AR15's

Just started looking for an entry/mid level AR15 to add to the collection. Went through Basic w/ a M14, but transitioned to the M16, so familiar w/ the weapon.  Been scanning a bunch of reviews and forums and as usual, get a lot of conflicting info.  Most say to pay extra and get the Colt. The S&W and Ruger MRP look like the best choices, but the Savage and Mossburg are interesting as well. Primarily use will be mid to longer range target work.  Appreciate your input.

I built my Palmetto State Armory budget special for $395 back in 2014.  IMO, I would build your own how you want.  At this point, I have assembled 3 complete ARs...might take you an hour.  

I'm using an older Bushmaster 16" flattop. It's chambered for 5.56 with an H-Bar 1:8 16" barrel. feeds everything, super straight. It's my coyote gun currently. It's 2 for 2 at ~100 yards

Seeing the restrictions is NYS, I'm looking at building my own with a locked mag. I'm thinking an A1 inspired carbine, carry handle and short triangular hand guard upper and a milspec collapsing stock for the lower built off of an ATI Omni hybrid lower. 

Yeah, NYS and its tangled SAFE thingy.

I got a good deal on a Ruger AR556 a few months ago, my brother in law to be also has the same. Seems well built, no complaints. I just haven't gotten to shoot it much or do anything more than 25 yards so far. 

In reply to Hokie69 :

How long range are we talking and what type of accuracy are you expecting. I'm also assuming prebuilt complete rather than DIYing it (which I'd actually recommend).

The Colt M4 Carbine I trained with was good to 300 yards on a man sized target with iron sights without much of a problem. I could probably stretch it further than that if I had had the range. It wasn't 1 MOA with that setup though.

Sigs are big dollars comparatively but typically gets very good reviews for mid and long range type stuff.

LaRue offers a 20 inch AR-15 for a bit less than $2250

If we're talking 500 yards or less I'd be tempted by the Bravo Company Manufacturing RECCE-18 ($1650). Everything I've ever read about this rifle is excellent.

Primarily target work out to approx. 200 yds. Would like 1 MOA at 100yds. Don't expect a high volume of rounds.  May also take some training classes.

Starting to like the idea of building my own; looking into offerings from PSA.

Thanks for the responses

Have you settled on a caliber yet? 

If 556 do it yourself and take a little time to get just the right setup.  1moa is easy peazy with a low to mid budget build if you take a moment.

It seems like if you wabt a different caliber like me (308) the deals are to buy built guns that still need tinkering.

Dad is working hard to talk me out it and has offered mevthe choice of two of his 556 for 500.

I've put together a dozen over the last couple of years and I can't imagine paying for one pre-built. Pick a caliber, buy a quality barrel and bolt, then pretty much put the rest together at a price point so you can spend your big money on optics and maybe a trigger if mil spec bugs you.

For rough #s, the cheapest used AR I saw at the gun show last week was $475, with all mil spec stuff and iron sights. The two I have for sale right now are both stainless heavy barrels, upgraded bolts, floating handguards and one is a smooth side and I don't have $400 into either and that's all I am looking to get for them. 

Don't want to scare you off building your own but Palmetto Armory is not a nice company to deal with in terms of parts. They also have a bit trouble keeping your credit card info safe.

If you dig around on reddit r/gundeals section you can find good rifle build kits for cheap or complete rifles as well at really low pricing as long as your state allows you to ship in. I built a monster of training rifle off parts listed there and frankly you could build a really really nice rifle for about 500$ if you are patient.

My dad and I have purchased a couple ARs and different parts from Rock River Arms and have been pretty happy with them.

I want myself a 9mm AR. Haven't gotten around to it, yet. But, was also thinking about treating myself with a nice built one from this company I'm interested in. A forum member builds for them and they do good work. I want to build my own too.

In reply to oldopelguy :

I bought mine used. I figured a carbine with h-bar, folding sites etc for $450 was a good price 18 months ago. 

Pretty well decided to build one, particularly since I'm between project cars and need something to occupy my time.  Sold the NA, kind of looking for another LBC. Thanks for the caution about PSA; looks like there are plenty of others out there.

Friend of mine priced this out yesterday on MidwayUSA:

Stoner carbine flat top upper (complete): 220

Stoner lower parts kit: 50

Stoner receiver extension/buffer/spring/stock: 60

Locally bought Anderson lower: 60

Add shipping and you have a rifle less sights and a mag for four bills.

Cabellas had Anderson lowers for $39, if one is local to you, and look around at some of the 80% kits too. A lot of times the sellers of 80% lowers will put together a decent package of everything except for or including the unfinished lower receiver for better than you can price the parts together for yourself.

I have a 9mm AR and while it is interesting I think for everything except the ammo costs I would probably go 5.7mm instead. That will probably be the next one I build, after I finish the Grendel.

And 18 months ago, before the election, $450 for anything was a great deal.