First AR Decision Help

5

540EdgeFlyer

New member
I'm planning on picking up my first AR in the next few days, I'm simply looking for an accurate, fun to shoot plinker. with the most important aspect being reliability... I don't want to go to the range, and have to deal with a jam o matic. So far, I'm leaning towards the S&W MP Sport, or the Bushmaster CAR15.

Pros... Cons... any direct experience with either of these choices would be much appreciated.

Truth is, I know basicly NOTHING about the AR platform, and will actually be the first Rifle I've ever owned that wasnt a 22lr or a .17HMR so feel free to school me.

Thanks in advance;)
 
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I'm not fond of 16" carbines as a first experience with the AR-15 platform. Consider a 20" A3 flat top instead.

The AR-15 platform requires a fine balance between chamber pressure and reciprocating mass of the bolt carrier/buffer group. 16" carbines tend to be ammunition sensitive because of the short gas system and large gas port. For a new user of AR-15s, problems matching the ammo and weight of buffer can be very frustrating. Some users apply band-aid fixes to the extractor, but such actions are still a band-aid and not a solution to gas system imbalance.

20" rifles avoid the gas system imbalance issue with a longer gas system (Yes, 4" does make a difference!) Plus you get the added benefit of a longer sight radius.

Just remember that lots of lube is your friend when shooting a new AR-15. Lube the bolt until it drips. After it breaks in/loosens up (a couple hundred rounds), you can reduce the amount of lube.
 
What is your budget?
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If I thought it was important, I could spend maybe $950, but I'd really like to spend as little as possible, as this rifle will be used exclusively for plinking. No SD/HD whatsoever. This is just something I want for fun, nothing more. Like I said though, I don't want something that will be problematic at the range, but as far as pinpoint accuracy, weight, or whatever other attributes that add to the cost of an AR... I'm not really concerned with those. Just want a fun rifle to take to the range.

So to answer your question, Cheaper is better, as long as the gun works reliably.
 
Thanks for the advice DnPKR. You sound like a guy who has a good bit of experience with the platform. Any advice on how to get into the gun you suggest with least amount of pain to the wallet? Thanks!:)
 
I have had several AR's, if you get a quality product, you can have reliability regardless of gas system length.. I would do more research and determine exactly what you want.
 
16" carbines tend to be ammunition sensitive because of the short gas system and large gas port. For a new user of AR-15s, problems matching the ammo and weight of buffer can be very frustrating. Some users apply band-aid fixes to the extractor, but such actions are still a band-aid and not a solution to gas system imbalance.
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What are you talking about?

Maybe in theory, but in reality, if built properly like most assemblers are capable of doing, this isn't going to be a problem.

I don't see a rash of 16" AR owners anywhere complaining about reliability.

OP, there are plenty of reputable AR assembler's and MFG's. Colt, RRA, BCM, Del-ton, PSA, STAG, Bushmaster and others too numerous to mention, in your price range. All are capable of building a reliable 16" or 20" AR.

My recommendation is that you shop by price as most are using components that are of high quality and meet the specifications of today's educated market. CDNN has Colt specials from time to time that fit your budget.

Another option is to buy a stripped lower and assemble it with an LPK and either build the upper or buy an assembled upper from one of the sources above. This is what I did with the AR you see below, it gives you a really good learning experience on how the rifle goes together and functions. Mine is a Del-ton upper, YHM light rail on a S&W M&P stripped lower and Geissele 2 stage trigger group (recently added).

p905305914-5.jpg
 
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I have a Spikes tactical 16" with more than 1500 rounds through it without a single failure of any kind. I shoot either PMC or Federal..
 
I own several 16" carbines and have never had a problem with

"The AR-15 platform requires a fine balance between chamber pressure and reciprocating mass of the bolt carrier/buffer group. 16" carbines tend to be ammunition sensitive because of the short gas system and large gas port. For a new user of AR-15s, problems matching the ammo and weight of buffer can be very frustrating. Some users apply band-aid fixes to the extractor, but such actions are still a band-aid and not a solution to gas system imbalance."

Spikes Tactical
Spikes Tactical Upper/CMMG Lower
Doublestar Upper/CMMG Lower

These even work just fine with Barnaul Steel cased ammo.

The only problem I had was a FTE which was cured by a new extractor spring kit from Brownells.

There are thousands of AR-15s with 16 inch barrels that work just fine.

As far as to which AR-15 you need to decide what you want to do with it. Do you have a budget you have to stay in.
 
Thanks HKguns. That's a great looking AR you've put together there. I think you're right, it would definitely be a good learning experience putting one together myself. Hopefully, I'll have some pix to post in the not too distant future.

As far as to which AR-15 you need to decide what you want to do with it. Do you have a budget you have to stay in.
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@Eghad, I've already decided what I want to do with the gun. As I said above, i want a reliable, fun range plinker, as inexpensively as possible without giving up reliability. I won't spend any more than $950, but I'd like to spend much less.
 
I'm with bigbuckeye...my 16" mid-length Spikes Tactical has been flawless...and, you can get a complete AR for $860

building one, though, would be fun
 
540EdgeFlyer, for your stated purpose I highly recommend the m&P15 Sport. Mine has been great to shoot. Very accurate, high quality components and zero problems after several range trips. You can spend more, but why, if you don't need to. As a range gun and plinker, it will do everything you ask of it. It makes a nice HD gun, too. I added the Lucid HD7 optic to mine. That cost about $200.00. Plus I bought more magazines. So I have a nice setup for under $900.00

Best of luck with your choice.
 
Just got back from the local Gander Mtn. The guy said they would have M&P Sports in on Thursday. I asked the price..... $739. How that place EVER sells any guns, I'll never know.

Thanks for all the input everyone. I think I've got a much better idea of what I'm looking for now, and as soon as the next gun show gets here, I think I'm gonna pull the trigger (pun intended) on either a RRA, Stag, or a S&W. 16" Flat top. Maybe even a Colt if I can put a little more scratch together between now, and then. We'll see which feels better, and go with that.
 
You cant go wrong with a S&W M&P15 they are top notch and have a Lifetime warranty I have put thousands of rounds thru mine and never had a problem with brass cased ammo.

FYI: No matter what AR you chose stay away from cheap steel cased ammo.

If you happen to shoot cheap steel cased ammo and have problems please don't come back on here complaining about it.:eek:
 
Roger that Palmetto. No steel cased ammo. Speaking of Ammo, and Gander Mtn... They did actually have some good deals on American Eagle AR.223.
 
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