AR15

[Thehowler]

Looking to purchase my first AR15. I really do not now much about these rifles.
What’s the best bang for the buck these days right off the shelf. Looking for a quality rig.

[Dirtracer]

I don't know much about them either but in 2016 I decided to purchase one just in case that election went the wrong way.  I picked up a Smith and Wesson M&P15 sport 2 and have been very happy with it for the price.  The accuracy really surprised me and I've had zero issues with it so far with around 1,200 rounds through it.  Take that for what it's worth tho because I still don't know much about them.

[aaronoto]

There are cheaper, but I'd go BCM or Daniel Defense. 

[Thehowler]

Thanks for the reply’s. Didnt mean to sound cheap but I do now there are a few models out there that are very pricey and not exactly worth the money.

[Mtnwalker]

I just bought 2 from Palmetto and although the one I have shot shoots great (about 3/4 inch with hornady 55gr SP) the slop between the upper and lower drives me nuts. If I bought again I’d probably either buy a Smith M&p or build one out of Aero precision parts

[jasnt]

I’m happy with my psa

[10mmg]

I really like my Daniel defense. I hear lots of good stuff about the Springfield saint. The Smith and Wesson line is good. For mid range pricing look at the Sig.

[HUNTNORTHWEST]

BCM.

Daniel defense has some cheesy components.

[BeerBugler]

I’m happy with my psa

+1

[BKMFR]

I've had 3 different Les Baer's all super accurate, but as much as I have tried to like them, the weight just keeps getting in the way. I now have a BCM lower, Gisselle trigger, Rock River "Fred Eichler" .223 upper, Magpul adjustable stock, and a Leupold 2.5x8.  Very accurate, truly 1/2" gun, doesn't weigh a ton, and loves to go Coyote hunting with me....   Don't be scared of them, super easy to put together in my experience...

[fowl smacker]

I've built 5 now.  PSA has some good mid level uppers with an OK barrel.  As far as lowers go, you'll get a lot of (it doesn't really matter), I however think the Aero Precision enhanced lowers are where it's at.  They have a bolt release screw instead of a roll pin, and a threaded hole where the receiver extension plate goes to keep the spring from flying out.  Ballistic Advantage has some of the best high end barrels you can get.  As far as triggers go, the rock River 2 stage varmint is by far the best bang for your buck.  If you're planning on just buying one, I'd look for one that someone has built using good parts, you'll save yourself some money over buying factory then changing everything out.  Or, just build one and get what you want the first time.  Don't be intimidated, they are SUPER EASY to build.  Lots of helpful info on YouTube or forums.  I must warn you, it is an addiction, and could lead to an angry spouse.  Lol!

[Yondering]

There are cheaper, but I'd go BCM or Daniel Defense.

I build my own, but BCM would be my choice if buying one off the shelf and wanting the best chance on a good rifle without breaking the bank.

I don't mind buying PSA sometimes too, but am willing and able to address any issues they might have. As a lower end gun, I expect a higher chance of issues with PSA than BCM.
FWIW, I'd lump factory Bushmaster and DPMS rifles in the same quality bracket as PSA, or slightly lower based on my own experience.

Just don't mix up BCM (Bravo Company) with BCA (Bear Creek). BCM is quality stuff, BCA is bottom of the barrel cheapest stuff you can get.

[konradcountry]

I would find a decent one on sale. There are a lot of AR-15s on the market right now.

Take a look at a Bushmaster minimalist. That is a quality rifle that will maintain resale value.

[Mongo Hunter]

Looking to purchase my first AR15. I really do not now much about these rifles.
What’s the best bang for the buck these days right off the shelf. Looking for a quality rig.

Really hard to give an answer without knowing price range or purpose. If you just want a inexpensive plinker than the M&P15 sport 2 is hard to beat. Ive seen them going for about $500.

If you want to spend a bit more I really like Spikes and I have their Crusader rifle. Thing has a lot of the highend bells and whistles for about $1200-$1500 depending on where you look.

[konradcountry]

A lot of the indoor ranges have AR-15s for rent.

I would shoot one first before buying. Some people don't like them. Not really sure how though 

[Iveexcaped3]

I have an Olympic arms ar made here in WA and like it. My opinion is to research good companies and build one. Building one lets you get the best of everything for the same price as a mid price range rifle($1500) I’ve been collecting parts for a new one geissele rail, black rain ordnance trigger stuff like that. Problem with buying one is then you want to change all these parts on it to suit you by that point you almost have a 2nd gun.

