Which AR-15?????

[firemediceric]

My head hurts from reading all the manufacturer's web sites, searching the forums and trying to digest varying opinions. Wanting to go with a Mil-Spec product, I think I have narrowed my choice down to a field of reasonable contenders. Looking for the best Mil-Spec AR-15 $1,500 or under, which of these choices do you feel is the money best spent?

Colt LT6720R M4 Carbine (Talo Limited Edition) – $1,295
http://fidelisfirearms.com/2012/03/01/colt-lt6720r-m4-carbine-%E2%80%93-1095/

Core 15 for about $1,000
http://www.core15rifles.com/products/complete-rifles.html

LMT Defender Standard Patrol Model 16 - $1,306
http://www.lmtstore.com/complete-weapon-systems-firearms-guns/defender-standard-patrol-model-16.html

Money savers that through reading get the same high marks as those above:
Sig Sauer
http://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/sig-sauer/m400-rifle-5.56mm-16in-30rd-black/ $917
http://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/sig-sauer/rm400-16b-ec-fde-m400-enhanced-moe-rifle-5-56mm-16in-30rd-flat-dark-earth/ $1060

Palmetto AR15 M4 Flat-Top - $700-$800
http://wesguns.com/ar15%20rifles.htm or this pricier one for $1,200? http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/rifles/psa-16-hammer-forged-m4a1-patrol-rifle-package.html

[Beentown71]

I chose the BCM for milspec. I bought the RECCE16 for $1299

[firemediceric]

"I chose the BCM for milspec. I bought the RECCE16 for $1299"
Was it due to an impression of overall superior quality or was there a certain feature one of the choices I listed was missing?

[semi_problomatic]

I'm buiding my own. While certain milspec parts are great, there are too many after market parts that are much better than milspec. While you can get package deals of models that are good rifles, you can put together one out of much better parts, not having to sacrifice anything you want. But quality costs. My barrel and trigger alone cost more than some complete rifles.

[CDW4ME]

My "top quality" AR is a Daniel Defense V2; I selected the DD V2 because it came with a free float quad rail (I did not see other "high end" AR's for similar $ with a free float quad rail).
I got mine off Gunbroker couple months ago for about $1,285 after shipping, money order, postage; add FFL transfer fee and now we're just over $1,300 :eek:

[Crow Hunter]

I voted the 6720 but if you can find just a basic 6920, that would be good as well.

I have found in reading gun boards for a while. Very few people seem to wish they had purchased something other than a Colt, however, many people seem to wish they had.

I base this on the number of comments that say my "XXXX rifle is just as good as a Colt but I didn't have to pay as much money as you did. Nah, nah, nah";) Versus the number of people that say, "I bought this Colt and I wish I had saved $100 and gotten a XXXX instead."

[Father Time]

I voted the 6720 but if you can find just a basic 6920

This or a basic 6720. But I wouldn't spend extra money on a limited edition.

A BCM, basic LMT, Spikes or Daniel Defence would be other great choices for the money.

[Mrgunsngear]

Best value for the money---PSA. (my vote since that was the question)

Will hold value best---Colt.

I have 3 PSA rifles and I've never had a malfunction in any through about 6-10k rounds so far. They're great tools for the job.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/DSC01374.jpg

[firemediceric]

Father Time,
No fair. You're not playing by the rules to name more than one. :p. As I acknowledged in opening this thread, there are many quality AR's for this general price point, but if you could pick just one, which would it be?

[Robk]

Missed 2 others in that price point, STAG and DPMS. Personally owned a DPMS, beautiful fit and finish. Excellent product that gets knocked alot. Second, have not owned a STAG, but I did build a CORE15 with a STAG complete barrel assembly and BCG. Service was excellent, interent order received, packed an delivered in just over 48 hours. Picked STAG as it was the only barrel assemble that offered a chrome lined barrel standard and not as an upgrade, great price also. See as many as you can in person before you decide. What looks great on a website may not look so good in person. Good Luck with your choice.

[firemediceric]

Robk,
Both Stag and DPMS have a 1:9 barrel twist. I've already ruled them out as I want to stick with Mil-Spec 1:7, but thank you.

[thesheepdog]

If I didn't know how to build one, I would go with an S&W M&P with the melonite barrel.

