Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: rgalanti21 on July 14, 2011, 11:24:25 PM

Title: AR-15
Post by: rgalanti21 on July 14, 2011, 11:24:25 PM: 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?
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Huntnphish on July 14, 2011, 11:28:03 PM: Bushmaster or Remington made by Bushmaster. :twocents:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: FC on July 14, 2011, 11:30:34 PM: Build your own.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Jburke on July 15, 2011, 12:38:48 AM: 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. :twocents:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: rgalanti21 on July 15, 2011, 12:56:53 AM: Quote from: Jburke on July 15, 2011, 12:38:48 AM
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. :twocents:

I'm not as familiar with all the different models of Bushmasters, which model do you have/would recommend?
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Suncrest Sniper on July 15, 2011, 06:18:56 AM: 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 (http://www.spokaneguntrader.com) and you'll find just about all the parts you'll need form local folks like I did.

ENJOY!!

SS
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: h20hunter on July 15, 2011, 07:19:06 AM: 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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: predator guy on July 15, 2011, 07:33:17 AM: Quote from: Huntnphish on July 14, 2011, 11:28:03 PM
Bushmaster or Remington made by Bushmaster. :twocents:
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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: demontang on July 15, 2011, 07:39:11 AM: olympic arms!! :tup:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 15, 2011, 08:01:17 AM: 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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Swag on July 15, 2011, 08:31:49 AM: 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) :bdid: or Olympic Arms :puke: are really no different than an Armilte :tup:, Knights :drool:, Barrett :tup:. 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. 8) 8) 8)... 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, :bdid: or Chevy :rockin: :rockin: :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. :yike: 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...... :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
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. :tup:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Bofire on July 15, 2011, 08:34:27 AM: :)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. :hello:
my 2! oh yeah I like 10 round and shorter mags. 20s are too long.
Carl
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: ebusa on July 15, 2011, 10:42:13 AM: Get a bigbore AR-15 that you can hunt with! I love my .450 Bushmater! :tup:

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi16.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb17%2Febusa%2FIMG00952-20110527-1431.jpg&hash=6bc3008bd308af7860073a53c98a0e5dfba64c5e)
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: h20hunter on July 15, 2011, 10:57:20 AM: 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!
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: demontang on July 15, 2011, 11:44:50 AM: lol I would look at a wssm cal for big game, or the 300ossm :tup:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on July 15, 2011, 11:59:35 AM: 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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Todd_ID on July 15, 2011, 03:38:51 PM: 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!
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Bulldozer on July 15, 2011, 04:14:07 PM: I have a Rock River AR-15 and DPMS AR-10. Both are awsome rifles.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: JLS on July 15, 2011, 05:05:10 PM: 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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: SpringerFan on July 15, 2011, 05:15:15 PM: Stag Arms. :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: 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/ (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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: CementFinisher on July 15, 2011, 05:18:39 PM: 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
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: WildfireArcher on July 16, 2011, 12:47:35 PM: 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 :twocents:

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

Wildfire
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Wenatcheejay on July 16, 2011, 01:30:09 PM: Quote from: WildfireArcher on July 16, 2011, 12:47:35 PM
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 :twocents:

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
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Huntnphish on July 16, 2011, 03:26:29 PM: 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?
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: agchawk on July 16, 2011, 03:40:15 PM: 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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: rgalanti21 on July 16, 2011, 05:36:10 PM: 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 :tup:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 16, 2011, 08:59:05 PM: 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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: TheHunt on July 16, 2011, 09:27:04 PM: If you buy mil spec parts all the parts will fit together? Is this a guarantee?
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Bean Counter on July 16, 2011, 10:04:32 PM: 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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 18, 2011, 03:26:53 PM: Quote from: Bean Counter on July 16, 2011, 10:04:32 PM
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.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: FC on July 18, 2011, 04:07:01 PM: Quote from: TheHunt on July 16, 2011, 09:27:04 PM
If you buy mil spec parts all the parts will fit together? Is this a guarantee?

