Recomend me a good starter AR15

[Sucka]

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

[westy1970]

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]

+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]

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/Vie...?Item=93972567

Middy-A4, collapsable, chrome, quad-rail tagged at $875:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=94140002

And for future use, a handy link to their GB listings anytime:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Sel...sp?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.

[Sucka]

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.

[Sucka]

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]

Jensen's has everything and then some. Go there and fondle away!

[chrisguy]

+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.

[car-15]

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/...1011948&cat=33&
here is a link to the pics of mine
http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7769

[Sucka]

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.