Best basic AR..

[santahog]

Sorry.. I've never owned one and they had just graduated to the A-2s before I got out.. Never got to take that the A-2 to the range or anything before I outprocessed..
Question, please.. I've got a lady asking "Best AR?" and while I don't have a prejudice towards or against, I simply don't know..

"Best Base AR",
and
"Best base AR for the money", if there's a difference.
Piston and standard models as well.
Please make distinctions if there's one to be made..
Which to stay away from, regardless of price, too, please and why.
Please expand as you wish..

I prefer a piston operated system, which is why I like AKs..

Thank you..

[tombogan03884]

I don't think there is a "best" if you stick with reputable names, they all seem to be good.
"Fly by night industries" wouldn't be on my list but if you've heard the name on this forum, or other reputable source, it will be fairly reliable.
Price would be my determining factor, and that might not go the way you would expect.

[Timothy]

I've been doing a bit of reading and asking myself being a novice on the black rifle!

I keep hearing the same basic advice!  Build the lower and buy the upper for your first rifle.

[tombogan03884]

I've been doing a bit of reading and asking myself being a novice on the black rifle!

I keep hearing the same basic advice!  Build the lower and buy the upper for your first rifle.

I built my lower in 1/2 an hour sitting at my computer table.
The only tools I remember using were a couple of punches for lining things up and a putty knife to hold down a detent.
For the upper you need a barrel vise and wrench to start with.

[les snyder]

most companies are using 7075 forgings made by just a few suppliers with milspec hard anodizing...a flat top A4 style offers better mounting options for optics...twist rates from 1/7 to 1/9 depending intended bullet choice...common length down here is a 16" gun for most people, and use the intermediate gas tap location... stock fit is subjective, so many go with collapsible, and would suggest if  you do, go with a cheek piece like RRA Operator/Veltor/ or other SOPMOD style...more consistency in long range shots with a full float hand guard...make sure the bolt carrier key is properly staked, and that the carrier shrouds the firing pin like a M16 carrier...game players like myself will invariably change out the trigger for a better one, and probably have more invested in their optics than in the rifle....ambi safety and better finger placement grip

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Don't forget, you can do the same thing in .308.

[santahog]

Thanks guys.. Please keep em coming.. 

[Bic]

I have 2 AR rifles, a Del-Ton, which I bought in a panic at the top of the market a couple of years ago, and one I made up myself that wears a DPMS upper. The Del-Ton has proved utterly reliable and the only thing I'd change (for target or long range shooting)  is the trigger.

http://www.del-ton.com/

MP

[Magoo541]

An AR is next on my list and I'm down to (in no particular order):
Colt 6940
Stag 3G
Daniel Defense V7
Spikes Tactical ST 15 w/either 9" S.A.R. or 12" BAR
Larue Predator 5.56

None are cheap but I don't want to have to change out a bunch of parts after I get it.  My wife gets funny sometimes, no problem paying for the good stuff but pay half that and try to spend the remainder on upgrades is an issue

[tombogan03884]

Colt will most likely be the most expensive.
You seem to wind up paying double for the prancing pony on the side .
I would avoid them for that reason.
Armalite is another one that seems to tack on extra for their logo.