AR's

[TheMilkMan]

My first gun was a Rock River Arms Ar-15 I build piece by piece (its like layaway, but you can choose your payments and there is no time constraint). When I say piece by piece I mean literally piece by piece. It is easy and doesn't require many tools, mainly just an AR-15 armorers wrench, a torque wrench in foot lbs to install the barrel, and a GO/NO GO gauge set to check the headspacing (which should not be an issue, but still good to check) . From nothing to fully functioning rifle it was right at $1000 (and a couple months of saving for parts). In the end you will have an AR you can proudly call your own, and tailored to your needs. Not to mention, an intimate understanding of how an AR works for future repairs/upgrades. I think by now I've sunk over $2000 into it, but it was still sweet in its initial form. I've just recently convinced a co-worker to build his own AR as well. He just has the lower built so far but already I can see he has been bitten by the bug.

There is a wealth of info on the internet to help you, and I'm sure I'm not the only one on this forum who would offer helpful advice during your build either. Anywho, just something to consider.

Some details of my first build that was at $1000:
16" chrome lined, lightweight barrel w/ mid length gas system and birdcage flash hider
Flat top upper
CAR stock
RRA two stage trigger
Magpul Miad grip
Magpul BUIS
Non free floating quad rail handguard

Sorry for the cheesy photo effect, I did it on my iphone and its the only picture I have of my AR in its first incarnation.

[cubbyjg]

My first AR was a DPMS and it has served me very well as a starter AR. I havent shot it a whole lot, but so far no issues. I am currently working on figuring out what will be my next AR and I am going to buy a complete upper and lower receiver separate and put it together myself. With you budget, you can easily get a quality rifle. Ive heard good things about CMMG, RRA, Spikes, etc. Does your budget include optics or rifle alone?

[shooter76blue]

Whichever upper you eventually decide on, make sure it is chambered in 5.56 NATO. That gives you more ammo options than .223 chambering...

[APynckel]

I would like to steer you to whiteoakarmament.com for your barrel selection. Top notch.

[Live Free]

I am looking for my first AR. Budget is a grand, max. I want something that is VERY reliable, and to serve as a general home defense and range toy.

Ideas? Right now I'm looking at Bravo Company, but there 4-6 weeks for shipment is a turn off. Otherwise, I am completely new to AR's and have no idea what to look for.

If budget is a max $1000, I recommend spending it on your selected AR, not the customization. You can spend money later customizing, adding optics, rails, lights, lasers, etc. You mentioned that you have intent to use for home defense as well as a range toy. The former may be a justification to spend that much or even to justify the purchase at all, OK. If you do plan to go to the AR in the event of a home invasion, then know your riffle well, learn to point and shoot at all distances possible in your home. If you plan to use as a range toy, excellent the AR is an awesome platform to shoot.

Remember, learn to shoot with the iron sights very well first. While learning, you can save up for a good optic. Good optics are costly so you'll have lots of time to learn the iron sights.

I recently assembled a BCM upper to an LMT lower. The total cost was $1,117. I purchased the LMT lower at a local gun show $339. I purchased the BCM upper components (16" mid CFH barrel, BCG, charging handle, handguard, and rear BUIS) on line from Bravo Company USA $766. Then added 1 PMAG magazine to reach my total. My BCM upper came in two boxes and was delivered within 5 days of ordering, it was mailed to my office in discreet brown boxes. It was easy to assemble, there are lots of youtube videos of step-by-step assemblies to watch.

You can find other brands for less. CMMG for example would be approx $100-200 less.

Personally, I have only shot a few AR's. My new BCM/LMT and then years ago when I was in the military. The M16A1 I used was an Colt. I think it is always reasonable to purchase a Colt, they will hold their value. Some say they are over valued, perhaps that's true.

Good luck with your decision. Happy shooting.

- Be Free

[Salty1]

Just because your looking for a budget AR does not mean you have to sacrifice quality. As far as S&W is concerned personally I would stay away from them, they are not completely Mil Spec and they like plastic parts. Take a look at CMMG, Stag Arms and Rock River. They are all well made and will last a lifetime. CMMG also ocassionally has a bargin bin sale, you can get a heck of a deal then. The big names are not always better rifles, they have better marketing and larger marketing budgets, if re-sale is an issue then save some more money and buy a Colt.....

[JeepGuy79]

I have 3 AR's but that isn't what I would go to for reliability. AK or HK when it needs to run in my house. Have you thought about a nice hk 93/33/ or 53 clone. For a grand you could find a decent one if you are not in a big hurry. Noveske is by far my favorite in AR products.

[ixslr8]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =276530712" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Might give this gun a look. I was seriously looking at one myself, before deciding on a 6.8 that i could also hunt larger game with.