Looking for my first AR

[Theeuroguy]

I have decided to buy my first AR-15, will probably be my only one. I am only interested in a complete model. I have seen the S&W for as low as $499. I have also looked at Windham Weaponry and the Double Star Patrol model. Gun buyer.com has a Colt LE6920 Magpul for $765.00, more expensive than I wanted to spend, but my son-in-law policeman says that it is a great price for that AR. Thoughts? Sorry for the long post!

[Nathan]

That is a good price for that Colt. What do you want in an AR?

[osbornk]

I have been very happy with my S&W Sport II but I paid $559

[Cirdan]

Wish I had purchased the Colt LE 6920. I have a Windham. It's OK, but pretty cheap.

[Water-Man]

At that price for the 6920, you should buy two.

Great rifle for the money, along with the BCM.

[50 shooter]

Just remember how modular the AR platform is, the possibilities are endless!

Whichever one you buy can always be upgraded until you're happy with it. The lower is the only part that you have to be happy with. Swapping out an upper for a different one in a different caliber, heavy barrel... is just a matter of pulling on two pins.

[DaleA]

Just remember how modular the AR platform is, the possibilities are endless!

As this poster illustrates, it's like Barbies, for guys!

https://www.google.com/search?q=quot...=1501570513560

Even the Fleet Farm and Cabelas stores have been having sales on DPMS and Bushmaster AR's for about $500 and if you want more of a name brand then don't forget the Ruger AR 556 for about $550 at the above stores.

[50 shooter]

Barbie's!!!

G.I. Joe's!!!

[Reloadron]

Read up a little on the AR rifles out there. Think about your application for the rifle. Read up on .223 Remington barrel twist rates and decide which suits your choices of bullets. Personally I like the Colt flavors but for general use they all shoot about the same. Decide what you find pleasing to the eye.

Ron

[SanchoPanza]

Also consider the Colt AR6720

[spacemanspiff]

Very good price on a Colt 6920. A few hundred less than Colts website lists it at.

http://www.colt.com/Catalog/Rifles/LE6920-Series

[hdwhit]

Another satisfied owner of the S&W M&P Sport II.

[Skadoosh]

Look at the Colt 6920. Then look at BCM M4 Mod 0.

[marine6680]

Colts are a good AR.

Are they the best? No... but they are a good starting point for comparison. They have been making them for years and do it right.

The 6920 may not have the bells and whistles, but it is well made. Fit and finish will not be the best though... They tend to not focus on making it look good, and often come new in the box with scratches, scuffs and small dings... Its more about working right for them.

I wish they would move to a midlength setup on more of their models. They currently only have one midlength, and it is a higher end model.

Still, at that price, its a heck of a good bargain...


The big question is... How much do you want to spend, what level of quality, and what kind of shooting are you wanting to do?


Under $800 its hard to beat that Colt for reliability and toughness. Likely needing to build one yourself to do better at that price.

Now, if you are willing to spend more on your only AR, I can point to some others.

I would also say take a look at an Aero Precision mid length basic carbine.

This Aero for $550 is the best AR available right now at a price less than that Colt.

[brian33x51]

I don't know much about ARs but I picked up a bushmaster qrc for 470usd and sent in a 75usd rebate. Initially I put on a utg riser and a bushnell trs25 that I got for 16usd after rebate. Out of the box I ran 120 rds of old steel wolf with some surplus israeli polymer mags with no problems (bought all of this 15+ years ago).

Kind of wish the gas block had a rail so I could reasonably add iron sights although I can do that just as well with a railed handguard. And I'm not looking into fully decking out this rifle, I'm just not that type. I'd rather buy something like a sig mcx for that purpose.

[doofus47]

Now's a good time as prices are very buyer friendly.
Maybe also get on the palmetto state armory daily deal email list.
If you can wait, big houses (PSA, AIM, etc) usually have big sales near holidays. Labor day is only a month out, if you can wait.

[Theeuroguy]

Thanks for the many thoughtful replies! To try and put the question in a little better perspective: I am 62 but only been shooting about a year. I have 3 9mm semi-automatics, for home defense and cc. I also have a 12 gauge shotgun for home defense. My purpose in getting an AR is more want than need, to be honest. Not many 4 legged varmits here in the DFW Metroplex, not much in long range shooting, unless I go out with my son-in-law. Just want a good solid AR. I know I can get by with a lesser one than the Colt, but..."want vs. need." Thanks again for all of the help!

[spacemanspiff]

I think at least once in our lives, we have sacrificed our hard earned dollars to the deity named WANT.

The beauty about the AR is that with so many different options, from so many different manufacturers, you can get exactly what you wish for. And best of all, you don't necessarily have to break the bank to do so.

Have you had the chance yet to put your hands on any of the three rifles you listed? If so, which one feels right to you?

[O4L]

I second the Aero Precision that marine6680 posted above.

As soon as I get the funds I will be purchasing one of them or the OEM version and add the furniture I choose.

[rickyrick]

I've got a preference towards AeroPrecision, but there's many fine rifles out there.

[Fishbed77]

Gun buyer.com has a Colt LE6920 Magpul for $765.00

That's a raging value.

[SDF880]

Good time to buy with current prices! I have several AR's but one of my favorites is my low end price Anderson AR!

[Targa]

Like already mentioned that is a great price on the Colt. Also already mentioned the Aeroprecision is a great choice. The fit, finish, build quality is very nice and not just for its price point but at any price point.

[jetinteriorguy]

That's a heck of a deal on the aero precision rifle mentioned. Their products are extremely well made and well thought out. If I felt the need for another AR15 I'd snatch that in a heartbeat.

[SanchoPanza]