Newbie questions about AR-type Black Rifles...

CanuckShooter

CanuckShooter

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I know nothing about AR-type Black Rifles whasoever aside form the fact that most are .223, they can be dissambled into sections, and appear to have nearly unlimited capabilities of interchangeability of parts/combinations.

My first question is about brands:

- Colt
- Dlask
- Stag
- Bushmaster
- Armalite

1. From the above list... are there any brands that are either unobtainable here in Canada, of lesser quality then the rest, insanely expensive, or not recommended for your everyday recreational shooter for whatever reason? I am looking to thin down the possibilities, so recommendations are welcome.

2. Is it cheaper to buy an assembled rifle or to build your own (just a standard grade AR type), and what type/level of skill does building your own require?

3. How accurate is the average AR-type rifle (not that into carbines) with open sights? With a scope? Are the sights available for these rifles on par for accuracy and useability with the M14 sights?

4. Lastly (for now lol), since these rifles are made of such lightweight materials, what is the recoil like in comparison to say an M14, or Mini 30 (not Mini 14)? I have never shot any rifle in .223, but would guess this type would have moreso than a heavier bolt action.


I figured I would start with the most general info, and work my way up... :D

Thanks

CS
 
Canuck Shooter, there are many AR-gurus here on the board (of which I am not), but here's a start:
All of the listed brands are available in Canada, some are just a bit more rare/expensive (Colt). I own an Armalite that I enjoy, and I'm currently building another AR with RRA components (give or take:) ).
For your first AR I would recommend buying a complete gun, then getting to know it.
I can't compare accuracy with an M-14 as the Ontario CFO insists on taking several weeks to process my transfer for my new M-14. That said, on the recoil side of the house, there is no comparison to the low recoil of an AR to any .308 gun I've fired. (Due to low recoil, my AR is my wife's preferred centre fire gun to shoot when she comes out with me).

Have you poked around the ar15.com website at all? A lot of info there.
 
It is generally agreed that if you are not familiar with the AR15 design you should buy a complete rifle for your first AR15.

Recoil on the AR15 is very minimal. To demonstrate this I've been known to fire one with the buttstock on my manly bits. Then again, my manly bits may be more manly than others. :D
 
3. How accurate is the average AR-type rifle (not that into carbines) with open sights? With a scope? Are the sights available for these rifles on par for accuracy and useability with the M14 sights?
Click to expand...

AR platforms are generally more accurate than the M14. I was impressed with my first shots out of a AR15. You can buy all the bits and pieces to put on a AR sightwise, and more.

Everyone should own an AR.
 
CS:

1. From the above list... are there any brands that are either unobtainable here in Canada, of lesser quality then the rest, insanely expensive, or not recommended for your everyday recreational shooter for whatever reason? I am looking to thin down the possibilities, so recommendations are welcome.

- Colt - expensive, no new ones coming in country for the most part
- Dlask - available
- Stag - probably your best bang for the buck
- Bushmaster - cant go wrong
- Armalite - cant go wrong

2. Is it cheaper to buy an assembled rifle or to build your own (just a standard grade AR type), and what type/level of skill does building your own require?

yes it is usually cheaper. It isn't too hard if you have the tools, manuals and are handy. However, there are alot of home growns that look great but won't function. where the armorer knowledge comes in handy is the trouble shooting aspect when things aren't working properly.

3. How accurate is the average AR-type rifle (not that into carbines) with open sights? With a scope? Are the sights available for these rifles on par for accuracy and useability with the M14 sights?

They can be very accurate and depending on the iron sight option, you can get match grade sights. With a scope they are the cat's ass with the right ammo and trigger system out to 6-800 yds.

4. Lastly (for now lol), since these rifles are made of such lightweight materials, what is the recoil like in comparison to say an M14, or Mini 30 (not Mini 14)? I have never shot any rifle in .223, but would guess this type would have moreso than a heavier bolt action.

as already said, there is little recoil. I have heard it referred to as a squirt gun due to the lack of recoil

Boltgun
 
RobAK said:
I can't compare accuracy with an M-14 as the Ontario CFO insists on taking several weeks to process my transfer for my new M-14. That said, on the recoil side of the house, there is no comparison to the low recoil of an AR to any .308 gun I've fired. (Due to low recoil, my AR is my wife's preferred centre fire gun to shoot when she comes out with me).

Have you poked around the ar15.com website at all? A lot of info there.
Click to expand...

What the? Why is the CFO involved with the transfer of your (non restricted) M14?
 
Winz said:
What the? Why is the CFO involved with the transfer of your (non restricted) M14?
Click to expand...

No idea. I'd like to blame it on this @#$@ed up province's firearms policy, but that would be a guess.
Hell, this place is making me take a test to prove I can safely handle a restricted (after owning what's now considered REstricted and Prohibitted for over 14 years) before I can get SOMEONE ELSE to apply for my ATT!
Anyways, sorry about the hijack...

Lewis Machine & Tool.
Click to expand...

Good call as well.
Canuck Shooter, what did you want to use the AR for, as it may help point you towards a type, barrel length/twist, etc.
 
Armedsask said:
It is generally agreed that if you are not familiar with the AR15 design you should buy a complete rifle for your first AR15.

I agree on this matter. Stay away from the Bushmaster Pistols! You might consider looking at DPMS, S&W, Les Baer, Alexander Arms and JP Enterprises as well (for a good comparison if nothing else). If you build, buy the complete upper and complete lower, attach and accesorize. I like the flat-top uppers. Check out the Guns & Ammo - Book of the AR-15 - America's Rifle issue.

Recoil on the AR15 is very minimal. To demonstrate this I've been known to fire one with the buttstock on my manly bits. Then again, my manly bits may be more manly than others.

Well, hmmm, yeah.....ok then! I wouldn't even consider worrying about recoil with an AR-15.
:D
Click to expand...

Good luck!
 
Armedsask said:
Recoil on the AR15 is very minimal. To demonstrate this I've been known to fire one with the buttstock on my manly bits. Then again, my manly bits may be more manly than others. :D
Click to expand...

Or perhaps your manly bits are completely numb???
 
Thanks for all the replies so far guys... lots of good info here...

So how much would your base model, standard plain jane, stater AR (lol) go for... just to get you into the game, but something that isn't a sacrifice in quality? aside from the 180 series
 
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