I'm thinking about getting an AR.
Yeah, I'm worried about a possible AWB, so I'm thinking of getting one before any hits. I've done some reading on them, but with so many manufacturers, models and variations, it's hard to know exactly.
So can you guys school me on ARs? What are some good manufacturers? Who makes ones that are a good bang for the buck? What should I be looking for when purchasing an AR?
No pun intended at all in this post.
You're not alone. With the AWB coming up most of the panic buying has been people who were always "ehhh - maybe" towards the idea of buying a semi-auto rifle feeling as though their decision has been made for them.
I completely sympathize with you. There are
lots of manufacturers, each with their own koolaid about how their gun is superior to the others. There's piston, special coatings, and rail-mounted massagers all being marketed as the next big thing. It's definitely confusing. That's why it's nice to have masochistic people like me who actually enjoy the engineering behind this stuff.
Want an AR? Here's the short answer.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=6920
Colt 6920. Colt makes the M4 for the US Military. The Colt 6920 is the closest thing to an M4 and is made to the same specification minus the auto-sear. This is very important because the mil-spec is the tried and tested formula of making an AR. The mil-spec Technical Data Package contains every material, measurement, and method to make a proper M4. We know that it works, we know what to expect, and we know what to do to improve the thing and so do the manufacturers that make parts, accessories, and ammo for the gun. Buying a design that does not meet these standards is a gamble and there's no way of knowing what's not right with your rifle.
If the Colt seems too expensive for you, there's the Smith and Wesson M&P15, Palmetto State Armory, or Spike's Tactical (if you don't mind the stupid spider logos.)
You should be able to get a Colt 6920 for no more than $1,200. No more than $1,000 for a Spike's, PSA or S&W. The S&W could easily be found for $750 prior to this insanity.
The big question is this: What do you want to do with this rifle and how much are you willing to spend? After you answer that it will be easier to recommend different guns, barrel lengths, gas systems, furniture, etc. For 90% of shooters, a Colt is more than good enough.
Here are some other good manufacturers. They'll cost more than a Colt will, but have their own advantages.
Daniel Defense
Bravo Company Manufacturing
Lewis Machine and Tool
Here are some that I would avoid buying:
Rock River Arms
Bushmaster (a6m5 has a .308 AR, different story)
DPMS
Stag
Olympic Arms
Armalite
Windham Weaponry
The metals are inferior, some designs are wrong, and the methods to build the gun often astound me with their stupidity. CS for most of these places tends to be crap as well.
It often seems like buying one of the many of the lesser brands seem like a good way to save money. That is until the thing breaks 10,000 rounds earlier than a quality gun would have and the manufacturer's CS can't be bothered to help you. If spending extra for a Colt or even Smith and Wesson sounds painful, it's important to note that you're going to be spending much more on ammo to feed the thing than you are on the gun.
For buying your rifle...
The part of the rifle that's recognized as the "firearm" by the government is the lower receiver. This hunk of metal.
This is the part you need to buy or at least pick up from your local gun shop. Anything but that hunk of metal can be shipped to your door.
Often times they are sold as the completed lower receiver assembly as so.
It is common to buy a lower receiver assembly, then order the upper receiver directly to your door. They can be slapped together in an instant and you have your completed rifle. It can also sometimes save some cash.
Look around for places to buy full guns and lower receiver assemblies.
You picked the worst time to buy. Good luck and I'll be happy to help with any questions. I could go on about this for days. Bring back ideas so we can be sure you're not going to be screwed.
