What to look for in an AR-15?

[bigndn]

I've been wanting an AR-15 for quite some time. What should I look out for? Are any brands better than others (i.e. Colt vs Armalite vs Bushmaster)? What's the big deal about pre-ban weapons? Thanks.

[Landpimp]

Bushmaster
Rock River
DPMS
Colt(but they are different spec then LE/Mil AR's I beleive)

I'd get a Bushmaster(and I have one) or a Rock River, both priced the same

prepan on a AR means little right now, the current AR's are all preban configuation, but AR's from the late 80's thru the early 2000's will be post ban and will be missing some of the pre ban features(bayo lug, etc). So just get a new one...

get a A3 version with removable carry handle, 16" barrel and the stock of your liking and your good to go

Preban on stuff like HK's, AK etc etc is a different story...

[bigndn]

Pimp, you ever heard of LMT? If so, what do you know?

[Atoyot1031]

I had a 20th anniversary Bushmaster. I loved it, but I was broke and sold it. Now I'm not and miss it...

[Landpimp]

Lewis Machine Tool.......I know nuttin of any use good or bad

Originally Posted by bigndn

Pimp, you ever heard of LMT? If so, what do you know?

[mminter1973]

Armalite has started putting their tactical trigger in all their weapons now which is great because it is a good trigger, unlike bushmasters factory trigger which sucks! But both are great guns other than that, i have one of both!

[AATLAS1X]

If you need a dealer I have a friend that is a LMT dealer just out of Portland and is LE.

PM for details.

Best,

Shane

[bigndn]

What about this? Is it a good deal?

WTS: LMT AR15 flat top
with Midwest two piece forearm
and Midwest rear BUIS.
Collapsible stock, excellent
condition, comes with two
magazines, $900

[Skillet]

bushmaster is my favorite.

never a problem.

[fieldsken1]

hi i have a brushmaster m4a3 love it

[BooKilla]

Colt is the nicest AR-15 I have ever shot. Rock river puts out great products and I love their ar products. Bushmaster is alright, but I have had a few problems with two of their ar-15's. I have no expirience with armalite ar's. Absolutely the best and cheapest way to get a quality ar-15 is to build one. Get your hands on a colt upper and then most any lower will work fine. I believe that custom barrels are the way to go, but they aren't super cheap. MTC...

[BooKilla]

Oh...and it depends on what you'll use the ar-15 for, but I like the 6 way adjustable stock from rock river. Feels comfy

[bigndn]

Originally Posted by BooKilla

Absolutely the best and cheapest way to get a quality ar-15 is to build one. Get your hands on a colt upper and then most any lower will work fine. I believe that custom barrels are the way to go, but they aren't super cheap. MTC...

Why do you say this is the best way? Cost effective? Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't matched upper/lower have the tightest tolerances?

[phrogg4evr]

IMHO there is no reason to stick with one upper/lower brand. Mine are hodge podge, have an Eagle Arms (old Armalite division), a DPMS and a Colt HBAR lower.

As far as uppers, have 5 different uppers, (4) 5.56 and (1) 9mm. I don't have a matching upper for any of those anymore. Sold, traded or had work done on the ones I have.


If you're looking for a garden variety AR to plink, are lazy as I can be, and are looking upgrade your Mall Ninja status, buy it whole.
You can save a little money on the lower buying it stripped, building it up, and then matching it up with the upper of your choice, a lot of fun if you're really into gubs and you can truly customize your gub to how you want it. Get the pieces that you want that will make the AR do what you need/want it to.

Just my $0.02

S/F
Kush

[netwt12]

Originally Posted by bigndn

What about this? Is it a good deal?

WTS: LMT AR15 flat top
with Midwest two piece forearm
and Midwest rear BUIS.
Collapsible stock, excellent
condition, comes with two
magazines, $900

that sounds like a good deal. LMT makes high quality products. their quality and attention to detail is on par with colt's.

