Want to get into AR's Help

[willy1094]

Sorry if this has been beat to death. I have been wanting to get into AR's for a while and think this year may be the year. I was just wondering what to look for as I look around. I'm looking for something around 700. I've read a little and will keep doing so but a lot of this is greek to me. At my price range am I going to be able to get a nice setup? Should I build one (I'm assuming this is buying different parts from different suppliers to have a custom rifle) or just buy stock. This will be mostly a plinking safe queen. I truly am in the dark :embarassed: . Any informative links will be great also. I'm just a hangun guy and have only recently gotten into rifles and that's been deer/varment guns.

Thanks for the help

[MrMurphy]

In the 700 range, look at buying a Stag Arms rifle. If you buy the upper and lower recievers, complete but seperate (different sales, not a complete assembled rifle) the cost is lower because of taxes, but all that needs to be done is mate the two together and push a pair of pins in place (easier than stripping a pistol). You can get ones from various manufacturers but Stag has a good rep.

Things to consider:
Fixed stock, collapsible?
Flat top reciever which will allow irons or optics, or the old school carry handle (irons only) which makes it harder to mount optics?
Carbine (16") or Rifle (20") length?
Railed fore-end or just the basic stock fore-arm i.e do you want to add accessories like a light, or just shoot it?


Ask away, and also use the search function.

[Akita]

Sorry if this has been beat to death. I have been wanting to get into AR's for a while and think this year may be the year. I was just wondering what to look for as I look around. I'm looking for something around 700. I've read a little and will keep doing so but a lot of this is greek to me. At my price range am I going to be able to get a nice setup? Should I build one (I'm assuming this is buying different parts from different suppliers to have a custom rifle) or just buy stock. This will be mostly a plinking safe queen. I truly am in the dark :embarassed: . Any informative links will be great also. I'm just a hangun guy and have only recently gotten into rifles and that's been deer/varment guns.

Thanks for the help

Last time I checked, JSE in Missouri had complete A2/A3 kits (sans lower) in the $450 range. Other searching on the web will probably turn up $100 lowers. So that means that you should be able to build a basic M4 type shooter for something like $600 if you can find someone with the couple of tools you need. The tools themselves can be had for <$100 from JSE as well. If you decide to do a build, AR15.com has some great tutorials(which you should read whether you build or not).

[willy1094]

Thanks For The Replies!! I'll Be Doing A Lot Of Research. I Have A Friend With A Bushmaster But What I Found On Their Wed Site Is A Little Out Of My Price Range. Are There Any Brands To Stay Away From?
Thanks

[RWBlue]

At that price range, there is nothing wrong with either buying off the rack or building from parts.

You need to decide what look/barrel configuration you want.

Are you looking for a:
M16-A1 clone
Vietnam carbine
M16-A2 clone
M16-A3 clone
M4 clone
SPR clone
Something different

As a paper puncher all the above could apply.

If you planned on carrying it, I would suggest going light.
If you plan on hunting varmits with little carry, going heavy can be the way to go.

Lots of options. I am sure the guys here will help you spend your money. :)

[willy1094]

I hope I'm not pushing it but, is there any place/website link with a side by side pic of the different styles. I think I do want a collapsable stock. I also want it to be chambered (as of right now) in .223. I like the idea of the flat top. Can a carry handle with sites be added to a flat top? Weight doesn't matter really for what I'm looking for since I will not be carrying the rifle for extended periods. I do want long range so I assume that I'll need a longer barrel.

[MrMurphy]

You can put a carry handle back on a flat top if you don't want optics or just add regular sights.

What is your idea of "long range"? A 14.5" or 16" carbine can easily make hits at 300m with irons, and a scoped one took a Taliban-er in Afghanistan from 500 yards. The 20" barrel will make that a bit easier, but if you ever plan on using it for defense the shorter barrel is much easier to maneuver (trust me, speaking from experience, I do it every day).

Check out www.stagarms.com or google Rock River Arms or Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT).

[RMTactical]

Unless you are going for a strictly bench or target rifle, stay away from .223. Most AR15's are not even available in .223Rem these days anyways. Go with the Wylde or preferably 5.56 chamber. It will give you the chance to shoot a wider variety of ammo with less worry.

I recommend Stag Arms.

[Sporty06]

If you are not looking for a beauty queen check out www.cmmginc.com and go to their Bargain Bin. They start under $600 for a couple different styles.

[bukn77]

heres a thread about the cmmg bargain bin http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=827971