Yes, if you buy all mil-spec parts it will all fit together. People make a much bigger deal over assembling an AR-15 than it really is.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: marlin on August 06, 2011, 08:23:45 PM: I absolutely love my Oly arms K16. I would also really love to have one of their gamestalker rifles in .300 ossm, but funds will not allow that right now.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: sportsbud on August 07, 2011, 02:55:48 AM: If your looking for a good one of seattleguns.org there is a nice Olympic Arms, AR-15 target rifle. It has a 20" free floated bbl it will be a tack driver, my AR is a custom built(not done getting the way I like it), but this olympic arms is pretty good, here is a link to the AR
http://seattleguns.net/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=45046&p=226085&hilit=olympic+arms#p226085 (http://seattleguns.net/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=45046&p=226085&hilit=olympic+arms#p226085) for that price you cant beat it, its just a bit far away...
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: huntandjeep on August 07, 2011, 07:48:47 PM: another vote for Oly Arms.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: FALFire on August 07, 2011, 09:25:58 PM: AR's are all junk you need one of these :IBCOOL:

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-list.cfm?category=17 (http://www.rossiusa.com/product-list.cfm?category=17)

:o :o

Or this for your Tacteeecool side :yike:

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=212&category=15&toggle=&breadcrumbseries= (http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=212&category=15&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=)
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: BlackRidge on August 16, 2011, 12:12:40 PM: ^ Ha, no.

Another +1 for Oly

Gotta agree with others here... build your own. Once you have the few tools needed, just start accumulating the parts you want, at the pace you want. Barrel, upper receiver, gas-tube, BCG, gas-block, charging handle, muzzle device... BAM, theres your complete upper.
Going this route gives you time to research specific parts (i.e different barrels)

Surplus Ammo down in Lacey has some fantastic deals on the components, as well as complete builds, I'd check them out. Same with Rainier Arms in Auburn (just a little more expensive, but top notch quality)
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 20, 2011, 04:16:56 PM: Black Hole Weaponry out of Moses Lake. Don't know if the sell complete guns or not. Gettin' good reviews and close to home for some of us.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Swag on August 23, 2011, 07:12:20 AM: Black Hole Weaponry dose not do complete Rifles, but they will sell you all of the component's to build you own! they make fantastic Barrels, & the owner of the company is allways coming up with new revolutionary Ideas when it comes's to The Ar-15 platform. I was up the last week & he is going to be coming out with some part's that will open up the AR platform to some new calibers.. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: I personally use their products on several of my Ar's & no complaints.
Campmeat is right they are in our backyard, so costumer service rocks. I took up two Barrells that I had purchased from them a year or so back, just have them re-threaded since I changed my mind. I was just planning on dropping them off, nope they took a few minutes & done.... :tup: :tup: :tup: Any time there has been an a concern they are very eager to help!
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: spookgus on August 23, 2011, 08:20:05 AM: 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.
[/quote]

A stripped lower receiver needs to go through an FFL. They other parts can be obtained where you find the ones you want.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Seattlefungus on August 31, 2011, 06:49:36 PM: Most AR Mil Spec parts are interchangeable. That being said. There are minor differences, which can give you fits when working with them. Sticking to quality name sellers can lead to the most consistent results in fit and finish. All are NOT equal. If the true is off on the upper, you will never get on target. As far as the legality of parts from different sellers to put on a serialized lower. There no legal issues. The US Treasury flat out states that any completed weapon requires the payment of 20% of the value in excise tax. If you build it. You're expected to pay the tax. That being said. The only people they go after is the person doing it as an enterprise for profit.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: OEFvet1986 on September 23, 2011, 05:05:46 PM: I dont know but dont go with olympic arms, my buddy who worked for them putting together rifles says they are crap.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: rb2506 on September 23, 2011, 05:34:56 PM: really? I don't own one yet but have heard good things about oly :dunno:

is he a disgruntled employee :chuckle:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: dscubame on September 23, 2011, 05:43:29 PM: Perhaps a disgruntled employee of Oly.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: demontang on September 23, 2011, 07:16:54 PM: I have seen there shop and shot a few of there guns with out a problem. The ar thing is like the truck thing everyone has there brand
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: dannysdaddy on September 23, 2011, 07:51:19 PM: Never found one that stood out as garbage. each has their own pros and cons. decide what you want to use the gun for and go from there. My current AR is a Rock River lar15 tactical operator2. I have owned a few others and this one blows them all away!! Mine is very modified but the features that come standard on this rifle are hard to beat by any other manufacturer. It is a bit on the heavy side though. :twocents:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: CastleRocker on September 23, 2011, 08:32:19 PM: Whatever you do...DO NOT GET AN AR-15!!!

