Best gun for $700?

[ked]

a friend has asked me to find him an AR-15. he has $700 for the rifle, not including extras.

he's looking for a HD gun, so probably a 16'' carbine or middy.

any suggestions would be appreciated. especially from Tn residents who have one for sale.:supergrin:

ked:wavey:

[chris in va]

Something used off various boards, or there's the M&P Sport for $630. I plan to get one in a couple months after doing exhaustive research.

[Facejackets]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/MrMetalHFFK/IMAG0032.jpg

The carbine on the left was built for $820. That includes 65 for the FH pinning, and 25 to the state of NV.

The upper is an LMT that came with the rail, bcg, ch and rear sight from ****** for $500 shipped. If arrived in three days.

Palmetto state armory has lower build kits for $99, $139 if you want Magpul goodies.

Then all you need is a stripped lower

[micdude]

a friend has asked me to find him an AR-15. he has $700 for the rifle, not including extras.

he's looking for a HD gun, so probably a 16'' carbine or middy.

any suggestions would be appreciated. especially from Tn residents who have one for sale.:supergrin:

ked:wavey:



How about this:

Moe lower build kit 139.00
http://palmettostatearmory.com/598.php

Upper spikes midlength in stock as of now 499.00
http://www.primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=575&categoryId=94

Lower 59.95 Areo lower (opps sold out)
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1SASL&name=Surplus+Arms+%26+Ammo+LOW15+Stripped+AR+Lower+Receiver&groupid=53
PSA lower for 79.95

total=717,95 + shipping

Thats as good as gets for that price.

Areo makes spikes lowers
palmetto's LPK's are made by DD
Spikes uppers are rated real good

[Markasaurus]

I was tempted by some of the cheaper AR's but ultimately just put a stag M4gery on layaway and paid for it a bit at a time. I don't think i'd be happy with a cheap ar that is missing a lot of important features. because that is what he is going to have: a rifle with no chrome lined barrel and inferior metallurgy in the receivers, barrel and bolt carrier group. Smith and Wesson makes a cheapy for under $800 called the "Sport" that not only has no chrome lined barrel ,it has no dust cover or forward assist either!

Buying a gun is not like buying tires or ball point pens, this is probably a purchase for life. To me it's worth it to spend a few hundred more for a good or at least decent AR.
And if he only wants to spend that much and no more, why not just go with an AK instead?

[micdude]

I was tempted by some of the cheaper AR's but ultimately just put a stag M4gery on layaway and paid for it a bit at a time. I don't think i'd be happy with a cheap ar that is missing a lot of important features. because that is what he is going to have: a rifle with no chrome lined barrel and inferior metallurgy in the receivers, barrel and bolt carrier group. Smith and Wesson makes a cheapy for under $800 called the "Sport" that not only has no chrome lined barrel ,it has no dust cover or forward assist either!

Buying a gun is not like buying tires or ball point pens, this is probably a purchase for life. To me it's worth it to spend a few hundred more for a good or at least decent AR.
And if he only wants to spend that much and no more, why not just go with an AK instead?

What? Have you looked at spikes uppers, not cheep quality but a good price. You can build a quality AR for less than you can buy them hole. Im not telling him to buy a Delton or Olimpic but a good quality AR at the same price.

look at the links :tongueout:

By the way Spikes is better than S&W.

[LA_357SIG]

You could look on tngunowners.com in the firearms classifieds. For $700 you aren't going to get anything good unless you build it yourself. Even then you are going to be in the mid to lower quality.

If he could swing $799 + shipping and dealer transfer, you could get a carry handle S&W M&P15 from CDNN. Personally I would just buy an upper and lower seperate to save at least the 11% excise tax. AIM usually has the best deals followed by PSA. Good luck.

[bullittmcqueen]

He would be better served to forget the extras and spend the coin on the rifle. If home defense is the primary purpose of this rifle, then reliability is paramount. You wont get that for $700.

Take some time, do some research, and spend the money on the GUN, not the frills.

[boomhower]

He needs to save up another $100 and get a Spikes. There really isn't anything in that price range that I would go for except the M&P's.

