Need Advice on Which AR-15 to Buy

T

Therapydude

New member
I need a little help if you all don't mind. I originally wanted a pre-ban AR-15 with collaps. stock mated to an M4 upper. Aside from a steep price tag, any downfalls to this combination? I've never had an AR before. Would I have to have any special work done to match the upper to the lower for better fit, reliability, etc? I'm willing to give up the collaps. stock for a post-ban model, but again, I have some questions. Are the Wilson Combat tactical carbines worth the money? I like the Les Baer ARs, but I don't want that much weight (Les Baer 9.5 pounds versus 6.5-7.0 for other ARs). How about the Knight Armament SR15 M4? I'd appreciate any insight you experienced AR-15 owners can provide me. Thanks.
 
brand name isnt really important, they`re all about the same. However, a muzzelbrake of some kind, although louder to the shooting line, makes follow-up shots much quicker. (May be important to you) Many agree for utmost accuracy, no brake, or flashhider is better. Good luck
 
Dude, I don't think any of the rifles you mentioned come in pre ban configs. Also they are quite expensive. If this is your first AR pick up a shorty Bushmaster with the M4 upper and you can get a pinned retractible stock if you like that look. You legally can't put a retracible stock on a post ban. Bushmaster makes an excellent AR that's all milspec and perform too. And you can probably get one for about $700 which I'm sure is a fraction of the cost of the others.
 
what is the purpose of the AR

Hello.
First off if you can swing the dollars get a Preban , then you can set it up any way thay you want..

as for as who makes the best i think most of them are all good
if you are looking for a general purpose rifle get a 20 inch barrel .
if its a SHTF,or close quarter then get a 14.5 /brake or a 16 inch barrel with or with out a brake . Use USGI mags
or Orilites for a range mag. shoot good ammo i have read where some shoot Wolf in their AR with no problems, i dont i reload or shoot nato only. i have Bushmasters, PWA, E.A. and Oly . the oly has a tighter mag well than the others. if i had to choose one AR it would be from Bushmaster , i have had no problems with them at all i have 3 of them .

Good Luck
GrandPa
 
I'll throw in my $0.02...

I don't believe the Wilson guns are worth what they charge. They use commonly available parts to put their guns together. You can build the same gun for less.

The M4 configuration is mainly for looks; you can't mount a grenade launcher to the barrel anyway. I think it's a fad that will pass.

Regarding the collapsible stock, realize that it is difficult to get a consistent cheek weld on these. Better to go with the standard A2 (or shorter A1) buttstock.

As someone else mentioned use USGI mags....with the green followers...they're the most reliable.

Not sure how much upper-to-lower fit has to do with reliability. I know it doesn's have much to do with accuracy, as all of your accuracy comes from the upper. If the fit concerns you, use a $5 Accu-Wedge to tighten things up.

I've built several AR's from parts kits and all have been utterly reliable. I also own a Colt HBAR and a Bushmaster Dissipator. The Bushy is by far my favorite, and it gets the most use.
 
I agree with many of the above posters that a Bushmaster would be a good choice. For CQB I recommend a 16in fluted barrel (the fluted barrel is about the same weight as the M4 but is more rigid and will cool faster). Also, get a flattop if you intend to mount optics (which are very helpful for both CQB and percision use).
 
I like my Armalites.

That being said, Bushmaster makes a nice gun. Wilson really is overpriced.

If this is your first AR, or your first semi-auto rifle, I'd suggest going with a Bushmaster, DPMS, Armalite, or Rock River. They are commonly available and they're easy vendors to work with in case they managed to screw smething up. They're also good rifles and you don't have to give up your frst born.

Length of the barrel doesn't matter for what I think you're trying to do (plinking, shooting paper, having fun)... there's some gain with a 20" as opposed to a 16", but if you're going to get into competitive shooting, you'll probably be getting a 24" upper anyway. I prefer 20" barrel set-ups simply because of the longer sight picture. Bushmaster makes a carbine variant (Dissipator) with the 20" furniture, however, if you're wanting to go down that road.

Stick to USGI magazines. The pretty black plastic magazines look tempting, whispering "buy me, buy me," but they can be a pain to work with. The only time I have ever had feeding problems with my Armalites have been when using Thermold magazines. Orlites aren't any better.

However, about the new Bushmaster with the faux collapsable stock... I'm sorry, I just think it's goofy to have a collapsable stock that doesn't collapse. As GGGLOCK noted, you cannot even get a good cheek weld with it. I could see getting a pre-ban with a stock that collapses, because there's some utility in the collapsing stock. But the pinned stocks are only good for getting people at the range to go googoogaga and say, "can I touch it, can I touch it," but beyond that... :rolleyes: (if you really want to compensate for manly shortcomings, go get a Desert Eagle in .50AE)
 
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