Information overload! Could use a hand deciding which AR next

[itisbruno]

I have a RRA A4 with the 2 stage trigger group, stainless steel barrel, EO Tech, and a light.

I'm ready to purchase my second AR, have been researching for a couple of months, and am more lost now than I was when I started.

I'm just an average guy, enjoy going to the range with my niece and nephew, have some ammo that was affordable (when I bought it a couple of years ago) that we can burn up, and I want a reliable, well built rifle.

I'd really like a Colt, just because it is a colt, which is not a good reason.

After reading the carry handle or not thread, I'm kinda leaning towards the 6920, so I can get used to the "old school" fixed sights, yet have the option to convert to a flattop for optics.

Do the "military/government" use only lowers mean they are built to spec, or more of a collectible thing?

Then there is that damn chart ... I was first looking into an LMT (I can get on e locally), then saw the NOVESKE, thought Colt government stamped for collectability and am now more confused than ever.

I'm a collector, and that is what has me looking at the Cold, but I really don't "think" I could go wrong with any of the three brands, Colt, LMT or NOVESKE.

Any tips people with experience are willing to share sure would sure be welcome.

Thanks, gang,

[Gary G23]

http://www.noveskerifleworks.com/

[scottp999]

I have a Colt AR from 1992 and just got a Noveske N4 light, low profile this week. The Noveske is very well put together (fit and finish). The parts are great as listed on the famous chart. I have not shot it yet, but have heard it is a tack driver. Barrel life with the double chrome lining and M249 proprietary steel should be much better than standard barrels by others. If I were you, I would try to track one down to look at in your area. I purchased on faith alone and I'm happy so far. Customer service was excellent.

[MARSH1]

A new Colt would be a good choice but there are way too many around to become a collectable. How about an early Colt SP1

http://www.mustangmods.com/ims/u/3690/9323/225544.jpg

[MrMurphy]

You can't go wrong with a Noveske or LMT. The SLR-15s are excellent as well (pricey, but a good fighting gun) www.slr15.com

Out of the box from a major manufacturer, Colt will always have the name, however some of their parts are non-standard (pin sizes are different, etc) and Colt doesn't particularly care for selling guns to private citizens anymore.

[USMC79to83]

I'd really like a Colt, just because it is a colt, which is not a good reason.

It's as good a reason as any. That's how I decided on a 1911 and I'm not disappointed.

I'm a collector, and that is what has me looking at the Colt, but I really don't "think" I could go wrong with any of the three brands, Colt, LMT or NOVESKE.


I think you're right. Like Mr. Murphy said, "You can't go wrong with a Noveske or LMT."

If you wanted a rifle to pleasantly occupy your time by just looking at it? Noveske - they're (almost) prettier than Jessica Alba.

<img src="http://noveskerifleworks.com/imimg/close1_2d.jpg"/img>

<img src="http://noveskerifleworks.com/imimg/policen4_1d.jpg"/img>

[Big Mad Dawg]

I have one LMT and a couple Sabre Defence Rifles I have been very pleased with there quality and reliability.

I believe Colts are one of the best factory guns available, I also believe they are over priced by a few hundred bucks.

Noveske will cost but I believe that they are the best rifle made right now. I am a cheap guy so my next rifle will be a build but I will be using a Noveske barrel no matter how much more they cost.

Now as far as the LEO/Military marked lowers, why would you want that on your personally own weapon? Are you a police officer? Is this going to be used as a military weapon? I paid $20 extra to have a non marked lower from LMT OK it didn’t cost anything as I got a military/LEO discount so it was a wash but still didn’t want that crap on my weapon.

[itisbruno]

I have one LMT and a couple Sabre Defence Rifles I have been very pleased with there quality and reliability.

I believe Colts are one of the best factory guns available, I also believe they are over priced by a few hundred bucks.

Noveske will cost but I believe that they are the best rifle made right now. I am a cheap guy so my next rifle will be a build but I will be using a Noveske barrel no matter how much more they cost.

Now as far as the LEO/Military marked lowers, why would you want that on your personally own weapon? Are you a police officer? Is this going to be used as a military weapon? I paid $20 extra to have a non marked lower from LMT OK it didn’t cost anything as I got a military/LEO discount so it was a wash but still didn’t want that crap on my weapon.

