The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: johnkorz on April 20, 2009, 11:39:30 PM

Title: Recommendation Needed
Post by: johnkorz on April 20, 2009, 11:39:30 PM
Everyone:

I am in the market for an AR-15 and I would like some suggestions where I should start.   I thank you all in advance.

JFK
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: SwoopSJ on April 21, 2009, 03:03:14 AM
Man, it's like asking your favorite flavor of ice cream, in that everyone has their individual preference.  If you choose from the major manufacturers, such as S&W, Bushmaster, Rock River, DPMS, etc., you really can't go wrong.  You also have the offerings from Robinson (XCR) and Sig's 556 which are a departure from the "traditional" AR.  I can personally recommend the S&W M&P 15T, as it is the one I actually own.  I have shot it a lot using different types of ammo without a single hiccup and very good accuracy, and that includes Wolf brand which I have heard a lot of people curse.  Hope that helps a little.  Good luck and happy shopping!

Swoop

Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: Texas_Bryan on April 21, 2009, 03:14:36 AM
This is going to be one of those 15 page threads, you should start be identifying you needs for the guys on the forum.  What are you going to use it for, hunting, range, home defense, tactical courses, end of the world?  What do you see yourself primarily using it for, then what do you see you secondary needs as.  Home defense and hunting will get you very different weapons.  Identify you price range as well for a total setup, that way you can plan for other expenses, mags, optics, slings, ammo, and all the other parts to make the weapon fit you needs.  Buy the gun for your primary purpose, which may be urban home defense, than you can plan out what you would need to use it for hunting.

Remember:

Primary function.  Secondary function.  Your budget.
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: TAB on April 21, 2009, 04:13:58 AM
what do you want to do with it?

with out knowing that, no one can really help you.

Are you looking for a plinker, a varment, 3 gun comp, zombie, Obama...  What works well for one, might not work well for the other.
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: Big Frank on April 21, 2009, 06:00:44 PM
A 16" barrel will be handier than a 20" in some situations. The trade off is lower velocity and less energy. The optics available are almost limitless so you need to pick one specific thing you want to use the rifle/carbine for.
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: johnkorz on April 21, 2009, 11:49:39 PM
Everyone:

The rifle would be used for range shooting only.   

Thanks
JFK
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: TAB on April 22, 2009, 12:02:00 AM
so now are we talking plinking, run and gun, long range?
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: MAUSERMAN on April 22, 2009, 12:17:48 AM
Bushmaster 20inch heavy barrel with a 1:8 twist.
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: Thanos on April 23, 2009, 12:39:43 AM
JP 15...hands down.
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: Swamp Yankee on April 23, 2009, 08:16:07 PM
For The money the best bang for a buck is a Stag you have a lot of options available to you. The only problem I see is that they are back logged for 9 months unless you know someone that happens to have them in stock
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: johnkorz on May 03, 2009, 09:48:13 PM
Swamp Yankee:

The Stag riifles look pretty good however, I will need to check on availability. I hope I do not have to wait nine months.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: 1911 Junkie on May 03, 2009, 09:58:03 PM
My brothers PD received a $10k grant to buy AR's.  They went with Stag because it was the best quality for the price and they could get a few more rifles going with Stag.  Haven't heard any complaints.
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: Ping on May 03, 2009, 10:19:07 PM
Feel like a broken record. Carried Colt's for a number of years. Loved them. Owned my own Bushmaster and really enjoyed it. Currently own a DPMS and absolutely love it. I would like to check out a Rock River Arms. Like what I have read about them... ???
Title: Re: Recommendation Needed
Post by: MAUSERMAN on May 03, 2009, 11:07:00 PM
Bushmasters are great rifles so are DPMS. My firend Carlos has a RRA in 6.8 and .556 both are great shooters.