Best Budget AR15?

Discussion in 'Firearms' started by AxesAreBetter, May 18, 2017.


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  1. AxesAreBetter

    AxesAreBetter Monkey+++

    Hello. Looking into some options for the store, and was wondering what the best budget (sub-$1000) Ar options were looking like these days? Not very up to speed on them, obviously, and get in enough arguments on here to know y'all have opinions on the matter. Haha.
     
  2. yeti695

    yeti695 Monkey+

    Look at Palmetto State Armory, I got an email from them last night for an ak and ar for less than 1000. They have ar for less an 700.
     
  3. oil pan 4

    oil pan 4 Monkey+++

    I would say now is the time to buy.
    What I have been hearing is that these gun companies were making AR15s all last year and holding on to inventory hoping hillery would get elected and so prices would go crazy again. Now the market is flooded with everything.
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2017
  4. AxesAreBetter

    AxesAreBetter Monkey+++

    Nothing wrong with that, IMO. Haha.
     
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  5. tacmotusn

    tacmotusn RIP 1/13/21

    if it is mil-spec and all by one manufacturer so much the better. ie; DPMS, Anderson, Bushmaster, Stoner, .... many of these are seeing prices from $399 - $500 easily and often. Don't jump at just anything under $1000
     
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  6. AxesAreBetter

    AxesAreBetter Monkey+++

    Kinda what I am looking for, some these are better than those advice. Tips for features to look for.
     
  7. Bandit99

    Bandit99 Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    I picked up a Colt 6320 for ~$900 and it shoots like a dream, totally mil-spec, extension stock... I'm not going to do anything to it but shoot it. I put on a Vortex Spitfire 3x last week and really happy with how the gun and scope performed. I had my first shooting outing last week for the year as range opened for Spring/Summer. Given Colt's financial woes, I am not sure I would recommend this firearms for your needs (can you obtain a large and consistent inventory); however, if one can pick up a few on the cheap - well - they are mil-spec so parts should not be a problem.
     
  8. 3M-TA3

    3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

    Here is a short list of desirable features IMO:
    • No such thing as a fully mil spec civilian AR exists.
    • barrel profile should be lighter than a government contour for better balance and handling. If you insist that it has to have a horsey roll mark then the Colt 6720 would be a good choice.
    • barrel steel type doesn't really matter unless you are doing full auto mag dumps. 4150 CMV is preferred but 4140 CM is just fine and was used by the M1A in WW2.
    • A chrome lining will last the longest and make cleaning easier, but it can also start to peal away if not done properly. Chrome lining is applied after the rifling is cut and the thickness can vary from one barrel to the next and this could affect accuracy. Nitrided barrels will last almost as long and can't separate from the barrel and can also allow the barrel to be more accurate compared to chrome lined. Unlined is a bit harder to clean and may only be a liability if you are using corrosive ammo and don't want to keep it clean.
    • DI vs piston = ultimately it doesn't matter which one you choose
    • A full auto bolt carrier is preferred, but I haven't seen any issues with one I have that isn't fully shrouded.
    • .A mid length gas system on a 16" barrel shoots softer, but both carbine and mid length systems are fine
    • No real need to free float the barrel unless you plan to shoot over 300 yards.
    • Avoid gimicky fashion trends and stick to a basic configuration.
    • I have grown to like the fixed front sight even though it's not considered cool any more. It just works and is reliable as hell.
    • Make sure you have BUIS even if you also use an optic.
    • Two is one and one is none.
    • If you buy a cheap one, like through PSA I would disassemble, clean, then properly lubricate and torque properly. You should get basic AR armorer's tools any way.
    • The best bang for the buck upgrade is an improved mil spec trigger like the ALG ACT.
    Now, some practical experience.... All my AR weapons are intended ultimately for defense. As such each one gets torture tested and has to fire a standard load out in mag dumps without a single misfire or FTF, etc., before it is trusted. My latest rifle is a Ruger AR556 I got in trade and it doesn't have all my desirable specs above. The biggest one is that it doesn't have a fully auto bolt carrier. It passed my testing with flying colors and it's the rifle that goes with me wherever I go. You can get these all day at $500. The quality of parts and assembly is IMO twice this price.
     
