Best basic AR..

[jnevis]

I have been utterly happy with the Rock River I picked up a few years ago of Gunbroker.  A friend has a Sig 516 that he won't part with.  I've looked at the S&W version for a second one ("It's for the children!" works both ways).

[tombogan03884]

I have been utterly happy with the Rock River I picked up a few years ago of Gunbroker.  A friend has a Sig 516 that he won't part with.  I've looked at the S&W version for a second one ("It's for the children!" works both ways).

And it's still BS , unless you mean it's for the "oldest child" in the house.   

[twyacht]

One can "still" literally build a complete AR with some goodies like free float handguards, decent adj. stock, and a reliable upper for $600-$800 easily...With some upgraded options.

A lower from DPMS, Stag, Del-Ton, a DPMS or Bushmaster lower pts kit. your less than $200 so far. For a complete lower.

(Remember, you can always upgrade later) "Hopefully"...

Decent complete uppers from Rock River, Palmetto State Armory (.com) (many others)....$300 and up depending on bells and whistles....

Bravo Company (.com), Brownells and countless others have "deals", even on AR-15 (.com)....Parts/Dealer section, has blowouts.

Competition is pretty fierce to move products right now.

I'd go with a flat-top, flat fwd gas block, free float handguard, BUIS from A.R.M.S series 71. and a Falcon ERGO grip ($18)..and a adj. stock of your choosing.

I chose the VLTOR SOPMOD, but there are many. Shop around, assembling one is way easier than I first thought.

It's like Barbie for guys,...plenty of options and prices to get a reliable "basic" AR that you can upgrade.

For the price of a DPMS Sportical or Olympic model, you can build a semi-custom for the same price or even less.

Just my .02

[alfsauve]

If you don't find the features you want pre-built.  I definitely go with the buy the upper and build your own lower.

I got my upper from Galati International.   I tend toward heavy, varmint style, so I got the 20" real heavy barrel with Hogue aluminum float tube.   http://www.galatiinternational.com/category/AR15uppers.html

Bought my lower receiver from a local company, C-3, then put in a parts kit and stock from Mid-USA.   Generally lower parts kits are inexpensive and they'll give you a serviceable rifle.  You can spend more money later to upgrade to a better trigger (like Timney) and a fancier stock (like Magpul).

[robheath]

One thing you should always remember...  The only part that requires an FFL dealer is the lower.  When you build an AR, it is good to have a lower that is of a quality brand name as it will be what the gun is judged by should you want to sell it later.  If you put a Larue upper on a Bushmaster lower it will be considered a bushmaster to someone who don't know any better.  All I'm saying here is try to be smart when you match parts.

[Sponsor]

[Big Frank]

I was just looking at Stag Arms. I heard they make a lot of recievers for other brands but I'm not sure. The model 8 piston rifle looks like it would fill most anyone's needs, unless you want a target rifle. All it needs is an Ergo grip and maybe a trigger job. http://www.stagarms.com/index.php?cPath=13_22

[alfsauve]

NRA just reviewed the Mossberg MMR and I like the sleek look of the Hunter Model.   While it has a basic fixed stock their Ttactical models have adjustable stocks or you could start with the Hunter and swap out for the stock of your choice.

http://mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=44&section=products

[les snyder]

santahog..if you are going to shoot any of the gun games with your rifle....

shoot a piston gun and compare it to a comparable outfitted direct gas gun...I perceive a lot more recoil to the piston guns...

you will want to add some form of muzzle brake or compensator, so a threaded barrel might be a desirable option

you will eventually want an upgraded trigger...cheaper to buy the one you want the first time

on the other hand, most any of the well known manufacturers produce a very basic rifle and comparable price point... good luck with your choice.... like most, I have definite reasons that led to my choice of a game rifle(s)

[santahog]

Thank you guys.. I appreciate the feedback alot. I'm gonna pass the info to a lady who asked me for an opinion, and I didn't have enough confidence in one to offer anything that she was looking for.. No names/screen names will be passed along.. Thanks again, truly. This is good information for anyone to have..
Have a safe weekend and God bless!!

[santahog]

santahog..if you are going to shoot any of the gun games with your rifle....

shoot a piston gun and compare it to a comparable outfitted direct gas gun...I perceive a lot more recoil to the piston guns...

...

Les, are you saying Piston rifles give you less perceived recoil or more?
Thank you!!