Wanting to buy my first AR15

As the title states I am looking to embark on a money pit that will surely result in numerous other money pits as I become more familiar with the gun.

Anyways, I have read over the AR15 info sticky and looked through different builds and so forth. I will say that much of it is overwhelming at first as it seems the customizations and add-ons are infinite. Thus, I was hoping to give ya guys a general idea as to what I am looking for and what I intend on using it for. I am familiar with guns in regards to shotguns/hunting rifles/handguns etc, so I am not clueless, but all the parts and so forth on these AR 15's had me a little confused. Having said that:

I am looking to build? buy? an AR 15 that I can keep for a long time. I really would like to have one that I can just go and shoot targets with, however, at the same time I will be entering law enforcement in a year or so, so in all actuality I would love to build/buy an AR that I could use to protect myself as well as others. So priority wise I guess I am looking for one for LE/Protection, and secondary, for target shooting.

Also, I have a budget of $1000 or so (is that realistic)??? As I continue to make more money evidently I can add to that.

Like I said, I know there is no set gun as the choices are endless. However, a general idea as what I should be looking for would be greatly appreciated!

 

I'm a big daniel defense fan, check them out!


In reality though you an build a nice cheap one.

I built mine for under 650

 

$650 sounds good lol. However, I wouldn't mind spending more to get a long-lasting quality rifle that I can have for years.

 

If it was ME, I'd look into daniel defense I have shot multiple ones and love them!


It WILL be my next AR

 

Get a piston upper from LMT. By far the best I've owned.

 

How much does a piston upper run lol?

 

you should be able to find a good "no-frills" complete rifle for under $1000... add a flip up rear BUIS, and perhaps a foreend rail, and you'll be at or above $1000... start out w/ the basics - just iron sights, and see how it goes from there...

what to look for, IMO:

- chrome lined bore/chamber
- M4 feed ramps
- mid length gas system (lengthens sight radius over carbine-length, and gives more foreend space)
- teflon hard-coat anodized finish: CMMG has a nice teflon finish
- best mod = replacing stock grip w/ one that is remotely ergonomic

 

Mine was 1400. but like I said best upper I've ever owned

 

I built my own 1st AR15 from parts from the Model 1 website in 2004 for less than $600 and it's been crazy accurate since with only a new match trigger and new RRA bolt replaced in 8 years.

If you've got the ability, build your first AR. You'll understand how it works better and appreciate it more, imho.

 

I built one from Palmetto State and it is a good rifle for well under 650.00. Been through 2-1 day classes and shot well over 1k rounds at each. I dont shoot brass, I shoot steel Wolf WPA 62gr.
YMMV,
Rich

 

Mine was $2250

 

DD and LMT are definitely great mfg and cost accordingly. In reality if you find you really like the AR15 platform the first one you will get will either not be last one or will not look that same as when you got it with in a year or two. I would suggest starting out with a good quality AR (that you would still trust your life with) but not necessarily the highest end of the market. Learn the system and the configuration you like and is practical for you needs. Then it will be easy to buy the high end and know you are getting exactly what you want.

I would suggest you check out Spikes Tactical. They have one of the most amazing customer services in the industry and stand behind their product 100%. They supply both civilian and law enforcement agencies. It will be a great rifle won't break the bank and can easily change upgrade parts if you so feel like it.

I would suggest you look for a 16in barrel, flattop, direct gas impingement system, collapsible stock, and fore grip that comes with a rail. In loose terms some places will refer to this as an M4 configuration. (not to go to far off track but technically a M4 is full auto for military/LE)

If you are going into a LE profession you will then have access to shoot several AR15/M4 configurations that your co-workers use. You will also have access to several Military/LE discounts. That will be your best time configure a high end rifle if you still feel you want to go to that level.

There is nothing wrong with the piston system drive system. They have been around for a while and the last hand full of years have been put into off the shelf configurations by various mfg. The M16 was designed around the DI system and is still primarily used by the military. The system is extremely simple and does not add more moving parts to the system with added potential of failure like the piston drive. The true value of the piston drive only comes into play if you will be running FA and doing 500 round mag dump drills. Everyone has parts for the DI system and it's cost is less expensive.

These are all just my humble opinions. Best of luck!

 

if it's your first AR and as you said you want to get familiar with it. just get the S&W M&P 15 SPORT. $600-$650ish new. later on you can give it to your kid when they get old enough and you upgrade yourself.

the only thing the M&P15 Sport doesn't have it a dust cover and a forward assist, things you don't really need.

 

Thanks for the great info everyone! What exactly do you mean by flattop? I read over the whole sticky, but still confused as to what that is and what it does???

 

Pics?

 

flat top means no carry handle or a with a detachable carry handle. the flat top is just a picatinny rail.


the top of the receiver is flat.

 

I'm getting real close to 2000

If you want to build exactly what you want don't go buy one off the shelf. I started with the stripped lower from spikes and went from there over a period of 3-4 months and it is still an on going thing as I see things that I need and have to save up....its a never ending circle.
And if you are going this way prepare to wait for the parts as many are on backorder for who knows how long ( spikes stripped uppers).

 

Great, Thanks! But what other kind of tops are there? lol sorry if that is a stupid question

With that top, i imagine I could add red dot or scope if I wanted?

 

there is this m-16a1 style upper



there is a flat top upper that comes with a detachable carry handle



there are billet uppers



there are one piece billet monolithic uppers



oh and then there is the shitty upper

you can add anything that attaches to a picatinny rail.

you can add a:

- red dot
- scope
- Contour HD cam so you can look back and see your war face at the end of the day (they have a picatinny rail attachment)
- iron sight
- x3 magnifier
- ar carry handle
it's endless dude.

 

Ah ok, I got it now. Thanks!