Looking to buy an AR... recommendations?

bbman25 · January 13, 2013, 01:42 AM

Its been on my list for quite some time. I already Have 2 garands, a mauser and a 7.7 jap. I think its time to move into the modern times.

Ive had my eye on a windham weaponry AR I saw at cabelas. its a little pricey at $899 but from the reviews ive read on it, it is every bit worth it being reliable and sturdy.
I like the look of it, especially with the US flag right on the mag well.
Anyone have one of these that can share their opinion?

the only other one I was considering was an older colt I saw for sale at a shop. It was pretty well used. I think the price was about $750 or so, But I really am not too familiar with these yet. (at least.. not till july when I ship to boot camp)

Any opinions or recommendations are welcome, Id say my price range is right about where the Windham AR is, $900. Hopefully that isnt too limiting.. I still need to set some aside for mags and optics if i dont get one with iron sights.

Stripeknight · January 13, 2013, 02:18 AM

Sounds a little steep in price in todays market, should be able to easily get an AR for a more reasonable price

Auto426 · January 13, 2013, 03:28 AM

While I considered going in a different direction for my next AR, recent events have got me considering picking up a Colt 6920 from my local Wally World if and when they get them back in stock. Unlike just about everywhere else you look, Walmart hasn't jacked their gun prices sky high and it's hard to beat a 6920 for a basic, quality carbine. It wouldn't be exactly what I want, but it would be a base to build from when everything calms back down. If there is any gun control action taken, at least I would still have a functional rifle.

AndyWest · January 13, 2013, 04:35 AM

Nobody can fault you for buying a Colt. I say that as an LE6920 owner who doesn't want to be faulted

BillyJack3 · January 13, 2013, 08:28 AM

When you say well used older Colt, depends on what it actually is. Does it have a fixed carry handle or a flat top? Will you be adding optics or fine with a carry handle? There are many more options with a flat top.

I don't think the WW is that out of price. It's about $100 off of pre-panic pricing. Most reviews from owners are great regarding the WW so you can buy with confidence.

As others have said, you can't go wrong with a new Colt. However, if it's well used and not as configurable as you would like it to be, then I'd opt for the WW.

Mobuck · January 13, 2013, 09:50 AM

If you have waited this long to go AR, you may as well wait another 3-4 months. If the other posters are correct, you'll be able to just drive down the street and pull a nice unfired one out of the trash cans.(sarcasm) I hope some one begins to realize that people are not going to dump the rifles they paid over $1K for a month before. There's several months production already on back order for anything AR'ish.
I've sold most of the AR's I have decided to part with but I'll tell you, there will be 5 buyers for every AR that comes onto the private sale market for quite some time.

BlackwaterComDivers · January 15, 2013, 03:03 AM

Personally I would go with a RRA AR-15. (Rock River Arms)

My father is Ex-Military and is a contractor for Academi (the former Blackwater security group) as a helicopter pilot and site manager. They issued him and the other contract pilots RRA M4's. He loves it and I have gotten really good feedback from others who own RRA AR-15 models.

Once I get extra cash put aside (in the process), I will be purchasing a RRA AR-15, Tactical CAR-A4 model.

One of my local FFL dealers can get the Tactical CAR-A4 model for $899.

So check them out...its worth it IMHO.

hodaka · January 15, 2013, 06:26 AM

I recommend that you wait until summer and pick up one that is six months old.............cheap.

I just reread your post. I missed the part where Uncle Sam will be loaning you one in six months. I would still wait. I saw someone pricing an AR this weekend at the LGS. $2000 was the quote for one of the graphite lower models!

BlackwaterComDivers · January 15, 2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hodaka

I recommend that you wait until summer and pick up one that is six months old.............cheap.

Aint going to happen. Plain and simple.

They aren't going to go down in price at all. If anything, they will go up in price as any AR-15's that are still marketable will have to comply with AWB compliance rules which ALWAYS raises the price.