[FatBoy]

I'd save up some more $$$, but since you asked for a $700 AR, I'll give you one. Get a stripped lower from Aim or PSA and grab this Stag kit http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=121&t=817637 . Pick up a castle nut wrench for the stock for like $7 and the rest of the tools needed ppl should already have in their house.

FB

[WayaX]

Tell him not to waste his money on cheap crap and to save another 200 dollars to get a quality rifle. Since he wants it for HD I would not go with anything other than Bravo Company, Colt, LMT, Daniel Defense or other quality rifle. S&W, Spikes and all those others are good for range fun, but I would not trust my life to one.

[BBJones]

How about this:

Moe lower build kit 139.00
http://palmettostatearmory.com/598.php

Upper spikes midlength in stock as of now 499.00
http://www.primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=575&categoryId=94

Lower 59.95 Areo lower (opps sold out)
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1SASL&name=Surplus+Arms+%26+Ammo+LOW15+Stripped+AR+Lower+Receiver&groupid=53
PSA lower for 79.95

total=717,95 + shipping

Thats as good as gets for that price.

Areo makes spikes lowers
palmetto's LPK's are made by DD
Spikes uppers are rated real good


Are you sure their LPK's are made by DD? why would they not advertise that and increase their price/demand. I have heard that someone has gotten DD LPK's from them before but I thought that was the exception and not the rule.

[micdude]

Are you sure their LPK's are made by DD? why would they not advertise that and increase their price/demand. I have heard that someone has gotten DD LPK's from them before but I thought that was the exception and not the rule.

They may contract with several companies but that is the word after talking to them. I bet they are under some kind of contract with DD not to advertize the manufacture of the parts so they can sell them for less. I see this all the time with companies who put there logo's on someone else's product and sell it as there’s (not just with AR products) look at Cabalas brand scopes I think they are made by Bushnell.

[djegators]

Tell him not to waste his money on cheap crap and to save another 200 dollars to get a quality rifle. Since he wants it for HD I would not go with anything other than Bravo Company, Colt, LMT, Daniel Defense or other quality rifle. S&W, Spikes and all those others are good for range fun, but I would not trust my life to one.


That's right, because if he cannot afford the quality rifle, he won't be able to afford the ammo and mags to become proficient with his rifle anyways, let alone any real training.

[micdude]

That's right, because if he cannot afford the quality rifle, he won't be able to afford the ammo and mags to become proficient with his rifle anyways, let alone any real training.

Dude not everyone needs to spend that much.:aodnsb:

[jrs93accord]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1DSAZ4M4&name=DSA+Z4+M4+5.56%2f.223+Rifle&groupid=11

Good deal on a good rifle. You just need to add a rear sight and/or optic. I have a few of these in my collection.
]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/jamesrea09/jamesrea10/006-2.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/jamesrea09/jamesrea10/009.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea2011/001-8.jpg

[Captains1911]

Tell him not to waste his money on cheap crap and to save another 200 dollars to get a quality rifle. Since he wants it for HD I would not go with anything other than Bravo Company, Colt, LMT, Daniel Defense or other quality rifle. S&W, Spikes and all those others are good for range fun, but I would not trust my life to one.

What he said ^

[tx787]

$700 is a tough price range, he's close enough that it's worth adding the extra $150-200 to get something better as mentioned above. Also, keep in mind a $700 rifle may start out at $700 but add a couple PMAGS ($13 each), 200-400 rounds of practice ammo ($32 per 100) 50-100 rounds of HD ammo (about $1 each), a sling ($30), etc etc it gets over $1,00 quickly.

If $700 is the total ceiling and HD is the true role I might suggest considering an AK clone or a 12ga, both of which can be had in top quality with all needed accessories for $700 at most.

[jrs93accord]

That's right, because if he cannot afford the quality rifle, he won't be able to afford the ammo and mags to become proficient with his rifle anyways, let alone any real training.

To each his own. If $700 is all he can afford, it is our duty to help him find something within his means. Not everyone has a lot of money for a really nice AR. He can get a good quality and dependable AR for close to $700. I am sure that he could get a good deal on magazines through Primary Arms. Maybe someone has an old BUIS they could give him in case he may need one. Again, let's be helpful, not critical.

