Sub $1000 starter AR

HKNova6

CGN Regular
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Location
Middle Earth, NS
O great and wise CGN dark lords; I seek enlightenment.

I call out to thee to bestow unto me the knowledge required to complete my quest of defeating the snowflake majority and choose my first AR.

I really think I should get one now before 2018 rolls around and who knows what crazy kind of legislation might come into play and prohibit me from the opportunity.

I've got about $1000 to play with (not including optics)

I will most likely be shooting steel at 100 or less. Really just "for the halibut" thing.

I like the idea of a flat top but would also like to install a carry handle sometime as well. So this would also require the front sight post as well, no?

I'll probably just shoot bulk 55gr, so I'd be looking for a 1/7 twist?

I'm okay with a standard hand guard, but I think at some point I'd like a rail to go with a AFG and flip up backup sight combo.
I'm also not to pumped on the idea of a polymer lower either.
I think I'd like 16inch or shorter. Don't care if it a FDE or "burnt bronze"

What I'm torn over is:

Do I buy new or preowned? - I think I'd prefer new. More peace of mind.

Is there a brand to stay away from?

What to look for in a preowned unit? (What maintenance must be routinely performed or is often mucked up by a bubba and is evident in a used unit? How many rounds is too many; barrel still good after 1k rds? 2k rds?)

Should I stay away from someone else's "build, have to free up for next project" (read: I mucked this one up)

I'm leaning towards a budget starter: diamondback, S&W, bushmaster

What's is the general consensus on a used NEA? I've seen a few out there that are in my price range...

I welcome any and all input. Please feel free to chime in with any info. Or offers. Dealers welcome.

I understand they are highly infectious, and will multiply expectedly when locked in a dark safe unattended.

And if any NS shooter wants to take me out to a range. I'm licenced and will buy the coffees and ammo.

Thanks for your time.
 
The S&W for about $700 is a great deal and covers most of the bases. Arrives with a fixed front sight and a flip up rear. You can install a handle on the rail at one point if you want and you can easily top it with a red dot or some other optic.

I have set up 2 the same way, with Magpul front and back, Vortex red dot and a little rail on the front bottom for a vertical grip.

19437490_1943617845919151_3572115886409188631_n.jpg



And as you can see, I'm sure not scared of NEA, either. I've got 2 NEA 5.56 and 3 NEA 7.62x39 and I like them quite a bit.

But for an all business, no schit AR15, I would grab one of my S&W's :)
 
What he said^^ Can't go wrong with the s&w m&p 15.

As for the affordable nea. I have never owned one but have heard negatives about them. Not sure how true they are as many people own them.
 
With your requirements, another vote for the S&W. Bullseye has a deal on now for a Bushmaster 16” AR. $700 but with a $150 rebate! That’s $550 and free shipping folks!
Their site says out of stock but I presume they’ll be bringing more in.

$550 for a US made AR? The gods must be crazy!
 
With your requirements, another vote for the S&W. Bullseye has a deal on now for a Bushmaster 16” AR. $700 but with a $150 rebate! That’s $550 and free shipping folks!
Their site says out of stock but I presume they’ll be bringing more in.

$550 for a US made AR? The gods must be crazy!

How do the current Bushmasters rate? I've not used one yet.
 
Dealers welcome you say? ;)

High quality, well optioned, and under $1K on sale. Stag-15 PCF Rifle


They are getting excellent reviews.

I have one of these uppers, and it's awesome. Very happy with it. For the whole gun this is a good price. That being said, the Bushmaster at Bullseye and PSA through IRG are even better deals, but for more basic/traditional guns.
 
With your requirements, another vote for the S&W. Bullseye has a deal on now for a Bushmaster 16” AR. $700 but with a $150 rebate! That’s $550 and free shipping folks!
Their site says out of stock but I presume they’ll be bringing more in.

$550 for a US made AR? The gods must be crazy!

At these prices is there still a reason to consider Norinco......
 
With your requirements, another vote for the S&W. Bullseye has a deal on now for a Bushmaster 16” AR. $700 but with a $150 rebate! That’s $550 and free shipping folks!
Their site says out of stock but I presume they’ll be bringing more in.

$550 for a US made AR? The gods must be crazy!

You can get an American made PSA ar15 for $475 from IRunguns
 
Thanks for the info everyone!

I don't think I want to go the norinco route..

I did look at the arms east deal and it's kind of at the top of what I want to (am allowed) to spend right now.

I'm thinking the SW sport2 or the bushmaster promo deal(if they are still available at that price)
I understand there is no heat shield on the SW hand guard.. Is that really going to be an issue with semi and only 10rds in a LAR?

Any thoughts on what to look out for when buying a preowned rifle?
What are somethings a newb commonly messes up in terms of Maintence or take down?
How many rounds down the pipe is too many?

Also. I've never ordered from IRG but everything I hear is very positive and quite simple.
 
The S&W for about $700 is a great deal and covers most of the bases. Arrives with a fixed front sight and a flip up rear. You can install a handle on the rail at one point if you want and you can easily top it with a red dot or some other optic.

I have set up 2 the same way, with Magpul front and back, Vortex red dot and a little rail on the front bottom for a vertical grip.

19437490_1943617845919151_3572115886409188631_n.jpg



And as you can see, I'm sure not scared of NEA, either. I've got 2 NEA 5.56 and 3 NEA 7.62x39 and I like them quite a bit.

But for an all business, no schit AR15, I would grab one of my S&W's :)

WOW! Those look like a lot of fun.
 
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