The Military markings would be just to add to the collectors value. I an not a LEO (or mall ninja :rofl: )

I'm not adverse to spending money if I get a quality, reliable firearm for my dollar.

hanks for your input gang ... there is so much info to digest on my selection it is nothing but confusing.

[RWBlue]

If you want a wall hanger to collect dust. I think Colt is the best bet. A Colt with the fun button would even be better. It will apreciate more.

If you are a shooter, then LMT for a close in gun and Noveske for longer ranges.
I have been eyeing a Noveske SPR.
I will build my own close in guns because I don't like the normal config.

[itisbruno]

If you want a wall hanger to collect dust. I think Colt is the best bet. A Colt with the fun button would even be better. It will apreciate more.

If you are a shooter, then LMT for a close in gun and Noveske for longer ranges.
I have been eyeing a Noveske SPR.
I will build my own close in guns because I don't like the normal config.

It will be a shooter, not a dust collector ... I try to hit the range at least monthly. I've found a LE6920 for $1299, best price I've seen thus far.

The Noveske really looks like a great firearm though.

I have another dumb question to ask ... it doesn't look like the 6920 comes with rails, is that correct? I really like to have a weapons light on my AR's. Is a rail something I would have to add?

I agree Big Mad Dawg, Colts are overpriced by a few hundred buck, but they seem to put their firearms through a good QA process.

[Big Mad Dawg]

There are lots of ways to attach or use a light, rail system is just one but most people think they are a must it’s a look at my tacticool thing.

I don’t see how LE/Military markings add any value other than a look I must be LE/Military to have this weapon. There are weapons from the best to the junk tier that are marked or not all it means is some have both sides of the mag well marked that’s all.


If you think it looks cool and your friends will be impressed get the LE/Military marking but Ninja up and admit it don’t act like some how it will raise the value it won’t.

[itisbruno]

There are lots of ways to attach or use a light, rail system is just one but most people think they are a must it’s a look at my tacticool thing.

I don’t see how LE/Military markings add any value other than a look I must be LE/Military to have this weapon. There are weapons from the best to the junk tier that are marked or not all it means is some have both sides of the mag well marked that’s all.


If you think it looks cool and your friends will be impressed get the LE/Military marking but Ninja up and admit it don’t act like some how it will raise the value it won’t.

Thanks! I didn't know if in the future if another ban hit the markings would increase the value or not, It makes no difference to me one way or the other if it has government markings or not, I could have got that on my RRA and didn't.

I thought with a Colt, it may add to future value if it was marked, since Colt is the defacto military weapon.

[Big Mad Dawg]

Thanks! I didn't know if in the future if another ban hit the markings would increase the value or not, It makes no difference to me one way or the other if it has government markings or not, I could have got that on my RRA and didn't.

I thought with a Colt, it may add to future value if it was marked, since Colt is the defacto military weapon.


I see now what you mean but no the LE/Military markings are just a CYA thing for the companies to use if you go nuts and choose your weapon instead of your car and go on a violence spree. Then the lawyer from the manufacture can say look at the markings we tried to keep this out of the hands of those crazy civilians. I believe it also had something to do with the Ban but am not sure.

As far as Colts lock on military weapons they are in place producing a very good product at a cost that is if not then close to the lowest bidder. That doesn’t make them the best just in place and meeting all the requirements.

Now my question why are you looking for one other than RRA you have stated that you own one and have had good luck with it. I don’t own just one brand of rifle or pistols ether, but I at leased keep a brand I use and trust in the running till I find something that works for less.

[sburr23]

It will be a shooter, not a dust collector ... I try to hit the range at least monthly. I've found a LE6920 for $1299, best price I've seen thus far.

The Noveske really looks like a great firearm though.

I have another dumb question to ask ... it doesn't look like the 6920 comes with rails, is that correct? I really like to have a weapons light on my AR's. Is a rail something I would have to add?

I agree Big Mad Dawg, Colts are overpriced by a few hundred buck, but they seem to put their firearms through a good QA process.

That is a good price on a Colt 6920. I don't know that you will find any of the better brands for any less than that. LMT might be a little less, but not much. Colt will have a better resale value than any other brand AR.

