Going to get my first rifle!

[Uncle Malice]

I'm quite competent and experienced with handguns, but I've never been into rifles. I'm looking at getting my first one in an AR type platform.

I've looked at many manufacturers and have been fawning over the POF rifles but they're simply outside of my price range. I love that they are made locally - but $2,500 is just too high for my first one. I probably wouldn't even appreciate all the things that make it great.

With that said, I was closely looking at the M&P Tactical and also the Ruger SR-556C. I think that I'm going to go ahead and order the SR-556C. From all the reviews I've read and the videos I've watched - it seems like a very well made gun. A little heavy, but I'm not planning on doing long distance run-and-gun scenarios really. Maybe some toying around out in the desert, but nothing too serious. Mostly a sport rifle or as a potential primary in a SHTF scenario.

Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone has any real reasons why I wouldn't go with the SR-556C. I love straight rail design like this has. The gas pistol system seems to be pretty good. I like that it ships with three magazines and features the Troy iron sights. I'm sure I will put some kind of optic on it, but I'll figure that out once I have the gun.

Bud's has it for just a little over $1,400 right now. Seems like a decent price.

Your thoughts?

 

[raimius]

It's your choice, but I wouldn't spend over $1000 on a "first AR-15" or "first rifle" unless I knew EXACTLY what I wanted.

If it is not for extremely hard use, I don't see the advantage of the piston system. It is not select-fire, so heat transfer shouldn't be a big issue. It's not hard to clean the thing every 400-500 rounds, so even gas from dirty ammo shouldn't be an issue.
The rail system is very nice, but do you intend to hang anything over the receiver rail and onto the hand guard rail? What do you plan to hang on the quad rail? If you aren't going to use a feature, do you want to pay for it?

PMags are $15 each, so that shouldn't be a big factor, IMO.

 

[TXAZ]

I've shot the M&P Tactical, very nice and smooth, I don't think you can go wrong with it. I haven't shot the Ruger SR-556C.
I'd go talk to the guys at SGC (maybe Paul) as they have both, and can probably give you solid & objective advice.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Uncle Malice]

It's your choice, but I wouldn't spend over $1000 on a "first AR-15" or "first rifle" unless I knew EXACTLY what I wanted.

I hear you there. I wasn't planning on it, but this isn't TOO much more expensive to get the look thet I really like. Which brings us to..

The rail system is very nice, but do you intend to hang anything over the receiver rail and onto the hand guard rail? What do you plan to hang on the quad rail? If you aren't going to use a feature, do you want to pay for it?

To me, the monolothic rail just looks so much cleaner. I'm okay with paying a little extra for the aesthetics that I like. (My Sig P229 Equinox/P220 Stainless Elite/P229 Stainless Elite come to mind)

I don't know for sure if whatever I put on it will extend the one piece rail design or not, but I like that the option is there.

But for me,

THIS...

Looks a lot better than THIS..

The M&P Tactical has the same monolithic rail design without being gas pistol operated, for about the same price. Obviously I don't know for sure, but the biggest reason I went with the gas over DI was because from what I saw and heard from guys like POF was that the DI really shines on longer barrel AR's and that reliability can be a bit more spotty on the shorter barrel designs due to timing.

Like I said, I'm no expert - I can only go off of my own research, but if I understand you correctly - there's not really any issue with the SR-556, just that it may have a few extra features that I'm paying for that I may not necessarily 'need'??

I'm okay with that, as long as it's a solid performer. Ruger is still made locally, and has a good reputation(these days).

$1,433 shipped from Bud's. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

[Uncle Malice]

I'd go talk to the guys at SGC

Yep. That's where this whole thing began.

I'm a member, so I have been looking at various guns. I was really liking the LMT and LWRC's as well. LWRC is pricey like POF is. LMT was just a little more than the Ruger/S&W.