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AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 5:36 am
by carlson1
Let the discussion began. . .
1. What do you look for in an AR?
2. What is the best AR out there? (I know there will be 50 opinions)
3. Finally, what do you know about a Daniel Defense AR?
4. Any thing else of importance. . .
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:44 am
by The Annoyed Man
carlson1 wrote:Let the discussion began. . .
1. What do you look for in an AR?
That really depends on what you want to do with it. In my safe, there is an AR carbine with a 16" barrel, set up for tactical purposes. There is another AR with a 24" bull barrel, set up for varmint/target work, which is easily the biggest and heaviest gun in either of our safes. About the only thing they share in common is the action....sort of like bolt rifles for completely different purposes.
2. What is the best AR out there? (I know there will be 50 opinions)
That's easy: Mine.
3. Finally, what do you know about a Daniel Defense AR?
I don't really know much about them except they are supposed to have a decent reputation. The carbine we built for my wife has a DD bolt/carrier group. It works as advertised.
4. Any thing else of importance. . .
Yes.... There is a God enthroned in heaven, and He is good, just, and merciful.
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:44 am
by dicion
carlson1 wrote:Let the discussion began. . .
1. What do you look for in an AR?
2. What is the best AR out there? (I know there will be 50 opinions)
3. Finally, what do you know about a Daniel Defense AR?
4. Any thing else of importance. . .
1) Accuracy, Reliability, Ruggedability... is that a word?
2)
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key ... utput=html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreads ... utput=html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
3) See #2
4) Your accessories can end up costing as much as, if not more than, the firearm itself if you go all out

Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:46 am
by AEA
1. Quality, condition, value, resale value.
2. The RRA that you sold me 3 or so years ago!
3. I know nothing about a Daniel Defense AR.
Beware of cheap China and/or Airsoft accessories that "look" like the real deal.
In the AR world, you get the quality you pay for.
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:52 am
by OldCannon
For those of you that want to pour over a spreadsheet and evaluate rifles piece by piece:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreads ... utput=html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's the predecessor spreadsheet that goes into detail about each item, how it's rated, and why:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreads ... utput=html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:42 am
by Sputz
1. What do you look for in an AR?
2. What is the best AR out there? (I know there will be 50 opinions)
3. Finally, what do you know about a Daniel Defense AR?
4. Any thing else of importance. . .
1. I'm not a brand kool aid drinker most brands are fairly decent, but you want to make sure that its staked properly. Don't worry about the castle nut being staked because if you put a single point adapter you are going to need to take it off anyways and can stak it after. I've also heard that some ar don't fit pmags to well so you might want to check that out also.
2. Subjective and once again I don't by into the whole tier thing. I got the ar I was expecting for the money I paid and I don't have any delusions that it's the best out their but its mine and it has run great with no problems with over 2k rounds. Shoot 440 rds at one sitting and the rifle was still accurate at the end of the session. If you want what the military uses get a Colt.
3. Daniel Defense is a solid brand and one of the few that makes their own parts for their ar with a good reputation. I would buy one.
4. Optics is one area you are going to have a hard time making a decision. You can save yourself time and money if you just got an aimpoint pro or eotech. Both can be had for about 400-500 and are battle proven. I'm not going to battle so I bought a vortex sparc 2 moa dot and its a good optic with a solid warranty behind it. Be prepared to spend money on little accessories and part upgrades.
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:44 pm
by Zoomie
I look for design, reliability, and versitility.
Look at LMT (especially the MRP), LWRC, Noveske, and Colt. There are alot of manufacturers who make good AR's but fewer who make great AR's. Also don't buy into the Mil-Spec group think, those specifications are decades old, and is not a good measure of AR's. Buy a good AR and keep it, then slowly buy good accessories, you'll be sorry if you skimp on the sighting system. Finally gas piston guns (especially from LMT and LWRC) are great, and while there's nothing wrong with DI guns, piston guns significantly decrease the heat and particulates introduced into the firing mechanism and bolt / bolt carrier group, both of which are enemies to prolonged reliability. Piston guns are also much easier to clean, and don't fowl nearly as easily.
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:43 pm
by Terlingueno
I built mine from a bunch of Colt parts and a stripped lower from Double Star. Built it just like I wanted it.

Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:18 pm
by karl
carlson1 wrote:Let the discussion began. . .
1. What do you look for in an AR?
2. What is the best AR out there? (I know there will be 50 opinions)
3. Finally, what do you know about a Daniel Defense AR?
4. Any thing else of importance. . .
1. Every time you look at it it's got to make you jealous of yourself.
2. My CMMG upper is bland. Does what it says it will.
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:42 pm
by Sputz
karl wrote:
1. Every time you look at it it's got to make you jealous of yourself.
2. My CMMG upper is bland. Does what it says it will.
Add a rail and afg it'll spice it up. I was thinking of changing my current rail to an extended rail and put on a new flash suppressor or break.
Finally gas piston guns (especially from LMT and LWRC) are great, and while there's nothing wrong with DI guns, piston guns significantly decrease the heat and particulates introduced into the firing mechanism and bolt / bolt carrier group, both of which are enemies to prolonged reliability. Piston guns are also much easier to clean, and don't fowl nearly as easily.
This is a whole other debate both have advantages and disadvantages its one you will have to decide for on your own.
Sputz
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:44 pm
by dmc_md
There's a lot of good AR's out there. You can spend a ton of time searching and find something that may be as good as a Colt for less money, or you can just buy a Colt and know you've got a good gun.
Also, don't underestimate the importance of gas block staking. I got to fix one of my friends' AR's in the field because his CMMG wasn't staked right, came loose, and wouldn't cycle.
Darren
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:18 pm
by rl168
I am not an AR expert but did my research before I got mine. My research is basically reading posts and asking questions in various forums.
1. What do you look for in an AR?
Quality, reliability and good customer service from the manufacturer.
2. What is the best AR out there? (I know there will be 50 opinions)
This is a tough question and can generate a lot of argument. The die hard fans of certain brand will tell you their brand is the best. Others talked about "the spreadsheet", and treat that as bible. I think the best AR is the one that fits your budget and your needs.
3. Finally, what do you know about a Daniel Defense AR?
DD is known as a manufacturer of quality AR parts and only started making complete rifles recent years I think. When I first saw the DDM4v1, I told myself I want that if I ever buy an AR. After my research, I went with a m4v5 and it has been flawless so far
4. Any thing else of importance
AR is an expensive hobby, there are so many things you can do to to it. But it is fun to shoot and I love it..lol.
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:58 pm
by carlson1
I have quickly learned the accessories add up. Maybe I can get pictures of up. I bought the Daniel Defense XV EZ Carbine.
Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 8:46 am
by ddstuder
carlson1 wrote:I have quickly learned the accessories add up. Maybe I can get pictures of up. I bought the Daniel Defense XV EZ Carbine.
Accessories do add up, but thats nothing compared to the amount of cash you will spend on AMMO!
But its worth it!!

Re: AR -15 Fans
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 9:08 am
by gigag04
carlson1 wrote:Let the discussion began. . .
1. What do you look for in an AR?
Quality parts, materials, construction, and build process.
carlson1 wrote:
2. What is the best AR out there? (I know there will be 50 opinions)
Probably a tie between DD, BCM, and LMT (esp for pistons)
carlson1 wrote:3. Finally, what do you know about a Daniel Defense AR?
One of the best Rifles made. Their rifles have been around about 10 years. They're accessories are what "got them on the map" IMO. Their rails have been praised from elite military units, to competition shooters. They have a thorough testing and part inspection procedure, like any top tier gun company should. Their customer service is also top tier. DD has a good number of fanboys on arf and m4c. I highly recommend their rifles.