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GOOD FIRST AR or CARBINE. Recommendations?

The problem with building is that I know I will end up getting carried away and next thing you know I'll have an $1800 assault rifle! Not that it would be a bad thing, but financially, not very smart right now! Anyhow, I think it would be fun. Any good primers (info) or "kits" I should be on the lookout for without getting into another price stratosphere?

Start out slow. We just built a del-ton a few weeks ago with a basic, but good YHM free float diamond rail, small upgrade to an ergo grip, nothing crazy and kept it in the 800 range.
 
I've paid much more for TVs and digital cameras that get used a couple of time a year, so I'm not opposed to buying quality. However, do you care to elaborate on what makes this one "better" than, say, a S&W AR15 or a Bushmaster AR15, which can be had for $600-$800? Is it like a Kimber to Ruger kind of thing? Just better build? Are they more reliable, less maintenance?

Daniel defense's quality control is much better than S&W. I know a couple folks who have DDD ar-15s. Built like brick ****houses. Very solid.
 
Hey, thanks for all the replies. What do you guys think about this Bushmaster? I like the sound of the lighter carbon materials and the brand has a good reputation.

9mm carbine version
http://impactguns.com/bushmaster-9mm-carbine-16in-w30-rd-mag-az9c15r16m4f-604206080561.aspx

.223/5.56 version M4
http://impactguns.com/bushmaster-carbon15-m4-carbine-30rd-mag-azc15m4pre-604206072788.aspx

Also, an M4 is just shorter version of the AR15 design correct? It still operates identically to an AR?


Bushmaster is very decent yep...yes an M4 is just a configuration, i believe none of our rifles are real M4s...correct me if im wrong guys but true M4s have a 14.5 inch barrel and of course are select fire?

Oh, and +1000 on Daniel Defense...their stuff is just plain nice...but do not count out Bravo Company..about neck and neck with them.
 
Here ya go: With a ext diamond rail/ magpul mil spec CTR, Ergo ambi. buy a 99 dollar lower and a flip up rear or detach carry handle and your ready.

farm6.static.flickr.com_5068_5690572626_d0342dd3a1_z.jpg
 
Here ya go: With a ext diamond rail/ magpul mil spec CTR, Ergo ambi. buy a 99 dollar lower and a flip up rear or detach carry handle and your ready.

farm6.static.flickr.com_5068_5690572626_d0342dd3a1_z.jpg

Very nice - thanks! Two questions: It states their rifle kits don't come with a stripped lower, so does the "standard lower parts" option cover that? Also, Del-Ton seems to mfg their own stuff. How does their stuff compare with similarly priced S&W or Bushmaster? Thanks again.
 
You'd have to buy a stripped lower, keep your eyes open and you'll find plenty for $99. They might not have cool logo's on them, but they'll work. Metal is metal, and in the AR world lowers come from just a handful of machinists, then the company adds their logo. The fancy Noveske is the same metal, from the same machine shop (LAR) as a Bushy, as a Double Star, as a Spikes Tactical. The brand name adds their flare, but it's the same stuff. So, go buy a 99 dollar lower and install your standard lower parts kit that comes with the rifle kit. The LPK is on par with that of Double Star/ DPMS. They work, they're solid, but they are not top of the line. Daniel Defense makes the best "standard" LPK in my opinion.

Bushmaster is good, but they're claim to fame is pretty much due to the fact that they're on every gun stores peg board. But there is not a dang thing special about Bushmaster, and there is nothing about them that should be used as a standard or measurement in the AR realm.
 
Good info - thanks. Pistol calibers sound good because 9mm is so common (and cheap) but what are the cons there? So are .223 and 5.56mm pretty much interchangeable? Those and the 7.62x39 seem to be the most reasonably priced at under $20/50rd. Which ammo is most the most commonly available at places like Walmart? I saw some .30 carbine boxes there but don't recall seeing any of the others you mentioned.

Cons of pistol calibers: only good out to about 100 yards. Insufficient bullet selection for hunting purposes. Not nearly as accurate (or fast) as a rifle round. Most 9mm or .40s&w carbines are direct blow back, so recoil is surprisingly stout out of them. The sights on the kel-tec are terrible. I have not tried the hi point sights. The berreta carbine is expensive, but will probably be more usable. HK also makes a .45 carbine that is expensive, but very good.

.223 is civilian designation, 5.56 is the metric/military designation. They are very close to being identical. A 5.56 rifle can shoot both. A .223 rifle is recommended for .223 only, but people have used 5.56 in them...just isn't recommended.

.223/5.56 is the most common round. good brass cased 7.62x39 is not as common or as cheap. A lot of 7.62x39 ammo is corrosive surplus and steel cased. I would chose .223/5.56 since it is not for hunting purposes, and .223/5.56 is more accurate for target shooting at distance.

.30 carbine is not what I would call "common" anymore. I would not bother with it.



Del-ton is good quality. I've had a del-ton upper for many years.
Go with a mid-length gas system on an ar15. (not the m4 configuration). Mid-length is ideal for most people. the shortened m4 system places unnecessary stress on the system and has no benefit when used with a stardard 16" barrel. To keep costs down, magpul MBUS iron sights are fine and a red dot optic from primaryarms.com is the budget friendly way to go.
 
I've paid much more for TVs and digital cameras that get used a couple of time a year, so I'm not opposed to buying quality. However, do you care to elaborate on what makes this one "better" than, say, a S&W AR15 or a Bushmaster AR15, which can be had for $600-$800? Is it like a Kimber to Ruger kind of thing? Just better build? Are they more reliable, less maintenance?

Their QC is top notch along with using top notch parts. They manufacture almost everything in house, using to spec materials or better. Their barrels are some of the best in the business, being hammer forged in house as well. The hammer forged gives a longer life and more consistent accuracy from each gun. While most companies claim "mil-spec," most use whatever is convenient or cheapest. For the vast majority of users, a Bushmaster, Rock River Arms or S&W base model will be just fine. If you decide to start taking classes, shooting on a more regular basis, etc you'll want the better quality guns. It's not the end of the world to buy a cheaper brand, but know that there can be fleas and you'll have to spend money upgrading parts to have the gun run better.
 
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