View Full Version : Recomend me a good starter AR15
Hey folks, been reading around here and AR15.com lately trying to decide the best rifle for me, but everywhere i look i hear differing opinions, so let me try you guys out. About the only thing i know i want is 16" bbl, collapsible stock, and reliability, outside of that i'm open to suggestions. I like the M4 look, no plan for optics right now, but i wouldn't mind something down the line (room to grow a plus). Want to keep it somewhere between $700-1000 on the high end. I'm willing to spend a little extra for quality as i don't have the type of income that affords me to own several rifles, this will probably be my only purchase of 2008. Prefer to purchase at Jensen's, i've never been, so i don't know what they have.
So, what's a good first AR for me? I'm new to AR's so be kind to the noobie [Beer]
westy1970
03-06-2008, 21:19
Pretty much any of the major brands for your price range. Rock River Arms is a good choice. You can get into one of those for about $800. Take your other $200 and but quality ammo and some extra mags. Don't use crap ammo, you will regret the results and some of them will fould your rifle bad. Russian ammo was meant for Russian gun IMHO.
libertyordeath
03-06-2008, 22:06
+1 on rock rivers. i've been very happy with mine. i agree with westy; invest in one of the major brands, cause remember: buy cheap, buy twice.
chrisguy
03-06-2008, 22:10
From one no-AR-guy to another, here are a couple from Rock River for sale at Jensen's currently. Given your plans for optics these are flat-tops, so you could add a BUIS, carry handle or whatever when you want...
Elite A4, chrome-lined, collapsable, GI trigger, tagged at $830:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93972567
Middy-A4, collapsable, chrome, quad-rail tagged at $875:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=94140002
And for future use, a handy link to their GB listings anytime:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/SellerAuctions.asp?User=708910
Happy hunting, and once you get there hold on tight to your wallet, you'll be tempted by their selection. Oh and if it's tagged at a price on their GB listings, it'll be tagged that way in the store - they don't pull shenanigans.
[Beer]
Anything specific Jensen's carries i should be looking for? I don't have a problem ordering a rifle, but since this will be my first i would like to see/hold it first if possible. Don't mind spending a few extra bucks to buy in person.
Thanks for suggestions, i was specifically looking at RRA and Bushy's.
Posted while you were posting Chris, thanks for the links.
Sounds like i can't go wrong with RRA. I was thinking flat top, but i want a carry handle for now, optics are down the road. Does Jensen's carry that in store? I'm really looking for something basic, and am slightly intimidated because i've only ever handled a few AR's at Gander which counts for nothing. I hear Jensen's is very good to deal with, so hopefully they're nice to the newbie :)
micah360
03-06-2008, 22:26
Jensen's has everything and then some. Go there and fondle away!
chrisguy
03-06-2008, 22:39
+1 to Micah... about 20% of their floor space is literally law-enforcement only - civvies can't even go in there - and you'll STILL want more time to browse and make up your mind.
I was just there a couple weeks ago and I'm pretty sure there were at least 2 types of carry handles in the accessory counter. Then there are the ammo racks with variety you usually only see online, optics, magazines for all kinds of random guns, tac-gear... it's hard to believe they fit so much stuff in there.
I have 2 bushmasters and a s&w m&px, and I just got two of the cmmg bargin bin m4's for $570.00 each, and I kick myself in the behind every time I think about how much I paid for the first three. they are just as accurate, and shoot just as well for hundred's of dollars less. I would consider one of them, they call them used, but trust me they are new in every way. link below
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?shop=1&cart=1011948&cat=33&
here is a link to the pics of mine
http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7769
I've seen those car-15, and you seem to echo the praises i've heard about those. I guess for my first rifle i just really wanted to hold it in my hand and walk out the door with it. Maybe that sounds stupid? We'll see how things go at Jensen's tomorrow, i guess i just really had my heart set on buying this weekend.
ugh this isn't like a pistol, so many things to choose from, and so many opinions on rifles. It's hard to judge what's "good" from my perspective. Since i don't have any experience with AR's i'm pretty much basing this purchase on what others say.
You could always go to the shoot Sat. I'm sure there would be a few differant styles that You could try out. Might help You decide for sure.
You could always go to the shoot Sat. I'm sure there would be a few differant styles that You could try out. Might help You decide for sure.
hmmm, that's an idea. Although, it would be nice to bring my own rifle to the shoot as well :)
I definitely would like to pick some brains on AR's in the future, i have a lot to learn. We'll see if anything catches my eye at Jensen's. I think i'll try and exercise some patience.
You do realize that one may not be enough. I have 5, granted 3 of them are waiting on $$$ to get finished.