Another point is IF the Obama administration and the rest of the Liberal anti-gun nuts have their ways...Ar-15s that are NOT purchased prior to their new laws going into effect on "Assault Weapons" won't get sold to the public...not without some MAJOR hoops to jump through. ....ALL of which will increase prices...IF...IF...they will be allowed to be sold/purchased if the Dem's have their way.

The best option is to buy used now for the best price possible or have one ordered and just wait out the "build time" to get it. At least then if any new laws go into effect, you will have already purchased it prior to the new law and will be "Grandfathered" in. That's the whole reason AR sales are so high...everyone is trying to get their "dream" AR that they may have been dragging their feet to purchase to get it bought and "grandfathered" before a law blocks them.

CTS · January 15, 2013, 10:14 AM

Any suggestions: Yes, talk to sirdiealot about 4 threads up.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512513
Honestly, if you can still get the WW for $899 I'd be all over it.

hodaka · January 15, 2013, 11:27 AM

Blackwater, we shall see. In any case we need to stand up and never give up.

CTS · January 15, 2013, 11:33 AM

Personally, I don't believe an AWB will ever happen. Not nationwide anyway. NY and a few states may tighten their laws a little more and federally they may limit mag size and tighten up NICS rules some but IMO that will be about it.

BlackwaterComDivers · January 15, 2013, 04:15 PM

hodaka - I hear ya...we have to keep pushing back for our rights for sure.

slappy - There already was an AWB in place. It was removed by the GWB administration. It wasn't as strict as this one could be however. I would certainly hope that one would not come to pass, although...look at whom controls the bulk of the government currently...Liberals...and virtually all of them hate our gun laws. Sure...they love the S.S. with full automatic weapons guarding them and their families...State Police escorts, etc...but we can't protect ourselves with semi-auto because of 1 nut job?? I hope you are right, that we won't get a new AWB...I truly do, because this one if it comes to pass will be nasty.

Yankee Traveler · January 15, 2013, 04:46 PM

It was not removed by Bush.

It had an expiration date and was not reinstated prior to it's expiration by Bush and the congress of the time.

BlackwaterComDivers · January 15, 2013, 09:34 PM

Exactly, Bush and his supporters didn't want to renew it. Bush is a Texan...do you really think he and his constituents like heavy gun laws?

CTS · January 16, 2013, 06:56 AM

Blackwater, the ban was put in place during the Clinton administration for a period of 10 years. Part of the initial ban was that it would expire 10 years from the day it started in Sept 1994. Anything prior to this was pre-ban. During that ten years the manufacturers did everything they could to make weapons ban compliant. The ban expired in 2004. Anything built after that was post ban. They went back to having flash suppressors, bayonet lugs and 30 round mags, you know all those evil nasty things not allowed by the ban. The exception was a handful of states who passed their own laws keeping the ban in effect to this day, to include NY, NJ, CA and a couple others.

RC20 · January 17, 2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Exactly, Bush and his supporters didn't want to renew it. Bush is a Texan...do you really think he and his constituents like heavy gun laws?

I know this is off topic, but Bush was not a Texan. He was a pretend Texan and in reality was from the N.E. and went to school there Yuppie (Harvard and Skulls and Bones?)

Putting a cowboy hat and boots on does not make you a Texan.

eastex · January 17, 2013, 07:35 PM

Thank you Rc20.Real Texans are a dieing breed.As for ARs first find one.There are none for sale in my area.

Art Eatman · January 17, 2013, 08:01 PM

The word from the SHOT show is that ARs are sold out by back-orders for all of this year. IOW, each gun shop will get one or two every now and then. Same sort of deal for magazines.

So, figure out what you want, get your local shop to put it on order, and wait for a good long while.

bbman25 · January 17, 2013, 08:35 PM

Thanks for all the insight guys, Ive been working on saving for one.
At this point, all I know is that I want one.

the WW i think is my first choice, if i can find one of course. havent called cabelas yet about ordering one but i dont think id have much luck anyway.

I called the shop and the colt sold already. it was one with a fixed carry handle, so I wouldnt have been able to do much with it anyway.