[Smossy]

Pro - .223 wylde - Higher accuracy than .556 with a thicker barrel and cheaper, Less likely to tumble at low speed or deflections like .556
Con - Wont chamber some .556 rounds. Especially problems with cheap wolf ammo.
When defending against 2 legged foes, I think this one will stand its ground.
Honestly would need military or a vet to chime in on actual field performance though.

[Yondering]

Pro - .223 wylde - Higher accuracy than .556 with a thicker barrel and cheaper, Less likely to tumble at low speed or deflections like .556
Con - Wont chamber some .556 rounds. Especially problems with cheap wolf ammo.
When defending against 2 legged foes, I think this one will stand its ground.
Honestly would need military or a vet to chime in on actual field performance though.

I think you're confusing details of one particular barrel with 223 Wylde chambers in general. Nothing about a 223 Wylde chamber dictates a heavier barrel, they can be done in any barrel profile, same as a 5.56. A 223 Wylde chamber reamed to spec will chamber all 5.56 ammo that's made to spec. When you get a tight chamber and slightly oversize ammo, things don't work well, but that can happen with any chamber. 

Sounds like you have something like a Rainier Ultramatch, which are good barrels but usually a heavy profile and in my experience the chambers are a little tight. They certainly aren't built with the thought of shooting cheap Wolf ammo in mind. 

[fowl smacker]

Pro - .223 wylde - Higher accuracy than .556 with a thicker barrel and cheaper, Less likely to tumble at low speed or deflections like .556
Con - Wont chamber some .556 rounds. Especially problems with cheap wolf ammo.
When defending against 2 legged foes, I think this one will stand its ground.
Honestly would need military or a vet to chime in on actual field performance though.

I think you're confusing details of one particular barrel with 223 Wylde chambers in general. Nothing about a 223 Wylde chamber dictates a heavier barrel, they can be done in any barrel profile, same as a 5.56. A 223 Wylde chamber reamed to spec will chamber all 5.56 ammo that's made to spec. When you get a tight chamber and slightly oversize ammo, things don't work well, but that can happen with any chamber. 

Sounds like you have something like a Rainier Ultramatch, which are good barrels but usually a heavy profile and in my experience the chambers are a little tight. They certainly aren't built with the thought of shooting cheap Wolf ammo in mind.

My 223 Wylde ARs will chamber and shoot ANY 5.56 OR 223 I can throw at them.  Best chambering for an AR in my opinion.

[Smossy]

Pro - .223 wylde - Higher accuracy than .556 with a thicker barrel and cheaper, Less likely to tumble at low speed or deflections like .556
Con - Wont chamber some .556 rounds. Especially problems with cheap wolf ammo.
When defending against 2 legged foes, I think this one will stand its ground.
Honestly would need military or a vet to chime in on actual field performance though.

I think you're confusing details of one particular barrel with 223 Wylde chambers in general. Nothing about a 223 Wylde chamber dictates a heavier barrel, they can be done in any barrel profile, same as a 5.56. A 223 Wylde chamber reamed to spec will chamber all 5.56 ammo that's made to spec. When you get a tight chamber and slightly oversize ammo, things don't work well, but that can happen with any chamber. 

Sounds like you have something like a Rainier Ultramatch, which are good barrels but usually a heavy profile and in my experience the chambers are a little tight. They certainly aren't built with the thought of shooting cheap Wolf ammo in mind. 

Could be the case, I really have no idea. I've never owned any of them or will. Just kinda chiming in with what little info I could remember.
Seems like the best option though imo. Unless its a hunting stand point Its hard for me to really think anything else would be necessary. But situations always dictate whats needed so theirs no standard.

[thinkingman]

I've had 3 different Les Baer's all super accurate, but as much as I have tried to like them, the weight just keeps getting in the way. I now have a BCM lower, Gisselle trigger, Rock River "Fred Eichler" .223 upper, Magpul adjustable stock, and a Leupold 2.5x8.  Very accurate, truly 1/2" gun, doesn't weigh a ton, and loves to go Coyote hunting with me....   Don't be scared of them, super easy to put together in my experience...

OP What do you want to do with this AR15?
That the first detail otherwise you just get fanboys spouting off names.
The RockRiver ARs will punch holes EXACTLY where you point them.
Quality is first-rate   

[Evil_EdwardO]

I would find a decent one on sale. There are a lot of AR-15s on the market right now.

Take a look at a Bushmaster minimalist. That is a quality rifle that will maintain resale value.

I was gonna go this route but the shop I went to talked me into having them build me one and ended up being cheaper with better components. Basically a Next Generations Arms lower with a Radical Arms upper. I like it a lot.