Who makes the best AR-15?

FrosSsT · September 12, 2011, 09:52 PM

There are too many manufacturers to list and then some. Short and sweet, through all your wisdom and opinion, who makes the best, highest quality, all around AR?

-Tactical use, 14.5 or 16 inch barrel
-Reliability
-Accuracy up to 500 meters
-Cost should not be a factor
-EDIT: Builds now OK
-No "Bang for the buck"
-Out of the box quality is a major factor

Let it begin....

Edited 9-14-11 To be more to the point.

Charlie_98 · September 12, 2011, 10:11 PM

Colt.

GONIF · September 12, 2011, 10:14 PM

There is no best . In a AR15 that is used for other than a target rifle you can count on Colt,LMT,Larue,Daniel Defence,Spikes Tactical and a few more .IMHO if you want a GTG right out of the box M4 AR buy a Colt 6920 and you are in a top teir AR with a great resale value if you ever need to sell it in the future. I doubt you would find much differance in any I listed.

TraderJack · September 12, 2011, 10:21 PM

I'm savin' my pennys, nickles and dimes for a brand new LWRC.

Charlie_98 · September 12, 2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

There is no best . In a AR15 that is used for other than a target rifle you can count on Colt,LMT,Larue,Daniel Defence,Spikes Tactical and a few more .IMHO if you want a GTG right out of the box M4 AR buy a Colt 6920 and you are in a top teir AR with a great resale value if you ever need to sell it in the future. I doubt you would find much differance in any I listed.

That's quite true... and something I didn't consider. If you are looking for an Uber-tatical rifle, the Colt out of the box probably won't cut it as well as an LMT or DD.

I just interpeted the OP as a box-stock, general purpose A2/A4-type AR (such as the Colt 6920 you mentioned.)

Achilles11B · September 12, 2011, 10:28 PM

I'll be the jerk that throws out a single manufacturer and say LaRue.

The funny thing is, the reasons I like LaRue (accuracy, reliability, ability to do great things with an assortment of ammo) could more than likely be said about Colt, Noveske, LMT, LWRC, DD, etc. However, LaRue's customer service is outstanding. Not sure what the CS department for the other mfr's is like, though.

Abel · September 12, 2011, 11:14 PM

Mossberg.

http://www.mossberg.com/products/def...ction=products

Eghad · September 12, 2011, 11:29 PM

BCM is one of the better places to get one

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/

There are several good makers........

I walked in the store looking to buy a AR 15 they were all 950-1100 and 1100+.

I walked over to another counter where they were selling separate uppers and lowers. I got a Spikes Tactical Upper for $525.00 and a CMMG Lower for $250 so for $775.00 I got a very good AR-15 that digests even the steel case ammo without missing a beat. That let me spend more on a good red dot optic.

Unless you just have to have it right now right now. You can buy a good upper or lower separate over a period of time and save some $$$

madcratebuilder · September 13, 2011, 10:44 AM

Noveske, quality and accuracy. $$$$

tirod · September 13, 2011, 10:57 AM

For an example of masculinity enhancement, just stare at all the expensive rollmarks, read the most appealing ads, and then choose a fanboy group based on their overall attitude. You will be happy in most cases.

To choose a rifle FOR A SPECIFIC JOB, you should define what it needs to do. What ranges it will be engaged at, and what kind of target - live, or inanimate. That sets the caliber and barrel length, what upper, what optic, fixed or adjustable stock, the magazine length, handguards, and trigger - in that order. It's exactly why the Army issues an M4 carbine in general, and the SDM rifle in particular. About as far apart in application for the same cartridge as the military uses, but certainly not the extremes.

Once the task list is settled out and the various features known, THEN you choose which is the "best" from the few suppliers who actually make that specific combination of parts.

"Who makes the best?" really means "What is the Brand most likely to impress my peer group?" Sorry, can't help there.