My uncle owns a colt (i think?) being a state trooper that is the only one he is allowed to use on the jod when needed. I did take it to the range a while ago and it shoots well.
as far as placing an order for one, I'll see about making some calls, I have a few connections I can check out. There is a gun show coming up next weekend, i highly doubt it but maybe i can get lucky and find one that i can actually pay for.
M1 A's are up in price too from what ive seen.

January 13, 2013, 01:42 AM	#1
bbman25 Member Join Date: February 15, 2012 Location: PA Posts: 36	Looking to buy an AR... recommendations? Its been on my list for quite some time. I already Have 2 garands, a mauser and a 7.7 jap. I think its time to move into the modern times. Ive had my eye on a windham weaponry AR I saw at cabelas. its a little pricey at $899 but from the reviews ive read on it, it is every bit worth it being reliable and sturdy. I like the look of it, especially with the US flag right on the mag well. Anyone have one of these that can share their opinion? the only other one I was considering was an older colt I saw for sale at a shop. It was pretty well used. I think the price was about $750 or so, But I really am not too familiar with these yet. (at least.. not till july when I ship to boot camp) Any opinions or recommendations are welcome, Id say my price range is right about where the Windham AR is, $900. Hopefully that isnt too limiting.. I still need to set some aside for mags and optics if i dont get one with iron sights. Last edited by bbman25; January 13, 2013 at 01:46 AM. Reason: spelling errors, change info

January 13, 2013, 03:28 AM	#3
Auto426 Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2007 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 1,323	While I considered going in a different direction for my next AR, recent events have got me considering picking up a Colt 6920 from my local Wally World if and when they get them back in stock. Unlike just about everywhere else you look, Walmart hasn't jacked their gun prices sky high and it's hard to beat a 6920 for a basic, quality carbine. It wouldn't be exactly what I want, but it would be a base to build from when everything calms back down. If there is any gun control action taken, at least I would still have a functional rifle. __________________ *"Si vis pacem, para bellum"* - If you want peace, prepare for war.

January 13, 2013, 04:35 AM	#4
AndyWest Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2011 Posts: 627	Nobody can fault you for buying a Colt. I say that as an LE6920 owner who doesn't want to be faulted __________________ Shoot smart. Shoot S-Mart.

January 15, 2013, 10:14 AM	#10
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	Any suggestions: Yes, talk to sirdiealot about 4 threads up. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512513 Honestly, if you can still get the WW for $899 I'd be all over it. Last edited by CTS; January 15, 2013 at 11:31 AM.

January 16, 2013, 06:56 AM	#16
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	Blackwater, the ban was put in place during the Clinton administration for a period of 10 years. Part of the initial ban was that it would expire 10 years from the day it started in Sept 1994. Anything prior to this was pre-ban. During that ten years the manufacturers did everything they could to make weapons ban compliant. The ban expired in 2004. Anything built after that was post ban. They went back to having flash suppressors, bayonet lugs and 30 round mags, you know all those evil nasty things not allowed by the ban. The exception was a handful of states who passed their own laws keeping the ban in effect to this day, to include NY, NJ, CA and a couple others. Last edited by CTS; January 16, 2013 at 07:07 AM.

January 13, 2013, 02:18 AM	#2
Stripeknight Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Posts: 26	Sounds a little steep in price in todays market, should be able to easily get an AR for a more reasonable price

January 13, 2013, 08:28 AM	#5
BillyJack3 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Posts: 423	When you say well used older Colt, depends on what it actually is. Does it have a fixed carry handle or a flat top? Will you be adding optics or fine with a carry handle? There are many more options with a flat top. I don't think the WW is that out of price. It's about $100 off of pre-panic pricing. Most reviews from owners are great regarding the WW so you can buy with confidence. As others have said, you can't go wrong with a new Colt. However, if it's well used and not as configurable as you would like it to be, then I'd opt for the WW.

January 13, 2013, 09:50 AM	#6
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	If you have waited this long to go AR, you may as well wait another 3-4 months. If the other posters are correct, you'll be able to just drive down the street and pull a nice unfired one out of the trash cans.(sarcasm) I hope some one begins to realize that people are not going to dump the rifles they paid over $1K for a month before. There's several months production already on back order for anything AR'ish. I've sold most of the AR's I have decided to part with but I'll tell you, there will be 5 buyers for every AR that comes onto the private sale market for quite some time.

