Shopping for first AR15

[Cjwglock19]

Been looking for a little while, shot brother in laws dpms in .223 and liked it. He said he got his for around $600. Any suggestions on guns in this price range? I've always been a pistol/ rifle guy, but not as knowledgeable in the AR platform. Guess I'm looking for some real world knowledge and experience with different brands. All suggestion, types, caliber recommendations appreciated.

[C-dub]

Don't do it! Just kidding. They are terribly addictive and you'll drive yourself crazy once you begin this journey. You'll start to understand a woman's fanaticism about accessorizing.

Set yourself a price range and try really hard to stay in it. I did and got close. I wanted to try and find something for around $1k and ended up getting pretty much what I wanted for $1,250. But then came the accessories.

- extra mags
- light
- reflex sight (inexpensive because I'm still don't know if I like it enough to spend big $)
- AMMO (there's more different types of ammo than there is ARs)
- laser? (I don't think I'll want one of these)
- scope
- night vision scope for hog hunting (I went with a green LED light so I wouldn't need this)
- there's got to be more, but I'm still new to this phenomenon too

[comp73]

If you are fine with the standard set up, like your BIL's rifle, then its a very cost effective way to get started shooting ARs

Once you start looking at customizing is when it starts to get expensive. If you do not like the standard setup, consider building you own, or building the lower and buying a complete upper.

Either way saves you some money over buying a complete rifle and you get to ensure your rifle has everything you want on it.

Building your own also lets you spread the cost out over time, rather than a one time hit on your wallet.

I helped a friend put together a rifle with 16" barrel and rifle length quad rail from YHM. Total cost of all parts needed was less that $800 and that included an ALG combat trigger. Price does not include shipping, i think with FFL and shipping it was like $820

[3dfxMM]

[Bugler]

I love that poster!!! When I see my daughters, and gk's playing Barbie, I'll think of this!

[Joop45]

I really like all the Rock River Arms AR's. Great fit and finish for the price. I just sold mine because I fell in love with all things Colt recently, and I'm now shopping for an LE6920. I want something mil spec and the colts I've handled ooze high quality. AR research is daunting, good luck.

[The Annoyed Man]

The thing is, you're not going to find an AR15 new in the box, or probably used either for that matter, for anything close to $600 anymore, particularly between now and 01/20/13 (if Romney wins), or 01/20/17 if Obama {{shudder}} wins. In fact, if he wins, you may never be allowed to own one again. So if you really want one, get it now while you can. The price premium you'll pay is the penalty for having put it off until now.

[Heartland Patriot]

Well, make sure its got, as AndyC might say, "RAILZ!"...

[Terlingueno]

Walmart has Colt 6920's for less than $1100
I built a Colt with parts purchased on ARFCOM's equipment exchange for less than $900

[The Annoyed Man]

Walmart has Colt 6920's for less than $1100
I built a Colt with parts purchased on ARFCOM's equipment exchange for less than $900

Yes, you can get those kind of prices, and building your own certainly saves money. Mine are all home-built. But there are no $600 ARs for sale anymore, and that was my point.

[74novaman]

Yes, you can get those kind of prices, and building your own certainly saves money. Mine are all home-built. But there are no $600 ARs for sale anymore, and that was my point.

There aren't "top tier" ARs at that price point, but 20" and 16" rifle kits are running around $470 right now from Del-ton. Add an ~$80 lower and you have an AR. It will be a pretty bare bones one, but it will run.

Is it as nice as some of the other more expensive options out there? Heck no. But I haven't read a lot of negative stuff about their builds either, so it is a viable option for a "budget build".

[The Annoyed Man]

Yes, you can get those kind of prices, and building your own certainly saves money. Mine are all home-built. But there are no $600 ARs for sale anymore, and that was my point.

There aren't "top tier" ARs at that price point, but 20" and 16" rifle kits are running around $470 right now from Del-ton. Add an ~$80 lower and you have an AR. It will be a pretty bare bones one, but it will run.

Is it as nice as some of the other more expensive options out there? Heck no. But I haven't read a lot of negative stuff about their builds either, so it is a viable option for a "budget build".

$80 includes the lower parts kit? DPMS parts kits generally run about $69.95. What about sights? 3 or 4 magazines, even cheap ones, are going to set you back another $50+.

I was thinking too that lowers are going to be scarce right now. Maybe I'm wrong.

[74novaman]

$80 includes the lower parts kit? DPMS parts kits generally run about $69.95. What about sights? 3 or 4 magazines, even cheap ones, are going to set you back another $50+.

I was thinking too that lowers are going to be scarce right now. Maybe I'm wrong.

That $470 isn't for an upper, its an entire rifle, minus the stripped lower.

http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt101.htm

Now, there are several things in that kit that most people don't find desirable, primarily the non chrome lined Heavy barrel and 1:9 twist rate. But minus a rear sight, that $470 plus a stripped lower will get you an entire rifle. I haven't checked stripped lower prices in a while, got mine for $50 last year during a Palmetto State labor day sale. Generally I've seen them for ~$80 though. So add another $40 or so for a detachable carry handle, $20 for FFL fee for the lower and you're looking at right over $600 for a complete AR. Throw in the magazines as you mentioned plus enough ammo to fill them and you're looking at closer to $700.

But the point was: Yes, you can build a ~$600ish AR.

[Right2Carry]

I really like all the Rock River Arms AR's. Great fit and finish for the price. I just sold mine because I fell in love with all things Colt recently, and I'm now shopping for an LE6920. I want something mil spec and the colts I've handled ooze high quality. AR research is daunting, good luck.

Wal-Mart sells them for 1097.00 and they don't charge an extra 3% if you use your Credit Card. My Wal-Mart gets them in almost as soon as they sell one.

[Right2Carry]

The thing is, you're not going to find an AR15 new in the box, or probably used either for that matter, for anything close to $600 anymore, particularly between now and 01/20/13 (if Romney wins), or 01/20/17 if Obama {{shudder}} wins. In fact, if he wins, you may never be allowed to own one again. So if you really want one, get it now while you can. The price premium you'll pay is the penalty for having put it off until now.

I think Wal-Mart sells the DPMS Sportical without the brass deflector, forward assist, sights, and dust cover for just under 600.00.