I WANT AN AR-15.... now what?

[Fast351]

OK, I've been bitten. I want a black rifle. I haven't told the wife :)

Some questions for the experts.

I think for my first (I guess I've already decided that there may be more than one) rifle, I'm going to go with a prebuilt one.

I've already concluded that I'd rather have a 16" than a 20". The chrome barrel option appeals to me for ease of cleaning.

Now, the A3 upper is the flat top right? I'm not planning on mounting a scope, at least not right away, so I'm thinking the A2 upper is the way to go. What is the diff between the A1 and A2? The way the sights adjust? Also, it looks like the A2 will accept a scope using a mounting pad that mounts to the carrying handle, is this correct?

As for the upper/lower being forged, I know forged is stronger, but does it matter for a rifle you shoot 1000 rounds/year through?

And I want a bipod. I'm assuming you can bolt those to any rifle?

As for the stocks, I know the skeleton stocks look cool, as do the fake collapsing stocks, but the A2 stock looks like it should work just fine. Any reason not to get it that way?

And finally, the question that's likely to get the most different answers:

Which brand? I know of Colt, DPMS, Bushmaster, Olympic, and Vulcan. I've heard stay away from Vulcan, what about the others? Is there a clear leader in quality?

Sorry for the 20 questions. I'd appreciate a little steering to get me going in the right direction.....

-Mike

[ZigG17]

"Now, the A3 upper is the flat top right?"
Yes, but you can also add a carry handle if you wish.

"What is the diff between the A1 and A2?"
They are basically the same design with the carry handle, but the A2 is essentially a newer version with upgraded sights, fwd assist, and different handguards.

"Also, it looks like the A2 will accept a scope using a mounting pad that mounts to the carrying handle, is this correct?"
Yes, if you like your scope up that high. I also don't think it retains zero as well as a flat top.

"As for the upper/lower being forged, I know forged is stronger, but does it matter for a rifle you shoot 1000 rounds/year through?"
I think most are forged? Maybe someone else will know better than I.

"And I want a bipod. I'm assuming you can bolt those to any rifle?"
Essentially, yes. Especially if you have a picitanny rail on your forearm.

"As for the stocks,...."
The A2 stock is good for prone and benchrest shooting, however, it's a bit long for me while standing. It just depends on how you are going to shoot it most often and what floats your boat.

"Which brand?"
I'd probably go with Colt, Bushie, or Rock River.

[CIAHitman]

Go with the Bushmaster or RRA brand, both are available with chrome lining. A3 Flat top is best whether you plan on getting optics or not. Get an optional removable A2 rear carry handle or pick up an aftermarket rear flip up sight like the ARMS #40. That way you will have iron sites until you get a red dot or scope.
They are addicting.

[duncan]

I have a Bush A3 20" heavy barrel and love my 100 yard targets. Good quality.

But for the money, the Olympic Arms 16" ARs are just as good and love that one as well for 25/50 yard shots.

RRA is nice too.

[RMTactical]

I would get a RRA or Bushy. If you are thinking about building one you can get Stag lowers (actually a lower made on the same machinery as the RRA) from eagle arms for $79. That is pretty good.

[Fast351]

If I did just buy a stripped lower, how much am I looking at to complete it? Say with an A3 Bushy 20" upper, an ACE skeleton stock, and carrying handle?

[TommyG19]

Bushmaster. Although having A2 is pretty cool, you'd probably be happier in the long run if you got A3. Optics are a great way to run up credit card bills.;P

[jem375]

Take a good look at the DPMS's.....I have the 20" stainless steel bull barrel and it is really accurate and built well.........stainless steel also cleans up very well, and are usually more accurate than the chrome lined barrels......

[RMTactical]

Originally posted by Fast351
If I did just buy a stripped lower, how much am I looking at to complete it? Say with an A3 Bushy 20" upper, an ACE skeleton stock, and carrying handle?

With my RRA stripped lower ($91 shipped) I paid about $750 overall, inluding shipping, BBC, and taxes. I got a 16" chrome lined bbl with an M4 profile and muzzle brake, about $200. $90 for the Arms #40 flip up sight. Lower parts kit was $100. The rest was $250-270... Don't quite remember. I think that is around $750 for my sweet AR shorty, all RRA parts.

30 round mags were about $15-17 a piece for the good ones with green followers. I am probably into it about $800 right now. Not to mention ammo....;P

[CIAHitman]

I'd also suggest if your new to AR's to buy a complete lower assy and then buy a complete upper. I did mine this way, RRA upper 16" SS barrel with RRA lower. I ditched the A2 stock for a Cav Arms C1 stock and purchased a Colt carry handle, which I cut down for a rear site to mate with my EOtech. It still has the front site base, and when looking at the dot, you don't notice the front site at all.
Complete upper $400
Complete lower $250
Colt carry handle $50 from AR15.com EE section.
$700 total out the door, not including the extras I personally put on it. Future purchase will be a rail system and possible suppressor.

[MrMurphy]

I would suggest the A3 flattop with the carrying handle. You can use the carrying handle and if you choose to go optical later, just remove it. If you get an A2 upper you're stuck. And the high-scope mounts on top of the carrying handle are not much fun,which is why the Marines and Army went to the A3/A4 flattop design.

[Redsnake]

Ok... what about Armalite... nobody recommended these and I love my Armalite w/the 20" A3 receiver. Very good quality and build. Of course I've had mine for a couple years and things could've changed.

Don't flame... just another brand suggestion.

[CIAHitman]

Originally posted by Redsnake
Ok... what about Armalite...

What about them??;n Just kidding. Armalite makes some fine AR's, and should be included in the list as well. I've never owned one but have heard good things about them.

[Fast351]

What's the diff between A3 and A4?

[Fast351]

I'm looking at this complete DPMS lower from cmmg:

http://www.cmmginc.com/cmmg_images/tbl_images/Receivers%20Firearms/Lower_ACE_FL.jpg

for $275, and this upper from Rock River Arms:

http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/ucara4ss.gif

for $455, with the midlength grip.

Then I need to find an A4 carrying handle somewhere, but I'm sure I can find one of those. Aside from a copious amount of 30rd mags, ammo to fill said mags, a sling, and a case, is there anything else I need?

Seems like that would be a decent beginner rifle, with a platform for advancements.

Comments?

[CIAHitman]

Nope, that will be a fine rifle.

[N2DFire]

Passing along a suggestion I got from here - check out http://www.adcofirearms.com

Great folks to deal with.

I wanted my first AR and didn't feel comfortable building it although I do understand it's fairly easy to do (time was a factor in my case as well - I don't have any *L*).

After some good suggestions from here - I contacted Steve @ Adco and told him what I was looking for (Flat top, barrle length, etc)
It just so happened that he had just built a forthehellofit project that was almost to a T what I wanted.

Still trying to locate the optics I want (Eotech) but the longer I wait the closer I talk myself into an ACOG ;g

Here's a picture of my RRA (sorry for the poor quality - I haven't had time to get better ones yet)

http://www.cablenet-va.com/~leesteve/RRA1.jpg