Object Source for AR-15 Buying Guide

[NoColoDigiHead]

Hi all,

I have searched this forum and MANY other forums to no avail. I don't know if it's the fact that the weapon has so many different options or the field of competition is so flat, one can essentially choose any AR-15 and it'll be fine (which I don't believe).

Is there any OBJECTIVE source for reviewing the different AR-15 brands? I see lots of opinions and there is no real top dog/winner based on facts; except for price. I see some relative consistency with Colt, LMT or CMMG. Yet when I continue to read other sources don't even name those brands as reasonable contenders.

I know Colt owns the AR-15 name while the other brands are considered "clones". Does that mean Colt is the choice regardless of the high price?

I know the natural question goes to, "what are you purchasing it for?" I know the qualities I want. What I can't seem to find is some REAL info on which brands show proven performance.

Thoughts?

[Irving]

What do you mean by performance? Which part specifically are you interested in? Upper? Lower? Barrel?

[Hoser]

I know the natural question goes to, "what are you purchasing it for?" I know the qualities I want.

So what are you purchasing it for and what qualities are you looking for?

[Not_A_Llama]

There's no hard, fast, objective rules for AR15-related equipment. Just like everything in life. You have vendors and dealers who are pushing their own agenda, you have deliberate misinformation, big egos, garden-variety ignorance, and situations that are simply unknown.

Your best bet is to get your hip-waders out, read your eyes out on ar15.com, weaponevolution.com, m4carbine.net, and come to your own conclusions. There isn't one easy answer.

My take is this: Caveat emptor. You get what you pay for, except when you don't. Most suppliers are average. Some are better, some are worse. The field is probably tighter than in some other markets, because of the existence and presumed use of a standard mil-spec/tech data package, and the acceptance and standardization of certain manufacturing and QC technologies.

Very personal take: If you avoid Olympic and Vulcan, you won't go too wrong. Other than that, look at brands and models on a component-by-component basis. Some companies do better than others on some parts, and there's some parts where it flat-out doesn't matter who the maker is.

[mc223]

Have you seen this yet?

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?81462-So-you-want-to-buy-an-AR-15-huh&


Barfcom has some info. And then there is what was known as the chart.

[trlcavscout]

Have you seen this yet?

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?81462-So-you-want-to-buy-an-AR-15-huh&


Barfcom has some info. And then there is what was known as the chart.

Learn it live it! I just dont know which chart to go by [Beer]

[mc223]

I'm not a huge fan of Land Warfare, however I also am not Chart Disciple.


Guess I'd go with the LW chart.[AR15]

[Mick-Boy]

As someone who owns two LWRCi uppers (10.5in) and carries a full LWRC gun at work (8in) I have to say... Meh.

They're ok, but you can get better value out of your money elsewhere.

Other than that, I'm with Hoser. More information about what you want to do with the rifle is needed before anyone can point you to where you can get the best bang for your buck.