Looking to buy my first AR15... Advices are welcome !!!

ben777lemay

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Like the title says, I want to buy an AR15, my first AR.

To be honest, I don't know alot about the AR15-M16 platform... I don't want to spend crazy money on this.
My budget for the rifle is 1000$-1500$, new or used in gr8 condition.
I want this rifle to be accurate, not 1/2 moa but something like a consistent moa would be nice.
Is what I should look for is a 18-20 inch barrel ???
I also plan to put a good glass on it so it must be a flat top upper.

I saw a couples of *Vintage* Colt rifles on the EE, these are nice but they have a fixed carry handle wich is a big no-go for me, even if they fits well in my budget.

Any advices are welcome...
What to pay attention ???
 
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You can certainly get some nice rifles for $1500. I've got me a Daniel Defense M4 V5 and I'm loving it. Not sure if it's a MoA gun because I suck too much to tell, but other than that it's a fine gun. I saw one of the forum sponsors has them on sale riht now as well, 16" barrel flat top. Pretty much all the good brands will give you a solid gun for that budget.
 
I got a new Norc m4 from Armco yesterday, still waiting on the transfer to go through but ive read many good reviews. Priced anywhere from $650-$750 lots of extra cash left to mod it the way you want.
 
I got a new Norc m4 from Armco yesterday, still waiting on the transfer to go through but ive read many good reviews. Priced anywhere from $650-$750 lots of extra cash left to mod it the way you want.

The longest barrel for a flat top Norinco AR is 14.5 inch, wich I think its a bit short for a MOA shooter...
You are right, with the extra cash, I can mod it but if I sell it who will buy a 1500 bucks Norinco M4 ???

I'm more looking for a rifle that is already shooting gr8.
 
Or look 6 threads down for EXACTLY the same topic and budget d:h: To sum it up for you though, 20-24" heavy barrel, 12+" free floating handguard, solid bipod and a PRS stock if you're looking for .5mMOA-1MOA AR. My AR will do .5 at 100 yards with 5k invested including optics. The AR was not designed to be a tac driver. It can be done but its not cheap. Are you an experienced shooter?
 
For an accurate AR and considering your price range I would be looking at the Armalite’s on Wolverine’s site or the RRA’s on Questar’s site.

But let us be clear about two things (someone better informed can probably chime in here).... First, in general you will not find many ARs that are guaranteed to be MOA shooters, many shoot very well, but they are meant for a military/LE purpose and MOA is not necessary for those purposes. Second, a long barrel is not necessary for accuracy, a good barrel is necessary. Depending on the quality of the barrel a 10.5” barrel could out shoot a 20” barrel. Length gets you speed and speed gets you distance. A short barrel can easily be more accurate as there is less barrel whip than a long barrel.

Generally speaking, to get out of the 1.5 MOA area you would need a custom barrel and well custom barrels cost more… yeah what gunfighter said...
 
For an accurate AR and considering your price range I would be looking at the Armalite’s on Wolverine’s site or the RRA’s on Questar’s site.

But let us be clear about two things (someone better informed can probably chime in here).... First, in general you will not find many ARs that are guaranteed to be MOA shooters, many shoot very well, but they are meant for a military/LE purpose and MOA is not necessary for those purposes. Second, a long barrel is not necessary for accuracy, a good barrel is necessary. Depending on the quality of the barrel a 10.5” barrel could out shoot a 20” barrel. Length gets you speed and speed gets you distance. A short barrel can easily be more accurate as there is less barrel whip than a long barrel.

Generally speaking, to get out of the 1.5 MOA area you would need a custom barrel and well custom barrels cost more… yeah what gunfighter said...


To address the bold text, Barrel length is directly related to what role, and distances you plan to use the rifle at. under 150 yards, possibly sub 200, a 10 inch will out preform a 20" barrel due to the barrel harmonics. The more rigid, the better at these distances. However, you will not be getting full gas expansion nor suitable stabilization for engagements at greater distances. Believe you me, try your luck with a 10.5 at 600 yards against my 20" and you will see exactly what I am talking about.

Speed = distance are not the only factors at play for a stated objects predetermined ballistic coefficient. Physics comes into play here. An objects mass and shape plays a large role in determining distance. Heavier projectiles are longer and more streamlined which tend to maintain velocity over the duration of its flight. Initally, the heavier projectile will start at a lower velocity than a lighter one but 600, 800 and 1000 yards downrange, the heaver projectile will maintain higher velocity, thus stabilizing the projectile for a longer duration.

The entire build must be based around user intent. To simply say one is better than the other is highly inaccurate.
 
If you just want something accurate then RRA's predator pursuit (Questar has them in stock on special) offer a MOA 5 shots gurantee. You may want to check it out. It also fits your budget ($1400).

Actually 3/4 MOA guranteed, not 1 MOA. But you will lose the threaded barrel and it is on the heavy side due to the heavy barrel it comes with.
 
