My first, & ONLY "assembled by someone else" is a "Rock River Arms Tactical elite" (kind of a "basic M-4 style"). Hate the name, but it's a solid performer. 16" barrel. Zero issues. NOT on the cheap end of the scale. Be aware, your "basic AR's that run in the $450.00 to $600.00ish range", are "cheap, because they are cheap". MIM parts*, and sub-standard assembly practices. The rest (about 1/2 dozen I built a' la carte) are to "MY spec's"/standard's.


*a cheap way to make parts

Rock River Arms

Rock River Arms, Inc. offers a complete line of American made, custom built AR15 style rifles.

www.rockriverarms.com

BE SURE & budget for "extra magazine's" (Magpul ARE the standard), because you WILL want spares!! I've got about 40, & I'm probably on the low end here.

 

As a suggestion, if you're looking at an AR, here are a few things to ponder first. 1.) What is your intended use? 2.) Do you want a longer barrel, a heavy barrel, etc? 3.) What caliber do you want and finally, 4.) What mounting options do you want? (M-Lock, Pic Rail, etc, I think there's a third option now) Everything else you can pretty much chance on demand with one, but once you decide what you want, then you can narrow your selection down. I got lucky and picked up a Radical from Buds back early this year that has been good for me, but it doesn't get shot much, so I honestly don't know how much of a statement that is on it. You're basically buying a starter bundle probably, most of them you can switch out forearms, stocks, even uppers if you decide you want a different barrel later, different optics etc, skies the limit. Colt was considered the general benchmark I think by some. Ruger seems like they've got a decent reputation on theirs as far as I've seen, they even make a 20" heavy barreled free float one if you wanted something a little longer and heavy.
If you get one that's reliable and goes bang every time you pull the trigger, you can pretty much make it your own by the time your done...the ones that call them legos aren't really far off in that aspect. Side note, once you decide on the caliber, it may not hurt to go ahead and start stockpiling the mags for them while you still can. Everytime something happens in the world the supply dries up and the prices go up, so you're probably seeing them as cheap now as you're going to for awhile, and depending on the state you live in-the date you buy them on may very well decide whether having them makes you a felon or not.

 

Good points as well I forgot about barrel and such I am thinking 16 -18 inch would be best for a first AR owner to start as again worst case you can just slap on a longer one if you need it

I think its Key mode , Mlock and pic rail right now what I am seeing is 99% of ar are either classic cheep no mouting plastic M4 hand guards or mlock .. I like a mix mlock /pic rail as that seems to be easiest mounting option .With M4 handguard they make a nice drop in quard rail option I like

Ruger is also a good ar the only issue I have heard is the front sight is not mil spec so some stuff will not fit to it other wise a great gun .

And yeah def not only get mags but also spare parts while you can ..Bolt carriers are only like 80-100 bucks for a good PSA one and they are drop in no headspaceing needed so a great back up to have ..And also to get a couple bags of the spare spring kits

 

What are you looking to do with the gun , Hunt ? HD or just to have ?

Lot of good sales out there right now . What is your price range ?

Are you looking to buy it completed ie a whole gun or put it together your self which is pretty easy to do .

If our of the box do you need ambi ie on both sides controls or does it not matter ?

There are two system of gas for these either piston or the classic gas sytem .Piston will be more and IMOP for a first AR avoid only as they take different parts then normal ones and cost more

Right now I like mid lenght gas system and 1/8 twist as that seems to be sweet spot in the stablizing imop ..There are a lot of twist 1/7 , 1/8, 1/9, 1/12 .. Imop 1/7 or 1/8 should be fine .. Mid lenght gas system I like as it is a bit smoother in recoil impulse

Right now my top picks for AR in the low to mid range price would be

SAINT® 5.56, M-Lok® AR-15 Rifle, B5 - Springfield Armory

This would be a good mid range out of the box you got a decent stock and handguard and it is the basic classic AR ..They have a few different models ie a flat top etc if you want to just run it with optics and back up iron sights

