I'm AR-15-tarded. Please Edumacate.

[nza]

Asking about ar15s is like asking about sports cars. The worlds your oyster bro.
Personally my first ar was a stag. 10 years later, its still my goto. I've had to change a few things due to wear, but it is still the workhorse.

 

[mac100]

My advice is buy some good quality 223 ammo, brased cased like say PPU and ask people at the range if you can try out their AR. I will let anyone try any of my AR's as long as they have their own decsent ammo. I have shot other peoples AR's and most of us enjoy explaining to you why we like what we have. Everyone seems to have a slightly different setup than the next, so don't be shy and ask to try. Try before you buy.

 

[chicu1981]

I got sw mp15 tactical. It great. All in 1400.

 

[Firlotte.com]

I jumped right into a Daniel Defense M4V5 for my first AR15, and I love it!

I absolutely love the look/styles of a more modern AR with a full RIS system. Looks much better in my opinion, and gives you plenty of real estate for accessories IF you decide you want/need them.

Pretty much exactly what this guy said... First AR was the V5, I figure I made the right choice. Lighter and ###ier than my buddy's LMT, plenty of rails to attach mall ninja accoutrements, awww yeah.

 

[ShrtRnd]

Lots of good advice on what/who to buy as a complete AR. A 14.5-16" length would be my suggestion if your considering future matches.

There's also some merit to building your own for your first. This how I went, mostly to learn the ins & outs of the AR platform with the idea of being knowledgable in the event I did end up doing any CQB or 3-Gun matches.

Some food for thought..

 

[Mirk]

I've been hitting the net and I really like the 20" guns from an original design standpoint. I'm not going to be strapping stuff all over the gun, was thinking a scope and that's it, and I'd want the M4 platform for flexibility. No interest in lasers and flashlights or anything else. Just want an accurate, modular, 1k-2k gun. I like the retro styling like the Armalites but I think I'd need an adjustable stock though I dislike the look, mostly so my wife can adjust the LoP. Just want a quality reputable branded AR for the Range @ 100y pretty much.

I kinda started where you are, I wanted the classic retro look as it was the look that is most associated with the M16, plastic hand guard, carry handle, fixed stock. But, by the time I made my purchase I had decided modern was the way to go, as modern designs tend to be more functional.

Anyhow, I would suggest looking at Stag from ArmsEast, or ArmaLite from Wolverine.

Read this description, these are the types of things you want to see...
http://www.armseast.com/store/right_hand_rifles/4r_rifle_20_bbl_with_detachable_carry_handle/

 

[A.T.R.]

Couple places are stocking the Windham still. Might be a good bet for you.

 

[nza]

Lots of good advice on what/who to buy as a complete AR. A 14.5-16" length would be my suggestion if your considering future matches.

There's also some merit to building your own for your first. This how I went, mostly to learn the ins & outs of the AR platform with the idea of being knowledgable in the event I did end up doing any CQB or 3-Gun matches.

Some food for thought..

Not sure how assembling ur ar15 will give u better advantage in 3 gun or cqb match than say somebody who bought a complete one but practices their IA stoppages and 1 2 malf drills.

 

[thump_rrr]

Nope. I'm talking Restricted AR-15. The idea would be 3 gun someday if I practice up and get into it. There was no way I was going to go anywhere near the "Which Black Rifle is NR PLZZ?" keyboard puncher of the week thread. I've got my restricted for a reason and that reason includes AR-15s! Chromed barrel seems to come up as a good thing quite often.

If you want a 3 gun rifle the most common things to look for are 18" barrel with rifle length gas system with a high end trigger and a muzzle brake.

The reasoning behind using an 18" barrel with a rifle length gas system is because it is softer shooting than a carbine or mid length gas system.

Some manufacturers make 3 gun specific models such as DPMS, Stag Arms, Noveske, and JP Rifles.

I have the Stag 3G which comes with a HP/MP BCG, Geissele trigger, Sampson 15" handguard, 18" ER Shaw stainless fluted barrel and a Stag designed muzzle brake.
A great rifle for 3 Gun.