AR15 HELP!!!

[Klayton]

Hey guys! Well got the Mrs to approve an AR15 purchase and am a little confused because of the huge price variations, options some say are mandatory, and warranties out there (one company has no warranty, but will repair any damage to the rifle if it can be proven material failure???)

Soooo, what manufacturer should I be leaning towards?
Colt
S&W
Bushmaster
well you get the idea. I want shortest barrel legal, but priority one is accuracy (300-400m range) followed closely by reliability.

I also vaguely remember a post about which is the best magazine manufacturer of ar15 magazines but cannot seem to find it...

Let me know guys, I did check out ar15.com but they only show two gun manufacturers when you go to the purchase area, seems a little biased in judgement ... but maybe not ? Thanks guys! Hope you had a great weekend!

[MustangGal]

If you are LEO you may be able to go through your department and get a really good deal. I can't remember if you are, and I know there are several LEOs on here.

[golfroot]

How about building your own? It's fairly easy and you get to know how the rifle works. This http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/2252.php plus a stripped lower and optic of your choice will make for a fine weapon.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I like DPMS and Bushmaster and S&W seems to be on a good path. I stay with Military models. Issues seem to arise when folks start making changes. Colt has not done well at the range except for the older SP1s. I only carry military grade magazines as well but P mags are good too.
This is just my opinion.
No matter what kind of gun we are discussing or name is hanging on it, the thing must work. if it doesnt work it doesnt stay

[Elza]

I’ll second the build-it-yourself vote. I’ve built two and they both run great. Plus, by buying pieces and parts you can get exactly what you want.

What part of Texas? (I’m 60 miles north of Dallas.) I have a receiver block and armorers wrench for attaching the barrel. We might be able to get together and attach the barrel if you want to go that route. Only take a few minutes to accomplish.

[tarheelsman71]

I would like to say that most operators from the old "Blackwater" merc force used Bushmaster. If it is good enough for those guys in harms way everyday, and they trust it as their got primary weapon, I am gonna jump on that bandwagon. As far as accessories, to each his own. What works for me may not work for you. My config: I have on both my AR's is a 6 pos collapsable stock, removable carrying handle with a decent 4x scope with shoot thru opening so I can still see my iron sights. If someone/thing is out there a ways, then the scope. I havent ever been a big, foregrip, light, etc., guy. but I will say that the best accesory for me is a quality green laser for any CQB work. With the laser, target acquisition is instant. I have mine set for 25 ft. I know that the label on the box says "will go over a mile" but cqb is where a laser excels.

[Rmplstlskn]

I know this is a "Ford-v-Chevy-v-Dodge-v-Toyota, etc..." opinion, but the following NEW CHART of commercial M4 Carbines will give you info to base your decision on...
THE "new" CHART of Commercial M4 Carbines

What are the DIFFERENCES and what should I look for?

As with all things, there is often a reason why one brand is more expensive than another brand, just as there is a MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING difference between Colt and Bushmaster and Olympic, etc... Will the lowest quality AR manufacturer build a reliable AR? Maybe... Will a top-tier manufacturer like Colt put out a dud? Yes... But you can't get around the PROCESSES that are done to the parts and quality control... That chart will help you know the DETAILS... Then go by your price allowance and how important certain qualities are to you...

Rmpl

[protus]

id say go with an AK :p sorry had to...LOL

[MustangGal]

For what it is worth, we are very happy with my Bushmaster.

[LizardKing]

I've never had any issues with my 6920 Colt, but I've never put it thru the abuse my AK has been through. The Colt uses either Colt mags or P mags.

[Klayton]

Thanks guys, I definitely could build one, but doing the two job thing now and time is extremely limited (I may not be able to even hunt this fall/winter-very depressed about that). I went to my local gun store/gun range, they have two AR15s on the shelf for sale, but they are both marked high in price (I think): S&W for $1,500, and a Armalite(??) $1,250... This will be my first purchase of a "assault rifle" boy do I hate saying those words with today's anti-gun environment, but with my extra 2nd job income I want atleast two in the immediate future.

OK half asleep right now but going to go check out Rmplstlskn's links. Thanks again all!!

@Protus: would love to add an AK to my armory as well, feel free to point me in the right direction.

[golfroot]

Klayton,

The first lower I assembled myself took about an hour. Here is a link to the process. http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

After you spend an hour assembling the lower, just pin the complete upper on it, and you are done with your new rifle!

Edited to add: Yep, those prices are way high on the S&W and the Armalite if they're just a basic rifles.

[MustangGal]

Those prices were pretty shocking to me, but we bought ours ten years ago and have a LEO discount. I am pretty sure we paid less than $600.

[jbriii]

I have a Bravo Company Machine M4 and am super happy with it. So far 1,500 trouble free rounds through 2 classes. Taking it to the Tactical Repsonse HRCC Medical Course in October.

[Klayton]

there you go jbriii.... adding a new manufacture to my what seems endless ar15 option list... thanks for sharing, and thanks for posting the pic