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/197597

Something like the s&w Sport 2 is a good basic AR no frills but it works ..The Volunteer line is also very nice

Firearms - Page 1 - Bushmaster® Firearms | American Made

www.bushmaster.com

I also am liking what the new Bushmaster been putting out as well the patrolman line is also a good basic AR

And of course the go to classic for basic AR is the PSA products

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...-7-phosphate-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-moe-ept-stealth-rifle-w-mbus-sight-set.html

Would be a great option and a lot of good ones on sale as well

 

First, figure out two things:

(1) Purpose.
(2) Amount you're willing to spend to achieve the best gun for the desired purpose.

 

I’d go to the Palmetto State Armory website and choose your desired setup from there. IMO there isn’t a better deal out there. I have two of theirs and they are every bit as good as some of the higher end ones I’ve owned and/or fired (BCM, Daniel Defense, etc).

As far as quality and spend, assuming you don’t have a blank check to throw at this, before you plunk down $2000+ on an AR, do some soul searching regarding its purpose.

There used to be a guy on here who had top notch equipment. Everything was state of the art and among the most expensive. BCM rifles, Nightforce optics, Geisselle triggers, etc. He’d trick them out till he couldn’t possible spend anymore. I don’t recall his name but he loved to show off his stuff - always posting staged photos of himself using the rifle. Someone pressed him about why he would spend so much - aside from professional shooters and military/LEO who want the best and most durable for a reason, the averages hobby shooter wouldn’t need near this for self defense and target shooting . The guy got real snippy and disappeared shortly thereafter.
My point being - if this is a weekend gun range rifle with potentially self defense applications, sure it would be an ego boost to have the whole range gawk at your setup that cost $5k, but nearly no one needs that. There are tons of great options out there which are cost effective.

 

I’d go to the Palmetto State Armory website and choose your desired setup from there. IMO there isn’t a better deal out there. I have two of theirs and they are every bit as good as some of the higher end ones I’ve owned and/or fired (BCM, Daniel Defense, etc).
As far as quality and spend, assuming you don’t have a blank check to throw at this, before you plunk down $2000+ on an AR, do some soul searching regarding its purpose. There used to be a guy on here who had top notch equipment. Everything was state of the art and among the most expensive. BCM rifles, Nightforce optics, Geisselle triggers, etc. He’d trick them out till he couldn’t possible spend anymore. I don’t recall his name but he loved to show off his stuff - always posting staged photos of himself using the rifle. Someone pressed him about why he would spend so much - aside from professional shooters and military/LEO who want the best and most durable for a reason, the averages hobby shooter wouldn’t need near this for self defense and target shooting . The guy got real snippy and disappeared shortly thereafter.
My point being - if this is a weekend gun range rifle with potentially self defense applications, sure it would be an ego boost to have the whole range gawk at your setup that cost $5k, but nearly no one needs that. There are tons of great options out there which are cost effective.

Yep I agree with AR unless you go really bottom of the barrel most any will be about the same yes the very very high end might be tighter or have a better trigger pull but unless you are shooting major comp shooting or are a tier 1 operator I dont think you will notice much

I agree PSA would be a great source to start pick out what you like and go from there .. I would at least get a EPT trigger rifle as it is def better then a basic mil spec trigger imop .

I will disgree on one point on upgrading a bit more money for a better trigger is a good upgrade esp when starting out ..Geisselle are not imop a major major upgrade the bastic G2S model is like 90$ on sale and the SSA is like 155 yes that is not the 20 bucks a mil spec trigger is but I think it does help with shooting and it makes it nicer esp on learning the gun ..I am not saying get the 200-300 high end match trigger or the like but a good 100ish trigger group would be the main upgrade I would do other then getting say a good Vortex scope and or basic weapon light if using it for HD

But beyond the basic ie a half way good scope/red dot a decent sling maybe a WML I think that is all that is needed for normal shooters ..The only other thing would be as I said maybe a better trigger and a different stock if the gun has just a basic AR stock as both of thous upgrades are basic mostly drop in and do help I think the rest leave it alone till you know you need it

 

As long as all the parts are milspec im happy with whatever in a 5.56 AR now if you are going to an alternative caliber with a defined purpose then spend what you can afford to 😊

 

IMO, black rifles are like 1911s. Once you get bit, you can’t be unbit.