  9. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey

    @tacmotusn nailed it. Don't be in a hurry to throw down a grand, you can do well for much less. I can build a REALLY nice AR for a thousand bucks. You could too. Ever thought about building one up? Much more bang for the buck, and really isn't hard.
     
  10. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    You sorta have to watch out for anything labeled "budget." On the other hand, you need to budget for how much you want or need to spend for reliability and accuracy, both of those come before farkles and gadgetry. As above, if all the parts come from the same shop, you have a far better shot at reliability than some of the shops that simply build from supplier's parts bins. Spend once for serious work, then build one for the fun of it. (Thus spake me, and maybe me only.)
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2017
  11. BTPost

    BTPost Stumpy Old Fart,Deadman Walking, Snow Monkey Moderator

    A supplier off mine is advertising a NEW DPMS AR15 for $399.00US... These are the "Chevy" of AR15s around these days....
    Seems that deals for AR15s are stacking up on dealers shelves, as lots of them were Stockpiled, by Dealers to beat the Clinton Presidency....
     
  12. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    I would only add a few thoughts to this most excellent thread! I would look for a barrel that is melonited,and I would look for a 1/8 twist or 1/7 to take advantage of the YUGE selection of bullet weights, and if possible the Wylde chamber! I recently built my first AR fully, and while I spent more then $800 on it, I was able to get it exactly the way I wanted it and with the specific features I demand in an AR. Invest a little extra for good iron sights, and over all, keep it light and simple.
    Mine uses an A-2 fixed carry handle upper with shell deflector and push feed with the dust cover, its slightly heaver then the A-1 upper, but I specifically wanted the fully adjustable rear sight, and the correct A-2 front sight a frame. I also used a 1/7 twist Wylde chamber stainless barrel in a sort of light configuration and the length is 12 inches ( SBR) I also built it to Carbine length and used the ultra rare A-1 sliding bit stock to keep the weight down and to give a better cheek rest for accurate shooting. The total wight if the rifle empty is just 2 OZ under 6 pounds, and a 30 round mag is exactly 1 pound, so I got it as light as I could while still having the features I needed! So, a feller can also built a really sweet AR for well under a grand if you shop around and do your home work!
     
  13. natshare

    natshare Monkey+++

    Heck, even STAG has been offering rifle kits (basically, everything but the stripped lower receiver) for <$500 lately, via their email sale notices. Add a $50 stripped lower from PSA (unless you want your rifle to be all Stag parts), and even with an overpriced transfer fee, you should still come in under $600, easy. The glut of parts and weapons has made it VERY cheap to put together your own, or buy one already assembled. (y)

    In fact, I got an email from Stag, today, for their Model 3 kit, for $417.59 (don't ask me where they came up with that figure! LOL), plus shipping, I'm sure. Here's what the email said:
    That last part is a good reason why I went with a Stag AR, for my first one (though, if you buy the whole rifle, it's covered under their forever guarantee, which is also transferable....nice, if you're handing the weapon down to your kid, or grandkid!).

    Model 3 Rifle Kit
     
  14. 3M-TA3

    3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

    Pictures or it isn't real*



    * I just like gun porn
     
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  15. Tackleberry

    Tackleberry Krieg Hündchen

    A dust cover, forward assist, and either 1/7 or 1/8 barrel twist; with a 5.56mm chamber.

    Be sure you have back up iron sights.

    I think a Colt 6920 would serve you well.
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2017
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  16. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    Here she is!
    [​IMG]
     
  17. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey

    You have a link for that stock by chance?
    NICE AR bud. Like the "H-Bar" sights.
     
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  18. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    It's an "Air Soft" stock! I found it is every bit as strong as the "real thing" at 1/10 the cost, looks exactly like the original, and functions exactly the same. Just pull it apart and use your standard Mil Spec Buffer tube ( measure it to make sure it fits tight, Some fit the commercial tube better) and your good to go!
    Here is the link!
    G&P CAR-15 Adjustable Fixed Stock for M4 / M16 Series Airsoft AEG Rifles
     
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  19. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey

    THANKS BRO!
     
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  20. T. Riley

    T. Riley Monkey+++

    S&W M&P 15's - Good reviews less than $500 right now. I own several of them.
     
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