Advice

Thank you for all of the kind welcomes and tips. I don't know if I can buy a tip top Noveske right off the bat -- SO what are some of your mid-upper suggestions for an AR type M4A3?

I have read over and over "buy a Colt or you will be sorry that you didn't", but I have learned that there is much more to an AR-15 than that. In fact I had an LE6920 back ordered for 1,050$, but it was cancelled by the dealer- they can't get it. So then I was thinking of buying the Colt Defense 6720 flat plat that seems a bit pricey and controlled by Clyde Armory, maybe I am wrong. I just looked at the Stag website, how times have changed ~ the old 500-600$ Stag is now over 1,000$ just like everything else. I am a lost newbie - the Rock River Arms R4 Entry Tactical did call to me & I know it has a nice trigger set, does anyone have good or bad or uglies about the RRA R4? So I am asking you all for your bare bones favorite AR's from ~ 1,000-1,400$ -- I would really appreciate it.

Also, I read some great threads today. - i.e. "Where to Shoot". You all remember the Mountain shooting range above that little town North of Bailey/Crow Hill? (the one with all the bowling pins). Anything like that in the foothills/Front Range anymore? Since I have come home they have closed it (I couldn't find it again - but there is BLM on the South side of the Highway).

Anyway, I have read and read, blah blah blah and need solid advice -- read stories such as; buy a LMT lower and upper separately and the attach to save money, Stag is the same base platform as SW M&P, Bushmaster has horrible specs (that was news, I love the Bushy's I have shot) - etc etc etc. I just want to have a few good options to choose from if you all can help me. I am sure just about all of the new AR's are acceptable, but I am looking for the best bang for the buck to make the right decision - if it costs ~ 600$ or 1,400$ + to begin with...

Thank you & I apologize if I am beating a dead horse, I know you have heard all of this before.

Much appreciated,

Ozzie

BCM is pretty good quality for a pretty good price IMO.
You'll get lots of opinions on this.

If you're not looking to spend a small fortune, Spikes has been doing some good things lately.

+1 on Spikes.
If you're able/willing to build your own, Spikes has cosmetic blem stripped lowers for around $90 IIRC. You could get one of them and get the internals from BCM, with either for an upper. I think Spikes has cosmetic blem uppers and BCM has good deals on complete ones.

A used Spikes Tactical lower on a gas piston upper from CMMG for a total cost of $850
specs on the upper here...

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/...-II-Upper-1374

they can be had cheaper at Sportsmans Guide

I just typed paragraphs and then deleted them deciding to say you have come to the correct forums to help you make an informed decision about AR Clones vs Colt (imho Colt has mostly collector and heritage value).....I suppose additional info can be found in member posts to follow.....

there are enough parts and accessories for sale here and other boards, that you could assemble your own for a lot less than new retail.

I would say Spikes is really good- if you can afford it... Noveske makes some really nice rifles (or riffles if you're nynco :P ) and I currently have a POF P415 which I love- but it's a piston system and some aren't really fans esp since it raises the rail a bit by comparison to DI. I have friends who have DPMS and they say they're pretty good. I personally agree with Robby- Colts are good, but there are better out there, and the Colt is really more for name dropping and historical value. I put my seal of approval an POF, Spikes, Noveske, LWRC and haven't heard anything bad about BCM... also the Barrett AR I shot recently is pretty nice- but the price is a bit higher than I'd actually pay.

Alright you have already tried dropping a nice thousand already so I think the door is open for ya on this. Go with POF, plain and simple choice for the money. If you have it to spend on one, you don't get any better for a piston upper. Someone posted a video of how and why the POF system is better, but I can't find it or I would have reposted it for you. Anyway, do your homework and you will see yourself.

Found it.