Basic AR-15 Recommendation ....

[Daddy-O]

Hey all. I never really got into the AR-15 thing, but I think I will be investing in one soon. Most of my shooting is handguns and shotguns, so other projects have gotten in the way of this one. I am looking for a basic, no frills, gun that:

• Is an AR-15. Naturally.
• Chambered in 5.56x45mm.
• Runs on standard M16 STANAG magazines.
• 16" barrel. Odds are I will eventually Form 1 it to an SBR configuration, but for now I'll start as a Title I item.
• I'd prefer the M16A1 triangular handguard style, but the M16A2 is fine too.
• With a carry handle is preferred.
• Don't really care on the stock; fixed or collapsing is fine.
• From a reputable manufacturer.
• I'd like to keep it in the ballpark of $1,000 +/- for a NIB rifle, if possible. If I have to go a bit more, it is OK as I'd prefer to buy quality.

Thanks for any recommendations.

 

[Saintsfan6]

Hey all. I never really got into the AR-15 thing, but I think I will be investing in one soon. Most of my shooting is handguns and shotguns, so other projects have gotten in the way of this one. I am looking for a basic, no frills, gun that:

• Is an AR-15. Naturally.
• Chambered in 5.56x45mm.
• Runs on standard M16 STANAG magazines.
• 16" barrel. Odds are I will eventually Form 1 it to an SBR configuration, but for now I'll start as a Title I item.
• I'd prefer the M16A1 triangular handguard style, but the M16A2 is fine too.
• With a carry handle is preferred.
• Don't really care on the stock; fixed or collapsing is fine.
• From a reputable manufacturer.
• I'd like to keep it in the ballpark of $1,000 +/- for a NIB rifle, if possible. If I have to go a bit more, it is OK as I'd prefer to buy quality.

Thanks for any recommendations.

I've got a few, two with carry handles. One I bought factory built 16 inch round hand guard and collapsible stock from Windham Weaponry, it is an awesome rifle. I built a 20 inch A2 with a fixed stock from Del-Ton parts, it is also an awesome rifle.

Are you building or buying from factory?

 

[Daddy-O]

Are you building or buying from factory?

For now buying from factory. When the dust settles, I might get a little more creative with parts and SBRing it, but I'm just looking for a basic, ready to go rifle for now.

Thanks.

 

[Lets_Ride]

I love my Ruger AR556. Can be had for around $600.

 

[AustinBR]

Daniel Defense makes some nice pre-built rifles that fall within your budget.

 

[Daddy-O]

Thanks guys; I'll check those two out.

 

[Pops 1]

I love my Ruger AR556. Can be had for around $600.

+1 Love mine also.

 

[PECEMKR]

at current prices colt 6920 or the colt 6920 oem and you pick your furniture

 

[SVT Bansheeman]

I own a Daniel defense m4 i built on their website. I've shot that and my buddy's m&p 15. That $600-$650 rifle he has does everything most of us want. So to make a long story short, id recommend the m&p 15. I cant even remember all the fancy options i chose for on my ddm4 while "building" it nor can i tell you what they do. I actually got the DDm4 due to recommendations on this forum years ago. I didn't even know the company existed. Go figure. But to this day, im very happy with this forums recommendation and do not ever plan on selling it.

 

[dk.easterly]

If you go the M&P Sport route, go with the Sport II.

 

[rcm192]

If you want to stay around the higher quality/$1K range...Daniel Defense, Colt, or FNH are good choices.

I'm really liking FNH products lately....they did take over the MIL contract from Colt!

This model may meet your criteria:

https://www.fnamerica.com/products/carbines/fn-15-series/fn15-carbine/

Of course they make some more advanced/dressed up models too.

 

[Slalom.45]

For budget. I like the looks of the Ruger AR-556.
For quality I love my BCM Recce.

Not a bad idea to have both price points. By a $600 gun and do nothing to it. Great to have a "beater". Then go and get a quality rig from DD, BCM, etc.

 

[Slalom.45]

On second thought. I shouldn't have said "quality". I think the Ruger is likely a very good gun. The others are more refined. Nicer triggers, furniture, etc.

 

[Spleen]

I generally stick with Colt and they are in your price range.
The company is in dire straits but they make a great dependable rifle that holds value for brand recognition.
Otherwise, look at CMMG for great values in a quality line.

 

[Spleen]

By the way, all of the other recommendations are solid as well.
Just saying...

 

[PECEMKR]

https://www.cdnnsports.com/colt-le6920-556.html

 

[Spleen]

https://www.cdnnsports.com/colt-le6920-556.html

Exactly.

 

[KDerekT83]

Anderson MFG. isn't to bad either. I usually use their stripped lowers to build my rifles.

 

[Brawny]

If you go the M&P Sport route, go with the Sport II.

I would have bought a sport if I could have found one less expensive than a sport II a few weeks ago. If you find one they are just as much. People don't seem to be getting rid of them.

 

[alpinehyperlite]

Has bushmaster's reputation really gotten that tarnished?