For an accurate AR and considering your price range I would be looking at the Armalite’s on Wolverine’s site or the RRA’s on Questar’s site.

If you just want something accurate then RRA's predator pursuit (Questar has them in stock on special) offer a MOA 5 shots gurantee. You may want to check it out. It also fits your budget ($1400).

Actually 3/4 MOA guranteed, not 1 MOA. But you will lose the threaded barrel and it is on the heavy side due to the heavy barrel it comes with.

The RRA is really interesting !!!
Nice features for the price :

.223WYLDE chamber
Forged A4 upper receiver,
Flat top,
20 inch Wilson Air-Gauged Match Stainless 1:8 twist barrel,
Weaver Styel Light Varmint Gas Block with sight rail
2 stage match trigger
Star safety selector,
Knurled and Fluted Free Float aluminum handguard
Hogue Grip
8.1lb / 38.26 inches overall
3/4 MOA at 100 yards
Magazine and manual

There is also the Varmint models with 16-18 and 20 inch barrels

Or look 6 threads down for EXACTLY the same topic and budget d:h: To sum it up for you though, 20-24" heavy barrel, 12+" free floating handguard, solid bipod and a PRS stock if you're looking for .5mMOA-1MOA AR. My AR will do .5 at 100 yards with 5k invested including optics. The AR was not designed to be a tac driver. It can be done but its not cheap. Are you an experienced shooter?

I know you are right but if I have the choice of the length ???
What do you think of those RRA AR15 ??
 
The EE is the Equipment Exchange, where we can buy/sell/trade. If you look at the top of the screen you will see a tab, click it. Read the important stuff at the top, then click the red link to sign up for access. It may take a while as a mod needs to manually add you to the group.
 
That RRA is a solid deal. Barrel length will dictate your intended purpose for the rifle. I enjoy 16-20" barrels. I;m not a fan of the 7.5-14.5. I'm also 6'2 235lbs so its easier for me to manipulate a larger rifle than say someone who is 5'8 160lbs. Build/buy your rifle around the operator (you) for fit and purpose.

The RRA is really interesting !!!
Nice features for the price :

.223WYLDE chamber
Forged A4 upper receiver,
Flat top,
20 inch Wilson Air-Gauged Match Stainless 1:8 twist barrel,
Weaver Styel Light Varmint Gas Block with sight rail
2 stage match trigger
Star safety selector,
Knurled and Fluted Free Float aluminum handguard
Hogue Grip
8.1lb / 38.26 inches overall
3/4 MOA at 100 yards
Magazine and manual

There is also the Varmint models with 16-18 and 20 inch barrels



I know you are right but if I have the choice of the length ???
What do you think of those RRA AR15 ??
 
That RRA is a solid deal. Barrel length will dictate your intended purpose for the rifle. I enjoy 16-20" barrels. I;m not a fan of the 7.5-14.5. I'm also 6'2 235lbs so its easier for me to manipulate a larger rifle than say someone who is 5'8 160lbs. Build/buy your rifle around the operator (you) for fit and purpose.

I'm 5'9 195lbs and I plan to shoot at about 300y max. So should I consider a 16 inch barrel to keep the weight as low as possible ???
You were also asking if I am a experienced shooter... Well I can't qualify myself as an experienced shooter but I can shoot less than 1/2 moa with my precision bolt action rifle and factory Hornady Match ammunition.

For the RRA AR, they even include a molded hard case !!! I think its by far the most interesting AR, I mean for my needs.
 
Especially already having a bolt, I would most definitely go with the 16" barrel. 20 is surplus to what you are saying your intent is and yes, it does cut down weight and improves handling. Sounds like you have it all worked out!
 
I will give me a week to think about it. If I order it from Questar, I can read on their site : between 3 and 6 month for delivery. So I must place an order soon to have it for the next shooting season !!! That will let me some time to buy a good glass, QD scope mount and a set of flip-up sights cauz I also enjoy to shoot open-sights.

Its my first AR and my first ever restricted weapon. I'm afraid to see how many time it will take to have my transport permit...
You know I live in Quebec and since the registry is gone, I mean 4 you lucky guys :rolleyes: , its double the hassle to register a non-restricted rifle.
Especially if you buy from a non-resident of Qc... Let's see what they have done for res. rifles !!! cou:
 
The RRA is decent, but the best offering for the price is the Daniel Defense models. Everything else in the price range doesn't compare. Try to get out and physically compare the two rifles, I'd be shocked if you didn't agree.
 
CORE15 16" barrel with Magpul Pmags. They are about 1100$ and Pmags are around 15-20$ each (very reliable). With Norinco 5.56 or AE bulk ammo, that should be a good start and fit your price range.

Personally for me, Norinco CQ don't seems to have nice fit and finish. If some quality matters to you, it's not a good choice. But that's just me...
 
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