Here's my Quandary need your opinions

[Draco]

I am looking to pick up two AR style rifles in 5.56 , One as a gift for my son and one for myself :) Their duties would be split mostly home protection, but I'm sure they will be killing more than their fair share of rocks and targets. I would like to keep these between 1,000/1,200 $ range before optics. The bugaboo is each site I look at convinces me that these are the ones . Can you give me more experienced opinions?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Miggy]

I don't have one but from all the fans that shoot at my club here is the top two:

1) Colt
2) Bushmaster

[retsupt99]

I have the Bushmaster AR-15 with an EO Tech holographic scope...NIIIIICE...so I guess I'd push the Bushmaster...but either will do!

ret

[AKsrule]

Unless you'll be shipping out to Iraq it probably doesn't make a
Darn bit of difference what make you choose.

However I will give you my worthless opinion.
I own /have owned a couple Colts , a Bushie , an Armalite ,
and a couple mixmasters. They have all functioned well under
civilian usage. The above makers all turn out good stuff.

My two current favorites are my Colt SP1 and my Armalite A3 Hbar.

I think Armalites are currently undervalued in the Marketplace ,
so you miight want to look at one in person

[mavrik46]

I have a Rock River Arms that I really like.

[chiefmanywrenches]

Ditto on the Rock River Arms they build a nice AR!

[ExSoldier]

My nod goes to the BUSHMASTER. I like the number of available variants and accessories. Nice weapon. Sturdy, accurate. Good value.

[ShackleMeNot]

Bushmaster or Rock River Arms.

Being in CA are you getting fixed magazine versions?

Also, don't neglect getting some professional training with your new rifles.

[JT]

Bushmaster. You won't regret it.

[levi333]

Have you thought about "building" a couple with your son? Could be a very fun experience. Even if you just do the lower half and buy the upper (like i did), it could be something you guys enjoy together. Besides, the lower is sooo easy. Check out ar15.com for lots of helpful posts.

[Stetson]

Bushmaster makes a nice ar.

[Redneck Repairs]

Rock River , Bushy , or Stag should all come in within budget and any will be a fine rifle . The Stag may well be a bit cheaper which is nice , and they build the S&W AR line . Myself i own a Rock River and am real pleased with it .

[Kompact9]

I've had a DPMS A2 for several years that has been nothing but reliable and accurate as I can be. It ran around $700 + before optics...I use a 6X Burris scope and at a 100 yards, MOA is no problem. YMMV...

[whamonkey]

I have a Rock River Arms Elite CAR A4 I got brand new for around $860, then added an Aimpoint. still got away for less than your $1200 mark. Here it is:

[Draco]

thank for the help.