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True but also why i like optics with etched reticles. So even if the battery dies and you lose illumination, you still have something
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Any Advice for a first AR?
- Thread Starter Studly2897
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Unless you know you want multiple AR rifles, my recommendation would be to go big and buy a higher end AR15 that's set up as close to ideal for you as you want. Accessories can of course be added as you want them. I believe ultimately you'll be more satisfied with the results instead of trying to buy or build cheap for a first gut then wishing you had something better quality later on.
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I've got a Windham Weaponry MPC-RF I'd be willing to sell you. It's a good rifle, but I just bought a DDM4v7, and I kind of want to put the money towards something else. Only one mag through it, and I bought it brand new. Comes with the case, one mag, and manual too, as well as the original sling. PM me if interested.
Once you find that first AR-15 go take a carbine class it will be the best $300 you could spend on yourself Edit: Look up "defensive firearm instruction " They are a bunch of ex military guys and have good classes ———-If ya got deep pockets thunder ranch in Lakeview has 3 day classes coming up in May 2026 —skills,skills,skills…
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Welcome!
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I started with an M&P-15 about 15 years ago. Was a great platform for learning and totally functional out of the box.
You can always swap the lower to another upper receiver if/when you grow out of it.
Or just get the BCM
Cliche but the most important part is to enjoy the process.
You can always swap the lower to another upper receiver if/when you grow out of it.
Or just get the BCM
Cliche but the most important part is to enjoy the process.
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Welcome Aboard 
You can't go wrong with the original, Colt. You'll read a lot of complaints that the finish isn't as nice as other brands, often true. Might be tough to find a particular model that you like, when you want it. Seems Colt makes batches of each model at different times, and runs for gov contracts. If it's a factory Colt (unless it's an Expanse, those were a crap shoot) there's a very good chance you'll get an AR that runs right and will last.
That being said, BCM is top quality. Geissele makes nice stuff, all set up for adding accessories, can be found on sale for nearly reasonable prices (compared to building with their parts) and you're sure to get a good trigger. LMT. I like Knights Armament rifles but not for what they cost. As stated previously Palmetto State Armory has something for almost any budget.
Choosing was so much simpler in the early 90's when there were only 4 or 5 choices of which AR15A1 or A2 to buy. Eagle Arms (later Armalite), Bushmaster, Colt and Olympic Arms were the only makers of complete AR's to be found around here.
That being said, BCM is top quality. Geissele makes nice stuff, all set up for adding accessories, can be found on sale for nearly reasonable prices (compared to building with their parts) and you're sure to get a good trigger. LMT. I like Knights Armament rifles but not for what they cost. As stated previously Palmetto State Armory has something for almost any budget.
Choosing was so much simpler in the early 90's when there were only 4 or 5 choices of which AR15A1 or A2 to buy. Eagle Arms (later Armalite), Bushmaster, Colt and Olympic Arms were the only makers of complete AR's to be found around here.
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I would suggest getting at least a 16" barrel to avoid the need for a pinned muzzle device which will give you more flexibility to modify it.
Heh...no kidding on choices...My 1st AR was a post-ban 16" Oly A2...scrimped and saved for that, was $699 at the gun show, used beat to death mags were $20-30 ea.
I can purchase a nicer, better optioned rifle for less than that in today's money...We've come a long way.
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Since you stated "you don't know how to reconstruct one, but want to learn so I can build one someday." I would lean towards one that is "prebuilt" already- aka a complete rifle such as a Daniel Defense/Geiselle Super Duty or if budget is on your mind Palmetto State Armory (PSA).
That way you don't have to piece one together since you're just learning. Once you get acquainted to the platform, you then can build one of your choice with better parts (ie. barrel, BCG, operating system, tigger, etc.). But you can also use just the lower-from your original complete purchase and build off of that. IMO any platform will run well if you keep it clean, lubed and run good ammo. Hope this helps!
That way you don't have to piece one together since you're just learning. Once you get acquainted to the platform, you then can build one of your choice with better parts (ie. barrel, BCG, operating system, tigger, etc.). But you can also use just the lower-from your original complete purchase and build off of that. IMO any platform will run well if you keep it clean, lubed and run good ammo. Hope this helps!
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Other member have probably already states but here it again.
You can have a very inexpensive ar 15 That functions both as home defense and go out and have some range fun once in awhile. You can train with inexpensive ar 15s as well but some of these brands will show you exactly what you paid for. You dont necessary need a guchi ar that cost several thousands of dollars . And some times those expensive ar s might not be as good as proven military and leo ars. When you see and hear something is mil spec just remember thats the bottom requirment. My first was a springfield armory saint victor and it was a good value and definitely reliable for me. Now that lower is just a springfield and an upper is giessele super duty. There are so many options it can be very daunting . And there are 2 different types direct inpingment or piston. Direct inpingment is cheaper lighter cost less but gets dirty easier. Piston is more expensive and heavier , runs cleaner. I tend to chase proven as in military contracts like Daniel defense , giessele, kac and hk those last 2 are a little out of my price range honestly. Even old proven like colt or rra are not bad. There are manufacturers like bcm that dont have any contacts i believe but I hear a lot of good things from them but not personaly. You definitely cant go wrong with pay once and cry once with kac, giessele, Daniel defense, hk. If I could do it over I would go that route. And the other manufacturers I mentioned you cant go wrong either for first ar.
