need help selecting AR

10mm man · March 21, 2010, 09:00 AM

I know this will generate opinions, however without first hand experience, thats all I have to work with.
As I posted yesterday, Uncle Sam owes me more than I expected. I am looking at AR's.

I am researching all I can. I don't necessarily want to rush out and buy a base model and be dissapointed soon after. By the same token, I can't afford to run out and buy a $2000 rifle either.
Here is my wish list:
around $1000, prefer a flat top (possiblly will scope it later), either AR15 or M4, ability to handle 5.56 ammo would be nice but not necessary.
I expect this rifle to be used for varmits and plinking, but needs to be reliable enough for any other possibility.

I am not concerned about sights or other optics in my price range.
I am confused about some of the designations used such as A2, A3,etc.
Help me out fellas.

shooter_from_show-me · March 21, 2010, 09:47 AM

Rock River Arms makes nice quality rifles. Here's a link:

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.c...ategory_id=213

tkcomer · March 21, 2010, 10:00 AM

The A-3s are the flat top uppers. The A-1 and A-2 style have the carry handles on them. They have different rear sights. There are a lot of guns in your price range. But the main thing is, you say you want to run optics. And for that, you might want to try and find one without the front sight. Just a gas block. That way, the front sight won't be in the way if you scope it.

mesabi · March 21, 2010, 12:44 PM

Sounds like a DPMS lo-pro classic would fit the bill. It's chambered in 5.56mm, heavy barrel, and flat top upper.

Reliability will be on you. I never had a jam all through BRM. Quality mags and some TLC will keep it running no problem.

10mm man · March 21, 2010, 09:29 PM

OK, it's between Rock River, DPMS and Stag. Hard to narrow down, each has its strong points. All are in the price range and I still can't decide.

bigghoss · March 21, 2010, 10:23 PM

this one ain't new but
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...0988&oh=216543

not sure what it'll go for but if the opening bid is an indication
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...9213&oh=216543

buy it now for $1200
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...0889&oh=216543

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...5149&oh=216543

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...1532&oh=216543

nothing wrong with stag or RRA but these are suppose to be the top of the line as far as quality (it probably won't matter to most people if you don't shoot a lot of competitions or classes)

fletchbutt152 · March 22, 2010, 01:46 AM

Best buy for your buck if you're not gonna build one.

Qtiphky · March 22, 2010, 03:18 AM

I have a Bushmaster and love it. I also have an Armalite and while it isn't as accurate as my Bushy, it still works well.

RT · March 22, 2010, 04:43 AM

DD XV carbine- $999
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...DXV&groupid=11

Beretta686 · March 22, 2010, 05:55 AM

After owning several Rock Rivers I've never had any trouble with them & they came with a match trigger. They've been very accurate & reliable from day one.

I had two Bushmasters which where great (but preferred the RR with the match trigger).

I also have several uppers from Model 1 Sales, which have never given me issues. So if buy just a lower you can tack on a M1S upper and save some $$$.

So I'd highly recommend all 3 of the above.

Madpipe · March 22, 2010, 11:21 PM

I would go with a DPMS they are good solid rifles and won't break the bank also try a quentin defense carbine they are a real nice rifle and cheaper then the rest.

notofnow · March 23, 2010, 04:04 PM

Have u checked out the S&W MP series? Got a optics ready for around $850 couple of months ago. They r nice.

mcintosh02 · March 23, 2010, 10:41 PM

CMMG bargain bin.
Add the RRA match trigger, and spend the rest on ammo and a training course.

Sgt Pepper · March 23, 2010, 10:57 PM

ditto the Smith and Wesson M&P15. I've seen them for $900 +/- lately. I own one and they are of excellent quality. My other AR-15 is a Colt SP1, and I figure that I have a good reference.

southernmaninla · March 24, 2010, 06:53 AM

OK, it's between Rock River, DPMS and Stag. Hard to narrow down, each has its strong points. All are in the price range and I still can't decide.

If these are YOUR choices I would vote RR or Stag.

amprecon · March 24, 2010, 09:59 PM

I researched the many different manufacturers and rifle types offered. My choices were narrowed down quite a bit due to me wanting mine in 6.8spc.
I understand that the mid-lengths seem to offer "softer" recoil impulses and appear to be less harsh on the action than their carbine counterparts.
So it came down to the DPMS Panther 20" or the RRA 16" mid-length, since not much more is gained with barrel lengths over 16" in the 6.8spc the RRA mid-length seemed to be the way to go and that is what I ordered.

10mm man · March 28, 2010, 08:00 PM

leaning heavily to the Stag model 3.
working on prices and possibility of purchasing lower and upper separately.

KAMPILAN · March 29, 2010, 03:50 PM

Bravo company. Consistent quality and you'll have the satisfaction of doing your 1st lego rifle build for ~850-900

10mm man · March 31, 2010, 06:03 PM

Check cleared and I went shopping.

I now own a DPMS flat top. I mounted a red dot I had laying around and plan on trying it out this weekend.

