Best budget AR?

**Gus McCrae** · April 21st, 2019, 01:30 PM

I'm thinking about buying my first AR (maybe). As far as a basic, reliable AR with iron sights, what would you recommend?

I'm not looking for fancy, just a gun that will do it's job. Don't want a bunch of features.

**obryap** · April 21st, 2019, 01:44 PM

Don't know what your budget is, but I went with the Ruger AR-556 for around $650. I am not an AR expert, but have been happy with my decision.

**MOTOR51** · April 21st, 2019, 02:32 PM

They just had a S&W new for $449 on sale somewhere. I’ll see if I can find it

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**MOTOR51** · April 21st, 2019, 02:33 PM

https://www.smga.com/smith-and-wesso...-ii-556nato-69

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***thperez1972*** · April 21st, 2019, 03:05 PM

People have varying opinions on Palmetto State Armory but they're going to be about as no frills as you can get. I have a couple of their bcg's, an upper, and a lower. I've never had any issues with they. They're not fancy but they have performed so far when I've needed them to. You said you wanted something reliable but you didn't say what the use would be. The use could determine how "budget" you may want to go. With all that being said, PSA has a couple things on sale.

$279 for a "bring your own lower."

or

$219 for and upper and $129 for a lower.

**noob** · April 21st, 2019, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by MOTOR51

They just had a S&W new for $449 on sale somewhere. I’ll see if I can find it

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I have a m&p15 OR from 10 years ago, runs without a hiccup, shoots any type of ammo. Back then it was 900 bucks, now you can get that one for 450, I wouldn’t hesitate to get one if I didn’t already own a dozen rifles now.

You might be able to build one for 4-500 but it’s nice to know you have a factory rifle, from a reputable company with a warranty, should you ever need to use it.

**Gus McCrae** · April 21st, 2019, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by MOTOR51

https://www.smga.com/smith-and-wesso...-ii-556nato-69

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Nice.

**Tboy** · April 21st, 2019, 04:36 PM

The sport 2 has numerous reviews on YouTube including a run to failure in which it caught fire before failing. Saying that to say it’s going to be hard to beat it for the money.

**Gus McCrae** · April 21st, 2019, 05:39 PM

I'm not opposed to building one, just want a solid gun for as little money as needed. ARs really aren't my thing, but I realize their value.

**RaleighReloader** · April 21st, 2019, 08:13 PM

Go for the S&W at $450. A mixmaster home build will be much harder to sell if you ever decide to part ways with it, especially if it’s built with low end parts.

Mike