[jrs93accord]

$700 is a tough price range, he's close enough that it's worth adding the extra $150-200 to get something better as mentioned above. Also, keep in mind a $700 rifle may start out at $700 but add a couple PMAGS ($13 each), 200-400 rounds of practice ammo ($32 per 100) 50-100 rounds of HD ammo (about $1 each), a sling ($30), etc etc it gets over $1,00 quickly.

If $700 is the total ceiling and HD is the true role I might suggest considering an AK clone or a 12ga, both of which can be had in top quality with all needed accessories for $700 at most.

It is a tough range to work within. It can be done with some good research.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea2010/001-27.jpg

I built this one for right around $700. The optic is the Primary Arms M3 ($79.95). I bought the AERO PRECISION lower for $55. The upper is a DSA ZM4 that was $275 (plus another $130 for the CH and BCG). The Matech BUIS was $45. The buttstock was $50 and the LPK was $55. The side sling swivel was $27.

This is a good and dependable AR that was built on a small budget. For HD, it is more than sufficient.

Not everyone can afford to sink over $3K into their LE6920.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/DSC00649.jpg

or a SABRE DEFENCE M4

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/jamesrea09/DSC00690.jpg

[djegators]

Not being critical, just making the point that the purchase of the rifle is only the initial investment, and if it gets the use it should as it is intended for defense, that initial investment will be far exceeded purchasing all the other necessities, esp ammo and mags. Also, of you are going to only have one rifle, and you intend on having it for years, you not only want a very dependable one, but that small additional cost to get a good one will average out to a small amount of the total investment.

[djegators]

Who is saying you have to sink $3000 into a Colt to have a top notch AR?

[ScrappyDoo]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1DSAZ4M4&name=DSA+Z4+M4+5.56%2f.223+Rifle&groupid=11

Good deal on a good rifle. You just need to add a rear sight and/or optic. I have a few of these in my collection.
]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/jamesrea09/jamesrea10/006-2.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/jamesrea09/jamesrea10/009.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea2011/001-8.jpg


First off all JRS who arE you trying to kid , we all know you ain't got no collection !!! You are PMing me all the time asking me to borrow my $@!;'!!!! : LOLZLMFAO : :p

And second of all just get THE BEST OF THE BEST , *** BUSHMASTER DUH ***.



Ahhhh that made me feel so much better lolz.

[jrs93accord]

Who is saying you have to sink $3000 into a Colt to have a top notch AR?

Just trying to emphasize my point. Not everyone has the money to spend to get a little bit better. So, you help them get a good product for the budget they are working with.

To the OP,

Check the Firearm Listings in the GT Classifieds. Sometimes you can find a nice deal on an AR. Also, check AR15.COM in the Equipment Exchange AR section. Help your buddy as best you can. He may have to spend a little more than the $700 to get what he wants. I will try to help the best I can.

[vafish]

How about this:

Moe lower build kit 139.00
http://palmettostatearmory.com/598.php

Upper spikes midlength in stock as of now 499.00
http://www.primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=575&categoryId=94

Lower 59.95 Areo lower (opps sold out)
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1SASL&name=Surplus+Arms+%26+Ammo+LOW15+Stripped+AR+Lower+Receiver&groupid=53
PSA lower for 79.95

total=717,95 + shipping

Thats as good as gets for that price.

Areo makes spikes lowers
palmetto's LPK's are made by DD
Spikes uppers are rated real good



Palmetto now has a complete upper for $399 with BCG.

Dang just checked they are out of stock already.

Looks like they are $449 now.

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/2065.php

Still same claimed specs as Spikes and $50 cheaper.

[bmylesk]

i found your gun for under 700!!!! but you will have to contact the seller here in Utah.

GOOD LUCK :cool:

let me know what happens.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=15219853&cat=377&lpid=2&search=ar15

[ScrappyDoo]

Jrs just for the record I aas complety kidding you are
One of my
Favorite posters brother n

[PlasticGuy]

$700 is not where I want to be for an AR15. You might be able to find an average quality AR15 with no accessories, but not something I would personally want to trust my life to.

I'd rather buy a high quality AK, like an Arsenal SGL. I have a Colt, a SCAR 16, and two SCAR 17's. I still reach for one of my Arsenal AK's when things go bump in the night. $700 is the perfect AK budget.

