What AR-15 to get

[TacticoolJunkie]

Sorry guys I may not have been clear as to why the smith was on there. The smith is there because I've shot that and I like it (quite possibly to how the people had set it up) also because it is a bit over half the cost of the spikes. The smith would begin at what it is and get a lo pro gas block and some 12-14 inch rails (another thing that I like is long rails that's why I haven't considered the PSA because I don't like their Vtac rail) also for with my price range I can add on any parts I find to be "inferior". The spikes all I would have to do is slap on a CTR stock, an AFG, and a good set for sights.

I've seen a lot of stress tests with the smith and I like the way it runs just preference I guess. Also I'm not gonna be using ALL DAY 24/7 just as a rifle that's reliable and still durable.

Also I am aware that the smith is a carbine and I had asked for a middy it was just one of the things I'm looking at.

Now say I did get a colt I'm not completely ruling it out I'm just saying it wasn't the top of the list. But if I did and I wanted to put a low pro gas block and a nice set of free float rails (not shorter than 12 inches) and a ctr stock how much you think it'd run me.

[Palmetto-Pride]

If you like a Smith then I would start with the M&P15OR (Optics Ready) and go up from there. I don't like the Sport because it lacks the "Forward Assist" and "Dust Cover" contrary to what some might say I feel like they are necessary items for a defensive AR, if it were to be used as a target only AR I could see it not having them.......Smith makes a great AR my first AR was the M&P15T I still have it turned it into a 300BLK and it hasn't given me any trouble except with steel cased ammo when it was a 5.56 (another debate for a another day)

All of the above it just my .02......

[Justice06RR]

agree. But it's true they don't make a mid-length. So here's a simple breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of a Colt over other rifles:

Advantages:
1) A proven company
2) A very high-quality product
2) As close to mil-spec as you're going to get
3) All the extensive quality control that comes with being mil-spec

Disadvantages:
1) Fewer out-of-the box accessories (like rails) than other companies at the same price point
2) They don't offer a rifle with a mid-length gas system

But here are some easy counter-points to those disadvantages:
1) You can upgrade your Colt with rails and other features just like any other AR-15, and at that point you probably have a better quality rifle than one from a less expensive company
2) You can get a heavier buffer to counteract the higher gas pressure of a carbine-length gas system

^^ Good points to note here.

Remember also that Colt has the SOCOM model with a KAC rail that is still under your $1500 budget (about $1450 at my local Walmart)

You can always change/add rails and accesories of your choice, if a longer rail system is important to you as you mentioned. What it probably boils down to your choosing is if you really want a Midlength gas system of the Spikes/DD/BCM vs a carbine from Colt/S&W. You will not really notice a significant difference if you stick with the top manufacturers.

For your $1500 I would highly suggest a Daniel Defense, BCM, or Spikes, whichever you can get. But frankly if you just want a basic reliable AR15 you can't go wrong with the Colt6920 or any of the Smith&Wesson AR's.

Here is my M&P15 Sport with a longer rail:


Under $1k for everything and you have plenty of money leftover for ammo..

[KyJim]

If you like the SW Sporter, why not go with the SW M&PT (811041)? It has a free float rail and folding front and rear sights. Impact has them for about $1,100 which gives you some money to put a decent optic on the rife. They may be cheaper elsewhere. That's just the first hit I went to.

[TacticoolJunkie]

I've seen the t but it only has a 10 inch now with all these people on EVERY forum saying colts good I'm looking into it mostlikely if I got one I'd set it up like this:
Lo pro gas block
12-14 inch free float rails
Magpul AFG, ctr, and moe grip
Magpul buis

[DubC-Hicks]

Why do you want so much rail-estate? If 11" is enough, look at the PSA 14.7" middy upper with 11" SQR rail. I just put one on a Surplus Ammo magpul lower and it is a sweet shooter. It comes with everything you want: midlength, free float over 10", flat top. I know you don't want to build a rifle, but all you would have to do is order the 2 receivers, a BCG, and a charging handle, put those in, then push 2 pins.

The upper is $529 normally, the lower with magpul furniture is $260, normal lower is $170. BCG is ~$120, charging handle is $20.

That's a great rifle for $850-$950. Then deck it out with whatever you want.

[TacticoolJunkie]

I like that ill look in depth soon.

Also the words magpul lower reminded me is there a lower that has the magpul logo on the mag well just out of curiosity.

[Quentin2]

...Also the words magpul lower reminded me is there a lower that has the magpul logo on the mag well just out of curiosity.

Good luck finding a China Girl at an affordable price!

[TacticoolJunkie]

I don't see your point?

Is it actually called china girl or is that like some odd word play about mail order brides?

[DubC-Hicks]

The actual Magpul lowers are impossible to get. And if you do find one, its probably going to be the price of a complete rifle.

[TacticoolJunkie]

Oh well it was worth a shot

[Quentin2]

I don't see your point?

Is it actually called china girl or is that like some odd word play about mail order brides?

You brought it up so I thought you already knew about them. Google Magpul China Doll.

[TacticoolJunkie]

Yea I found them they are 3k that's more than I'm web willing to spend on my whole gun, well at least without any upgrades

[MJFlores]

What??? Nobody mentioned Ruger? Take a good look at the Ruger 556E. It's around $1100 or less these days, is a piston gun, and comes with everything you need. You can add short rail sections just where you need them (if you need them) and comes with a full rail on top. They also through in polymer sights which are pretty darn nice. No, the barrel isn't chrome lined...but neither is any sporting rifle or ANY barrel at the big matches winning shoots so, that means nothing to most of us. I prefer a NON chrome lined barrel. Anyway, have a look...it's one hell of a rifle.

[iraiam]

It's difficult for me to recommend one anymore because I don't really like most of the AR's that I see on the racks.

Nearly all of them have a 16" barrel and a carbine length gas system, which I dislike more every time I shoot mine, I'd like to slap myself for allowing someone to talk me into that one.

[DubC-Hicks]

A 16" carbine isn't all bad if you are going to run it hard. Higher pressures will keep it cycling longer when it gets dirty. And a heavier buffer will usually help with the overgassing if that's a problem.

I still like my midlength and rifle lengths though.

[ftttu]

Definitely check out Ruger. I absolutely love my SR-556, which is piston driven. It is finely built, runs cool and is almost too easy to clean. Chrome plating and lining, as well as the piston drive system itself is to blame for that. I haven't fired over 50 yards yet, but it is as accurate as any other AR I've fired at that distance.

I use mine for LEO duty, but since it comes out of the box with some goodies, I've only added a Magpul rail vertical grip and a Lucid HD7 site to ready it further.

The pricing on their site is high, but you can shop around for them way cheaper elsewhere.
http://ruger.com/products/sr556Standard/models.html

[campbed]

I pick up my SIG Saur M400 Enhanced Saturday morning.

I'm a lefty, so I dig the ambi mag release.

I also live in New Hampshire where they are made, so there is that too.

Enjoy.

p.s. After you do get one, be sure to put in a post asking best way to Clean/Lube, and another one on Brass vs Steel casings. It will be fun, trust me!