Thinking of getting my first ar15... Budget??

C

crazyjackrabbit

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Near Barrie, ON and close to Wasaga Beach/Midland
So, for the first time in years Im actually thinking of getting an Ar15. Never really looked into them before last night as I had no real interest or use for them ( shame on me, I know)

With the quick look around, would it be fair to say an $800ish budget would be reasonable to get something decent? Yes I know theres all kinds of stuff that can be added/modified, but looking more or less for a good enough starter.

Punching paper at the range and maybe to use for ipsc down the road.

Also, is there anything I should really stay away from?
 
I just got a s&w m&p sport 2. I got it because of the price and prior to that had no real interest in ar15s. I am loving it so far. They go for around $699-799 currently. I also saw wanstalls advertising the dpms model for $629 after a $50 mail in rebate.
 
Do as much research as u can, it won't be your first or last lol everyone will give ya different answer if u can shoot a few before u buy that's great. For me I like direct impingement. Simple and it works firearms get dirty they need to be cleaned, less moving parts and lighter at the muzzle end. And they just work, mil spec is big. Pick your poison and enjoy.
Good luck
 
If $800 is your budget, get one of the M&P 15's for $699 while there are some left at that price. I like mine so much, especially at $699 I just bought my 2nd one. They are reliable and quite accurate.
 
For under 800, your options are fairly limited. And the S&W M&P is smokin deal right now at 699. They shoot well, get pretty good reviews. I have limited trigger time behind mine, but nothing but positive so far.
 
I got my M&P 15 Sport II and I haven't looked back. Another plus side is the AR-15 has made my wife a lot more interested in shooting. Its very easy for her to shoot, has very little amount of recoil, and it actually makes a loud noise. She has even suggested getting her own firearms license so she can pick out her own AR-15. Other budget AR options to look for is the Ruger AR-556 which has some really good reviews going for it. Although I can't stand its cheap @$$ looking front sight, bayonet lug, d-ring, and bolt carrier. Not sure what made Ruger go... Wow... That looks awesome. Their latest Ruger American Pistol is just as cheap and ugly looking.
 
Mumbles Marble Mouth said:
I got my M&P 15 Sport II and I haven't looked back. Another plus side is the AR-15 has made my wife a lot more interested in shooting. Its very easy for her to shoot, has very little amount of recoil, and it actually makes a loud noise. She has even suggested getting her own firearms license so she can pick out her own AR-15. Other budget AR options to look for is the Ruger AR-556 which has some really good reviews going for it. Although I can't stand its cheap @$$ looking front sight, bayonet lug, d-ring, and bolt carrier. Not sure what made Ruger go... Wow... That looks awesome. Their latest Ruger American Pistol is just as cheap and ugly looking.
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...Huh?

The two rifles, to me, look damn near identical... The bottom of the gas block looks a little different, but other than that...

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10202_01.jpg
 
In all honesty, all low to mid range ARs feel similar and shoot about the same. All are pretty reliable if maintained properly. Unless you're a true connoisseur of ARs, if you were given a bunch of ARs blind folded, I doubt you could tell which was which.
As everyone has said, the M&P II is a steal right now. Even at $8-900, it is still a good value for a US made AR.
Any difference comes from changing out the mil-spec trigger and muzzle brake, at added cost. The same is true if you bought a Colt or DD rifle.
Have fun with your new rifle. You'll love it!
 
I’m in a similar situation as OP - I’ve never had a PAL that wasn’t for both restricted and non-restricted, but I’ve never owned any restricted firearms. Fairly intimidated by the regulations/ATT stuff, but I’m seriously looking into buying an AR platform shooter. How is the process of acquiring an ATT for people who have had restricted firearms for several years now? Is it just a regular occurrence or do you feel like you’re contacting a parole officer every time? According to the regulations I would have to store the firearm with a trigger lock and in a locked container when not in use, how different is it from storing and transporting a non-restricted firearm?
 