[vafish]

That's right, because if he cannot afford the quality rifle, he won't be able to afford the ammo and mags to become proficient with his rifle anyways, let alone any real training.

$139 will get him a .22LR conversion kit that will get him a lot of trigger time for a little money.

[bmylesk]

$700 is not where I want to be for an AR15. You might be able to find an average quality AR15 with no accessories, but not something I would personally want to trust my life to.

I'd rather buy a high quality AK, like an Arsenal SGL. I have a Colt, a SCAR 16, and two SCAR 17's. I still reach for one of my Arsenal AK's when things go bump in the night. $700 is the perfect AK budget.


i agree totally with you, but if someone can only spend 700 on a AR15, just keep it clean and im sure they'll get decent usage out of it!

[Sharkey]

I guess you can get a Mini 14 and lots of ammo? :whistling:

I'm not gonna knock tier 1 guns for their prices and I don't use it in the sandbox, but that said, I wouldn't necessarily discount a cheaper AR even for SD.

Ex. Mini 14 I carried worked great in a school against several AR's and it rode in the trunk of my squad for many years. Selling a PWA AR I bought around this price and it went thru 2 schools without a hiccup.

Just sayin................

[rem2429]

spikes upper above $500
Sripped Spikes lower locally $125
Palmetto State Classic build kit $99
Best $724 dollars I can spend = have a gun built right with matching recievers and bolt/carrier
Palmetto sent me a DD LPK with my last kit from them. It is great quality.

You could save a few bucks on the reciever and still come out good, or on the upper and get a lesser gun, but I had a DPMS that ran like a top once.

[jrs93accord]

Jrs just for the record I aas complety kidding you are
One of my
Favorite posters brother n

:supergrin:

I was with you on that one Scappy. It was good to see someone using a sense of humor. Thanks dude.

JR

[Snow and Ash]

Here are a couple of resources for cheap stuff. You have to check them periodically over time because items come and go (right now neither of them have anything):

CMMG Bargain Bin (http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cat=161)

Cosmetic Blem BCM Lower Receiver Groups (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Lower-Receiver-Groups-M4-AR15-s/156.htm)

[ked]

thanks for the replys. any more would still be appreciated.

ked:wavey:

[HAIL CAESAR]

To each his own. If $700 is all he can afford, it is our duty to help him find something within his means. Not everyone has a lot of money for a really nice AR. He can get a good quality and dependable AR for close to $700. I am sure that he could get a good deal on magazines through Primary Arms. Maybe someone has an old BUIS they could give him in case he may need one. Again, let's be helpful, not critical.


Oh come on!!!:steamed:

Everybody knows if you don't have a KAC your going to die a horrible death in the massive 3,000 round firefight everyone dreams about getting into on these boards.:rofl:




Seriously JRS, that was a very good post........as usual.:wavey:

[jrs93accord]

Here are a couple of resources for cheap stuff. You have to check them periodically over time because items come and go (right now neither of them have anything):

CMMG Bargain Bin (http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cat=161)

Cosmetic Blem BCM Lower Receiver Groups (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Lower-Receiver-Groups-M4-AR15-s/156.htm)


There is also this one.

http://classicarms.us/

They have a special right now for $599 on a flat-top model.

[jrs93accord]

Oh come on!!!:steamed:

Everybody knows if you don't have a KAC your going to die a horrible death in the massive 3,000 round firefight everyone dreams about getting into on these boards.:rofl:




Seriously JRS, that was a very good post........as usual.:wavey:

Thanks Caesar. :cool:

[mattallamerican]

you can get a lower for 70 to 100 dollars a complete parts kit from sherluk marketing in ohio for 500 dollars ive built 5 guns with there kits never any trouble

[Mayhem like Me]

this..

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1335724

[DreamWeaver88]

Oh come on!!!:steamed:

Everybody knows if you don't have a KAC your going to die a horrible death in the massive 3,000 round firefight everyone dreams about getting into on these boards.:rofl:



Lol...seriously.

If your AR can make it through 10 rounds without a stoppage, I think you're good to go about 100% of the time for HD...seeing as how most of us will never NEED to use it.

