.

I saw the DPMS LR308 AP4 and almost shot off a "I'll take it" PM but caution took hold and told me I should do some research and ask the experts here their thoughts.

Thanks again,
Dave

[Sixgun]

Ar's are what you like, so if you like it, buy it. I like SA M1A's for the .308 cal., and Rock River and Colt for the .223. My favorite AR is a do it all Rock River Coyote.
How much money do you have to spend?
Maybe this website can help for RRA pricing, it's helped me. Their is others, but I know this guy to be good. I've bought 2 ar's from him with no issues.
http://www.class3weapons.com/

[sniper7]

If you get one, plan on getting another one, it seems to happens that way!

ammo cost should come into consideration. .223/5.56 is cheaper that .308 or another caliber out there, is becoming more and more available as well.

If you have the money, Colt prices have come down quite a bit recently. you can pick up a new 6920 for about $1150-$1200 now. a lot of people consider those as the top notch AR platform.

Rock River Arms, LMT, Smith and Wesson, are more notable names that keep their value and people really know who they are and know it is quality stuff.

Next up would be Stag, DPMS, Del-ton, Spikes Tactical, among several others.
All quality stuff as well.


Basically when it comes down to the AR platform the guns are mil-spec which means I can take the cheapest available upper, slap it onto my colt lower and it will work. There isn't a difference in the parts, the only difference is the name. some manufacturers such as colt do a little extra which people seem to like (i.e. magnetic particle testing, coating under the front sight, using M16 carriers) but about everyone here can tell you that you can buy a basic del-ton kit and build it yourself and it will work the same as a Colt.

Biggest thing I recommend is buy a gun with a lifetime warranty, then you don't have to worry about it. Rock river has lifetimes warranty, as does del-ton. I know those two off the top of my head, but can't give you a definite on the others.

The newest craze seems to be magpul stuff, especially their magazines. PMAGs are of great quality. I have a few, but I also have a ton of the standard GI mags. they have worked for 40 years, so it seems they should be trusted![Beer]


don't be afraid to ask questions, people here are always happy to help.

[theGinsue]

I must agree with SixGun.

The question you asked is almost like "I'm looking at buying a new pickup, which one should I get?"

While AR's seem like they are all identical at a glance to an un-informed person, each one has certain attributes that are unique to that particular model. While some people like Chevy trucks, others wouldn't be caught dead in one. The same goes for AR's. Some people like the Bushmaster, or the Stag while others look down their noses at them and would never own one.

In the end, what you purchase is what YOU are happy with. Although, it never hurts to hear folks opinions of the good and the bad or specific makes/models.

[MarkCO]

I'll pile on and agree that your basic question is like asking "should I marry a blonde or brunette" when there are so many other considerations.

Basics: What do you want it for? Home Defense, plinking, competition (Hi-power, 3-Gun, Long range, etc.), to be Tacticool, varmint hunting, big game hunting, etc. You can say yes or no to each category which will narrow the choices somewhat.

Options: What is most important? Accuracy, reliability, optics, ergonomics, modularity, etc. Again, each category can be yes or no again narrowing choices.

Caliber/Chamber: .223/5.56/.223 Wylde are the three common chamberings in the AR-15 platform, the .223 Wylde having the best overall appeal. I'd suggest no wilcats or .308 for a first AR.

$$$: What is your budget, and does it include magazines, optics, etc.

There are some great, Above average, average and poor quality parts. Also, there are some slight differences in what some companies call "Mil-Spec" and there are some parts that can be MS or Commercial. There are also small pin and large pin, so just picking a bunch of random parts does not guarantee compatability.

Great: Firebird Precision and JP Rifles (1500-3000 for a comlete rifle)
Above Average: Sabre, RRA, LaRue (800 to 2500 for a complete rifle)
Average: DPMS, Armalite, FN (700 to 1500 for a complete rifle)

The Sabres are pretty tough to beat for an economical all-around first AR.

[Glock Shooter]

Well, thank you all for the advice. Only thing I will say is the following: the analogies about about "should I choose Blonde or Brunette" or "which pick up" is flawed.....you'll only have 1 girl and 1 pick up...but from reading these forums....I'll own several AR's before I'm done.

I think I'll go see how they feel in my hand, if if lucky, shoot a few. I have an affinity for Colt, if I can afford one I think that will be my first manufacturer. Although that one DPMS sure looked fun.