Big DeWitt · April 1, 2010, 12:48 AM

What kind of DPMS did you get? I have a DPMS Sportical in .223/5.56 and i have been very pleased with it.

jdncsu · April 1, 2010, 09:21 AM

head over to m4carbine.net to check out their chart.

id second the daniel defense!

skewer me if you want but id never own a rock river, dpms or stag.

greyson97 · April 1, 2010, 10:10 AM

S&W M&P Tactical

I was dumb and passed on this, and overpaid for a match target colt with a fixed stock

jdncsu · April 1, 2010, 10:12 AM

^ i actually picked up the MP15 MOE a few months ago.. $899 to my door. Great service from G and R tactical.

rifle is well put together and has nice internals for the price.

riverwalker76 · April 1, 2010, 11:05 AM

I built one on my own for around $650.

I used a complete upper from Tony's Custom Uppers , and built the lower for $150 on my own. The UTG M4 Buttstock was around $40 at a gun show last weekend. I figured the money I saved on the build will buy more bullets for reloading.

There is no need to put a lot of money into a S&W or Rock River in my opinion. I have the EXACT same barrel on my upper as the DPMS Ultralight or whatever they call it. All barrels are created equal. One or two companies make all of the blanks, and the Name Brand buys the blank to build themselves and put their stamps on them. I did my research.

If you can tear down and reassemble a Colt 1911 ... you have the brains to build your own AR. Plus .... it's a learning process. If something fails .... like all ARs eventually do ... you will know what the problem is right away.

jem375 · April 1, 2010, 11:12 AM

Nice choice, we have 3 DPMS's in the family and they all work great.. you will enjoy the rifle...

March 21, 2010, 09:00 AM	#1
10mm man Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2007 Posts: 130	need help selecting AR I know this will generate opinions, however without first hand experience, thats all I have to work with. As I posted yesterday, Uncle Sam owes me more than I expected. I am looking at AR's. I am researching all I can. I don't necessarily want to rush out and buy a base model and be dissapointed soon after. By the same token, I can't afford to run out and buy a $2000 rifle either. Here is my wish list: around $1000, prefer a flat top (possiblly will scope it later), either AR15 or M4, ability to handle 5.56 ammo would be nice but not necessary. I expect this rifle to be used for varmits and plinking, but needs to be reliable enough for any other possibility. I am not concerned about sights or other optics in my price range. I am confused about some of the designations used such as A2, A3,etc. Help me out fellas. __________________ Molon Labe

March 21, 2010, 09:47 AM	#2
shooter_from_show-me Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 231	Rock River Arms makes nice quality rifles. Here's a link: http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.c...ategory_id=213 __________________ When the government fears the people, you have liberty. When the people fear the government, you have tyranny. ~ Thomas Jefferson NRA Life Member

March 21, 2010, 09:29 PM	#5
10mm man Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2007 Posts: 130	OK, it's between Rock River, DPMS and Stag. Hard to narrow down, each has its strong points. All are in the price range and I still can't decide. __________________ Molon Labe

March 21, 2010, 10:23 PM	#6
bigghoss Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 2,664	this one ain't new but http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...0988&oh=216543 not sure what it'll go for but if the opening bid is an indication http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...9213&oh=216543 buy it now for $1200 http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...0889&oh=216543 http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...5149&oh=216543 http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...1532&oh=216543 nothing wrong with stag or RRA but these are suppose to be the top of the line as far as quality (it probably won't matter to most people if you don't shoot a lot of competitions or classes) __________________ I don't collect guns, I accumulate them. Last edited by bigghoss; March 21, 2010 at 10:30 PM.

March 22, 2010, 01:46 AM	#7
fletchbutt152 Member Join Date: February 10, 2006 Posts: 60	Stag Best buy for your buck if you're not gonna build one.

March 21, 2010, 10:00 AM	#3
tkcomer Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2006 Location: Maysville, KY Posts: 200	The A-3s are the flat top uppers. The A-1 and A-2 style have the carry handles on them. They have different rear sights. There are a lot of guns in your price range. But the main thing is, you say you want to run optics. And for that, you might want to try and find one without the front sight. Just a gas block. That way, the front sight won't be in the way if you scope it.

March 21, 2010, 12:44 PM	#4
mesabi Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2007 Posts: 373	Sounds like a DPMS lo-pro classic would fit the bill. It's chambered in 5.56mm, heavy barrel, and flat top upper. Reliability will be on you. I never had a jam all through BRM. Quality mags and some TLC will keep it running no problem.

March 22, 2010, 03:18 AM	#8
Qtiphky Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2008 Location: Upper Michigan, above the Mackinac Bridge Posts: 568	Bushmaster I have a Bushmaster and love it. I also have an Armalite and while it isn't as accurate as my Bushy, it still works well.

