Idiots guide to the AR-15 Platform?

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dannyhavok

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Hey guys,

I'm pretty new to firearms. I've got a Beretta 92FS and an SKS. All the media frenzy has me interested in this AR-15 business. If you are so inclined, please answer my dumb questions.

Is "AR-15" sort of like "1911," in the sense that many companies make them but they're not all quite identical?

What differentiates the AR-15 from other big, bad, black rifles?

If I have no interest in "building" one, what's a cost conscious way to get into this platform that isn't Made in China? I don't want to source parts and assemble, I just want something that will be fun and reliable off the shelf.

Thanks!
 
dannyhavok said:
Hey guys,

I'm pretty new to firearms. I've got a Beretta 92FS and an SKS. All the media frenzy has me interested in this AR-15 business. If you are so inclined, please answer my dumb questions.

Is "AR-15" sort of like "1911," in the sense that many companies make them but they're not all quite identical?

What differentiates the AR-15 from other big, bad, black rifles?

If I have no interest in "building" one, what's a cost conscious way to get into this platform that isn't Made in China? I don't want to source parts and assemble, I just want something that will be fun and reliable off the shelf.

Thanks!
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Yes, like a 1911.
ARs have been refined over much time, use, and variants. It's not especially capable or powerful in most models. Can be heavy for caliber. Antis focus on it the same way people slag an attractive woman; because they are hard to miss. Others will post best cost conscious North America makes.
 
There are many entry level AR's available from many reputable manufacturers and most are carried by the sponsors you see in the banners at the top of the page: bushmaster / windham weaponry, DPMS, Armalite, RRA, DD, NEA and many others offer entry level (not China made) AR's in various configurations from $800- $1200 range. It's probably a good place to start without breaking the bank as "top tier" models can be pretty expensive.
 
Is "AR-15" sort of like "1911," in the sense that many companies make them but they're not all quite identical?
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True, actually. However, with the AR15 one would expect the slight differences to be in the manufacturing processes and the designs of the manufacturer for looks and "add-ons". In the 1911 generic spare parts are made slightly oversized with the expectation to fit them to whatever the maker of the 1911 you have has done. In the AR15 the expectation is a bolt head of any modern manufacturer should fit into a properly head spaced barrel... the same with pins, springs and so forth.

A few things like buffer tubes (and thus stock), barrel nuts and fore-ends, among others can be different... but that is beyond what you are asking.

What differentiates the AR-15 from other big, bad, black rifles?
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They call it the "Barbie for Men" because once you have the basic rifle (a nude Barbie) you can dress it up any way that fits/suits/turns-you on. Length of pull, scopes, sights, bi-pods, fore-ends... the list is huge.

They are in fact less scary than Barbie (a blonde, impossibly proportioned vampire un-aged since her modern design in 1971) compared to the ultra-sleek, never goes out of style of the Armalite Rifle model 15 since 1959.

If I have no interest in "building" one, what's a cost conscious way to get into this platform that isn't Made in China? I don't want to source parts and assemble, I just want something that will be fun and reliable off the shelf.
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Not particularly a completely entry level AR-15 but I am overly impressed with CORE-15 rifles. Other CGN members can add more.
 
I hate how entry level ARs cost in the $1200 range lol. It cost me about $1400 that to build a dedicated 22LR, and another $700 to build a 5.56 upper :S If you have no interest building, which I did, then definitely don't, as it will cost you more. I've heard great things about $600 norincos.

Theoretically every single part should interchange with every part on a different rifle (barring oversize pins and such). Not always the case, but in a perfect world :)
 
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Mil-spec ARs will be completely modular. You'll also hear of "commercial" parts. This usually pertains to the buffer extensions and stocks; mil-spec ones are slightly tapered, while commercial are perfectly round. No real difference in performance, but not interchangeable.

Norinco can be ok quality, but sometimes run into issues if you want to change parts out later as their tolerances are generous.

For decent entry-level American makes: DPMS, AeroPrecision, Windham Weaponry and CORE are solid. CORE also have lifetime transferable warranty.
 
Two entry level ar's are the Ruger Ar556 and the smith and wesson M&P sport. Cheapest I saw at the local shop ( I paid about $900 for my Ruger) and the ruger has actually performed better than my other gun.
 
OP. Don't let the haters make you shy away from "Chinese" guns.
They can be a good first step in setting foot in the AR world, go bang every time and won't break the bank.
These can also easily be flipped for what you paid for them [or by more optimistic people who think they have a unicorm, MORE than they paid for them]
 
dannyhavok said:
Hey guys,

I'm pretty new to firearms. I've got a Beretta 92FS and an SKS. All the media frenzy has me interested in this AR-15 business. If you are so inclined, please answer my dumb questions.

Is "AR-15" sort of like "1911," in the sense that many companies make them but they're not all quite identical?

What differentiates the AR-15 from other big, bad, black rifles?

If I have no interest in "building" one, what's a cost conscious way to get into this platform that isn't Made in China? I don't want to source parts and assemble, I just want something that will be fun and reliable off the shelf.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

The Mossberg MMR is a very affordable rifle (usually found around $800 and on sale right now for under $700, but sold out) that's not made in China. However like most things, with AR rifles you get what you pay for.

Perhaps stating your budget might help more, do not forget accessories like the needed case, trigger lock and magazine(s)...

Personally I'd recommend buying a used AR from the EE from a company like CC, DD, LMT, Stag, Windham... that's still in original condition.

Saying that there is a Made In Canada NEA AR for sale right now in the EE for about $700, which is about as cheap as it gets for a non-Chinese made AR.
(Be warned however as many CGN'ers myself included do not think highly of NEA products, however there are many CGN'ers who like their NEA AR rifle(s) so decide for yourself.)

Did I just suggest buying a NEA AR. f:P:2: :sok2:nest: :stirthepot2: f:P:

Regardless most AR's hold their value well if cared for well, so you won't lose much starting with a new and more affordable rifle like a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 (basic model) or Mossberg MRR or other base model AR; then upgrading as funds allow...

Cheers D
 
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Actually my first and current ar15 is a dpms that I got from one of the sponsors here for 699 new with a 50 $ mail in rebate. So 649 to me. It works great. But you will then spend on sights or red dot, magazines, etc. I now want to replace the for end to a quad rail. Even if you don't spend much for initial purchase you will find ways of personalizing it. It's a fun platform.
 
The EE is a good place to find what you want, and you can usually get them for a few hundred less than what they retailed for, and occasionally with some extra bells and whistles already attached. I owned a NEA for a while, good AR (in my experience) but it felt pretty heavy for a 14.5" barrel.

It sounds like you're looking to do the smart thing, and buy something pretty basic to see if you like the platform. If you do, welcome to the Lego of the gun world as the AR is one of the most modular firearms on the market, with a huge amount of aftermarket upgrades and accessories.
 
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