"What type gun will work for this list of needs?" - with specifics - and you'll get good advice from even beginners.

batmann · September 13, 2011, 12:03 PM

Bravo Company is one of the best IMHO. I have also looked at the Ruger SR556 and although more money, it has more 'features' than most, including folding sights, rail on the receiver and rail handguards that are in place when you buy it making it pretty easy to add optics and a light. Both are fine weapons and you probably won't go wrong with most of the suggestions here.

NWPilgrim · September 13, 2011, 01:36 PM

It use to be sparse pickings at the top. Now there are several superlative brands. Noveske, Knights Armament, Barret, LaRue, Wilson Combat, Daniel Defense, LMT, LWRC, Colt, Bravo Company for the more tactical style rifles.

If you are talking precision target rifles then you have companies like JP, which is an entirely different thing.

The quality is so high and available now that even the so-called second tier brands are really well made relative to other firearms. I've owned, shot and known others with some of these and they work flawlessly, are as accurate as most of the shelf hunting rifles, and eat all styles of ammo easily. You would have to work them harder than 98% of most shooters to tell the difference. Rock River Arms, S&W, Bushmaster, DPMS/Remington, DoubleStar, Stag, etc.

FN is starting to supply uppers to a few resellers like Palmetto State Armory, so in a few years they may become a top tier player in complete rifles.

For a specific purpose some brands are going to offer better models than others so you have to define what you want it to do then examine which brands offer the best models to meet those requirements.

tobnpr · September 13, 2011, 02:21 PM

What Tirod said....
There is no "best" - any rifle. It's no different than asking who makes the best bolt action rifle. "Best"- at what?

TNT · September 13, 2011, 02:25 PM

I got older carbine variant and I can say this because mine is not piston operated if isnt piston operated its not a reliable AR you can flame me all you want but having seen the two side by side the piston operated ones is the ONLY way to go expensive yes but well worth it.

graysmoke · September 13, 2011, 02:47 PM

Colt...

tAKticool · September 13, 2011, 02:50 PM

Bushmaster bro- you'll make so many friends online on the internet gun forums an be so popualr.

it's the best AR and the best to oshow off online.

You can be just like me, get called a "obvious piece of $*# he bough a bushmaster, what more evidence do oyu need" LOl.

To tell the truth, this forum really sold me on the fact, this was the BEST FORUM for AR advice when I did buy my Bushmaster last Dec. I basically "ordered" it locally in NJ in Nov and the store was about two hours south of me, but they took online credit card "payments" - I was buying myself a present for surviving total disc replacement back surgery at the age of 29. And I have to say it hurt real bad that not only did my family not get me anything, get better soon present, glad you're alive not paralyzed etc, I didnt expect much but thought my DAD at least might do something... but hey I did myself., Anyway the guy Ibought from let me put down like $400 "deposit/order', then $400 more about two weeks later, then the balance to pick up, well when I asked about it on here ppl said "Good job congrats you did fine and you'll like it" instead of SUCH VICIOUS ATTACKS on other sites, it was embarrasing for the other people.

Literallly got personally insulted etc. for buying a certain rifle brand, I mean, what type of mama raises their kids to be prejudiced agaisnt a persons retail brand choice lol?

I'm partial to the whole ABC's of AR's, ArmaLite, Bushmaster, and Colt. Maybe someday I'll have me a $3000 Noveske and build one with a Daniel Defense/Bravo Company combo of upper/lowers, but hey.... my Bushmaster is great for me, it';s all Magpul'd up and it's awesome to look at, awesome to hold and carry, awesome to shoot, and it weas priced great for what I got so, what can IS ay,. haters gon hate, Im happy.

but seriously tho, if you buy a Bushmaster expect to get so bashed for it you'll consider not visiting the gun sites anymore, ti really got to me for a while.

booker_t · September 13, 2011, 02:50 PM

NWPilgrim makes a good point, "tactical" vs "target" are very different beasts, it's tough to say best when there are a variety of applications out there.

If I had to buy a complete AR-15, money no object, I'd likely go with Noveske as my first choice, I have the most confidence in their barrels. If the chamber and barrel aren't right, it doesn't matter what you put around it. Bravo Company second, and Daniel Defense third.