[wierdbeard]

I have a Knight's Armament and love it, Colt is great as well, it all depends on what you want it for though. It seems like flogging a dead horse but at least make sure its a 5.56 MM barrel, that way if there ever were going to be a problem with the .223 vs 5.56 quandary at least your on the safe side.
Although more expensive, free floating barrels, rail systems, BUIS, advance optics etc are sometinhg to look at, as for adjust. buttstocks, you have to ask yourself what do i need it for, is it because you are wearing body armor and need it or are you the Last Bastion of Freedom, Defender of the bathroom bootie, a supersecret GLG 20, one of the mysterious raring and daring Pony police known as MallNinja's.

Personally though zombie hunters are the shiznit

[bigndn]

Originally Posted by phrogg4evr

If you're looking for a garden variety AR to plink, are lazy as I can be, and are looking upgrade your Mall Ninja status, buy it whole.
S/F
Kush

Originally Posted by wierdbeard

I have a Knight's Armament and love it, Colt is great as well, it all depends on what you want it for though. It seems like flogging a dead horse but at least make sure its a 5.56 MM barrel, that way if there ever were going to be a problem with the .223 vs 5.56 quandary at least your on the safe side.
Although more expensive, free floating barrels, rail systems, BUIS, advance optics etc are sometinhg to look at, as for adjust. buttstocks, you have to ask yourself what do i need it for, is it because you are wearing body armor and need it or are you the Last Bastion of Freedom, Defender of the bathroom bootie, a supersecret GLG 20, one of the mysterious raring and daring Pony police known as MallNinja's.

Personally though zombie hunters are the shiznit

Why all the h8ing of mall ninja's. I, for one, feel safer at a mall knowing there are closet ninja's patrolling in golf carts with ARs under the seat.

I'd mostly be using it for laying down suppressive fire while my wife and kids advance on the local Baskin Robbins. Seriously, it would see the most use for plinking, mid range target shooting, and some varmit hunting.

[phrogg4evr]

Originally Posted by bigndn

Why all the h8ing of mall ninja's. I, for one, feel safer at a mall knowing there are closet ninja's patrolling in golf carts with ARs under the seat.

I'd mostly be using it for laying down suppressive fire while my wife and kids advance on the local Baskin Robbins. Seriously, it would see the most use for plinking, mid range target shooting, and some varmit hunting.

Shop around at your local gub stores and pawn shops. Usually you can find a used one floating around for not a whole lot. Check out gunbroker.com, many a good find there also. I got my built up DPMS lower (minus stock and buffer) for about $300. The deal-e-o's are out there. Buy now before the dems get back in orfice and revisit the Brady Laws.

[wierdbeard]

if your going to plink and are looking for a good basic platform, STAG arms has pretty good prices on completes, between 900 to 1200. if your wanting the lower they go for about 180 out the door, cheaper if you look around. Go with a flat top upper, that way if you decide at a later point to add a scope it will be easier.

[netwt12]

the best deal going on ars currently.

[RavenTai]

Originally Posted by Landpimp

AR's from the late 80's thru the early 2000's will be post ban and will be missing some of the pre ban features(bayo lug, etc).

1994 through 2004

[scott johnson]

I carried an Armalite with Sheriff's office when I worked there. Was a good all around gun. I am currently carrying a bushmaster here in Iraq and it has no problems even with the F******* dust. You didnt mention if you were left or right handed. Stag Arms is one of the only companies that makes the left handed upper if your a south paw. If price is no issue You should check out the Ar rifles that are piston operated instead of the traditional gas operated best thing since sliced bread just high dollar. If your planning on using optics you might want to go with a flat top.

[Landpimp]

Bushmaster, DPMS, Remington and someothers are all owned by the same HUGE company now.

[wheelie]

bushmaster/dpms gotta love m

[netwt12]

Originally Posted by Landpimp

Bushmaster, DPMS, Remington and someothers are all owned by the same HUGE company now.

marlin and chrysler too.