[paintman161]

Hello,

I am new to the whole ar-15 scene, i currently own a M&P 9mm and i absolutley love it! I am in the market for a AR-15 and have a gun show coming up and will be looking at all the pretty guns. What should i be aware of when it comes to assualt rifles? (AR-15, M4's, etc.) Whats a good buy? I dont want to go and shoot the thing and have many problems. I will be mainly using it for target practice and maybe plinking a few wood chucks. I am looking for a .223 model if that makes a differance.



Thanks

 

[coltman1985]

Stick with a "major" brand and you will be fine. Colt's are nice, but I don't think theyare worth all the extra money. Rock River Arms, LMT, Stag, S&W, Bushmaster Would all be considered on "my" list. I own Colt's and RRA's and have had nothing but pleasure with them.



Basically if you have to know if you want a flat-top or a carry handle, what size barrel (carbine or rifle), fixed stock or adjustable, type of forward handguards. I don't think M4 feed ramps are worth worrying about nor true .mil! The nice thing about AR's is that you can customize them very easily with just a few tools and knowledge.

 

[Grimwulff]

+1 on RRA



Know what you want, make a list, and research it, and then buy it. Don't rush into the deal to early so that you just buy something you'll end up regreting later.

 

[onebohemian]

Spend some significant time over at M4carbine.net. At the very least, read all six of the following threads, in no particular order, from beginning to end. Then, read them again. Reading these six threads will significantly shorten the beginnng of your learning curve. Doesn't hurt to go over to ar15.com and print yourself out one of the .pdfs over there showing the breakdown of parts in an AR15 either. You can find these if you google for one as well. Gives your mind something to picture when you're reading about the various parts in the six threads. Then, take your time, ask more questions, and enjoy your research. Took me six months to finally decide and purchase my first. I feel like I got exactly what I wanted and have absolutely no regrets of the "had I known that when I purchased I wouldn't have . . . " type.



http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642



http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7376



http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6993



http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=193



http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=101



http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=4524

 

[G56]

I was shocked to see the photos of the bolt staking on the Bushmaster and Rock River bolt carriers! I haven't personally torn down either brand to look at the carriers, I just know that all of mine are properly staked.



In the photos shown the Bushmaster and Rock River bolt carriers...I would describe it like they made a pass at staking, but totally blew it! Neither one has enough of a stake to actually accomplish what it's supposed to do.



http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6993

 

[chilewhat]

i was a noob as well to the AR world. I was all set on building until I found a good deal on a M&P15a from KY. I dont have anything to compare it to, but its awesome.

Just read up and check the major players(company's) websites and you'll learn alot. (as well as ar15.com)





edit: Gander has a sale on a Bushmaster for 849.99 until Sept 19. No model number only:





Bushmaster .223 Rem. Semi-Auto Rifle

Lightweight, rugged rifle with A1 sights and a 16” M4 barrel. Features a fixed carry handle with collapsible stock. Includes a 30-round magazine.





http://gandermountain.shoplocal.com/gander...pagenumber%3d15

 

[Steelshooter]

Colt, S&W M&P, or Rock River Arms. I have seen a lot of inconsistencies in Armalites and Bushmaster.