GOOD FIRST AR or CARBINE. Recommendations?

[sparked1]

Guys, looking for a basic AR or Carbine. My first foray out of handguns so don't know much about them. Any recommendations on a solid choice? It will be mainly for enthusiast purposes, no hunting for now, and some range time. Preferably under $1,000 (the lower the better). Links would also be appreciated. Look forward to your recommendations. Really would like a carbine, but open to other suggestions. As far as caliber, I'm undecided. In a handgun I prefer 9mm because it's cheap and plentiful, but I would also like more stopping power in a rifle.

Yes, I will also use the "search" feature, but your recommendations are always appreciated.

 

[dawgm]

pistol caliber carbines: pros- cheaper ammo, no need to stock another caliber, decent performance out of 16" barrels.
ket tec sub2000- 9mm performs close to .357 from pistol. .40s&w close to 44 special performance.
hipoint carbine- cheap, ugly, great reviews.

Rifles - go with 5.45x39, 5.56/.223, or 7.62x39
wasr ak47 or ak74 - cheap and fun
ar15- can be had <$700. accessories can add up fast.
Ruger mini 14/ mini 30 - despite what some say, they are fine rifles. less evil looking than ar15 or ak47

 

[furious]

There in Lawrenceville is Fast Firearms. They're good guys there. Go there and ask this same question. You will walk out with your new black rifle and a big smile on your face.
http://www.fastfirearms.com/223556.aspx

BTW, I recommend the Armalite M15 5.56mm. AR= Armalite. Gene Stoner (the man who invented the AR10, AR15) worked for Armalite. Anyone who knows ARs knows that Armalite was the original rifle. All the rest are just copies.....even Colt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Stoner

 

[Outlander]

pistol caliber carbines: pros- cheaper ammo, no need to stock another caliber, decent performance out of 16" barrels.
ket tec sub2000- 9mm performs close to .357 from pistol. .40s&w close to 44 special performance.
hipoint carbine- cheap, ugly, great reviews.

Rifles - go with 5.45x39, 5.56/.223, or 7.62x39
wasr ak47 or ak74 - cheap and fun
ar15- can be had <$700. accessories can add up fast.

^^^^^^This but add .308 to the mix^^^^^^^^^ Ever thought about building your own AR. it is a great way to learn about "your" weapon. For some it is easy.....for the mechanically challenged like me it was a little more difficult.

 

[dragracer]

S&w has an ar out it's the sport 15. Have seen as low as $599.00 in 223/5.56.

 

[fhsjrm]

It's not cheap, but the Beretta CX4 Storm is a great 9mm rifle.

http://www.berettausa.com/products/cx4-storm/default.aspx

 

[Chuckdog]

BTW, I recommend the Armalite M15 5.56mm. AR= Armalite. Gene Stoner (the man who invented the AR10, AR15) worked for Armalite. Anyone who knows ARs knows that Armalite was the original rifle. All the rest are just copies.....even Colt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Stoner

Not that it matters to me, but how much real difference does the Armalite name make? It's an name. Armalite is as about as much the original company as Winchester, Springfield Armory, and numerous other old named companies. They're marketing the name. These companies have changed hands so many times that the name really doesn't mean anything to the original company's heritage at all. Getting caught up in any old name now is great if you have an original. On one of todays modern firearms, in my eyes it's just another marketing tool.

 

[xjdefx]

ar15- can be had <$700. accessories can add up fast.

This is extremely true. I bought a Rock River Arms LAR 15 ( http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=219) because it is a known reputable performer in the AR game, not the best and not the worst. I put it in the classifieds and it was then I realized that I had spent $1300 dollars in gun, accesories, and ammo only to sell it for $900. So if you are looking to dress it up, buy a lower priced one if you plan to stay under your $1000 dollar cap. Or, buy a fully dressed one used, there a quite a few in the classified section, including mine. ( http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/showthread.php?44414-Rra-lar-15-fs-(added-pics) )

 

[sovietak474u]

Just look for a nice used AR. Many can be found for 600-700. It does not have to be anything fancy. Less crap on it the better. Less buttons to switch on and lighter weight! I like my bone stock fn/colt AR-15 more than I do my tricked out custom Ar with all the tactical crap on it.

 

[ngcsugrad09]

Save up a few extra bucks for a Daniel Defense carbine. You'll end up with a top tier gun that is ready to go and will last you pretty much forever.

Call the guys at 400 Jewelry & Loan about them. They've got GREAT prices on them.. Think $1149 for a DD M4v1.