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Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:49 pm
by cprems
I am in the process of purchasing an AR-15 platform.
The weapon will primarily be used for range work (out to 250 yards) vermin control and kept for self defense purposes. I have a budget and the cash to purchase. I am looking to spend around 1-2K. The weapon will need to be calibrated for 5.56. I want to purchase in the very near future and start saving for another weapon.
I am looking for longevity and good craftsmanship.
I have looked at Colt, LWRC, LMT and was hoping that someone who has more knowledge in this area might be able to point me in the right direction. I have been to the M4 forum but it seems to be geared towards those who have knowledge and a serious passion for the AR-15 platform. I read many threads over there and I couldn't really get a good grasp of their points without the thread deteriorating into a mud slinging (my opinion only)
Any help appreciated.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:57 pm
by Beiruty
Colt is good starting point. You can find one at your Walmart.
I have a SIG M400 and I like it. It comes with Magpul stock and hand guard and grip. A fold down rear sight.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 11:06 pm
by PBR
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; -- has some great sales right now -- they have dpms oracle for 569.00 -- several colts and rock river's under 1k --
http://www.jsesurplus.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is another place with decent deals
on type to me they are all pretty good as long as you take care and maintain them -- i have had and shot dpms to colts to bushmaster and most all
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 11:07 pm
by Beiruty
PBR wrote:http://www.cdnninvestments.com/ -- has some great sales right now -- they have dpms oracle for 569.00 -- several colts and rock river's under 1k --
http://www.jsesurplus.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is another place with decent deals
on type to me they are all pretty good as long as you take care and maintain them -- i have had and shot dpms to colts to bushmaster and most all
You beat me to the cdnn link.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 11:10 pm
by PBR
http://site.cdnninvestments.com/CDNN2013-1/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; -- direct link to catalog
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 11:30 pm
by cprems
Thanks guys.
I appreciate the links and I'll take a look.
Do you know which colt is chambered for 5.56?
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 11:42 pm
by PBR
cprems wrote:Thanks guys.
I appreciate the links and I'll take a look.
Do you know which colt is chambered for 5.56?
im pretty sure they all are -- most just put 223 in their advertisement because being more known -- but most all are 5.56 -- would probably have to call just to make sure
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 5:45 am
by Right2Carry
Colt LE 6920 is chambered in 5.56. This can usually be picked up at wal mart for around 1097.00.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:00 am
by Blindref757
For your budget, you can't go wrong with Rock River.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:40 am
by JALLEN
If you really want to familiarize yourself with the "Platform" buy a quality lower, a parts kit and the upper of your choice and build it yourself. There are of plenty of online directions, YouTube videos etc. it's so easy even a lawyer can do it!
The first one will take awhile as you do the head scratching, trial and error figuring out which little doohickey goes where, but after that it is easy and straight forward. If you are not completely mechanically inept, like I am, you won't have the slightest problem, except trying to shoot it accurately with that enormous grin on your face.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 1:02 pm
by PBR
just received this ad from cdnn

Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 3:03 pm
by gigag04
Bravo Company, Colt, Daniel Defense, LMT, Larue, Noveske are all worth owning.
The best value is a basic BCM, Colt, DD, or LMT.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:27 pm
by LTUME1978
I can second LMT and Colt. I had an issue with an LMT rifle and they stood behind it until it was right - good people. My Colt has been excellent, have not needed any help with it. If you go with Bravo Company, you better hope you don't need help from them with a problem. They stiffed me in a really bad way on a product I purchased from them (cost me a lot of $). I will never do business with them again and would not recommend them to anyone.
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 7:57 pm
by cajunautoxer
I say build your own. I have 2 rifles that contain majority of JP Enterprise parts with Lothar Walther barrels. I also own BCM and DD complete uppers. All my lowers have Gisselle 3G triggers in them. I'm going to order a White Oak Armament barrel soon and build another upper. If building your own isn't an option go with DD or BCM
Re: Which AR 15 platform is the best bang for the buck?
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:03 pm
by gigag04
Blindref757 wrote:For your budget, you can't go wrong with Rock River.
Not until they come forward and describe their specs and processes.
As of last time I looked into it, RRA does not HPT/MPT, they don't stake properly, use who knows what kind material, have commercial buffer tubes, can't do feed ramps "right", are overgassed, and go down a lot, often with catastrophic failures like broken important metal, ie trigger...
They are the Kimber of the AR world in that they look pretty and feel nice but perform poorly.
They look scary and will impress others though.
For the money you can get a better gun like those I listed above.
RRAs are NOT mil-spec and I would stay far away.