 

From the OP - Thanks everyone for the great info - didn't realize there is so much to consider!

Purg asked what is my intended use? No hunting - just mainly shooting at the range and maybe home defense although I have my Mossberg 590 for that. This is going to sound really crazy but I really don't want or need an Ar-15 as I am not a rifle guy. I think I want one just to say "I have an AR-15" and also to get one before Biden outlaws them.

I have 3 Glocks, a Smith & Wesson and a Mossberg 590 so I really am happy camper right now. Thanks again for all the info.

 

You're not crazy at all there...I picked up one early this year for the same reason. I think it's had maybe 2 mags through it just to make sure it works. For fun, I reach right past it to the 30-30, for distance, reach past both to the 308 and have fun there. I just figured it was best to get one now before it either A.) Gets banned or B.) we have another scare where they turn into unobtanium or people start asking Daniel Defense prices for Smith & Wessons again and you see 450 dollar rifles going for 1200 bucks that if you need to sell next year you'll..again, get 450 dollars for.

 

Rifle basics:

AR-15 with fixed stock. Nope!

AR 15 with telescoping stock:. YES. (more adaptable to different size people).

AR 15 with "handle". Nope, cannot add red dot, scope, etc.

AR 15 with "flat top" with some kind of rail to EASILY attach red dots, extra sights, light, etc, etc etc.

AR 15 with.223 caliber. Nope. (will only shoot .223 ammo)

AR 15 with 5.56mm caliber. YES. (will shoot 5.56 AND .223). more versatile.

Beyond that, pick what you want to spend on.

 

Good points just to add ..I would go for 223 Wyld now over plan 556 as it works best for both ..

And funny to me the carry handle AR have gone the way of the do do bird in fact oddly they go for major bucks now like org 90s era one hit 1k easy ..Most of the "carry " handle Ar we see now are flat top upper that have a bolt on carry handle ..But oddly a number of people ( like me lol ) like the old school built in carry handle look esp for retro builds as there are still some optic options out there for them .

Def get a railed handguard of some type as well I agree skip Keymod imop it is getting lone in the tooth .. That said I still like Quard rail as it is beyond easy to pop on and off

 

It’s the true adult version of Lego. Literally every single component can be modified

 

It’s the true adult version of Lego. Literally every single component can be modified

View attachment 400522

To me, AR's are the Harley Davidson of rifles. Been around a long time. Hundreds of "custom parts manufacturer's". Every one can "make theirs" into their own idea of the "perfect defense/multi-use firearm".

 

I have been eyeing the Palmetto State armory "Blemished models"

 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-pa-15-16-nitride-m4-carbine-5-56-nato-classic-ar-15-rifle-with-13-5-m-lok-rail-black.html

 

I bought a S&W M&P15TS at Cabelas several years ago. It was somewhere around $1700. The only thing I don't like about it is you can't put a silencer on it (without changing the barrel) and it had a standard rail when I figured a quad rail would've been nicer. Finding a sling for it was problematic also.

 

Midwest and others make drop in quard rail handguards that are pretty easy to drop in to a normal M4 handguard

Edit what I mean is they fit the ring already in place in a normal M4 uppers style gun so just take the plastic handguards off and put in the Midwest or whatever and click in place pretty easy ..Just note I have seen both drop in and fitting needed model so just keep a look out

 

All of the above questions regarding purpose. With that, I'll say that I have a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 MOE in 5.56/.223, and it's okay. I also have a Bear Creek Arsenal .450 Bushmaster upper for it. My son has a Ruger AR-556 MPR, it's got an 18 inch barrel and a sweet trigger. He changed out the stock BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) with an Aero Precision. His is much more fun to shoot than mine, but not nearly as fun as my Mini-14. Hope this helps.