[MarkCO]

Well, thank you all for the advice. Only thing I will say is the following: the analogies about about "should I choose Blonde or Brunette" or "which pick up" is flawed.....you'll only have 1 girl and 1 pick up...but from reading these forums....I'll own several AR's before I'm done.

Not really...If my ARs and Trucks talked, I am sure I would only have one of each as well.[ROFL2]

[hip55]

A pretty good article -

The Wonderful AR15 - Land of confusion or heaven on earth?

http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/AR15_part1.asp

[2112]

Another good read.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&gid=5

[Troublco]

I'll pile on and agree that your basic question is like asking "should I marry a blonde or brunette" when there are so many other considerations.

Basics: What do you want it for? Home Defense, plinking, competition (Hi-power, 3-Gun, Long range, etc.), to be Tacticool, varmint hunting, big game hunting, etc. You can say yes or no to each category which will narrow the choices somewhat.

Options: What is most important? Accuracy, reliability, optics, ergonomics, modularity, etc. Again, each category can be yes or no again narrowing choices.

Caliber/Chamber: .223/5.56/.223 Wylde are the three common chamberings in the AR-15 platform, the .223 Wylde having the best overall appeal. I'd suggest no wilcats or .308 for a first AR.

$$$: What is your budget, and does it include magazines, optics, etc.

There are some great, Above average, average and poor quality parts. Also, there are some slight differences in what some companies call "Mil-Spec" and there are some parts that can be MS or Commercial. There are also small pin and large pin, so just picking a bunch of random parts does not guarantee compatability.

Great: Firebird Precision and JP Rifles (1500-3000 for a comlete rifle)
Above Average: Sabre, RRA, LaRue (800 to 2500 for a complete rifle)
Average: DPMS, Armalite, FN (700 to 1500 for a complete rifle)

The Sabres are pretty tough to beat for an economical all-around first AR.

+1. I would also say that for your first AR, a .223/5.56 preferably with a Wylde chamber is probably your best bet. Ammo is cheaper and easier to come by than a lot of other caliber AR's. If you want an all-around AR, I believe I'd go with something flattop with a rail gas block and backup iron sights (BUIS), with a mid-length barrel in a 1-7 to 1-9 twist depending on whether you're going to reload for it or want to shoot longer range. 1-7 or 1-8 for heavy bullets and long range shooting (it'll work up close too) and 1-9 for more general purpose work. The way I've always heard 1-9 twist barrels described is that they'll shoot lots of bullet weights OK. That's about how my SPR 1-9 is.

I'd recommend a decent trigger too, at least something like a Rock River 2 stage NM.

Furniture is all about what you want.

I would recommend getting the best you can. If you get a really cheap gun (unless you get lucky finding someone who just wants out of theirs) you may be disappointed in the results; some of them can be fairly good and some can really suck.

[sniper7]

Well, thank you all for the advice. Only thing I will say is the following: the analogies about about "should I choose Blonde or Brunette" or "which pick up" is flawed.....you'll only have 1 girl and 1 pick up...but from reading these forums....I'll own several AR's before I'm done.

I think I'll go see how they feel in my hand, if if lucky, shoot a few. I have an affinity for Colt, if I can afford one I think that will be my first manufacturer. Although that one DPMS sure looked fun.


actually that analogy works fine. You can have several trucks and several girls. most guys will choose to only have 1 girl because they try to limit the number of trucks and number of guns you have, not to mention they get really jealous about having another girl. that is the beauty of guns and trucks, they don't care whether you have more than one.[Beer]


just google colt 6920. You will find brand new ones in the $1200 range.

[275RLTW]

just remember that you usually get what you pay for. If it's asdvertised as the same as a $1500 AR for only $600, be suspicious of it. Rock River does have some great packages with the popular accessories on it that is worthwhile. Others as mentioned bfore are LMT (my preference), S&W, Colts (I think that you pay for the name), Sabre, and Daniel Defence. Look around and call the cmopanies, they'll send you a catalogue for free. Ask others at the range why they bought that brand and what they think. If you do your research, you will not be disappointed.

[Sixgun]

Colt 6920's are great, but Colt 6940's are awesome.[Lick] little bit mo money.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/P1050097.JPG