If you liked Lego's when you were young, and ended up with a lot of them when you grew out of them, this AR thing will become just like that. At least it has for me.

This is my story. Like a lot of folks, I bought my first one right after our last presidential election. Then I started to change components on it. Then I started putting them together myself. Right after that, Remington came out with their R-15 in full camo! Had to have one of those. Oh! What do you mean, they make it in .204? Had to build one of those too. But wait, I really love my .17 Remington for predator hunting when the pelts are prime, and what's that? I can build one of those in an AR? Man, I lost a lot of 17 Remington brass with that one. Hmmm, what if I just neck down a 223 to 17? Oh, that's been done? Cool, I don't have to have a reamer built, and I had another project. (Great rifle by the way!) Go to thinking...it sure would be great to have an upper in a larger caliber. A guy named Mike Milli, http://www.dtechsuperstore.com/ (http://www.dtechsuperstore.com/) is a fastastic builder. Sooo, I have one in 25 WSSM. It's my favorite (at least for now). I know antelope hate it. I have a Black Hole Weaponry barrel in 6.5 Grendel that I'm building an upper on for my wife for Montana antelope right now. Which reminds me, I better get out to the shop instead of reading and typing.

I just wanted to warn you before you start down this road. If I had to do it all over....I'd do it all again!
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: tides56 on September 25, 2011, 10:34:17 PM: Bushmaster. Instead of paying 1 to 2 grand for an AR. You should look into AR kits. Around 600 dollars and a lot of fun putting them together. Shoots like its straight from the shelves.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Wazzu on September 26, 2011, 10:42:17 PM: Colt Sporter :tup:
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: grundy53 on December 20, 2011, 09:37:07 PM: Quote from: ebusa on July 15, 2011, 10:42:13 AM
Get a bigbore AR-15 that you can hunt with! I love my .450 Bushmater! :tup:

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi16.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb17%2Febusa%2FIMG00952-20110527-1431.jpg&hash=6bc3008bd308af7860073a53c98a0e5dfba64c5e)

I'm building one of these right now. Can't wait for the parts to get here. This is my first build.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: Biggerhammer on December 21, 2011, 04:07:02 PM: The 6.5 Grendel is a exellent cartridge, to convert a standard AR all you need is a barrel, Grendel bolt and magazine. I helped my brother build his first AR in 6.5 Grendel, he built it from the ground up. The first year he hunted with it. He took this Mulie clean at 493 yards using a Vortex 2-7 with the BDC, the scopes BDC matched the 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip load perfectly. As you can see in the photos I only overlooked one thing, I forgot the Alexander 16" M4 barrel has a mid length gas system. We had ordered a carbine length hand guard and didn't have time to ordered another hand hard and change it out before he took it hunting, It worked just the same but you can see the gas tube hanging out there. His carbine is increadably accurate esspecialy with the factory Hornady 123 A-Max's.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FIMG_0268-1.jpg&hash=038f173099a717281f7fc7f35d482d272887940c)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2FIMG_0304_3.jpg&hash=d864e49cd91ca9074e3f8e7f1ce30228b1f77878)
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: marlin on January 13, 2012, 01:01:47 PM: Im about to build an upper in .300 blackout, so I can use the same bolt and magazine as .223, but be able to hunt with it if I want. Maybe sometime Ill be able to get a suppressor, so it will be good for that too.
Title: Re: AR-15
Post by: dscubame on January 13, 2012, 05:15:26 PM: Can someone suggest a shop in spokane that has extensive ar15 parts and experience?