Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?

[mewalke]

For your budget, you can't go wrong with Rock River.

RRAs are NOT mil-spec and I would stay far away.

I am not a big fan of RRA either, but I don't think he needs to be focused on "mil-spec" unless he is planning on running his AR pretty hard.

You want it chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO unless you intend it to be used for varmint hunting, then you might want to actually consider getting one chambered for .223 Remington. Mil-spec buffer tubes will likely outlast commercial tubes, but as long as you buy a well-known quality brand, you likely won't be able to tell a difference just because it has a commercial tube in it.

Mil-spec is good to have, but unless you are going to be hard on your AR (i.e. competition) I personally don't think it is something you should obsess about.

You can't go wrong with Colt. I've heard great things about BCM and the S&W M&Ps. I've heard mixed things about LWRC, but have never handled one of their rifles so I will keep my opinion to a minimum.

All that said I have a ~2008 Bushmaster ORC (commercial buffer tube and all) and, since I'm not a heavy user, it has handled everything I have put it through including a couple of intense training classes. But if you have a budget of $1-2k, I would go with something a little higher end like a Colt.

[cprems]

Thanks for all the help and information.

I'm leaning towards a Colt or if I can find one, a BCM.

I'm off to do some more research.

[TrackinPat]

Bravo Company, Colt, Daniel Defense, LMT, Larue, Noveske are all worth owning.

The best value is a basic BCM, Colt, DD, or LMT.

Was going to say Noveske.

[cprems]

So...My research continues.

Is buying from a private seller say on Armslist. safe? How would I figure out if the AR was legit and not stolen?

Can I do the transfer at an FFL? I'd rather not have the AR registered or have the Feds know I possess it.

Is it worth listing a wtb in the appropriate forum on here?

I'd trust a CHL holder a lot more than someone who doesn't possess one. Does that make sense?

I know very little about the AR platform. I am willing to learn. Anyone willing to walk me through what to look for and what to purchase (via PM) or if appropriate, on here?

[cajunautoxer]

If its a private sell I would only do a FTF deal. Too many crooks floating around. If its in TX no ffl needed and they can actually ship or to you. If its out of state ffl needed

[The Annoyed Man]

I'd rather not have the AR registered or have the Feds know I possess it.

There is no gun registration in Texas, no matter who you buy it from. However, if you go through an FFL, you will have to fill out a 4473 and do a NICS check, just like for any other gun (although your CHL will get you out of waiting for the NICS check). Some will argue that a 4473 is de facto registration. Others would say bunkum. You have to decide for yourself.

The downside is that if you buy a used AR15, even a high end one, from a private party, you have no idea if abused, or lovingly maintained by a little old lady who only shot it on Sundays. You don't know anything about the condition of the gun.......unless you're a really sharp cookie who knows something about ARs.

[cprems]

Tam,

you hit the nail on the head. I believe I will stick to a FFL or possibly someone that I know. That way, I know the history.

[PBR]

Tam,

you hit the nail on the head. I believe I will stick to a FFL or possibly someone that I know. That way, I know the history.

where are you located? -- im probably heading to range tomorrow or this weekend and you can check a few of mine out if in Houston area and can show you some of the ropes with them -- might even know someone selling one will have to contact them and see -- one can be built fairly easy and cheap, then you get to choose custom stuff such as handguard, grip, stock, muzzle brake and so on

[gigag04]

So...My research continues.

Is buying from a private seller say on Armslist. safe? How would I figure out if the AR was legit and not stolen?

Can I do the transfer at an FFL? I'd rather not have the AR registered or have the Feds know I possess it.

Is it worth listing a wtb in the appropriate forum on here?

I'd trust a CHL holder a lot more than someone who doesn't possess one. Does that make sense?

I know very little about the AR platform. I am willing to learn. Anyone willing to walk me through what to look for and what to purchase (via PM) or if appropriate, on here?

Sure. Where are you located?

[cprems]

I'm in central Texas.

[mewalke]

I'm in central Texas.

I have had good luck with 2 FTF deals from TexasGunTrader.com, but they were for pistols that I felt very comfortable with and I asked a lot of questions of the seller and did some research on them before hand so I felt comfortable with the deal.

With the whole NSA spying thing, buying on ArmsList could potentially create a record of the purchase with the .Gov anyway!

If you aren't familiar with a particular platform or firearm, buying from a reputable FFL is probably the safest way.

[PBR]

if anywhere close to round rock http://texasguntrader.com/index.php?a=2&b=434521" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; -- pretty good deal there Colt LE6920 for 1039.00 -- the home site http://tacticaladvantagefirearms.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cajunautoxer]

I prefer mid length over carbine gas systems

[cprems]

After looking and playing around with several AR-15 platforms, I purchased a new Sig Sauer M400-S (SWAT version) I liked the fact that I can change out the safety selector switch (I am left handed) It is light weight and I can upgrade it when the time comes.

I saved enough money that I'll also be purchasing an Arsenal arms AK 47 in the very near future.

It was a local purchase and I got a good cash deal discount. It's the first time purchasing since I received my CHL (Gotta love the NO fed BG check)

Sooo....What optics to place my my new toy?

[carlson1]

Bravo Company, Colt, Daniel Defense, LMT, Larue, Noveske are all worth owning.

The best value is a basic BCM, Colt, DD, or LMT.

2nd on the Daniel Defense. I picked mine up probably three years ago maybe four and it is still running top notch.