I want an AR...Which is best?

[jgregg]

Alright I've been saving money for enough time now. I want an AR that I can use for coyotes but would be a gun I would choose first in an "End of the World" Scenario as well. Reliablity is key, as is accuracy. I really only know the basics about AR's. Any words of wisdom? I wouldn't be against the idea of building my own if I learned how to do it. If there were other weapon systems that would be recommended I'd be open to those ideas as well. So go ahead, argue as to which AR maker is best. I want to hear pro's and cons.

[JimmyHoffa]

I would suggest one of the new models without the 'carry handle'.  Something like an M4 variant where you can get a scope down low.

[HardCorpsHuntr]

Here's the best.

http://www.knightarmco.com/guns.html

[thinkingman]

I bought a RockRiver Predator Pursuit for precision shooting.
The 16" functions well if you need to aim quickly and the two-stage trigger makes precision shooting a dream.
Absolutely functions perfectly.
Chambered in Wylde so it shoots .223 and .556.
Just add optics.....

[Suncrest Sniper]

I believe the best AR out there is the one you build yourself that meets your specs, needs, and most important your wallet. Just build one from ground up an you'll be addicted.

SS

[DeerHarvester]

Its tough to beat a Colt.  Many will say they are over priced, but they have proven themselves over the years.  I'm willing to pay for a name that has been around the block and shown reliability in combate.  I have the Colt 6940LE.  It has a one piece machined upper with the rails built in.  Some of the add on rail systems seem sloppy and cheaply made.  Probably not the best choice for Yotes with the 16inch barrel, but for protection it is a great gun.  With a nice scope it can still take yotes at long range.  I would love to build an AR, but when it comes to a weapon that my life could depend, I'm going to grab my colt.  There are a lot of choices when it comes to AR's, your budget will be the biggest factor.      

[CementFinisher]

First off above comment does not work the m4 variant has the carry handle. You would want the flat top receiver. next is do you want direct impingement (original design true AR) or piston driven (AK style). these are the ways in which the bolt is moved. next is do you length of barrel, long range or house to house situational fighting. The 556 is meant to be fired with a 20 in barrel. But works fine out of a 16. next issue is do you want a heavy brick to carry around with every gismo and gadget attached or a lite weight basic low failure AR. will you be running magnified optics? All things you need to answere in order to find the best rifle for you. Brands are brands most major manufacturers are on a level playing field. get what fits your needs. Your price range is?

[MP123]

next is do you want direct impingement (original design true AR) or piston driven (AK style). these are the ways in which the bolt is moved.

So as an AR newbie I'm wondering which is better?

[Big10gauge]

I have both, the the piston is supposed to be cleaner but I haven't noticed it to be. IMO the piston rod is one more part to have to worry about even though I haven't had any issues with it. The gas blowback uses rings on the bolt and the piston needs a spring behind the bolt. The piston driven usually has some form of adjustment to allow you to adjust the amount of gas to drive the piston.

[JimmyHoffa]

The adjustable gas version that Big10gauge mentions would be a good feature if you plan to shoot subsonic ammo with a suppressor.  If I remember correctly with the standard use spring it required at least 72 grain bullets or heavier for the subsonic ammo to fully cycle the action.  With adjustable gas it could go a little lower.  Not sure if that is one of the options you are looking at.

[Mossy]

I believe the best AR out there is the one you build yourself that meets your specs, needs, and most important your wallet. Just build one from ground up an you'll be addicted.

SS

X2.  How many of them are out there now?

[dannysdaddy]

do some research on the difference in the two operating systems.  i have a rock river tactical operator2 series and absolutely love it.  i would put it up against any others. 

[CementFinisher]

I have both systems and they are equal, the dirtiness just moves to a different part of the firearm. Mentioned above was that it keeps the chamber cooler which is true but only matters in fully auto weapons, so its a moot point for you. Its just personal preference. i would go with a DI gun, save some bucks and get an equal firearm for your application

[carpsniperg2]

I have both, the the piston is supposed to be cleaner but I haven't noticed it to be. IMO the piston rod is one more part to have to worry about even though I haven't had any issues with it. The gas blowback uses rings on the bolt and the piston needs a spring behind the bolt. The piston driven usually has some form of adjustment to allow you to adjust the amount of gas to drive the piston.

My thoughts as well. One more thing to go wrong for a beginner. Get the standard blow back system. There is lots of good ones. Play with as many as you can. I would look into the bushmaster/Remington r-15's.

[Suncrest Sniper]

Stay away from the Bush/Rem models. Bushmaster is considered the low level brand and the Rem's which made by bush have had issues. Also If memory serves me Bushy is no longer. For a good start look at DPMS or as I mentioned build your own. You should be able to find a good lower for @100.00 I paid out the door $110.00 for my DPMS lower and a Bulldog barreled 16" flat top with FA for $395.00.  I did mine and with full MagPul gear  for less that $750.00 and It wasn't a cookie cutter model that everyone else owns. The build process is very easy so don't worry if you haven't done anything like this before. The web if full of tutorials.

If you need help simply ask,

SS