AR-15

[rgalanti21]

I know this topic probably gets brought up often but I am going to buy my first AR-15 in the next couple weeks or so, and I was wondering what you guys would recommend for a brand of AR-15. I am leaning towards the Smith and Wesson M&P model, but was looking for some advise. Anyone with any thoughts on this model or AR-15's in general?

[Huntnphish]

Bushmaster or Remington made by Bushmaster.

[FC]

Build your own.

[Jburke]

I have not shot the S&W AR's but I have a Bushmaster.  I don't consider myself an expert by any means, but I don't personally see the benefit to paying more for a S&W when the bushmasters and others will do everything they will.  I have nothing against S&W, they make some damn fine guns.  Some are just a little pricier than others.  And building your own is something I have considered as well.  Once again, I'm no expert but I'd buy another Bushmaster before I'd buy a S&W.   

[rgalanti21]

I have not shot the S&W AR's but I have a Bushmaster.  I don't consider myself an expert by any means, but I don't personally see the benefit to paying more for a S&W when the bushmasters and others will do everything they will.  I have nothing against S&W, they make some damn fine guns.  Some are just a little pricier than others.  And building your own is something I have considered as well.  Once again, I'm no expert but I'd buy another Bushmaster before I'd buy a S&W.   

I'm not as familiar with all the different models of Bushmasters, which model do you have/would recommend?

[Suncrest Sniper]

Put your own together. There's no better enjoyment in firing a weapon you created and the big benefits are a gun built to your specs (not an "off the shelf cookie cutter design that everyone else owns") and you'll save a few hundred dollars in the process. I had no experience in the process but I would say it took me a whole hour to put it all together once I had all the parts in hand. (My avatar) Mine is a DPMS lower ($120.00 out the door), full MagPul gear, 16 inch heavy barrel upper with dust shield and forward assist ($395.00 local sale). I'm into the whole rifle for @ $750.00 and she's so far dead on out to 300 yrds. Check websites like www.spokaneguntrader.com and you'll find just about all the parts you'll need form local folks like I did.

ENJOY!!

SS

[h20hunter]

One of the very first things you should do is save up a bit more cash for that first CASE of ammo. Once you start flinging rounds you will think, hey, this is fun, and start burning through them. Yep, good times. I have a basic Bushmaster and have taken it plinking in the bush as well as long range stuff. Great rifle. I also have a buddy that spend the money on the S&W, great rifle. Also have a buddy that bought one from down south, in Lakewood area, big metal ugly looking place....somebody knows the name, for about $600 fully built, also a great running rifle. Basically, they are all the same stuff, like a 1911, but can vary in tolerances and barrell options. If you are going with the basic .223 you will have tons of options. Oh....got it....Surplus Arms and Ammo down in Lakewood.

[predator guy]

Bushmaster or Remington made by Bushmaster.

You are correct. I HAD both models, the R-15 and the R-25, both got stolen, both performed well. Check out Olympic Arms, they have a nice selection. In particular the K-16 model.

[demontang]

olympic arms!! 

[CAMPMEAT]

I found one thing for me is, each brand feels different when I held it. I've had DPMS, Oly Arms and now a Rock River mid-length. I personally like the feel of the Rock River better. For some reason it just feels better when I have it on my shoulder. Go someplace where you can monkey around with them and pick one.

[Swag]

Ar's all basically the same, the only real difference when you get down to it is the barrel's, if its floated & the Accessory's you want to strap on it.  Ar's Like Bushmaster (Remington)  or Olympic Arms    are really no different than an Armilte  , Knights  , Barrett  .  As long as they are Mil Spec the parts all interchange.  Obviously there a higher quality parts made that may last longer be stronger, or just look way cooler. ...  That's why there is such an appeal to building you own, why buy a rifle that has a bunch of parts that you don't like when your just going to end up changing them later?  If you have never owned one than go out & put every different one you can in your hands & see what you like & don't like..... 
  When it comes to brands this is a debate that compares to which is better ford,  or Chevy  :rockin:I base my opinion on costumer service & the quality of the parts.  Years ago my 2nd & 3rd Ar's I had bad experience with Olympic & Bushmaster mostly crappy costumer service.  That doesn't mean they make bad products, it just means I wont use them again unless i am really desperate.  I hunt with several people who love their products, they don't seem to have any problem with them.  Other than having to listen to me rag on them about owning them......
  I agree that building them your self get you a higher quality product, mostly just because I am making the choice of what parts go into the gun.  Barrel's are really important to me, I use Blackhole Weaponry, which is a company who is right here in Washington.  They make every shape & size you would ever want, in all sorts of calibers.....  This can also become a very expensive addiction!!!
I guess what I am saying is, if its you first pick up one, see how it feels.  If you like it, buy it.  Try it out for a while see what you like & don't like, than strap a bunch of stuff on it or trade it in & buy 2 to 4 more.

[Bofire]

 :)I had an Oly arms K16 very accurate and worked every time. bad balance and front heavy, too short of barrel. I have determined that "for me" the perfect AR is a 20 inch skinny barrel, flat top, free floated, with the adjustable stock. I like the round smooth fore ends and only  need enough rail for the scope. .223.
my 2! oh yeah I like 10 round and shorter mags. 20s are too long.
Carl

[ebusa]

Get a bigbore AR-15 that you can hunt with!  I love my .450 Bushmater! 

[h20hunter]

Sorry, but the .450 is just to light and weak for a hunting load. If anything just skip over the piddly little .450 and step right up the .50 Beawolf. It will get the job done where a .450 just won't cut it.

Actually, with either the .450 or the .50 your field dressing is already done!

[demontang]

lol I would look at a wssm cal for big game, or the 300ossm