RECOMMENDATIONS - Looking to get my first AR. Chime in!

Just
Buy
One!

Buy a complete rifle Windham, S&W, PSA, and several other decent quality rifles can be had for at/under $1K. As for Norinco and NEA, I'd have no reservations about buying one, BUT, I'd make sure I made the trip to the store to put my hand on the rifle to look for any flaws...not that I think NEA is as bad as represented, that said I wouldn't take the chance unless I could look over it closely, there's too many quality rifles around the same price to take the chance.
 
Have you given any thought to what you are actually going to do with it?
That will certainly be a factor in what sort of rifle would make sense for you to acquire.
Same with whatever accessories might or might not be needed.
 
tiriaq said:
Have you given any thought to what you are actually going to do with it?
That will certainly be a factor in what sort of rifle would make sense for you to acquire.
Same with whatever accessories might or might not be needed.
Click to expand...

This!

While not a Nutnfancy fanboy, I have always agreed with his POU concept.....Philosophy Of Use....

I bought my first AR a year and a half ago....it was a 14.5" Norc CQ-A and they were onsale at Marstar....$550 IIRC. Resisted the urge for years because I never liked the idea of having to shoot a rifle at a range only (I own an XCR etc), so when I did go AR, I didn't want to break the bank and I figured I would only ever shoot at the range and the odd 3-Gun...precision with a 14.5" barrel was not in the cards for me (my POU). I have fitted the Norc with some Magpul furniture, butt stock, trigger guard, keymod forend etc, etc....and it runs excellent. Never have I had an issue with it. I even "competed" in my first 3-Gun and it did better than I did! lol

Point being, buy what you can afford, know that cheaper doesn't mean crap, and know what you want to do with it.
 
There are a plethora of fine AR's in your price range but I will keep it simple.

For your first buy purchase a Daniel Defense 5.56 preferably in a 16" (no shorter then a 14.5") barrel as its easily one of the best in that price range. Very easy to obtain in Canada, good warranty and highly regarded. Many posters will give a number of quality brand names however this is a very simple suggestion on a well known manufacturer that will deliver everything you are looking for.
 
Sqr said:
^^^this, geezuz he wants a real AR.
Click to expand...
I'm going to have a serious talk with my Norc, it seems to think it's a REAL ar, keeps going boom every time I pull the trigger, and has the nerve to hit what I'm aiming at!! Overachieving little POS needs to be put in its place :)
 
tiriaq said:
Have you given any thought to what you are actually going to do with it?
That will certainly be a factor in what sort of rifle would make sense for you to acquire.
Same with whatever accessories might or might not be needed.
Click to expand...

Thanks to everyone who's given their opinions and advice. I live in the city so realistically i'm only ever going to shoot it at my range (which I have now learned is my only option), but i'm buying an AR for the sake of getting to own one. I currently have a Sig p226 Elite, a S&W m&p9 pro, and a Kel-tec KSG, just figured i'd round out the bunch with an AR and kind of sit content with those for awhile. I did consider doing my own build but realistically it seems like a lot of work and plenty of room to #### up.

So far from all the responses i've gotten i'm leaning towards a colt, or maybe i'll just spend some time saving up more and go for a DD (I mean call me shallow but i think most DD's look fantastic out of the box).

As a side note, i have two questions maybe some of you can answer.
1. What makes an AR restricted vs. non, is it strictly barrel length? (Got my answer, ALL AR's are restricted. I meant to say black rifle.)
2. I heard some people saying that some how they can have mag's with a 5+ capacity (like 15) how does that work? like is there a loophole?
 
Last edited:
DjRedicc said:
Thanks to everyone who's given their opinions and advice. I live in the city so realistically i'm only ever going to shoot it at my range, but i'm buying an AR for the sake of getting to own one. I currently have a Sig p226 Elite, a S&W m&p9 pro, and a Kel-tec KSG, just figured i'd round out the bunch with an AR and kind of sit content with those for awhile. I did consider doing my own build but realistically it seems like a lot of work and plenty of room to #### up.

So far from all the responses i've gotten i'm leaning towards a colt, or maybe i'll just spend some time saving up more and go for a DD (I mean call me shallow but i think most DD's look fantastic out of the box).

As a side note, i have two questions maybe some of you can answer.
1. What makes an AR restricted vs. non, is it strictly barrel length?
2. I heard some people saying that some how they can have mag's with a 5+ capacity (like 15) how does that work? like is there a loophole?
Click to expand...

NO AR is non-restricted, as it's a very scary looking firearm (really the only reason for it being res.), and when you say "realistically I'm only ever going to shoot it at my range", you don't have ANY choice in that matter. By law, you WILL only ever shoot at an approved range. You make it sound like you have some other option.
 
ARs are restricted because they are not prohibited. Initially they were to be prohibited. Because they were used for target shooting competition, they were classified as restricted.