My AR is mostly BCM and DD, with a FailZero BCG and Magpul/ARMS accessories. Saving up for that 4x ACOG. By no means do I have extensive experience with the majority of manufacturers' products, so most of my opinion is based on what I've experienced with my own rifle, and then read, heard, and seen around.

Aiko · September 13, 2011, 02:59 PM

As stated before, no best. There may be better fits based on your specific needs. Check out the updated chart on m4carbine.com, has all the updated specs of the top manufacturers-usually very helpful.

GONIF · September 13, 2011, 03:07 PM

How about a Colt 6920 with a trijicon acog on it with Magpull Pmags loaded with MK262 77 grain otm ammo ,and the operator being properly trained .

Achilles11B · September 13, 2011, 04:40 PM

Eghad said it best. Buying the upper and lower separate will save money. I'm doing that with a .50 Beowulf, the upper was ordered yesterday. Once it arrives, depending on what manufacturer's name I want on the lower, I can go from there.
=

GONIF · September 13, 2011, 05:18 PM

the OP said out of the box Rifle .

RT · September 13, 2011, 07:10 PM

Noveske, BCM, and DD would be my top 3 favorite complete guns with Larue as my favorite uppers.

Check out the DD torture test with LAV.

https://danieldefense.com/TortureTest

BikerRN · September 13, 2011, 07:11 PM

Out of the Box:

COLT

KChen986 · September 13, 2011, 07:17 PM

Colt? I don't know about that. Some of them are a little wobbly out of the box.

I really do think Noveske makes the best out of the box DI ARs (very accurate, very pricey, all high quality components).

kaylorinhi · September 13, 2011, 08:43 PM

No Doubt, Para's knock off of Alan's beautiful delayed impingment! Check out the TTR's.

September 12, 2011, 09:52 PM	#1
FrosSsT Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 543	Who makes the best AR-15? There are too many manufacturers to list and then some. Short and sweet, through all your wisdom and opinion, who makes the best, highest quality, all around AR? -Tactical use, 14.5 or 16 inch barrel -Reliability -Accuracy up to 500 meters -Cost should not be a factor -EDIT: Builds now OK -No "Bang for the buck" -Out of the box quality is a major factor Let it begin.... Edited 9-14-11 To be more to the point. Last edited by FrosSsT; September 14, 2011 at 05:05 PM.

September 12, 2011, 10:14 PM	#3
GONIF Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Location: PHOENIX IT'S A DRY HEAT AZ Posts: 844	There is no best . In a AR15 that is used for other than a target rifle you can count on Colt,LMT,Larue,Daniel Defence,Spikes Tactical and a few more .IMHO if you want a GTG right out of the box M4 AR buy a Colt 6920 and you are in a top teir AR with a great resale value if you ever need to sell it in the future. I doubt you would find much differance in any I listed. __________________ WHO ME ?

September 12, 2011, 10:21 PM	#4
TraderJack Member Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: The Fruited Plain Posts: 43	I'm savin' my pennys, nickles and dimes for a brand new LWRC. __________________ “I would rather be your friend, but if you are not interested in that, I am prepared to be a capable and efficient enemy.” - Jeff Cooper

September 12, 2011, 10:28 PM	#6
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 585	I'll be the jerk that throws out a single manufacturer and say LaRue. The funny thing is, the reasons I like LaRue (accuracy, reliability, ability to do great things with an assortment of ammo) could more than likely be said about Colt, Noveske, LMT, LWRC, DD, etc. However, LaRue's customer service is outstanding. Not sure what the CS department for the other mfr's is like, though. __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

September 12, 2011, 11:29 PM	#8
Eghad Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 6,226	BCM is one of the better places to get one http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ There are several good makers........ I walked in the store looking to buy a AR 15 they were all 950-1100 and 1100+. I walked over to another counter where they were selling separate uppers and lowers. I got a Spikes Tactical Upper for $525.00 and a CMMG Lower for $250 so for $775.00 I got a very good AR-15 that digests even the steel case ammo without missing a beat. That let me spend more on a good red dot optic. Unless you just have to have it right now right now. You can buy a good upper or lower separate over a period of time and save some $$$ __________________ Have a nice day at the range NRA Life Member Last edited by Eghad; September 12, 2011 at 11:38 PM.

