The never ending AR question, What and Why?

[kingsix]

First AR? Buy a complete factory rifle and shoot it. If you think it's something you really want to get into then build your second one.
You might not need special tools to put together a lower but you will for an upper. Also, if you ever decide to sell one you might not get much of your money back on a home-built rifle. Any time someone posts a home build on the ODT I always wonder about the parts listed.

My go-to recommendation will almost always be a Colt 6920 OEM1. You can pick them up right around $725 and ODT members have enough spare stocks and handguards lying around to hook you up. Iron sights will get you out to 200 yards (unless you have old eyes like mine).

I agree but iron sights will get you to 500, accurately.

 

[Radar363]

I agree but iron sights will get you to 500, accurately.

When I qualified with an M16 as an 11B back in '81...those days are long gone.

 

[Zforzachariah14]

If I bought a rifle it would either be the ruger or S&W sport 2.. the only thing I'm worried about building, is I really don't know what to get... but I guess that is the beauty of it b/c I will learn along the way. I appreciate all the insight and helpful feedback.

 

[BIKER13]

Does everyone know what AR stands for?

 

[Leatherhead]

Does everyone know what AR stands for?

American Rifle

 

[Cadcom]

Does everyone know what AR stands for?

Another Rifle.

 

[Piglatinhater]

Anyone's Rifle

 

[Theodore]

I've never seen or fired a "custom" or high end AR in my 31 years of experience with firearms that fires better than a factory one. I can still hit a silhouette center mass at 500 yds with factory iron sights

 

[opps]

Forget Ruger - proprietary upper parts.
S&W with dust cover door and deflector is fine. It's a mil spec design.
Palmetto is also a good value for the money.

 

[kingsix]

I've never seen or fired a "custom" or high end AR in my 31 years of experience with firearms that fires better than a factory one. I can still hit a silhouette center mass at 500 yds with factory iron sights

The M16 I had in the Marines was a rattle trap POS but I'd still hit the V ring every time, iron sights @ 500.. there is zero difference performance wise between my "lowest bid" issued M16 and some $3000.00 AR..