March 22, 2010, 04:43 AM	#9
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,194	DD XV carbine- $999 http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...DXV&groupid=11

March 22, 2010, 05:55 AM	#10
Beretta686 Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 761	After owning several Rock Rivers I've never had any trouble with them & they came with a match trigger. They've been very accurate & reliable from day one. I had two Bushmasters which where great (but preferred the RR with the match trigger). I also have several uppers from Model 1 Sales, which have never given me issues. So if buy just a lower you can tack on a M1S upper and save some $$$. So I'd highly recommend all 3 of the above. __________________ "Our contract called for 16 cases of rifles and ammunition for $10,000 dollars, not a machine gun...........That is our present to the General"-Pike Bishop “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”

March 22, 2010, 11:21 PM	#11
Madpipe Member Join Date: November 19, 2008 Location: Queen Creek,AZ 85242 Posts: 25	FWIW I would go with a DPMS they are good solid rifles and won't break the bank also try a quentin defense carbine they are a real nice rifle and cheaper then the rest. __________________ Oh Well

March 23, 2010, 04:04 PM	#12
notofnow Member Join Date: November 10, 2009 Posts: 51	Have u checked out the S&W MP series? Got a optics ready for around $850 couple of months ago. They r nice.

March 23, 2010, 10:41 PM	#13
mcintosh02 Member Join Date: October 16, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 36	CMMG bargain bin. Add the RRA match trigger, and spend the rest on ammo and a training course. __________________ "Not whiz-bang tactical, but one smack in the grape and it's coloring books for Christmas" hahahahaa

March 23, 2010, 10:57 PM	#14
Sgt Pepper Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 811	ditto the Smith and Wesson M&P15. I've seen them for $900 +/- lately. I own one and they are of excellent quality. My other AR-15 is a Colt SP1, and I figure that I have a good reference.

March 24, 2010, 06:53 AM	#15
southernmaninla Member Join Date: November 26, 2007 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 31	OK, it's between Rock River, DPMS and Stag. Hard to narrow down, each has its strong points. All are in the price range and I still can't decide. If these are YOUR choices I would vote RR or Stag. __________________ A wise man knows which hill to die upon.

March 24, 2010, 09:59 PM	#16
amprecon Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 786	I researched the many different manufacturers and rifle types offered. My choices were narrowed down quite a bit due to me wanting mine in 6.8spc. I understand that the mid-lengths seem to offer "softer" recoil impulses and appear to be less harsh on the action than their carbine counterparts. So it came down to the DPMS Panther 20" or the RRA 16" mid-length, since not much more is gained with barrel lengths over 16" in the 6.8spc the RRA mid-length seemed to be the way to go and that is what I ordered.

March 28, 2010, 08:00 PM	#17
10mm man Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2007 Posts: 130	leaning heavily to the Stag model 3. working on prices and possibility of purchasing lower and upper separately. __________________ Molon Labe

March 29, 2010, 03:50 PM	#18
KAMPILAN Member Join Date: February 26, 1999 Posts: 28	Bravo company. Consistent quality and you'll have the satisfaction of doing your 1st lego rifle build for ~850-900

March 31, 2010, 06:03 PM	#19
10mm man Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2007 Posts: 130	went and did it Check cleared and I went shopping. I now own a DPMS flat top. I mounted a red dot I had laying around and plan on trying it out this weekend. __________________ Molon Labe

April 1, 2010, 12:48 AM	#20
Big DeWitt Junior Member Join Date: April 1, 2010 Posts: 3	Ar-15 What kind of DPMS did you get? I have a DPMS Sportical in .223/5.56 and i have been very pleased with it.

April 1, 2010, 09:21 AM	#21
jdncsu Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2007 Posts: 119	head over to m4carbine.net to check out their chart. id second the daniel defense! skewer me if you want but id never own a rock river, dpms or stag.

April 1, 2010, 10:10 AM	#22
greyson97 Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,284	S&W M&P Tactical I was dumb and passed on this, and overpaid for a match target colt with a fixed stock __________________ "Some people think they can outsmart me. Maybe, maybe. I've yet to meet one that can outsmart bullet." -Heavy si vis pacem, para bellum

April 1, 2010, 10:12 AM	#23
jdncsu Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2007 Posts: 119	^ i actually picked up the MP15 MOE a few months ago.. $899 to my door. Great service from G and R tactical. rifle is well put together and has nice internals for the price.

April 1, 2010, 11:05 AM	#24
riverwalker76 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 993	I built one on my own for around $650. I used a complete upper from Tony's Custom Uppers , and built the lower for $150 on my own. The UTG M4 Buttstock was around $40 at a gun show last weekend. I figured the money I saved on the build will buy more bullets for reloading. There is no need to put a lot of money into a S&W or Rock River in my opinion. I have the EXACT same barrel on my upper as the DPMS Ultralight or whatever they call it. All barrels are created equal. One or two companies make all of the blanks, and the Name Brand buys the blank to build themselves and put their stamps on them. I did my research. If you can tear down and reassemble a Colt 1911 ... you have the brains to build your own AR. Plus .... it's a learning process. If something fails .... like all ARs eventually do ... you will know what the problem is right away.

April 1, 2010, 11:12 AM	#25
jem375 Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 390	Nice choice, we have 3 DPMS's in the family and they all work great.. you will enjoy the rifle... __________________ Life is too short to spend it with an ugly gun..... NRA Life Member