If you had $1000 to spend on a new AR.....

A

AndrewNS

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I am new to the AR world and I am finding the number of options quite overwhelming... I want to get an AR, but I have no idea where to start. Currently I base my opinions on what looks nice, and that should never be the bases of buying a gun, IMO.

So, my question is simple. I have $1000 to spend on an AR. What should I look for? What brands are better / worse than others? Are there specific features that seperate some rifles and make them stand apart from the rest and a superior design?

I am looking for something with a fairly short barrel, I have lots of precision rifles for reaching out and touching things, that's not the purpose of this rifle to me. I want something that is good for short range, like 1 - 100 yards, but I would want it to be very accurate at that range.

I also want something that is easy to maintain.

I like things like to Magpul UBR Collapsable Stock, and the XTM Rail Covers, but I imagine these can be added to any AR?

A little guidance would be great.

Thanks!
 
1000 including the gun? prob only get:
Norco
Mossberg mmr
polymer ARs like DPMS oracle.

$1200 is about the min for higher name brand quality ARs
 
Some great deals were to be had over the Boxing week sales. Two that came to mind were Ruger SR556E and Sig Sauer M400, both were under $1000!
 
A magpul UBR buttstock to your door in Canada is around $300.00
You appear to have Champagne tastes but a beer budget.
I know $1,000 is nothing to sneeze at but it doesn't get far in the AR world.
The lowest I would probably go for a first AR now that I have already gone down this road is a Windham Weaponry if $1,200 is the absolute maximum I could spend.

If I could wait it out I would go with a Daniel Defense which is a gun that you could keep for the rest of your life if you choose to.

As your tastes or requirements evolve you may upgrade to something like a BCM, Noveske, or a JP Rifles.

Buy once cry once. There will be plenty of time for mods later.
 
Even the 'lowest' quality AR's shoot just fine close range. I would try to find a flat top model that fits your budget, any brand, and start adding parts over time. The brand name slapped on your gun really isn't as important as forum users make it seem.
 
Mat_890 said:
Even the 'lowest' quality AR's shoot just fine close range. I would try to find a flat top model that fits your budget, any brand, and start adding parts over time. The brand name slapped on your gun really isn't as important as forum users make it seem.
Click to expand...

This is not always the case. Try fitting an aftermarket safety or some other part to an out of spec Norinco.
I have been down that road and although the Norinco shoots well enough it doesn't compare to my other rifles.
Let the buyer make an informed decision if he wants to go down that rabbit hole.
 
thump_rrr said:
This is not always the case. Try fitting an aftermarket safety or some other part to an out of spec Norinco.
I have been down that road and although the Norinco shoots well enough it doesn't compare to my other rifles.
Let the buyer make an informed decision if he wants to go down that rabbit hole.
Click to expand...

Fair enough, but my understanding was that most of the new Norincos are within spec. Although I wouldn't reccomend one because of the front site post people have trouble taking off.
 
Mat_890 said:
Fair enough, but my understanding was that most of the new Norincos are within spec. Although I wouldn't reccomend one because of the front site post people have trouble taking off.
Click to expand...

You see my front sight post came off without a hitch.
Proper tools and proper technique.
The problem with forums is that it is difficult to tell what somebody's technical or mechanical ability is.
I've been an HVAC mechanic for 25 years now so I know a thing or 2 about taking things apart and putting them back together.

I think that the Norinco M305 (M14) is a much better value than their AR-15 since an American M14 clone (Springfield Armory M1A) cannot be had in this country for less than $1,800 new.
I also have a Springfield Armory M1A National match so I feel that I can be objective in comparing those 2 rifles.
This is a different discussion for a different time but as long as the OP is informed in making his decision he can buy whatever he likes.
 
JTF# said:
1000 including the gun? prob only get:
Norco
Mossberg mmr
polymer ARs like DPMS oracle.

$1200 is about the min for higher name brand quality ARs
Click to expand...

Just what is polymer on a DPMS Oracle? Forged 7075 T6 A3 Flattop Upper, Forged 7075 T6 Lower (from DPMS' website).

I own one of them and find it to be a pretty good value and likely the best at or under the $1K price point.
 
thump_rrr said:
A magpul UBR buttstock to your door in Canada is around $300.00
You appear to have Champagne tastes but a beer budget.
I know $1,000 is nothing to sneeze at but it doesn't get far in the AR world.
The lowest I would probably go for a first AR now that I have already gone down this road is a Windham Weaponry if $1,200 is the absolute maximum I could spend.

If I could wait it out I would go with a Daniel Defense which is a gun that you could keep for the rest of your life if you choose to.

As your tastes or requirements evolve you may upgrade to something like a BCM, Noveske, or a JP Rifles.

Buy once cry once. There will be plenty of time for mods later.
Click to expand...


I know that the aftermarket parts can get pricey, I started looking at holographic optics and almost crapped my pants... The $1000 - $1200 budget is to be spent on a stock gun, I will upgrade it over time to what I want it to be, but I want to make sure that I am buying something that is worth sinking money into in the long run.



thump_rrr said:
This is not always the case. Try fitting an aftermarket safety or some other part to an out of spec Norinco.
I have been down that road and although the Norinco shoots well enough it doesn't compare to my other rifles.
Let the buyer make an informed decision if he wants to go down that rabbit hole.
Click to expand...

Mat_890 said:
Fair enough, but my understanding was that most of the new Norincos are within spec. Although I wouldn't reccomend one because of the front site post people have trouble taking off.
Click to expand...

Well, that's helped squash the slight idea I had about buying a Norinco.
 
Armalite M15A4.... I love mine, only cost $1100

Might be my favourite gun.. and lets not forget.... AR stands for Armalite... (or Armalite Rifle)
 
cadgo said:
This is a great price and a good rifle. That is only 100 dollars more than I could buy one here and it is already in Canada. Forward assist and dust cover is not really necessary on a range rifle and, if it really bothers you that much, a new stripped upper is cheap.
Click to expand...

The forward assist and dust cover both come on the M&P 15T though, right?

I might try to find a gently used M&P 15T that fits into my budget.
 
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