First on I got was a 16" A4 HBAR. with the detachable CH.
You do realize that one may not be enough. I have 5, granted 3 of them are waiting on $$$ to get finished.
First on I got was a 16" A4 HBAR. with the detachable CH.
Of course i do [UZI]
Problem is, this may/probably will be my only 2008 purchase. Wife isn't thrilled on gun purchases, and we don't really have the money. Just want to do it right the first time around.
robsterclaw
03-07-2008, 01:30
Of course i do [UZI]
Problem is, this may/probably will be my only 2008 purchase. Wife isn't thrilled on gun purchases, and we don't really have the money. Just want to do it right the first time around.
Wait until she holds a great gun or goes to a shoot. My wifey is from a liberal family and has liberal leanings, but she's come around. She's come around so much that she actually bought me a gun last year for my birthday! And she wants one of her own someday.
thedave1164
03-07-2008, 06:16
Spend once and spend wisely.
Buy the LMT lower and upper, a set of handguards, BCG, CH and BUIS.
It will cost more, but it is better than Bushmaster and RRA.
Not to bash Bushies or RRA, I have owned both, along with ArmaLites. But the LMT is a whole nother level.
Get the lower with the single stage trigger, rather than a 2 stage.
This is me speaking several years after buying my first. My first was a stripped lower and a J&T parts kit.
Doing it all over again, I would make my first my second.
I was of the belief that I could build a rifle that was just as good as the high dollar ones for a lot less money. I kept trying and trying. Finally, I spent the money to get one that was built right, and now I know why I could not.
The old saying, "you get what you pay for" applies. Quality is not cheap.
A bushie/RRA/ArmaLite/DPMS may work fine, but if I was only looking at one rifle it would be an LMT or Colt (Colt Defense). They are other threads on other sites that expand on the QC/testing that goes into the LMT/Colt rifles as opposed to the rest.
I am not saying to buy a Wilson or Les, there is stuff on those I don't want or need. And I do own an ArmaLite currently.
westy1970
03-07-2008, 09:23
I would be happy to go into Jensen's with you. I live close and go in there frequently. I am gone until the end of next week, but I can say that if you state your case, they will take care of you. They have a huge selection and priced from low to high.
StagLefty
03-07-2008, 13:42
Pretty much any of the major brands for your price range. Rock River Arms is a good choice. You can get into one of those for about $800. Take your other $200 and but quality ammo and some extra mags. Don't use crap ammo, you will regret the results and some of them will fould your rifle bad. Russian ammo was meant for Russian gun IMHO.
Why the hate on Russian ammo ? Some of us can barely afford that with the way ammo prices are skyrocketing. I've had no problems with it at all.It may burn a little dirtier but I've got to clean the gun anyway when I'm done shooting. IMHO
westy1970
03-07-2008, 15:13
Why the hate on Russian ammo ? Some of us can barely afford that with the way ammo prices are skyrocketing. I've had no problems with it at all.It may burn a little dirtier but I've got to clean the gun anyway when I'm done shooting. IMHO
I don't hate it, I just wouldn't use it on a fine American rifle. You are correct in dirty burning, but there are other problems that can arise from coated bullets. For me, it mostly preference. Same reason I don't drink crap beer or crap vodka, bad things MAY happen. As for cost, I bought a bunch of 5.56 and shoot it sparingly, but shoot my .22 a lot.
Cheers.
StagLefty
03-07-2008, 17:47
[Beer] Cheers to you also Westy.
Well folks, i went to Jensen's today and ended up walking out with a RRA rifle.
Went with this guy here:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=94140002
It was in my price range, it felt right in my hands, and based on you guys, and others i figure i couldn't go wrong with an RRA. I was there, it was there, and i couldn't resist. I hope i made a wise purchase, i really like the look/feel of this rifle and the ability for me to add some accessories down the road should i choose to (optics mainly).
I'll snap some pictures later. Would love to tag along with you guys sometime soon and fire this thing, and just get some info about these rifles face to face. I'm the first to admit i don't know a lot about AR's but i wish to learn.
Hope i made a wise purchase. I'm happy with it :)
ETA: Thanks a lot guys, i appreciate your opinions, and hope to shoot with you soon.
Congrats Sucka. I love my RRA, I've never had a single problem with it and it is extremely accurate...
[Beer]
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o86/Atrain_dlp/1001.jpg
Thanks Atrain. That is a beautiful rifle there!
I'm heading out to dinner for the ladies b-day so no time to take good pics, but here's just a quick one.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/glockco/riflerra.jpg
westy1970
03-07-2008, 19:42
Yep. Ya done done good with that one. Nice looking rifle. Good luck with it.
