AR-15

[SilentDragon]

Well, i am also looking for an AR-15 for a good price.  Anyone know any good sites where i can find some? Any suggestion would be helpful, too.

[XavierMace]

What brand AR?  You hear a lot of good about the actual Colt versions, however you also pay for the name.  I have heard mixed feelings about DPMS (mostly good), however they have two models I really like (.308 SASS and Agency Carbine) for decent prices.  I have heard mostly bad things about the S&W versions (although most people who like them swear by them) and they are really cheap in most cases.  Olympic Arms has some unique models (like a model that takes Glock 40 mags) for decent prices.

Regarding purchase, personal opinion, check how much your closest dealer/shop would charge to order it to you.  That way you have someone handy if you have any questions.

[chainsaw]

Get Rock River Arms. rockriverarms.com

[XavierMace]

Also, ar15.com is your friend.  I have spent many hours there reading reviews and getting feed back on various brands.  Between the people on there and talking to a couple of DPMS AR-15 owners down at Caswells, I'm convinced you can trust their guns.  I just have to decide between an AR or an FN2000.

[Raith]

Like XavierMace says, read up as much as you can.  You won't regret learning about this stuff.

That being said, this is what I'd do -

Get an Ameetec Lower for $200.00 (Probably $216ish after tax)

http://www.ameetecarms.com/store/index. ... ucts_id=11

Buy a Stag Upper from AIM Surplus (Its a new upper) for $475 ($487 shipped)

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Stag ... Rifle.html

Put the lower on the upper and you'll end up with an AR15 for around $703.00 that should keep up with you for quite some time.

Stag is made by CMT, who make good stuff.  The upper is a 16â€￾ M4 profile barrel (ER Shaw, 4140, Chrome Lined) with a 1/9 twist, & a 5.56 chamber.  It will have a few nice things that some other comparably priced uppers do not, like the ARMS 40A2 flip up rear sight, side swivel sling mount and an F Marked Front Sight Base.  I suggest the Stag upper over the Ameetec offering because for around $55 more, you get a higher quality barrel, and a correct front sight. (I don't think Ameetec uppers come with a F Marked FSB)

You won't end up with any magazines this way, but they can be purchased as well.  http://www.globaltactical.com/axami/sho ... 32&prd=333


Edited to add -

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=22&t=335496

Theres the same upper for $489 shipped.
Mind you this is just my opinion.

[Brando]

I have a S&W mp15 and I like it.

[MicrowvbleTurtle]

While we're sort of on the topic of uppers, does anyone have any experience with VLTOR's VIS?

[XavierMace]

Can't say I have experience with those uppers.  However (IMO) unless you are already familiar with the internal workings of the AR's, I would recommend getting a complete gun rather than a separate upper and lower just to save a few bucks.  Once again, if you buy the complete gun and you have questions/problems it will be a lot easier to get help then if you have to worry about if it was assembled properly.

Just a thought anyways.

[Raith]

While there is merit in what you're saying, I do want to mention that the extent of assembling the upper and lower I suggested is no more than pushing the two receiver pins.

[Ganef]

While we're sort of on the topic of uppers, does anyone have any experience with VLTOR's VIS?

Nobody here I know has one, but I have handled them and they are awsome. Light, tough, monolithic, accepts normal barrels, and hopefully a cheaper alternative to an upper and rail bought separately.

[XavierMace]

While there is merit in what you're saying, I do want to mention that the extent of assembling the upper and lower I suggested is no more than pushing the two receiver pins.

I was under the impression there was more to it than that in most cases. If so, then yes, that would not be so bad.  Although I think I would still rather get a complete gun, that would narrow the gap between the choices.

[SilentDragon]

Thanks to everyone for their input and opinions.  I knew Shopping for my first AR (first rifle at that) would be helpful with feedback from others.  I'm gonna try to land one of these in my hands within the month.  Any more info would still be greatly appreciated.

[Raith]

I was under the impression there was more to it than that in most cases. If so, then yes, that would not be so bad.  Although I think I would still rather get a complete gun, that would narrow the gap between the choices.

You can certainly purchase a barrel, upper receiver, flashhider, etc and assemble all that, but thats not the case with the examples I've provided.