[chadio]

Forget cheap, forget popular. Go with great.

Lewis Machine Tool - no regrets

rc:

[pturner67]

Spikes or BCM

[Marquezj16]

BCM or DD

[Beentown71]

The BCM has great quality and the rail I wanted. They also have the MOD O for $1045 with the MOE handguard...

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Mid-16-AR15-Bravo-Company-s/142.htm

Here is the RECCE16 for $1299...

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-RECCE-16-AR15-Bravo-Company-carbine-rifle-s/144.htm

[Schwerms]

I went through several sub-par models before taking the plung and going with BCM for a quality upper. The package I went with was their EAG model, which is well over your price limit. As others have pointed out, though, they offer quite a few models within your range (with free floated barrels). Have heard nothing but good thing about PSA as well. Just remember- better to buy once and cry once (damn I learned that the hard way!). LMT is top notch, but you won't be able to get a free floated barrel at that price, which is an upgrade you WILL most likely want eventually. With BCM, you can get the whole package, excellent service, and unquestionable quality at a reasonable price. My vote is BCM all the way.

[Schwerms]

One more thing- I HIGHLY recommend a mid-length gas system. Anyone who owns one will testify that they are much softer shooting that the carbine style. Would welcome anyone to challenge me on this, as I went through a couple M4geries before seeing the light. Plus, it allows for more grip/rail space, which does indeed make a big difference.

[RT]

Colt 6920 or 6940, LMT, BCM or DD

[firemediceric]

Looks like BCM is not an option in the immediate future. From their web-site "Due to overwhelming demand of Bravo Company Rifles we must suspend taking orders until the back log has been reduced. Please have your local FFL contact RSR Group as one of our stocking distributors."

[Micropterus]

I have a Colt LE6920 and a Sig Sauer M400. The M400 so far is every bit the gun the Colt has been.

[sailskidrive]

>>Both Stag and DPMS have a 1:9 barrel twist. I've already ruled them out as I want to stick with Mil-Spec 1:7, but thank you.

Just because a barrel is something other than 1:7 doesn't mean it isn't a high quality barrel; likewise just because it is 1:7 doesn't mean it's quality. 1:7 was chosen to stabilize the M856 tracer round, something I seriously doubt you will be throwing down range.

If you look at Rainier Arm's website they have the major AR brands organized into pretty definitive tiers. Colt is like the IBM of the PC world, you get the guarantee that comes with their branding and they own the design package; but just like the IBM PC, the industry itself has passed them by.

If you're willing to wait possibly a really long time, Palmetto is the best deal out there.

[Palmetto-Pride]

My vote is for PSA I have three and they all have been nothing, but great. I have put a few thousand rounds through them with very few malfunctions.

[sailskidrive]

Yeah... PSA is mil-spec quality at half the price of a Colt.

I have a Spike's 9" BAR upper and really like it.

[Coach Z]

I own a Rock river and a core. The rock river I think is great bang for the buck.

I bought the core because of the "milspec" components. It's a good gun and I don't regret it but while the components are milspec the assembly was absolute crap! The flashider wasn't torqued and was barely even hand tight, buffer tube was loose, trigger guard rattles and the charging handle was junk. None of it is a deal breaker but for the price I'd much rather have it all done for me rather then need to tinker. That said I'm building a 16" midlength from PSA with magpul furniture currently and will likely sell the core.

[lovethosesooners]

There are several of the top tier rifles that one is probably every bit as good as another (Colt, DD, BCM, etc)

I have a DD V7 that I chose due to reputation and the V7 rail-the smooth tube with the full top rail and 3 short rails that can be configured any way you want is much more comforatable and looks "cool" :D

Truth is, for my use, I'd have been just as well off with a "mid-tier rifle such as Bushmaster, RR, etc, but it really wasn't that much more to get what I got-it's a great rifle.

