blinkstafoo1

I am considering buying a AR-15 here before the November election. I know almost nothing about rifles in general. I am not looking for something real fancy, I just want one with a removable carrying handle because I want to put a holo sight on the rifle. As much as I would want to spend is 1000 dollars. Please help me your thoughts on brands, (or a specific model) becuase I want to make sure I get a good quality rifle becuase I dont want to be fixing a rifle often.

Also, what advantages does a gas piston rifle give?

Thanks all.

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Walther P22
Glock 30SF
Bushmaster AR-15

SubNine

I don't know much about AR rifles either, but have been researching as much as I can in preparation of acquiring my first one. I think you'll be able to buy a Bushmaster, DPMS, or even a Rock River Arms for less than 1000. Or you can try building your own too. Anyway, good luck to ya!

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blinkstafoo1

Yeah the main brands I have been looking at are the Bushmaster M4A2, and the Stag Models. Im not sure what the main differences are, for most of my shopping has been on gunbroker.

Again any help would be great.

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Gig Em' Aggies!

Walther P22
Glock 30SF
Bushmaster AR-15

Cthulhu

From my limited research, a gas piston system is easier to clean and requires less cleaning in general. However, there is supposedly an increase in perceived recoil over the standard gas impingement system.

I'm sure others far more experienced than I could provide a better answer.

-JT

PackerfanXD

No there is not.

The piston system is more reliable than DI. And it works better with suppessors/short barrels.
Nothing wrong with the DI system however. RRA, BM, Stag are good choices. I don't care for DPMS though.

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dukalmighty

I build all my AR's,you can buy a stripped lower receiver"the registered part"for between 90.00 and 140.00 then there are several companys that sell kits on the internet for around 495.00 w/bolt carrier group,you can also select barrel length, chrome lined ,type of upper A2 A3 or A4,type of buttstock etc.the options may increase the price,as far as fixing broke AR15's mine only need routine cleaning and shoot great.most kits have the upper receiver pre-assembled so you don't need any special tools to assemble one like an upper receicer block and barrel wrench

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Exodus

I recently found myself is the same situation as you. I settled on an Armalite M-15A4. Short barrel, collapsible stock, flat top with a front iron sight. I didn't need the carrying handle - no sense paying for parts you don't need. I added an iron sight from cheaperthandirt.com, got a spare mag and a bore brush for just about a grand.

The brands I looked at:
DPMS - Very nice finish, but the buzz is that their QC has declined.
Bushmaster - Good Option, 1 year warranty
Olympic Arms - Crap shoot - very poor QC, and inconsistent manufacturing standards - it might be good, might not.
Armalite - Good Option, Lifetime warranty, and a better (IMHO) finish than the bushmaster.

I've see the Rock River Arms, and have never heard anything bad about them, but none of my local dealers stock them.

You can see my rifle here (except mine came with desert tan furniture):
M15A4 CARBINE (.223) CHR. BLK A2 FRONT SIGHT W/O CARRY HANDL

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Ram Rod

I'm on my third Bushmaster. I love 'em. I like the removable carry handle option as well since I use it for an added optics platform. If you look enough, I don't see any reason you can't get on with the options you want for $850 or less.

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threefeathers

For this one you need a specialized site I suggest AR15.com and M4carbine.net.

I have 9 Ar's all different with every set up you can imagine.
For my friends with limited money who need a general rifle for many things I suggest an A-2.
1. High Standard, makes a decent A-2 that you can use in Service rifle competition if need be. Cost, the $500 buck range.
2. Rock River makes an A'2 for the 600 buck range.
3. Bushmaster does the same.

For the above you can put a goosneck mount on the sight and mount an Aimpoint.

That said, one of my son's is into Service rifle and National Match competition and so he got the Rock River National Match A-2. He has the Aimpoint Goosneck and an Aimpoint for Home Defense if he needs it. Cost, $1200 for the gun which is really a match piece with outstanding accuracy.

The other son has a simple Bushmaster M-4gery with an EOTech on it.

I have too many to mention and they are all tricked up, one of them is in the 4K range and is a Gas Trap from Arms Tech.

Don't spend the bucks for a gas piston. It is not a real improvement for anything you will ever encounter. For your financial situation I'd get a basic rifle and enjoy the hell out of it.
Go to the E&E on AR15.com and see what you can get used.

GingerKid

Interesting little comparison chart for ya...

Comparison Chart of Major AR Brands - M4Carbine.net Forums

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