Yep. Ya done done good with that one. Nice looking rifle. Good luck with it.
Thanks, i'm hoping i did well.
Wish i saw your post before i left, would have been nice to have someone accompany me to explain things to me. Jensen's was great, very nice and professional. I can't believe how much stuff they have there, far better than the other shops i've been to. About 40 minutes from me, but worth the drive. Very nice prices on everything too, i'll be a repeat customer for sure.
Now to shoot this thing [M2]
Also, what ammo does everyone shoot, and where is the best place to purchase? Are AR's picky about ammo, or will they eat just about anything?
chrisguy
03-07-2008, 19:56
Nice, congrats. This your first rifle?
Find any accessories besides the PMAG?
Nice, congrats. This your first rifle?
Find any accessories besides the PMAG?
First rifle to call my "own". I have a few rifles that are still out in CA that need to be brought out here, nothing special. I want a sling, and a vertical assist for it, but outside of mags and ammo there isn't anything i can afford right now (and ammo is going to be scarce for awhile lol). Any recommendations for a good sling anyone? I was going to grab a cheap one today but they only had them in OD, and i wanted to keep my setup evil black. And i also was going to get the cheap $8 vertical assist from there, but they were out. Seeing as though i'm not even sure what i prefer, i'll just hold out for a cheap one to start.
5280 over in Arvada. Pretty much have about anything You might need.
5280 over in Arvada. Pretty much have about anything You might need.
Thanks Mr. Marlin, will check them out. I was in there awhile ago, but i was only browsing handguns at the time.
its all personal preference, but I like the single point style. I run the blackhawk setup on all of mine.
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd27/rruusseell1/101_0572.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd27/rruusseell1/101_0567.jpg
roman gnome
03-07-2008, 23:33
Nice choice, bet you'll like it.[Beer]
I realize Wolf isn't the best ammo. That being said, do these rifles have a break in period? I'm on a budget here, and the price is right on Wolf, this won't hurt my rifle will it? I understand some people hate the stuff while others swear by it. Anything i should worry about?
Hunter shoots it, Ryan shoots it, I shoot it. Not real clean, but it does work.
westy1970
03-08-2008, 05:36
I have a Wilderness Sling on mine, Love it, single point. I have 2 vertical grips I can sell you. I am in Phoenix this week, but hit me up on Private message. BTW, where in the PRC are you from?
I realize Wolf isn't the best ammo. That being said, do these rifles have a break in period? I'm on a budget here, and the price is right on Wolf, this won't hurt my rifle will it? I understand some people hate the stuff while others swear by it. Anything i should worry about?
my bushmasters shoot it, my sig will with the gas piston on #2 setting, but my s&w wont cycle with it, it short strokes and wont pick up the next round off the mag. my 556 does the same thing on #1 setting. if you do use it, dont expect great accuracy, and buy a good scraper set to clean the bolt assy. I mostly reload my own it is much cheaper in the long run, if you watch sportsmans guide the have deals from time to time, right now they have some for $165.00/500 after using a 10.00 off coupon, and if you dont reload you can sell the brass after you are done shooting it, and recoup some money. then it becomes around the same price as the wolf.
if you need a coupon im me I get new ones all the time.
Have fun with your RRA middy. I have a RRA midlength on a Stag lower. The mids are sweet shooters.
I have a Wilderness Sling on mine, Love it, single point. I have 2 vertical grips I can sell you. I am in Phoenix this week, but hit me up on Private message. BTW, where in the PRC are you from?
Cool, i'll shoot you a PM this week.
I'm from San Diego. I've been out here for 7 months now, i really like it here. Miss family and friends, but i don't miss traffic and cost of living. And now i can own all these cool toys [Beer]
Picked up a case of Wolf today at Crossroads Show. What can i say, i'm cheap :)
I read enough over on arfcom to make me feel comfortable shooting it.
Itching to shoot this thing now. If the weather is nice, maybe i'll go somewhere next weekend. If anyone wants to join me and teach me the ropes that would be cool.
micah360
03-08-2008, 18:05
how much they charging for a case of wolf these days (if you don't mind)?
how much they charging for a case of wolf these days (if you don't mind)?
$255
I have read how much ammo has gone up over the past few years (and i experienced the hike last month for pistol ammo). But for me i don't know any different i guess lol.
Once you get the itch to buy another rifle (don't worry, it's only a matter of time) try this link: http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=33&
I just got a 20" HBAR for $570 plus shipping to my FFL. They advertise them as used, but mine looks brand new. The lower and upper were both DPMS.
My Colt and RRA are great rifles, but for $570, how can you go wrong?
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