Question about AR-15

[purplecowboy]

I have a question about an AR-15 (unknown manufacturer). My Grandson has a friend that has an opportunity to buy an AR-15. He asked if I could look at it and tell him if it was a good deal. I have not touched an AR-15 for more years than I like to talk about. Is there anyone here that could give me some pointers? What should I look for to determine if the weapon is in good condition? Any questions that I should ask?

Thanks for any assistance that you can offer.

I guess that I did not make my self clear. I am asking what I should look at when I examine the weapon to determine if it is in good shape, and would I recommend the purchase. I was in the Army Reserve and fired an M16-A1. How does the AR-15 compare to the M16?
Thanks again.

[300rum]

They are all over the place as far as value and quality of parts.  Personally, I wouldn't buy one that someone else has put together.  Usually they want too much for it and you will end up taking stuff off and putting stuff on that you want, the way you want.  You are better off building your own then buying one that someone else put together. 

If it is a stock off the shelf rifle, keep in mind that a Colt M4 style LE6920 can be had for just under $800.

 

[pianoman9701]

It depends on the parts. Who's barrel is on it? What kind of trigger? Which upper and lower? Which bolt group? What brand and which extras? 330rum has a point to an extent, but recognizable and high quality parts would make a difference, especially if the buyer liked how it's put together and the seller need the money. If you have answers to those questions, biggerhammer or jay.sharkbait might be able to help value it.

[luvmystang67]

Yeah, you can buy a Hyundai (comparing with car brands) AR right now for probably $500-$600.  It will work fine in 98% of applications.

You can buy a Ford/Chev AR for probably ~$700 that really gives you all you need and offers diminishing returns past this point for dollar/quality.

Even the Cadillac AR is under $1k right now. 

Given that there are so many parts, any decent ones can add value.  Oddball calibers tend to command a little more price.  Its really hard to tell without knowing details.  It might be a smokin deal, but if you dont know enough about brands and components you probably don't care all that much and should use price comparisons with the "ford" version I've mentioned.  Palmetto State Armory offers some decent cheap ones.  DPMS is fine.  Bushmaster is fine.  They all offer some version that will probably suit your need without a price premium for brand (which in my opinion is unnecessary).  There are countless other brands and they probably all function in your appropriate ballpark.

Biggest thing to keep in mind is what you want.  If you want to make sure the barrel is free floated, ensure that your handguard isn't touching the barrel.  If you want a great trigger or two stage, ask/inspect/safely try it.  If you want a thicker profile barrel... look at it.  If you want a flat top for a scope (versus a carry handle) make sure you get that.  If you do have a flat top, you may want to make sure your fwd gas block doesn't have the traditional front sight post on it.  Just some things to consider.

[JimmyHoffa]

Ask about the age, something before early 1994 can be a good find.