5.56 AR Recommendations

[slumpychuck]

I've been looking for a good an somewhat inexpensive AR for some time now and I've hit the point of information overload. From PSA and Radical to Diamondback and Spikes, I hear a lot of good things, some bad things, and ultimately have a hard time figuring where I should land. Of course, Colt, S&W, Ruger, and Springfield are all household names and I hear nothing but great things about Anderson as well. Ultimately, I want it as close to milspec as is appropriate and for a good price if it doesn't have a plethora of upgraded furniture. Main use is home defense, range toy, and all around general purpose on the ranch. Budget is around $1000, preferably under.

Anybody got an opinion? Thanks ahead.

 

[Dougw1515]

Budget? Everyone want's a "good" price. Provide numbers...

 

[Byrd666]

What is your top budget?

What will it be used for?

How often will it be used?

There is a Ruger 556 posted here somewhere that should fit the "basic" requirements for you.

 

[slumpychuck]

OP edited

 

[Charlie]

Colts are wonderful but Rugers (and others) will work just fine.

 

[toddnjoyce]

Ruger or S&W M&P. PSA prices are close to there’s (or higher), and the former two are a more consistent build quality in my opinion.

 

[Bozz10mm]

M&P 15 Sport II, Ruger AR556, or Ruger AR556 MPR.

 

[Haystack]

I see a lot of AR discussions where lots of brand names are thrown around and people usually fail to mention Stag. Of all the ARs I own my Stag is the best.

 

[cycleguy2300]

I've been looking for a good an somewhat inexpensive AR for some time now and I've hit the point of information overload. From PSA and Radical to Diamondback and Spikes, I hear a lot of good things, some bad things, and ultimately have a hard time figuring where I should land. Of course, Colt, S&W, Ruger, and Springfield are all household names and I hear nothing but great things about Anderson as well. Ultimately, I want it as close to milspec as is appropriate and for a good price if it doesn't have a plethora of upgraded furniture. Main use is home defense, range toy, and all around general purpose on the ranch. Budget is around $1000, preferably under.

Anybody got an opinion? Thanks ahead.

Don't get too wrapped up in the details. Unless you build one for yourself with garbage parts, they all work extremely well.

Even the basic PSA run great. Its no Larue, but it will go bang everytime and hit what you are aiming at.

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[jrbfishn]

^^^^ Pretty much this. Other than looks and brand name, they all tend to work.
Pick one that fits your budget and has the looks and features you want and get it.

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[slumpychuck]

This definitely helped ease the selection process, thanks guys! I’ll check in when I get the goods.


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[baboon]

Buy what you can afford & trade up later if you think you need to.

 

[Sam7sf]

Out of the box the rugers are pos. They need some parts changed out.

 

[Bozz10mm]

Out of the box the rugers are pos. They need some parts changed out.

What, besides the bolt carrier and the pistol grip?

 

[peter.brandon.733]

I have an M&P Sport 2 and it’s been great for my purposes - meaning I’m not actually going house to house. I replaced the furniture on mine and the charging handle though the stock parts are perfectly functional. Easy upgrades are part of the fun of owning an AR though! But it’s functioned perfectly since day one despite being a more entry level model.


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[Txhillbilly]

CDNN seems to have a few different brands / models in stock.

SEMI-AUTO RIFLES

CDNN Sports

www.cdnnsports.com

 

[benenglish]

Buy what you can afford & trade up later if you think you need to.

I read an article a while back that advocated that viewpoint. Basically, it proposed that new users should get a cheap Del-Ton or equivalent, run 5000 rounds through it including at least a couple of basic carbine classes, and then sit down with a clean sheet of paper and spec out what you want. The idea was that until you've had some experience, you don't know what you want.

Then sell the cheap rifle and get the one that you'll keep for a long, long time.

Anybody follow that route?

 

[slumpychuck]

I read an article a while back that advocated that viewpoint. Basically, it proposed that new users should get a cheap Del-Ton or equivalent, run 5000 rounds through it including at least a couple of basic carbine classes, and then sit down with a clean sheet of paper and spec out what you want. The idea was that until you've had some experience, you don't know what you want.

Then sell the cheap rifle and get the one that you'll keep for a long, long time.

Anybody follow that route?

Honestly, this is ultimately my approach. However, unaware and not confident of the future of 2A, I want this one to have a little more in the quality/longevity department.

 

[BuzzinSATX]

Honestly, this is ultimately my approach. However, unaware and not confident of the future of 2A, I want this one to have a little more in the quality/longevity department.

Quality and Longevity don’t really go well with “Cheap”.

I’d suggest a PSA if you want to stay on the lower cost side. If I was buying another AR today, I’d buy these:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-moe-ept-lower-gray-no-magazine-5165449717.html

https://palmettostatearmory.com//psa-16-carbine-length-m4-5-56-nato-1-8-phosphate-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-ch2.html

Add a spare complete BCG, ammo, mags, and sights and you are good to go.

You’d probably be better off with the premium upper but you’d be out of your price range.

If funds allow later on, you can always upgrade to a better upper and use the cheaper upper as a .22 conversion via a CMMG .22LR conversion kit.

The lower I suggested is a solid option.

 

[45tex]

Just prior to the latest fear monger crisis I put together a sweet little carbine by ordering the components from PSA. spent 300 and change. Love that rifle. Once the basic gun is bought. the problem becomes finding the funds for the thousands of toys that mount to it. wish.com is NOT your friend for AR toys