ok so i'm ready for an AR

[Galeth005]

so i've been kicking the dust for to long now and have decided that i need to get an AR, now i know this is gonna open a can of worms, but i dont know anything about these sorts of things.  i know i want it for recreational use as well as defense in situations that may require it.  i know i want it in .223 but that about it.  i dont like the ak platforms and i dont like the sks platforms.  what should i be looking at? brands? guns? and gear?

[tombogan03884]

They are all pretty well made nowadays.

[Thanos]

I just received my JP-15 rifle...I have not gotten to shoot it yet, but it is really cool. I wanted to get a first rifle and checked around with everyone and I found this one to be the best. It is spendy, but I hope it is worth it. It sure is made well. I have fired many guns so I had a pretty good idea what to look for in my first rifle.

[Pathfinder]

so i've been kicking the dust for to long now and have decided that i need to get an AR, now i know this is gonna open a can of worms, but i dont know anything about these sorts of things.  i know i want it for recreational use as well as defense in situations that may require it.  i know i want it in .223 but that about it.  i dont like the ak platforms and i dont like the sks platforms.  what should i be looking at? brands? guns? and gear?

You don't say where you live, that could limit your options.

With home defense, you want a shorter barreled rifle, collapsible stock too I would think. The classic Viet Nam era rifle is called the A1, fixed stock, longer barrel, carry handle. Many of us use the modern look-alike to what''s called the M4 carbine with shorter barrel, collapsible stock, no carry handle, and lots of mounting rails for lights, lasers, optics, etc.

Beyond that is your preference, try 'em out at the local gun shop to see what's what. All brands are good - as most commentators say these days, companies don't dare put crap on the market, word-of-mouth on the internet will bring the crap to light very fast and sales will die. Price, as Thanos noted, is the primary determinant for the same basic rifle - colts are pricey, DPMS and Stag tend not to be. Stag makes the S&W M&P which is probably 25% more than the same thing from Stag (or used to be, have not compared prices lately)

Oh, one more thing, buy lots and lots of standard capacity (30-round) magazines, like those from Midway, Brownell's or Magpul.

Oh, and Thanos, post gun porn (pictures of your rifle). Goes for you too Galeth005 - it is expected when touting your own goodies.

And welcome to the site, both of you.

[billt]

I'm a little partial to Bushmaster. These 5 all run great!  Bill T.

[Sponsor]

[ericire12]

Is the girl with the long legs yours too?

[billt]

Yes. That's Melanie. The Carbon 15 21S Pistol is hers, and the heavy barreled M-4.  Bill T.

[Galeth005]

You don't say where you live, that could limit your options.

I live in Oregon and as far as the handgun regulations they tend to be very lenient... not sure about rifles, been looking into that, i'm looking at a stag model 2, or a Bushmaster Carbon 15 Model 4 Carbine.  links to pages are such

http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_22&products_id=206 - stag
http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_carbon15_AZ-C15M4PRE.asp - bushmaster

I'll be going down to the gun show later in the month to take a look and handle them in person. the local gun shop has the bushmaster but not the stag.  both of these dont have very many rails, but i'm told i can put some on later if wish it.  my budget is 1400, plus another 800 for the extra goodies like 30 rd mags, sights, lights, ect

[Texas_Bryan]

Has any one here had any experience with AR's from Armalite?  I ask because they carry the AR10 in 7.62.

-Thanks

[Michael Bane]

Got 2 Stags...excellent guns.

Got a JP...beyond excellent!

mb