For the record, I also have an AR pattern .30-06, that is largely a range toy for now, but it's fun to shoot 😋.

 

Have owned several, Colts, S&W, and one I built from a Colt OEM.

S&W will do fine for what you want. Not everything on the rifle is mil-spec but you don't need it for your intended used.

Colts are good if you want to sell it down the line.

Biggest decision imo is flattop or A4 style front post sight. This is the crux, will you put a scope or red dot on it? Will you hang tacticool stuff on it and need rails or no?

I am no expert, there are many here about though.

 

You can spend a little or a lot on them. They come in pistol or rifle versions.

For plinking and potential home-defense, Ruger, S&W, and Springfield make some less expensive versions. Colts are good but you pay for the name. Colts do hold their value the best. Palmetto State Armory built ARs are good plinking guns, but LGS are very wary of taking one in. The LGS gave the guy $400 for the below PSA 300 AAC Blackout pistol on trade and then sold it to me for $400 to get rid of it.

Mine include:

Palmetto State Armory built pistol in 300 AAC Blackout
CZ Bren 2 MS pistol in 5.56 NATO with a Holosun Red Dot
Alexander Arms AR-15 in 50 Beowulf with a Burris Prism Sight
Colt LE 6920 in 5.56 NATO
Cristensen Arms VTAC-15 in 5.56 NATO with a Burris Prism Sight
Springfield Armory Saint Victor in 5.56 NATO with a Burris Prism Sight
Armalite AR-10 in 7.62 NATO with a Burris XTR scope.

 

If potential home defense use is possible, adding a light makes lots of sense.

This is on my AR, added after an "interesting" domestic violence call at night. (Surefire X300)

 

I watched an Ayoob video where he said he doesn't recommend a light on a handgun or rifle because you may end up pointing your gun at an innocent which could get you in trouble.

 

One last thing to note is with Colt they are owned by CZ now so if buying for re sale I understand the newest models are different under CZ some have said they dont like the new markings or lack of esp forge markes on the new guns

And on that same note if you looking do note the early Colt rifle can get uh weird if looking second hand .. Ie a lot of the 90s era Colt had a lot of weird stuff added or taken out to make the PC people happy for example a sear block in them to add more work to add a auto sear or the like which is something not needed but makes it hard to put aftermarket triggers in or the early era colts wont take mil spec uppers again some PC think ..So if looking second hand avoid colts unless newer or you know what you are looking at ... The sear block and odd trigger and take down pin ones esp are a pain in the but to deal with with aftermarket stuff

 

What are you looking to spend?

I’d base any recommendations off of that!

 

This is a pricey option, but you won't go wrong.

DDM4 V7 in 5.56 DDM4®V7®
KAC folding micro rear sight Folding Micro Rear Sight, 200-600 Meter Adjustable - Knight's Armament
KAC folding front sight Folding Micro Front Sight - Knight's Armament

Either of
EOTECH XPS2

EOTECH HWS XPS2™

#html-body [data-pb-style=KF7I3R5],#html-body [data-pb-style=VA8DH2C]{justify-content:flex-start;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-position:left top;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat...

www.eotechinc.com

Or
AIMPOINT Red Dot (can stay on for years).

Set it up so the irons are co-witnessed with the red dot sight.

There are so many options out there. I spent hours looking over various platforms, etc. Finally I just picked a Daniel Defense because they have a great reputation and they are in Georgia. I wanted accurate folding sights, and a quality red dot style sight. You buy the above, you will be very happy with the results.

DDM4 V7 Exclusive - First Impressions

I've finally set up the DDM4 V7 with irons and an EOTech. For the irons I am using a Knights Armament 200 - 600 Yard Folding Micro Rear Sight and a Knights Armament Folding Front Sight. The rear sight is adjustable out to 600 yards, and I've set it up for a 50 yard zero. I highly doubt I'll...

www.defensivecarry.com

 

Oh yeah, trigger - just get one with a regular trigger. Mine came with a Geissele SD3G trigger https://geissele.com/super-dynamic-3-gun-sd-3g-trigger.html and I'm going to swap it out with a "regular" trigger. If you get into the AR, you can always upgrade the trigger. But for most a mil-spec trigger is fine.

