[West Texas Chuck]

Nope, something nice but not over $1k, probably short so I can run around in my jammies with it.

I know squat about these things, have handled one a few times but just never got bit by the bug. Looking for seasoned advice on a purchase. I figure it would be a good investment even if I never take it out of the box.

Yeah, like that would happen :)

[disndat]

Get a shotgun and saw off the barrel.

[Blood of Tyrants]

You can’t go wrong with a Colt. But you can also buy a lower receiver locally and purchase parts or a whole kit and assemble it yourself.

[Donglalinger]

Lost in recent boating accident, very sad day

[taxcontrol]

Well if it is expensive to feed, you could lower your cost by reloading. For that same $1,000 you can get a solid reloading press, a couple of dies (for other calibers) powders, primers, bullets. I would recommend finding an inexpensive source for used brass.

If you are the prepper type, reloading becomes an excellent barter skill if needed. I know of some who trade reloaded brass for other commodities that can then be used or sold for cash.

Just a thought.

[golux]

* * * * *

Nothing beats an AR for the heart-pounding thrill of the jam combined with that certain embarrassing je ne sais quoi that comes with staring helplessly if only for a split-second at a black rifle. Newbies will note only the AR is equipped with a what the heck is going on in there plunger, which one pulls and depresses, alternately and sequentially, in order to better know what the hell is going on in there. The fact one never knows adds to the mystery, and of course every misfire, jam, and dud is completely recoiless. Five stars from Golux!

[Lurker]

Rock River AR-15s are an excellent value. I own one and am extremely pleased.

L

[OldSmaj]

Don't do it!

They are demons!

They will suck every penny out of your wallet, you bank account...you'll be out picking up pop and beer cans to sell to get more money to buy thingies for it!

Once you start, there is no going back!

You have been warned!

(Check out Stag Arms, Daniel Defense and any number of the small "mom and pop" manufacturers.)

I have a basic Stag Arms...have added nearly everything that has come out for it in the last year or so, except for a suppressor.

The weapon itself will never get my money returned, as far as "investment", but the usefulness factor goes up every day.

Ping freeper Squantos...I think he is a AR guru...I may have someone else in mind, maybe Lazamataz, but there are dozens on FR that can add quite a bit of knowledge.

But you WILL spend money on it...it is addictive.

(Or perhaps I just have a low tolerance for sexy black rifles.)

[Ouderkirk]

I suggest that you buy a stripped lower for ~ $150 depending on brand. Choose your lower parts, trigger, fire control group buffer tube type pistol grip, and stock. Then select an upper. Use the M16 bolt carrier in all cases. Select a barrel an other furniture. You should be able to build a custom rifle complete for about $500.

[deoetdoctrinae]

If you are looking for an entry level AR from a well respected maker, and an affordable price to boot, well...

A local shop was advertising a Ruger AR-556 and a Smith & Wesson M&P15 last week, each under $600.

[headstamp 2]

Anybody know the name of that Colt submachine gun they made at the tail end of Vietnam I believe?

[yarddog]

I have owned 7 or 8 and they were all Colt. Either H-Bar or sporter. All had 20 inch barrels.

I can’t speak for the other makes but every one of mine were about as close to perfect as a gun gets. Extremely accurate, good triggers, almost no recoil and totally reliable.

[Wyrd bið ful aræd]

My advice would be to buy 2 AK's for the same feria instead.

I would also note that I hate it when people offer suggestions that are totally outside the scope and parameters of the question, I know nothing about the AR platform.

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

Good Luck Chuck!

Great post, btw.

[Eagles6]

Go with a piston system. Cleaner than a gas impingement and more reliable. You can get a Huldra ( Adams Arms) upper for about $580 and the rest for about $200.

CDNN had Ruger piston ARs on sale for under $1000. Good rifles.

[Charles Martel]

Check out Windham Weaponry. That company is using the original Bushmaster manufacturing facility and employs some of the pre-Cerberus-merger employees that helped put Bushmaster on the map years ago.

My preference is a plain 16" flat-top carbine with a "mid-length" barrel and gas tube, with the pic rail on the gas block instead of the old-style fixed front sight. That way, you can add folding iron sights and/or red dot or scope.

Put a good trigger in it and enjoy.

[Leaning Right]

As for me, I’ll go with my AR-7. It jams all the time, but makes for a handy club.

[soycd]

The best weapon to have is the one you have at the time it’s needed.

Use it when needed and keep it parked in between.

[Yardstick]

Guy at work got bit by the AR bug recently. First he was going to buy a Ruger that was on sale at a local shop. Then he wanted an FN. Now he’s planning to build it piece by piece with custom parts. I kind of like the idea of a used Colt or FN.

[Yo-Yo]

Champagne AR on a beer budget: Ruger AR-556.

Solid starter budget AR from a reputable company.

[Resettozero]

I don't own one. I'd really love an AR-10 but my other .308 is too expensive to feed already.

I once owned a pair of the AR-3a in beautiful walnut but they were too heavy to move around easily so I gave them away.