What's the Best First AR???

[Bonehead1283]

Alright I'm sure this thread is somewhere on here, buttttt...

Looking to buy my first AR type rifle with my money back from Uncle Sam this year. What are some of the better AR type rifles out there for the $$$? I've heard two of the better ones are Bushmaster and Colt. I've been looking, and it seems there are TONS of different manufacturers and just as many configurations.

Also what caliber? I assumed the .223, but just came across the new 300 BLK round??

Would also love to see some pics of your ARs and a description of what you've done to it!

[SB09]

Personally after owning a few AR's. I would go with the SIG556 over any of them. Sweetest shooting gun I've owned in the AR platform. While it's not 100% AR15, it's pretty dang close with some improvements to the gas system.

I just wish wish wish that Sig will bring something to the market in a .308 caliber. That's my only hang up, I'm not a fan of .223 used in hunting.

[MojoTexas]

Since this isn't bowhunting related it probably needs to move to the Campfire.

However, I bought my first AR last year, and I picked up a Bushmaster with the gas piston system. I really like it a lot.

Also I would recommend just getting a 5.56 rifle for starters. That's the default. The AR platform is very modular and you can always add a 300 BLK or 6.8 SPC or whatever upper receiver later. I've been waiting to see if the US military standardizes on a .30 caliber AR cartridge (like the 6.8 SPC) before buying an upper for it. I know the SF guys overseas have been trying some of them out to get better terminal characteristics than the 5.56 NATO round.

[Bily Lovec]

buy a Colt and be done with it.

[devil1824]

This is just my opinion...

My first choice would be Larue tactical OBR
Lewis machine and tool
Daniel defense
Rock river
Stag
bushmaster

Colt and bushmaster are not in the same Category when it comes to quality.

Many calibers to choose from. .223 is a good cheep round

[MojoTexas]

I think the actual manufacturer you purchase is up to personal whim and budget. Pick a reputable brand that YOU like within your budget and you'll do fine.
(Sort of a Ford versus Chevy, or Mathews versus Hoyt, etc.)

The parts are made to be interchangeable, so theoretically you can put a Bushmaster upper on an Colt lower receiver, etc. The more expensive weapons (like LaRue Tactical) are manufactured with higher quality control and methods, so spend what makes you happy. You can start off with a basic rifle and over time dress it up with rails and grips and optics and what-not.

As I said earlier, I'd just get one chambered for 5.56 NATO initially. Also make sure it'll handle 5.56x45mm NATO ammo, not just .223 Remington. Most of them do nowadays, but there are some potential issues if a rifle is chambered for .223 Remington only.

[Mike D]

This is just my opinion...

My first choice would be Larue tactical OBR
Lewis machine and tool
Daniel defense
Rock river
Stag
bushmaster

Colt and bushmaster are not in the same Category when it comes to quality.

Many calibers to choose from. .223 is a good cheep round

Are you saying that Colt isn't the same quality as the others you listed?

[graylight]

LMT in .308!!! With an Elkin scope... Lethal and will get you through ANYTHING in your way!

[vortech347]

Listen to Billy. Just pay the extra 2-300 and buy a Colt and be done with it.

It is not like Ford vs. Chevy. There are substantial differences in the Tier 1 brands vs. the rest.

And Bushmaster IS NOT Tier 1 like Colt.

[JonBoy]

I custom built my first AR-15 in 6.5 Grendel with a majority of parts coming from Spike's Tactical and Alexander Arms. My brother, not being the 'tinkering' type just bought his first and it was a S&W M&P15 and so far he loves it!

[Solocam84]

DPMS. Look at black rain ordinance. There not that expensive.