AR ?'s

[Swamp Monster]

Don't know much about AR's and the different variations, but I know I want one! Looking to spend maybe $1000 or so. I know that is not much when it comes to these guns, but I think I can at least get into a serviceable gun at this price with the ability to upgrade parts when time and money permit. I'm looking for a plinker per se, no competition, no serious varmit work, though it may see some field use on chucks or yotes should I get the chance.
I am leaning towards a carbine version, complete with collapseable stock and carrying handle/open sights. I know a carbine may not be the ideal first version, but for some reason, I have a thing for carbines of all types.
So what models should I consider, (Keeping the budget in mind), which ones should I stay away from and what should I look for when looking at any used models?

[Rico]

I would go w/ a Bushmaster. Also w/ A3 configuration "removable carry handle"; This way you can throw some glass on it down the road if you want.

[rocketmike]

concur

bushmaster has the best tools out there.
be prepared to get addicted tho.......................;)

[MIBIGHNTR]

Don't overlook RRA (Rock River Arms). I have been reading/hearing some really good stuff on them.

Here is a really good source for everything you ever wanted to know about AR's... :SHOCKED:

http://www.ar15.com/

Good Luck!

They are hella-fun!!! :evilsmile

Mark

[Huntsman27]

A-3 20inch bbl. Very accurate, and works great. I believe mine was 890.00 with Tax. Taking out west for PDS if the wind isnt bad. Also lots of magazines.

[FishinJoe]

I have a Bushmaster A2. I like the fixed carry handle. Cant go wrong with Bushmaster but like was mentioned I have heard good things about RRA but personally wouldn't get one.

Joe

[Frantz]

I ahve the Bushmaster A3 with the flat top, love the heck out of it. I bought mine through GunBroker a company called Young's Guns. Bought a few items from them always a good deal and pleasure to work with.

http://www.younggunsinc.com/

[MIBIGHNTR]

No personal experience here with the Bushy's but I have owned;
(1) Colt H-Bar .223 (jammed all the time)
(1) Colt 7.62X39mm (still regret selling that one!)
(1) DPMS Sweet-Sixteen .223 (very nice for the $$$ as well)
(1) Wilson Combat UT-15 .223 (this thin was UNREAL! - should be for $1800 I guess)

Some fun out in WY with the DPMS!!! :evilsmile Even with just the 16" barrel, I was consistantly hitting those buggers at over 300 yards! Even with cheap 55 BT ammo!
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/540/DPMS.gif

Now I want another....:sad:

I think for the general uses you have outlined, a 16"-18" barrel would suit your needs nicely!

Mark

[Huntsman27]

and allow multiple shots at long range. But, Ill stick with my 20-24in barrels for the 223. Handloads give some edge, but figure in the wind, and may as well start up with the 243s and 22-250s.
The FMJs are cheap ammo though. I like the Ballistic tip and V-Max bullets myself.

[rotty]

save some money for ammo and build one...you can build one for around 650 and have it exactly how you want it.

[Outdoorzman]

I just ordered a Rock River Arms CAR A4. I already have an original Colt but I wanted one in the "evil" configuration.
If this is going to be your first, you can get an RRA or a DPMS for around $700-$800. They are both extremely durable and will get you knowledgeable about the different options.
I second the AR-15 websites. Spend some considereable time on those boards, look around at the gun shops and you will come to a conclusion as to what's best for you.

Good luck!
And watch out they are as addictive as Heroin.

[Swamp Monster]

Thanks for the advice! I looked at a DPMS carbine with the A3 configuration....I like that flexibility, at least for one of the uppers. I think the price was $890. Everything I have read about the DPMS's has been pretty positive, at least with anything produced in the last few years. I also looked at some Arma Lites as well. I have also checked out the AR websites.......info overload for someone like me, but tons of info, no doubt. So far I'm looking at setting it up with a Eotech sight (or similar) and using flip up open sights in a co-witness style set up.
This gun will have to wait a bit though, I spent too much money on a new S&W 1911 with factory installed Crimson Trace grips. It's a Commander size that should be fine to conceal with a good holster and it will make a fine home defense piece. I've wanted a 1911 for some time and looked at a bunch the last few weeks. Was set on a Para or a Kimber, but liked what I saw from S&W as well. My current defense pistol is a DOA Taurus PT 145 that is currently DOA (Dead On Arrival) thanks to a broken trigger.....figured it was time to upgrade in a big way. Once the Taurus is fixed, it will soon be traded off. I have had great luck with Taurus revolvers, but I' won't bother with anymore autos from them.
So, the AR will have to wait, maybe this summer.....I can already tell it could very well be addictive.....the options are endless!

[Outdoorzman]

I'll be on the EOTECH bandwagon also. As soon as I find $300.00 extra bucks.
In the meantime I'll either use my Bushnell scope or tasco red-dot.
As far as co-witnessing, I haven't had the opportunity to try it out in the field, but I've talked to a few who say the iron sights just create a visual obstruction.
My RRA is coming with the Weaver gas block so if I want to I can put on a set of iron sights.

[Swamp Monster]

I would agree about the visual obstruction, but thats why you go with the folding sights...I think the model I looked at had Wilson Combat fold down sights, seemed to work very well with the Eotech sight. If the Eotech ever failed, you still have the open sights, or you can have both in use at the same time. The latter would definetly take some getting used to. I like the option of being able to use iron's or your optics without having to remove or replace anything. Course, I'm basing this on nothing more than some research and looking at a gun set up this way in a store, have zero field use experience so take it with a grain of salt. With some actual use, I may feel differently.

I am considering the build it myself route, by buying a complete barreled upper. As I look at all the options, I could easily see spending $1000 on the gun and another $1000 in accessories or add on's. Maybe it would just be easier to buy the stock and grips I like, the forend I want etc, etc.

[kingfishcam]

I have a DPMS A4 in 16". Nice gun, witthout the additional $150 that Bushmaster gets for the same quality.

[chamookman]

Boy, now You've done it ! Now that You have a 1911, the AR program might be on hold for a long time:tdo12: ! Now You have a compact, You'll need a full size, then a hi -cap, then a stainless, then a two tone, then with all the .45's You'll think that a 1911 in .38 Super sure would be fun - it never ends :bash: ! Five .45's and a 9mm later, My FN FAL project is still on hold:dizzy: ! Have fun and enjoy - Bob

[lwingwatcher]

My son has a DPMS Artic Panther for a yote gun (too heavy for me) and I have a built (DPMS lower) flat top as well. Once you start tinkering with AR's....the money can flow...

[Swamp Monster]

I agree! I also "need" to add a plain jane mil spec 1911 to the collection, not to mention I want Kimbers new Dessert Warrior with the light rail.....I could go on, but you get the point!
I'm still hooked on the AR though, the more I learn the better idea I get of what I want, really the options are endless (and expensive!)

I would like to try my hand at some IDPA matches this summer for some fun, but I don't think there is much in the way of matches on this side of the state.

[SteveS]

If you are not totally set on the Eotech, you might want to also look at what is available from Aimpoint. Many people that have owned both seem to think that the Aimpoint is more durable.

[Outdoorzman]

There is a group buy going on over at www.warrifles.com, I can't pass up this deal.