September 12, 2011, 10:11 PM	#2
Charlie_98 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2011 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 288	Colt.

September 12, 2011, 11:14 PM	#7
Abel Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Posts: 1,161	Mossberg. http://www.mossberg.com/products/def...ction=products

September 13, 2011, 10:44 AM	#9
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,867	Noveske, quality and accuracy. $$$$

September 13, 2011, 10:57 AM	#10
tirod Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 1,055	For an example of masculinity enhancement, just stare at all the expensive rollmarks, read the most appealing ads, and then choose a fanboy group based on their overall attitude. You will be happy in most cases. To choose a rifle FOR A SPECIFIC JOB, you should define what it needs to do. What ranges it will be engaged at, and what kind of target - live, or inanimate. That sets the caliber and barrel length, what upper, what optic, fixed or adjustable stock, the magazine length, handguards, and trigger - in that order. It's exactly why the Army issues an M4 carbine in general, and the SDM rifle in particular. About as far apart in application for the same cartridge as the military uses, but certainly not the extremes. Once the task list is settled out and the various features known, THEN you choose which is the "best" from the few suppliers who actually make that specific combination of parts. "Who makes the best?" really means "What is the Brand most likely to impress my peer group?" Sorry, can't help there. "What type gun will work for this list of needs?" - with specifics - and you'll get good advice from even beginners.

September 13, 2011, 12:03 PM	#11
batmann Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2004 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 658	Bravo Company is one of the best IMHO. I have also looked at the Ruger SR556 and although more money, it has more 'features' than most, including folding sights, rail on the receiver and rail handguards that are in place when you buy it making it pretty easy to add optics and a light. Both are fine weapons and you probably won't go wrong with most of the suggestions here.

September 13, 2011, 01:36 PM	#12
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,840	It use to be sparse pickings at the top. Now there are several superlative brands. Noveske, Knights Armament, Barret, LaRue, Wilson Combat, Daniel Defense, LMT, LWRC, Colt, Bravo Company for the more tactical style rifles. If you are talking precision target rifles then you have companies like JP, which is an entirely different thing. The quality is so high and available now that even the so-called second tier brands are really well made relative to other firearms. I've owned, shot and known others with some of these and they work flawlessly, are as accurate as most of the shelf hunting rifles, and eat all styles of ammo easily. You would have to work them harder than 98% of most shooters to tell the difference. Rock River Arms, S&W, Bushmaster, DPMS/Remington, DoubleStar, Stag, etc. FN is starting to supply uppers to a few resellers like Palmetto State Armory, so in a few years they may become a top tier player in complete rifles. For a specific purpose some brands are going to offer better models than others so you have to define what you want it to do then examine which brands offer the best models to meet those requirements. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

September 13, 2011, 02:21 PM	#13
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 2,215	What Tirod said.... There is no "best" - any rifle. It's no different than asking who makes the best bolt action rifle. "Best"- at what?

September 13, 2011, 02:25 PM	#14
TNT Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: Back in glorious Nebraska Posts: 583	I got older carbine variant and I can say this because mine is not piston operated if isnt piston operated its not a reliable AR you can flame me all you want but having seen the two side by side the piston operated ones is the ONLY way to go expensive yes but well worth it. __________________ "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man and brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."

September 13, 2011, 02:47 PM	#15
graysmoke Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 378	Colt... __________________ "Keep your powder dry, and eyes on the target". -R. Lee Ermey