January 15, 2013, 03:03 AM	#7
BlackwaterComDivers Member Join Date: January 6, 2013 Posts: 21	Personally I would go with a RRA AR-15. (Rock River Arms) My father is Ex-Military and is a contractor for Academi (the former Blackwater security group) as a helicopter pilot and site manager. They issued him and the other contract pilots RRA M4's. He loves it and I have gotten really good feedback from others who own RRA AR-15 models. Once I get extra cash put aside (in the process), I will be purchasing a RRA AR-15, Tactical CAR-A4 model. One of my local FFL dealers can get the Tactical CAR-A4 model for $899. So check them out...its worth it IMHO.

January 15, 2013, 06:26 AM	#8
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	I recommend that you wait until summer and pick up one that is six months old.............cheap. I just reread your post. I missed the part where Uncle Sam will be loaning you one in six months. I would still wait. I saw someone pricing an AR this weekend at the LGS. $2000 was the quote for one of the graphite lower models!

January 15, 2013, 11:27 AM	#11
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	Blackwater, we shall see. In any case we need to stand up and never give up.

January 15, 2013, 11:33 AM	#12
CTS Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: NE Georgia Posts: 1,070	Personally, I don't believe an AWB will ever happen. Not nationwide anyway. NY and a few states may tighten their laws a little more and federally they may limit mag size and tighten up NICS rules some but IMO that will be about it.

January 15, 2013, 04:15 PM	#13
BlackwaterComDivers Member Join Date: January 6, 2013 Posts: 21	hodaka - I hear ya...we have to keep pushing back for our rights for sure. slappy - There already was an AWB in place. It was removed by the GWB administration. It wasn't as strict as this one could be however. I would certainly hope that one would not come to pass, although...look at whom controls the bulk of the government currently...Liberals...and virtually all of them hate our gun laws. Sure...they love the S.S. with full automatic weapons guarding them and their families...State Police escorts, etc...but we can't protect ourselves with semi-auto because of 1 nut job?? I hope you are right, that we won't get a new AWB...I truly do, because this one if it comes to pass will be nasty.

January 15, 2013, 04:46 PM	#14
Yankee Traveler Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2008 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 265	It was not removed by Bush. It had an expiration date and was not reinstated prior to it's expiration by Bush and the congress of the time.

January 15, 2013, 09:34 PM	#15
BlackwaterComDivers Member Join Date: January 6, 2013 Posts: 21	Exactly, Bush and his supporters didn't want to renew it. Bush is a Texan...do you really think he and his constituents like heavy gun laws?

January 17, 2013, 07:35 PM	#18
eastex Junior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Location: houston Texas Posts: 7	Thanks Rc20 Thank you Rc20.Real Texans are a dieing breed.As for ARs first find one.There are none for sale in my area.

January 17, 2013, 08:01 PM	#19
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	The word from the SHOT show is that ARs are sold out by back-orders for all of this year. IOW, each gun shop will get one or two every now and then. Same sort of deal for magazines. So, figure out what you want, get your local shop to put it on order, and wait for a good long while.

January 17, 2013, 08:35 PM	#20
bbman25 Member Join Date: February 15, 2012 Location: PA Posts: 36	Thanks for all the insight guys, Ive been working on saving for one. At this point, all I know is that I want one. the WW i think is my first choice, if i can find one of course. havent called cabelas yet about ordering one but i dont think id have much luck anyway. I called the shop and the colt sold already. it was one with a fixed carry handle, so I wouldnt have been able to do much with it anyway. My uncle owns a colt (i think?) being a state trooper that is the only one he is allowed to use on the jod when needed. I did take it to the range a while ago and it shoots well. as far as placing an order for one, I'll see about making some calls, I have a few connections I can check out. There is a gun show coming up next weekend, i highly doubt it but maybe i can get lucky and find one that i can actually pay for. M1 A's are up in price too from what ive seen.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search