Getting Started

[Elephino]

Hey all,

Apologies for what I'm sure is an all too common post. But I'm just getting started and I have a lot of questions. I've looked through the forums and can't quite find the answers to the questions I have. I'm interested in getting an AR-15 or similar rifle for sport shooting. Here's my questions:

1. I'm attracted to the AR-15 because of previous military experience, but I'm curious about what other options might be similar to an M-16 for sport shooting.

2. Are AR-15s legal for private ownership in Colorado. I just moved here from California a year ago, and I'm pretty sure there were tight restrictions on assault rifle ownership there, not familiar with the laws here.

3. About how much should I expect to pay for a second hand AR-15 and where is the best place to shop?

4. Does anyone hunt with an AR-15? If so, what? I'm thinking I might also want to hunt antelope, although I've never done it before. I was hoping that there might be a one-rifle solution, since I really can't afford to buy a whole collection at one go.

A little about me might help you tailor answers. I was a Marine machine gunner but left just as the M-60 E3 was being replaced by the M-240, so that will let you know that I'm not that familiar with the most current weapons. I really don't have any knowledge of assault rifles beyond the M-16 and AK-47/74. I've owned a .22 rifle and a 9mm pistol in the past, but got rid of both when time and opportunity to shoot became limited. I was also living with room mates for a long time and didn't want to deal with having weapons in the house when I couldn't be absolutely sure of who might be coming by.

If you can answer my questions, awesome, but I'll also appreciate links to relevant threads and websites.

Thanks in advance!

[Byte Stryke]

1. I'm attracted to the AR-15 because of previous military experience, but I'm curious about what other options might be similar to an M-16 for sport shooting.
I think you are confusing designations. M-16 is a Automatic/Burst fire weapon. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic version available for civilian private ownership not requiring NFAIII.

2. Are AR-15s legal for private ownership in Colorado. I just moved here from California a year ago, and I'm pretty sure there were tight restrictions on assault rifle ownership there, not familiar with the laws here.
Yes they are available and Legal. Some Magazine capacity restrictions might be applicable depending on your residence.

3. About how much should I expect to pay for a second hand AR-15 and where is the best place to shop? That is a tough one. It all depends on what you are looking for, whats on it and brand name. a Solid second hand might run 700+. If you watch here they come avalable quite frequently.
be aware some other local arms listing sites might have delusional pricing.

4. Does anyone hunt with an AR-15? If so, what? I'm thinking I might also want to hunt antelope, although I've never done it before. I was hoping that there might be a one-rifle solution, since I really can't afford to buy a whole collection at one go.
Please be aware of Caliber restrictions for certain game. If you are wanting an AR Platform to hunt larger game I suggest a .308/AR10

A little about me might help you tailor answers. I was a Marine machine gunner but left just as the M-60 E3 was being replaced by the M-240, so that will let you know that I'm not that familiar with the most current weapons. I really don't have any knowledge of assault rifles beyond the M-16 and AK-47/74. I've owned a .22 rifle and a 9mm pistol in the past, but got rid of both when time and opportunity to shoot became limited. I was also living with room mates for a long time and didn't want to deal with having weapons in the house when I couldn't be absolutely sure of who might be coming by.

Welcome to the forums. I Suggest long hours of reading coupled with meets/shoots at the various ranges around the state.
IF you are going to one of the competition shoots, let one of the guys here that work them know you are coming out and try to meet up. They can attract some "real characters".

[Mazin]

Ummm...Damn Byte covered it all, GJ!

[Gcompact30]

Welcome to the forum, and I am sure the guys and ladies that own ARs will help you with answering more of your questions. I don't own an AR myself at this time.

[Colorado Luckydog]

I never knew an AR-15 was an assault weapon. Mine has never assaulted anyone.

Welcome to the forum!

[Elephino]

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers and friendly welcomes. It'll be a month or two before I'm able to go forward, but I'm looking forward to following the forums and coming out to some shoots this summer!

[Ranger]

I never knew an AR-15 was an assault weapon. Mine has never assaulted anyone.

Welcome to the forum!

Yea, but I bet you PEPPERED something with it .

[DSB OUTDOORS]

Ummm...Damn Byte covered it all, GJ!

Ya Mazin hit it. Byte pertty much covered every thing. The AR platform can be built for just about every thing from prairie dogs to elk.

Choose a rifle caliber and chances are they have an upper. Some of my fun .204 ruger, .223 / 5.56, .243 WSSM, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, FN 5.7 x 28, 450 Bushmaster, 50 Beowulf, 50 BMG.
And they make a whole lot more calibers for the same platform.

P.S. Welcome to the forum!!

[theGinsue]

Just for the record, the term "assault rifle" is typically frowned upon here.

"Assualt rifle" is the term thrown around at just about any firearm with certain aesthetic qualities, regardless of the actual function of the firearm.

Realistically, only a fully automatic firearm is really an "assault weapon".

Oh yeah - just to help you with the learning curve.... Most of us here wince strongly when folks use the term "clip" to refer to a "magazine". Just thought I'd save you some grief there should you consider using that term.

[Irving]

I think the minimum caliber for hunting game in Colorado is 6mm. Someone knows for sure and will be along to correct me. Otherwise you could check out the DOW website.