September 13, 2011, 02:50 PM	#16
tAKticool Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2010 Posts: 408	Bushmaster bro- you'll make so many friends online on the internet gun forums an be so popualr. it's the best AR and the best to oshow off online. You can be just like me, get called a "obvious piece of $*# he bough a bushmaster, what more evidence do oyu need" LOl. To tell the truth, this forum really sold me on the fact, this was the BEST FORUM for AR advice when I did buy my Bushmaster last Dec. I basically "ordered" it locally in NJ in Nov and the store was about two hours south of me, but they took online credit card "payments" - I was buying myself a present for surviving total disc replacement back surgery at the age of 29. And I have to say it hurt real bad that not only did my family not get me anything, get better soon present, glad you're alive not paralyzed etc, I didnt expect much but thought my DAD at least might do something... but hey I did myself., Anyway the guy Ibought from let me put down like $400 "deposit/order', then $400 more about two weeks later, then the balance to pick up, well when I asked about it on here ppl said "Good job congrats you did fine and you'll like it" instead of SUCH VICIOUS ATTACKS on other sites, it was embarrasing for the other people. Literallly got personally insulted etc. for buying a certain rifle brand, I mean, what type of mama raises their kids to be prejudiced agaisnt a persons retail brand choice lol? I'm partial to the whole ABC's of AR's, ArmaLite, Bushmaster, and Colt. Maybe someday I'll have me a $3000 Noveske and build one with a Daniel Defense/Bravo Company combo of upper/lowers, but hey.... my Bushmaster is great for me, it';s all Magpul'd up and it's awesome to look at, awesome to hold and carry, awesome to shoot, and it weas priced great for what I got so, what can IS ay,. haters gon hate, Im happy. but seriously tho, if you buy a Bushmaster expect to get so bashed for it you'll consider not visiting the gun sites anymore, ti really got to me for a while.

September 13, 2011, 02:50 PM	#17
booker_t Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2009 Posts: 797	NWPilgrim makes a good point, "tactical" vs "target" are very different beasts, it's tough to say best when there are a variety of applications out there. If I had to buy a complete AR-15, money no object, I'd likely go with Noveske as my first choice, I have the most confidence in their barrels. If the chamber and barrel aren't right, it doesn't matter what you put around it. Bravo Company second, and Daniel Defense third. My AR is mostly BCM and DD, with a FailZero BCG and Magpul/ARMS accessories. Saving up for that 4x ACOG. By no means do I have extensive experience with the majority of manufacturers' products, so most of my opinion is based on what I've experienced with my own rifle, and then read, heard, and seen around.

September 13, 2011, 02:59 PM	#18
Aiko Member Join Date: June 19, 2011 Posts: 76	As stated before, no best. There may be better fits based on your specific needs. Check out the updated chart on m4carbine.com, has all the updated specs of the top manufacturers-usually very helpful.

September 13, 2011, 03:07 PM	#19
GONIF Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Location: PHOENIX IT'S A DRY HEAT AZ Posts: 844	How about a Colt 6920 with a trijicon acog on it with Magpull Pmags loaded with MK262 77 grain otm ammo ,and the operator being properly trained . __________________ WHO ME ?

September 13, 2011, 04:40 PM	#20
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 585	Eghad said it best. Buying the upper and lower separate will save money. I'm doing that with a .50 Beowulf, the upper was ordered yesterday. Once it arrives, depending on what manufacturer's name I want on the lower, I can go from there. = __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

September 13, 2011, 05:18 PM	#21
GONIF Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Location: PHOENIX IT'S A DRY HEAT AZ Posts: 844	the OP said out of the box Rifle . __________________ WHO ME ?

September 13, 2011, 07:10 PM	#22
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,188	Noveske, BCM, and DD would be my top 3 favorite complete guns with Larue as my favorite uppers. Check out the DD torture test with LAV. https://danieldefense.com/TortureTest

September 13, 2011, 07:11 PM	#23
BikerRN Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2007 Location: "State of Discombobulation" Posts: 1,333	Out of the Box: COLT

September 13, 2011, 07:17 PM	#24
KChen986 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Location: Ninja Mall Posts: 815	Colt? I don't know about that. Some of them are a little wobbly out of the box. I really do think Noveske makes the best out of the box DI ARs (very accurate, very pricey, all high quality components). __________________ E Pluribus Unum

September 13, 2011, 08:43 PM	#25
kaylorinhi Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: The brown eye of america Posts: 460	No Doubt, Para's knock off of Alan's beautiful delayed impingment! Check out the TTR's. __________________ Buy your guns by Yardline, Not Looks.