New to guns, looking for an AR

[XpressJeff]

Just to have one!

 

I completely understand that concept of thought. Have spent FAR too much money "Just to have one!".

[Mike7468]

Thoughts on a Anderson Arms .223 AR-15

[Clinton john]

Anderson makes good gear, most of my rifles has Anderson parts in them.

 

What do you intend to use the rifle for?

[WdyCrankbait]

A little home defense, a little shooting targets.

[Mike7468]

just to shoot and god forbid home defense, till i get another judge

[XpressJeff]

Anderson Arms AR is a very good entry level piece.

 

Clean it, practice and by all means ignore all that carp about being lubricant free!

 

CLP, or equivalent is an AR's friend!

[Clinton john]

Practice, clean, practice, clean.

 

Best thing to do is keep the bcg very wet with gun oil for bout the first 100 rounds, it helps smooth things out.

 

After that clean it and just use a lil light lube on the friction parts of the bcg  to keep it running good.

 

Also if their is cash in the budget have the trigger worked or upgraded a lil.

 

Resist all the bs about  haveing to have the newest and fanciest add on junk, if your just going to do some light plinking at short ranges and home defense, good red dot sight and standard iron sights should do you fine.

 

Added note load your mags to full capacity and let them sit loaded a few weeks to help set the springs in the mags it will help break them in and help reduce mag feed issues.

 

Hope all this helps sir.

[NapeSticksToKids]

As many others have mentioned, I usually recommend a S&W Sport II (the newer II has a forward assist and dust cover). You can get them around 600 depending on where you shop. It is a good quality rifle for a great price, and can always be upgraded as you learn the weapon and learn what you like and don't like. There is no need to spend a crap ton of money on a blinged out rifle if you dont need the blingy parts. 

Building is always fun, and it makes it easier to swallow a higher priced rifle when you bite it off in little chunks as you go. For a first rifle however, there are many things you need to learn but if you are just slightly mechanically inclined it is not hard to do, there are just things you need to pay attention to (i.e., lots of people dont grease the barrel nut or receiver extension but it needs to be done, some people dont think you need to stake the castle nut, etc etc). Be aware that to PROPERLY assemble a rifle requires a bit of investment in proper tools and may not be worth it if your only plan is for one rifle. 

Other good brands that are affordable are Colt, FN, Daniel Defense, Bravo Company, SOLGW. There are many great brands but I am not going to recommend a 2 thousand dollar+ rifle to you as a first rifle. 

Some basic questions I ask when people ask this:

-Budget?
-Are you planning on putting optics on it immediately (i.e. purchase an optic at the same time)
-If yes, what type of optic?
-Realistic distance you will shoot most often? 
-Would you prefer fixed or collapsible stock? 

Those usually narrow it down greatly.

FYI  this is sort of my job so if you have any questions at all feel free to PM me.