jmck233 said:
I’m in a similar situation as OP - I’ve never had a PAL that wasn’t for both restricted and non-restricted, but I’ve never owned any restricted firearms. Fairly intimidated by the regulations/ATT stuff, but I’m seriously looking into buying an AR platform shooter. How is the process of acquiring an ATT for people who have had restricted firearms for several years now? Is it just a regular occurrence or do you feel like you’re contacting a parole officer every time? According to the regulations I would have to store the firearm with a trigger lock and in a locked container when not in use, how different is it from storing and transporting a non-restricted firearm?
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There's really nothing to be intimidated by. ATT's for travel between home and range are automatically attached to your license thanks to the last PC federal government. Prior to that, it was just as simple.
I would spend some time researching the forum regarding your questions as they've been asked many times. Without derailing the OP's thread, just buy an AR15 and go from there. Restricted firearms ownership isn't really that difficult to deal with.
 
jmck233 said:
I’m in a similar situation as OP - I’ve never had a PAL that wasn’t for both restricted and non-restricted, but I’ve never owned any restricted firearms. Fairly intimidated by the regulations/ATT stuff, but I’m seriously looking into buying an AR platform shooter. How is the process of acquiring an ATT for people who have had restricted firearms for several years now? Is it just a regular occurrence or do you feel like you’re contacting a parole officer every time? According to the regulations I would have to store the firearm with a trigger lock and in a locked container when not in use, how different is it from storing and transporting a non-restricted firearm?
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The biggest difference you will see is that Restricted is for " Range Use Only " ; so you will have to aquire , and maintain range membership forever if you intend to keep using the firearm ; and Range Use Only can get old very fast . Plus , with Restricted firearms , the govt. knows that you have it , and where it is . If anything happens to that firearm , or it goes missing for whatever reason , you will have some explaining to do .
 
Scotty454 said:
...Huh?

The two rifles, to me, look damn near identical... The bottom of the gas block looks a little different, but other than that...

8500.jpg


10202_01.jpg
Click to expand...

The major difference is that the S&W's gas block is forged steel, and the Ruger's is either cast steel or cast aluminum, and is non-standard. You might as well get a "standard", all parts matching AR15, after all. Their muzzle brake is also non-standard, and an A2 flash hider is worth $15 every day of the week on the EE when you want to upgrade to a SureFire SF3P or similar...

Edit: Also, the Magpul MBUS is a better, more proven polymer sight than whatever is coming on the Ruger. Also worth more if you want to sell it on the EE - probably $50 towards a new rear sight or optic, if you desire. Pistol grip, too.

Bradley
 
Midnight Rider said:
The biggest difference you will see is that Restricted is for " Range Use Only " ; so you will have to aquire , and maintain range membership forever if you intend to keep using the firearm ; and Range Use Only can get old very fast . Plus , with Restricted firearms , the govt. knows that you have it , and where it is . If anything happens to that firearm , or it goes missing for whatever reason , you will have some explaining to do .
Click to expand...

Sorry but that sounds like border line scare tactics to avoid buying restricted firearms. Range use (for me) is preferred then having to wander into the woods, instead I get a clean and SAFE area to shoot. Not to mention, who cares if the government knows you have it? id like to know how many firearms you've misplaced or lost in your lifetime to warrant that even being a concern...
 
FoxAlpha said:
Sorry but that sounds like border line scare tactics to avoid buying restricted firearms. Range use (for me) is preferred then having to wander into the woods, instead I get a clean and SAFE area to shoot. Not to mention, who cares if the government knows you have it? id like to know how many firearms you've misplaced or lost in your lifetime to warrant that even being a concern...
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Not a scare tactic as I have 11 restricted firearms myself ; but the sad fact is that restricted means " Range Use " only . It is what it is . I personally use my NR firearms far more more than I do my restricted firearms . If you prefer paying range fees every year , and being in a tightly controlled shooting environment , that is your choice ; but it is not for everyone ; and it is an important factor to consider when buying restricted firearms as it severely limits the firearms' use .
 
Thanks for the input everyone...
As for an update... I sold my baby(sti ranger 2) and started looking around.. Couldnt find anything I wanted. Thought of a reloading kit, but meh.. That can wait I want a new toy.

I havent been able to pick anything, so I thought "duck it! I'm diving right in and going for a build" I just ordered an upper(wont say what yet, its not that special) and searching for my lower now.

Will update when I get it all together:)
 
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