[itisbruno]

Big Mad Dawg,

I have zero buyers remorse for my RRA, it was my first AR and for what use it has gotten, it has served me well.

I tend to over think everything, and I saw that "chart" and thought I'd try one of the "top 3".

And again, I'm leaning toward the Colt for collectibility ... hopefully none of my heirs will ever sell a firearm I hand down, but with my 6 Garands (with a couple from the WWII era), I was thinking a Colt would fit into my military history theme that I'll pass on, but functionality is more important than collectability and "fit to collection".

Thanks for re-affirming the pricepoint on the Colt, sburr23 :thumbsup:

[Big Mad Dawg]

Big Mad Dawg,

I have zero buyers remorse for my RRA, it was my first AR and for what use it has gotten, it has served me well.

I tend to over think everything, and I saw that "chart" and thought I'd try one of the "top 3".

And again, I'm leaning toward the Colt for collectibility ... hopefully none of my heirs will ever sell a firearm I hand down, but with my 6 Garands (with a couple from the WWII era), I was thinking a Colt would fit into my military history theme that I'll pass on, but functionality is more important than collectability and "fit to collection".

Thanks for re-affirming the pricepoint on the Colt, sburr23 :thumbsup:

The charts a good point to start with but only back up with common sense and research.

You keep talking resale and collector issues.

The people talking the loudest about Colts resale are people with vested interest like people selling there Colts or de facto salesmen/ instructors that get swag from company representatives, that’s just good business for both parties.

I look at collecting ARs the same as Glocks, I love them see beauty in them and own them but they are milled. Stamped and treated metal and plastic. They are not art or a wise long term investment.

[SilverState]

How bout a 9mm AR for less expensive plinking? Or, get a Ciener .22LR conversion for the AR you already have.

[itisbruno]

The charts a good point to start with but only back up with common sense and research.

You keep talking resale and collector issues.

The people talking the loudest about Colts resale are people with vested interest like people selling there Colts or de facto salesmen/ instructors that get swag from company representatives, that’s just good business for both parties.

I look at collecting ARs the same as Glocks, I love them see beauty in them and own them but they are milled. Stamped and treated metal and plastic. They are not art or a wise long term investment.

I ain't old by a long shot, but I am a collector (mostly WWII war surplus stuff) so I like to keep my collection "logical" and I was faced with my own mortality a few years ago when I had a 70% chance of biting the dust, so I'm looking to keep my firearms collection somewhat along the same theme so my niece and nephew will have quality firearms passed on to them, that they are interested in shooting and passing on to their kids (after I die in another 70 years :) )

BUT - the rifle will get alot of use throughout the rest of my life and hopefully never be used, but be suitable for defensive situations. I could care less about resale value, but durability to last thousands of rounds of practice reliably.

I've given my niece a Yugo SKS as her first firearm, but we may take a training class that will require either an AK or AR (the reason I'm looking for a .223 AR SilverState), and I'm leaning towards going ahead and getting my 2nd AR, but I'm no weapons expert and was just looking to the forum for some pointers.

SilverState - the Ciener .22LR conversion sounds like something worth looking into, thanks!

[desertfox]

If you are not a LEO or military, gun stores will not (or are not supposed to) sell you a LEO/military marked firearm. if you are LEO or military, once you leave service, I believe you can no longer have a receiver marked that way. it adds no value to the weapon. if anything, restricts who it can be sold to in the future if you need to liquidate it. Another reason manufacturers mark lowers that way is for Tax purposes. I Colt (or anyone else) marks a lower for LEO/Mil use only, and files proper paperwork to go with it, they do not have to pay the 11% excise tax on that firearm.

Having just dealt with getting a colt for an officer I know as a trade item......the Colt LEO rifles have flash hiders and Tel-Stocks. The non LEO colts do not have flash hiders and Tel-Stocks. if you want a LEO looking one, you can find an upper off of a LEO rifle put it on a non leo ,arked lower and then put a Tel-Stock on yourself.....it is very simple to do.

[desertfox]

Colt has a good rifle....they have a big name and are well known. Bushmaster is also a good rifle with a good name. Noveske has a good rep also. RRA is a descent rifle. Armalite in my opinion has a well known name, but the qaulity can be hit and miss and they are relying on there past reputation and name more.