DW

[MeefZah]

My theory on high dollar ARs is this: The AR that you can afford is better than the one you can't.

I'm a total AR newb, having built my first / only rifle last year.

I did some research, talked to some "in the know" people who I knew would have spare stuff, and ended up with:

1 $70 Stag 5.56 lower (new from dealer)

1 $480 Del-Ton M4 upper and lower parts kit (new from Del Ton) http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt100.htm

1 $20 Hogue grip (new from dealer)

6 free or really cheap mags

1 free single point sling

1 free carry handle rear sight

So for around $570, I have an M4. It runs just fine... 1000+ rounds now with not one hiccup, shooting Federal 5.56, Brown Bear .223, and no name .223 that my AR snob buddies refused to run in their guns for fear that the lacquer coating would do bad things to the gun.

I recently bought a CMMG .22 kit for it so I will start doing a lot more shooting now that is is more economical to do so.

I trust the gun, and would have no qualms using it for self defense or patrol.

[jrs93accord]

My theory on high dollar ARs is this: The AR that you can afford is better than the one you can't.

I'm a total AR newb, having built my first / only rifle last year.

I did some research, talked to some "in the know" people who I knew would have spare stuff, and ended up with:

1 $70 Stag 5.56 lower (new from dealer)

1 $480 Del-Ton M4 upper and lower parts kit (new from Del Ton) http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt100.htm

1 $20 Hogue grip (new from dealer)

6 free or really cheap mags

1 free single point sling

1 free carry handle rear sight

So for around $570, I have an M4. It runs just fine... 1000+ rounds now with not one hiccup, shooting Federal 5.56, Brown Bear .223, and no name .223 that my AR snob buddies refused to run in their guns for fear that the lacquer coating would do bad things to the gun.

I recently bought a CMMG .22 kit for it so I will start doing a lot more shooting now that is is more economical to do so.

I trust the gun, and would have no qualms using it for self defense or patrol.

That, Sir, is a wonderful testimony. :thumbsup:

[happyguy]

That's right, because if he cannot afford the quality rifle, he won't be able to afford the ammo and mags to become proficient with his rifle anyways, let alone any real training.

How do you know he's not already well trained?

Regards,
Happyguy :)

[bmoore]

I hear good things about Del-ton. One of our local outfitters here in CA is selling a basic flat top version for 699.

[madecov]

Just get a Spikes M4-LE
If you can't get one ordered for $800.00 something's wrong.

[TexasPOff]

Kinda late to the party here but if all the same I just picked up one of these used but NIB $750 http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/index.php?shop=1&cat=76 TXPO

[BlackPaladin]

I am going to stand behind what Jrs93accord is saying, he has built more of these rifles than likely the rest of us combined. On that, the Palmetto State Armory ARs are new on the market and standing out as a quality piece that can be depended on. They just might be the ticket for your build. I wouldn't worry about a $700 (cap) AR not performing in the role of HD (for those saying get an AK). Keep it basic for the time being, add to it later as you see fit.

[ftw13]

seven fifty is probably as cheap as you can get a real quality AR,spikes or palmetto uppers and lowers will get you into that price range. for lower go used

[MajorD]

unlike 1911's I've seen good AR's put together and run great for under 700 bucks. Yes it won't be a noveske or lmt or colt, but for 100 rounds a week on the range ,shtf duty at home and maybe an occaisional class they will be sufficient. I do have a couple high end ar's but have gotten very good service from several low cost kit builds. My last one was built on an essential arms lower (an older pre-ban) bought off auction arms. lnog story short I bought the complete rifle that had a colt upper on it then sold the colt upper for the original cost of the entire rifle, so my lower complete with internals and stock was free. A top end from del-ton for 425 bucks and was done. I shot 1k trouble free rounds thru it prior to selling to a friend who has had no issues either. In todays market, finding a lower for 100 and a parts kit for 550 or so and slapping it together will easily get you into the under 700 range.
Unless you are trugging thru a swamp or ignore basic care, chrome lining is not essential. Most match barrels are not chrome lined because they unlined tend to be more accurate.It is a disease -after getting good service out of a budget build he'll want something nicer.

[ScrappyDoo]

now let me ask you this:

Will this $700 gun be effective against BEARS????







:)