The RCMP SFSS is moving to eliminate the magazines which accept more than 5 rounds of .223. A court case is pending respecting a particular make and model of magazine.
 
Come on guys.......he saved up close to 2 grand....and you are suggesting norinco? I'm suprised I haven't head anyone mention NEA dont make this guy suffer......buy a used colt on EE that's the only answer you need
 
Last edited:
Used Colt and a decent optic would be a great way to start. Should be within budget, too.

OP - you give your location as Toronto. You might consider the ORA - Ontario Rifle Association. Hold shoots at Base Borden and Winona. Not too far from TO.
 
X-Treme said:
NO AR is non-restricted, as it's a very scary looking firearm (really the only reason for it being res.), and when you say "realistically I'm only ever going to shoot it at my range", you don't have ANY choice in that matter. By law, you WILL only ever shoot at an approved range. You make it sound like you have some other option.
Click to expand...

Well thanks for your input. I guess I should've used proper terminology cause I guess i was meant black rifle not AR like the TAR 21 or the CSA VZ 58.
 
tiriaq said:
Used Colt and a decent optic would be a great way to start. Should be within budget, too.

OP - you give your location as Toronto. You might consider the ORA - Ontario Rifle Association. Hold shoots at Base Borden and Winona. Not too far from TO.
Click to expand...

Thanks tiriaq! looking into it right now.
 
edgy said:
I'm going to have a serious talk with my Norc, it seems to think it's a REAL ar, keeps going boom every time I pull the trigger, and has the nerve to hit what I'm aiming at!! Overachieving little POS needs to be put in its place :)
Click to expand...

If a buyer only has $500 to spend then by all means purchase a Norc (me personally I would never every, but that is just me) but the OP has $2000 to put down on a very good black rifle. Yes he can pick an AR on EE but again he has $2000 to have his very own NEW toy.

OP as I have highlighted there are many many great OEM's out there but a DD is a piece of hardware that you will never regret owning. I have rarely or if ever heard any negative feedback on this brand which I can not say for many others. (even COLT)
 
I would take a really close look at Colt Canada products.

I believe the C7s, C8s, are sold out.... but the MRR rifles are interesting, and it's possible to put together an all -Colt Canada rifle with the British Special Forces IUR, a Colt Canada lower, and Colt Canada BCG.

Nordic Marksman, for one, offers everything you would need.
 
Sqr said:
If a buyer only has $500 to spend then by all means purchase a Norc (me personally I would never every, but that is just me) but the OP has $2000 to put down on a very good black rifle. Yes he can pick an AR on EE but again he has $2000 to have his very own NEW toy.

OP as I have highlighted there are many many great OEM's out there but a DD is a piece of hardware that you will never regret owning. I have rarely or if ever heard any negative feedback on this brand which I can not say for many others. (even COLT)
Click to expand...
I would never recommend a Norc to anyone who has $2000 to spend on an AR, and don't recommend it to the OP, I just find it funny that people are biased against a rifle they have no experience with. I bought a DA because that's what I could afford, and it has been a reliable, well built weapon, and I'm happy with it. They have their place, and it's not here,lol, the OP has way better options in his budget, but for me, I think it was the best $550 I've ever spent, got me into the AR world and functions flawlessly.
 
edgy said:
I would never recommend a Norc to anyone who has $2000 to spend on an AR, and don't recommend it to the OP, I just find it funny that people are biased against a rifle they have no experience with. I bought a DA because that's what I could afford, and it has been a reliable, well built weapon, and I'm happy with it. They have their place, and it's not here,lol, the OP has way better options in his budget, but for me, I think it was the best $550 I've ever spent, got me into the AR world and functions flawlessly.
Click to expand...

Hey for first time AR shooters if that is all they can afford to get into it, then by all means. The more the merrier. I just have an issue with the Chinese copied manufactured rip-offs and carbon Tax creating thieves.
 
Last edited:
If you are new to the Ar platform and are low on knowledge on the advantage / quality / price of one company or another for each parts or complete Ar, would stongly recommend that you buy the lowest priced AR possible ( knowing that this is not top of the line ), shoot it, learn to disassemble it, learn the fonction of every part. Once you have done so, you will be able to do an advised decision on what you like or not, what style you want, wich direction you want to take ur riffle and what exactly you will do with it, the optic you will run ect .... I personaly think that IF you are going to change pretty much eveything on a complete factory one, you should build one by yourself, theres is plenty of infos here and on other forum on how to do it.

I dont see why buying a factory one and paying for some parts that you will eventually change and not use / have a verry low price for them if you sell.

I have made the mistake of buying an already builted one, paying for an expensive AR that i did not liked after learning more about the platform and what i liked or not on it after shooting it. 2000$ is a good budget and you can built a perfect one that fitt exactly what YOU want and need including the optic if you take ur time.

This is my personnal opinion and do not beleive that this is a better opinion than anyone else.

Good luck with ur project !

Jules
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom