AR-15

[SemperFidelis97]

I currently have an Olympic Arms, and a Bushmaster AR-15.  While both are functional the Bushmaster is definetly the better built rifle.  Colt makes a very good AR as well, really you get what you pay for you can get a cheap entry level one now then upgrade later.  You may also consider getting into reloading if you arent already the range gets expensive in a big hurry if you are buying ammo at full price. 

[Todd_ID]

Don't rule out Bravo Company.  They make straight mil-spec stuff and do a darn good job of it at a good price.  I have a 16" mid-length from them, and it shoots better than I can: I've seen plenty of sub-.375" groups at 100 yards with the best being .25".

I, too, vote for the Beowulf if you want something that flat out THUMPS.  I love mine!

[Bulldozer]

I have a Rock River AR-15 and  DPMS AR-10. Both are awsome rifles.

[JLS]

Look up Spikes Tactical.  These are VERY nice rifles that are very affordable.  Oly Arms and Rock River can both have quality control issues.  Not that they are bad guns, just inconsistent at times.  Rock Rivers have very good triggers and shoot well when assembled right.

I own a CMMG and it's a good gun.  I had my gas port screws come loose and had to retighten them even thought they were staked (albeit half assed).  Nothing wrong with Bushmaster, Stag, Colts are very good.

I'd go with the Spikes hands down if they make one that you like.

[SpringerFan]

Stag Arms.  Their parent company manufactures most of the lowers around.

I have the 8L (left handed piston) and have cycled over 500 rounds flawlessly.

Go here, http://www.ar15.com/ and start reading. Tons of info, reviews. And no, I do not work for them. This is my first AR and I just love it.

p.s. sorry if I shouldn;t have posted a link.

[CementFinisher]

I had a S&W then got rid of it when i built my next 2. Great gun, good quality. good money for your dollar. def better than a sh*tty bushy

[WildfireArcher]

If you dont wanna spend a fortune on an ar15, and you like the s&w rifles, they have a s&w m&p sport model. It is lacking forward assist and dust cover, but it can be had for $650-700. Always an option 

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_786006_-1_757784_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Wildfire

[Wenatcheejay]

If you dont wanna spend a fortune on an ar15, and you like the s&w rifles, they have a s&w m&p sport model. It is lacking forward assist and dust cover, but it can be had for $650-700. Always an option 

Wildfire

Or if you do: (I stole this from another thread)

Here's my "most expensive possible" build (NOT including optics or other accessories, just the things listed below - however all replacements/upgrades are OK!).

See if you can find something better/more expensive (Note: it has to "make sense")

Lower receiver: POF Gen III $335

Lower parts kit: Rock River Arms $65

Trigger: Geiselle $280 or KAC $310

Buttstock: UBR $245

Pistol grip: Magpul MIAD $35

Magazine: HK $55

Bolt Carrier Group: LMT Enhanced $245

Upper receiver: VLTOR VIS (includes handguard) $650

Handguard: (Included)

Barrel: Krieger/Compass Lake $460

Gas block: KAC SPR MK12 Mod1 lo-pro $90

Muzzle Device: FSC556 - $95

Iron Sights: Troy Flips front/rear- $260

Extras:
Charging Handle: PRI Gas buster - $90

Ambi mag release: Norgon Ambi catch $95

Trigger guard: Magpul winter $20

Rail covers: mixed panels and ladders ~3x$15

Trigger Pins: KNS $30

Selector: Ambi $30
___________________________________
Grand total: $3155

[Huntnphish]

 I have owned most of the brands at one time or another but like the Bushmaster the best, I have a Carbon15 and Remington R-15 VTR as well and love them.

 Another thing you may consider is the length and twist of the barrel, how do you plan to use the weapon?

[agchawk]

I own a DMSP and a S&W M&P and love them both. However, M&P performs far better than my DMSP does. I LOVE that AR!

With that being said, I have not shot enough of either to know if the performance is just a reflection of the two that I own or the different makes all together.

[rgalanti21]

I went and checked them out today at wholesale sports and I am leaning towards the bushmaster now. The M&P seemed, well, cookie cutter. The Bushmaster felt solid 

[CAMPMEAT]

Somebody always has to pick on a certain brand of weapon, each and all have flaws, period. Pick the one you like. You'll just go 'round and 'round about brands with guys. Go to Federal Way Discount Guns and look at them all.

[TheHunt]

If you buy mil spec parts all the parts will fit together?  Is this a guarantee?

[Bean Counter]

I'm with Huntnphish. How do you plan to use the rifle? If you're not too gunsmithy and this is going to be a home defense rifle I would keep it simple and go factory. I own a S&W M&P 15T for this purpose. Seems to be a great rifle but I don't have too many rounds through it--maybe 100.

If you're looking for a long range coyote gun then absolutely you should build your own. Esp for a stainless steel barrel. I'm not sure the legality or the process of buying a lower receiver from one manufacturer and the rest of the parts elsewhere to circumvent the federal tax but I've heard of it being done a lot.

[CAMPMEAT]

I'm with Huntnphish. How do you plan to use the rifle? If you're not too gunsmithy and this is going to be a home defense rifle I would keep it simple and go factory. I own a S&W M&P 15T for this purpose. Seems to be a great rifle but I don't have too many rounds through it--maybe 100.

If you're looking for a long range coyote gun then absolutely you should build your own. Esp for a stainless steel barrel. I'm not sure the legality or the process of buying a lower receiver from one manufacturer and the rest of the parts elsewhere to circumvent the federal tax but I've heard of it being done a lot.

I had a stainless bull barrel on my Oly Arms. Waaaaaaaaay to heavy. My 20 inch Rock River gets out there just as good and is a lot lighter to carry. But, it depends on what YOU want.