Have a good one.
You can have a very inexpensive ar 15 That functions both as home defense and go out and have some range fun once in awhile. You can train with inexpensive ar 15s as well but some of these brands will show you exactly what you paid for. You dont necessary need a guchi ar that cost several thousands of dollars . And some times those expensive ar s might not be as good as proven military and leo ars. When you see and hear something is mil spec just remember thats the bottom requirment. My first was a springfield armory saint victor and it was a good value and definitely reliable for me. Now that lower is just a springfield and an upper is giessele super duty. There are so many options it can be very daunting . And there are 2 different types direct inpingment or piston. Direct inpingment is cheaper lighter cost less but gets dirty easier. Piston is more expensive and heavier , runs cleaner. I tend to chase proven as in military contracts like Daniel defense , giessele, kac and hk those last 2 are a little out of my price range honestly. Even old proven like colt or rra are not bad. There are manufacturers like bcm that dont have any contacts i believe but I hear a lot of good things from them but not personaly. You definitely cant go wrong with pay once and cry once with kac, giessele, Daniel defense, hk. If I could do it over I would go that route. And the other manufacturers I mentioned you cant go wrong either for first ar.
Have a good one.
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Well, my advice to you would depend on whether you want to keep eating money and dumping endless money into a platform or you want a work horse that will last you the rest of your life without over paying.
I just bought an Azr from Palmetto State Armory for $549.00. It is an 11.5 inch and the barrel isn't chromed. It will get shot a couple of times at the range to see where different ammo groups at short distance and t\hen relegated to home defense and largely not handled much. It;s a tool for a niche use.
For any serious repetitive use, especially out in the weather, you want something better. I have a 20 inch Colt. If this gun turns out to be your only AR down the road due to whatever the circumstances may be, you will wish \yo\I had got a Colt. You can pick up gently used and even some new ones between 700 and 1000 dollars.
Yes there are nicer rifles out there. But, at least with a Colt you will get most of \your money, if not all of it back, when it;s time to sell if you by gently used. I have to la\ugh at some of these fu\us that bu the latest greatest AR to onl\y get 30 to 40 percent of what they paid for it when they trade it in.
Everything on an AR can be changed. Start with a good, solid rifle. The bolt carrier groups are better on mid high to upper tier guns. If you buy a PSA or something sim\ilar, expect that part to need replacement quickly.
Get your mags now. Like at least half a dozen before next week. If the gu\legislation moves in our favor this week you may have time. But if it doesn't, you may not be able to obtain any after the 14th of March.
So, go to Gun Mag Wharehoise or the Mag Shack and order you a ten pack of Magpul gen2 or better yetgen3. I will explain later about gen 3.
My PSA will be here in a week or two. I am in Springfield. Perhaps we can go out to the range in Marcola and I can let you see the difference between a cheap AR and a good solid AR.
Ruger is another option for an Azr, but by the time you spend that much you may as well have gone Colt. The resale on Ruger is usually poor.
I just bought an Azr from Palmetto State Armory for $549.00. It is an 11.5 inch and the barrel isn't chromed. It will get shot a couple of times at the range to see where different ammo groups at short distance and t\hen relegated to home defense and largely not handled much. It;s a tool for a niche use.
For any serious repetitive use, especially out in the weather, you want something better. I have a 20 inch Colt. If this gun turns out to be your only AR down the road due to whatever the circumstances may be, you will wish \yo\I had got a Colt. You can pick up gently used and even some new ones between 700 and 1000 dollars.
Yes there are nicer rifles out there. But, at least with a Colt you will get most of \your money, if not all of it back, when it;s time to sell if you by gently used. I have to la\ugh at some of these fu\us that bu the latest greatest AR to onl\y get 30 to 40 percent of what they paid for it when they trade it in.
Everything on an AR can be changed. Start with a good, solid rifle. The bolt carrier groups are better on mid high to upper tier guns. If you buy a PSA or something sim\ilar, expect that part to need replacement quickly.
Get your mags now. Like at least half a dozen before next week. If the gu\legislation moves in our favor this week you may have time. But if it doesn't, you may not be able to obtain any after the 14th of March.
So, go to Gun Mag Wharehoise or the Mag Shack and order you a ten pack of Magpul gen2 or better yetgen3. I will explain later about gen 3.
My PSA will be here in a week or two. I am in Springfield. Perhaps we can go out to the range in Marcola and I can let you see the difference between a cheap AR and a good solid AR.
Ruger is another option for an Azr, but by the time you spend that much you may as well have gone Colt. The resale on Ruger is usually poor.
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I kept an eye out in parts and accessories filtered search "Rifles" "under $500" I was patient and scored a build for nearly half of what I'de pay at a gun shop. With mags and a bunch of ammo. This site rules.
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I'd personally would say buy a used one first. They can be had for fairly cheap, often see them for around 4-500. Then if you really enjoy it buy something new that really catches your attention. Eventually like most you end up with multiple AR's. I wish I would have done this myself. I got into firearms with out really knowing anyone that was into them. Bought a new 7-800 AR. Then eventually found one or two….. maybe more that I really wanted. All were priced more than my original AR. Had I known I'd be as addicted as a crack addict. I would have gone the cheap route first. You know get a sample for it lol. Would have saved a bit of money to then get the full mouth watering experience.
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