I'll probably swap my SD3G trigger for this: https://geissele.com/super-semi-automatic-ssar-trigger.html

"Regular" DDM4's come with mil-spec triggers, I don't know who makes them for Daniel Defense.

 

One thing to take into consideration with red dot optics is if you have astigmatism the red dot will be blurry.

The retical on a ACOG is etched. So even if you have astigmatism it won’t appear blurry.

My LWRC pistol AR 6.8 SPC with an ACOG.

 

I bought a S&W M&P 15 Sport II. Around $700ish. Put a $150 3-9X42 scope on it and it shoots just fine for me. Not really anything but a fun-gun for me, but it goes bang every time with whatever I feed it. Definitely in the lower price range.

 

The AR-15 rifle resulted from design work by Gene Stoner and first produced by Armalite about 60 years ago. Submitted for US Army trials, zero interest resulted. All patents and production rights were acquired by Colt, and with far superior weight in political support the M16 rifle won military contracts (first by the USAF, then by US Army and USMC), just about the time that the US was becoming seriously involved in Vietnam.

Most US military units were still in the decade-long process of replacing the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine with the new M14 rifle, a program that was never fully accomplished. President Kennedy was reportedly upset while visiting West Germany to see our troops guarding the Fulda Gap with M1 rifles about 5 years after the new M14 was adopted as the standard service rifle.

I trained on the M14 rifle in 1968, with a required familiarization training on the new M16. I was not impressed (reliability or accuracy). Went to Vietnam in 1969 and was issued a new M16A1 (forward assist mechanism, a few minor refinements), and I remained unimpressed. The common description among the troops was "You can tell it's Mattel, it's swell" (1960s advertising campaign for Mattel Toy Corporation).

In the following half-century I have owned several. Colt SP-1, DPMS AR-15, Rock River Arms, even a Colt M16A2 (LE special purchase, contract overrun for a state agency contract, tax stamp required, of course). Despite the remarkable longevity of military use, plethora of producers on several continents, and massive popularity of the basic design, I remain unimpressed.

Best advice I can give you is to make sure your hearing protection is top notch, those things are incredibly hard on the ears.

For personal defensive use I will continue using a 1943 Inland (General Motors) M1 Carbine .30 caliber. For serious rifle shooting I will continue using a Springfield Armory M1A National Match 7.62NATO.

Have what you like. Enjoy what you have.

Did I mention that I like S&W and Colt revolvers, and regularly carry a .45 caliber M1911 pistol? Haven't been to a Tupperware party for many years.

Tongue firmly in cheek here.

 

And one last thing I will just add to throw fuel on the fire I would frankly at some point also get a imported rifle as well even if just a basic ie a WSAR10 or FOX or the like only as imports are easier to mess with then USA made .

I am pretty sure imported stuff will dry up way way before USA made .. EO can ban imports easy it happend in 89 and many other times

So right now imop I would also look at imported guns as well

A Tavor or Bren 2 would be very nice if you want AR mags , 223 ..

If you see how much work it takes to import a semi auto rifle now you would understand why I say this

I mean to import a semi auto now it can not have night sights , a bayonet lug a threaded barrel or at least a flash hidder oh and I can not take any mag over 10 rounds so you have to either not mill the mag well or block it and of course no pistol grip or anything ..It takes a lot of work to get ok to import it and even then they might not ok it ( like my understand now is they wont ok any Under folder imports unless it was oked in the past ) and a lot of them are importing them as pistol then rifling them but that is coming under issue as well

So right now me I would get at least import rifle first then a AR if one was worried about gun bans ......

 

My pick was a S&W AR-15 Sport in 5.56.Over 1,000rnds through and still a Tack Driver!!!.

 

My nephew has one and it shoots!