[firemediceric]

Thank you all for your input, even those who just voted without commenting. Although in some ways you have added to my confusion and deliberation, you have all given me points to ponder. Due to some PM's, e-mails, and reading past threads, I've been influenced to look for a rifle that is a mid-length gas system incorporating a 7:1 barrel twist (8:1 is acceptable), 5.56 chrome lined, free floating barrel, with rail panels, M4 feedramps, adjustable stock, flash hider, and fold down front/rear iron back up sights. With that in mind, I'm now leaning toward the SIG 516 Patrol 5.56 gas piston http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/sig516-od-green.aspx

My flame suit is on as I'm sure it'll be pointed out that Sig received very few votes in the poll and that the rifle is priced higher than those I originally listed :o

I think I'd still be pleased with the Colt 6720, or for that matter even the M&P15T that some have also recommended, but since my intention is to buy this one gun and have it forever, the Sig seems to offer more for a little more money.

The other issue is availability. If I could drive even a couple of hours to buy the Daniel Defense or PSA, I would likely go one of those routes. I've been convinced that they both make superior products even if they don't have the name recognition to the uninitiated such as myself. The issue (I'm sure for the good reason of their outstanding quality) is that there are none available currently and there are no retail outlets in my immediate area that have even a demo model for me to look at. The same holds true for BCM.

[Mrgunsngear]

I'm guessing the Sig will be fine but something you may want to think about here...

You stated you wanted free float rails; presumably due to increased accuracy. However, you're going for a piston gun. I have one (M&P, see pics below....) and it's an awesome gun and is so clean I almost forget it's an AR but a tack driver it is not. Generally speaking, pistons just aren't as accurate as an AR with a FF rail but most are still more accurate than the person behind them.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/IMAG0526.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/IMAG0732.jpg

[Crow Hunter]

With that in mind, I'm now leaning toward the SIG 516 Patrol 5.56 gas piston http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProdu...-od-green.aspx

You are free to do what makes you feel most confident, but Sig does not have a good reputation with people who know alot more about ARs than I ever will.

I personally wouldn't do it, especially if it costs more than a known excellent firearm like a Colt or a Daniel Defense or a BCM.

[Marquezj16]

Yes, sometimes supply plays a big part of what we end up buying.
I wanted an all BCM rifle build but had to buy whats available as everything is out of stock.

Good luck with your purchase.

[semi_problomatic]

BCM built lowers are in stock...takes seconds to put an upper on it....

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Lower-Receiver-Groups-M4-AR15-s/117.htm

Uppers in stock too...

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M4-16-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-m4-16.htm

[Crow Hunter]

BCM built lowers are in stock...takes seconds to put an upper on it....

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-L...AR15-s/117.htm

Uppers in stock too...

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M...-urg-m4-16.htm

^This.

[myshoulderissore]

Voted for the Colt, but i would go with the non-special one, much cheaper, and a very nice gun.

[semi_problomatic]

I plan on using these guys for my barrel, and they have complete uppers that are match quality. If you want a tack driver I'd look here.

http://www.shop.superiorbarrels.com/category.sc?categoryId=13

[HKFan9]

Comes down to what you plan on doing with it.

Most even "economy" grade rifles out there will with stand more abuse than the average civilian shooter is going to put it through.

Personally I have both a Stag and a BCM.

[RickyBobby]

BCM makes a great upper and can be had for about 500$ lmt also makes a good one! Windham Weaponry has and src model for 430$ great gun!!

[batmann]

I picked a S&W M&P MOE as my AR. It has been flawless with any ammo, including some cheap Russian steel case stuff.

[Stevie-Ray]

I'd go with the Colt. In fact, I did, and paid almost the same ($1290 OTD) quite a few years ago.

[Blade37db]

Robk,
Both Stag and DPMS have a 1:9 barrel twist. I've already ruled them out as I want to stick with Mil-Spec 1:7, but thank you.

Actually, Stags can be had with 1:7 for an extra $100 (Plus Package).
http://www.stagarms.com/information.php?info_id=13

[RockyMtnTactical]

Look for a BCM or Spikes.

[sailskidrive]

Some misinformation here, the barrels on the SIGs are free floated. I'm not a big fan of piston ARs because the parts are proprietary, however I do own SIG 716 Patrol and am very pleased with the quality. The fit and finish are very, very good; comparable to LWRC quality.

Pic below of the gas block, you can see its not attached to the free float tube.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/sailskidrive/AR15/5c9d0d82.jpg

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/sailskidrive/AR15/83cc42bf.jpg