Does anyone shoot AR-15s

[Micro]

Thinking of buying an AR-15 type rifle.  Deals can be had right now on Smith and Wesson M&Ps (under $900).  Colts are fairly inexpensive, too.  These particular guns are all direct impingement guns.

The newer crops of gas piston rifles are a bit more but I understand they are more relible and run cleaner.  The new Ruger 556, Sigs, and new Bushmaster look really good.

I know there are some AR-15 shooters on the board.  Any advice for someone buying his first AR-15? 

[Bassn Blvd]

I shoot the Bushmaster AR but it belongs to my department and that's the rifle they bought for us.  I'm not a gun expert or enthusiast but it shoots very well.  I believe our SWAT team carries them also.  I'm sorry but I don't have any other rifle to compare it to.

[Fishing Doug]

Micro,

I don't own any AR's but have shot about 5,000 rounds through my buddy's AR's. He has 2. One is the DPMS Panther Bull 20. We have shot about any ammo imagineable ranging from military surplus to match grade and have never had a jam. The other he put together himself buying the upper and lower separate from Larue Tactical. I think it has an 18 in barrel but I can't say for sure. This gun is super accurate. 5 shot 1 inch groups at 100 yards are possible with this gun from a bench on bags, and let me tell ya, it could do a lot better with a better shooter behind the trigger. The Larue, however, has jammed a couple times.

FD

[baboosicbass08]

I don't own one but my brother does and I've fired off quite a few 30 rd clips in that with no problems, shoots real nice. He has a smith and wesson m&p in .223 I believe. I've never fired any other AR-15 other than this one so I can't really compare it to any, but If I were in the market for one I would not hesitate to buy this one. Good luck

[bassnleo]

I'm with Bassn Blvd, we are issued the Bushmaster AR-15 for our patrol cars. They are accurate and dependable, plus alot of fun to shoot at the range .

[jeremyt]

If the colt version is the exact same internally as the M16-A2 I would get another  make.  After about 20 rounds you will have to clean the bolt to keep it from misfeeding.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Micro, The DI system is fine. If your looking for something for combat or just like to pay more buy a piston.

I own 2 of DI, one is a RRA 5.56 and the other I built off a RRA upper and lower in 6.8 SPC. Both of these guns are a whoot to shoot. Extremely accurate and reliable.

I've put over 500 rds out of mine with never touching it in the 5.56. You do have to clean a DI system more, but not enough to where its really going to make a difference on a weekend shooter.

If you really want a Piston gun buy a FN Scar. The AR isnt a piston gun, its been monkied with to make it work.

S&W makes a fine AR, So does RRA, Bushmaster, and a bunch more companies.

Larue, LMT, Noveskie, Les Baur and a couple others are the primo.

[Siebert Outdoors]

If the colt version is the exact same internally as the M16-A2 I would get another make. After about 20 rounds you will have to clean the bolt to keep it from misfeeding.

J,  Something is wrong with that gun.  If your misfeeding after 20 rds, try a different magazine or ammo.  If you are shooting that wolf crap you might have ruined the chamber or have varnish build up in your chamber. 

[Bantam1]

I agree with GMAN. The piston is great if you are in high sand areas or shoot full auto with a suppressor. I have 2 AR's with DI systems. Aside from a little more cleaning I have zero issues.

In one weekend I shot over 2000 rounds out of my Bushmaster 16" HBAR carbine. I did not have one failure and I did not clean it until I came home. I do run a dry lube in my AR's because I shoot mostly in the desert out here. It helps minimize the sand from sticking to the lube. I think I just hit the 20,000 round count in my Bushmaster too. I will be rebarreling soon. Not bad considering it is all stock.

The 16" carbine is more than adequate for 99% of what you will probably do with it. I recommend getting a flat top so you can add optics later if you choose. I shoot my 16" out to 600 yards and my 18" out to 800. They are very  accurate even at long range 

[jeremyt]

If the colt version is the exact same internally as the M16-A2 I would get another make. After about 20 rounds you will have to clean the bolt to keep it from misfeeding.

J, Something is wrong with that gun. If your misfeeding after 20 rds, try a different magazine or ammo. If you are shooting that wolf crap you might have ruined the chamber or have varnish build up in your chamber.

Might be something wrong with it unfortunately it wasn't mine it was uncle sams.

[IDbasser]

My AR-15 is from Stag Arms, it shoots every bit as good as the bushmasters the full time deputies have here.  I m a reserve deputy so I had to furnish my own if I want to carry one.  Stag Arms makes left handed models too.  I can make tight groups with it.

[Micro]

I definitely want a flat top.  I was thinking about a Colt HBAR 20" with the detachable handle. 

[Copen1822]

I've put alot of rounds through both Bushmaster and DPMS rifles, and while both are quality AR's I would steer you towards a DPMS based on reliability and customer service. Stay away from the Colts.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I definitely want a flat top. I was thinking about a Colt HBAR 20" with the detachable handle.

Are you going to varmint hunt with this?  RRA and Busmaster make some sweet varminters.

[Stasher1]

I've put alot of rounds through both Bushmaster and DPMS rifles, and while both are quality AR's I would steer you towards a DPMS based on reliability and customer service. Stay away from the Colts.

x2

I looked at Colt, Bushmaster, and DPMS when I bought mine back in '02 (during the AWB), and the DPMS had the best fit/finish of them all. I've put several thousand rounds through mine in the past 7 years, without a single malfunction.

I've "tarted" it up a bit since then, but the important pieces are still DPMS. 

When the time came to build rifles for my three boys, I went with Doublestar lowers and all DPMS internals. Excellent finish (teflon coated, like DPMS) and everything fit perfectly.

[Micro]

I haven't looked at DPMS at all. I would refer a full size rifle. The Colt has impressed me the most so far, but I don't know anything about their customer service. I've owned Colt pistol, but never needed to us their customer service. Why isn't the Colt recommended?

The Ruger is also high on my list of possibilities. The 556 feels great and fit and finish are nice. I am very familiar with Ruger. It's a bit expensive but not prohibitively so. Anyone with experience with the 556? I know its new.

[CJ]

I have a M&P. Haven't had the first problem. Only thing I would change is I would have gotten one without the front sight. If I want a red dot, I have to put a carrying handle on it. I am looking for a 20" bull upper. But it's a lot of fun. Especially when I need to relieve some stress.

[luger306]

I have a stag (lefthand) and have had no problems with it and have no problems telling you to look at them

[Dr. Watson]

FN Makes all of the M4s we use (MPs), if I'm not mistaken the rest of the Army get mixed manufacturers M4s. In my opinion the FNs have a lot better gas system and are a lot less prone to failure, for the civilian side I would take a look at Stoner (the original), Rock River Arms, or Fulton Armory. They all make a pretty d**n good AR, but there are an endless amount of aftermarket parts out there for ARs so you can make it your own, usually better than a stock AR. It's all about what you're looking for. Personally I would want a 6.8 caliber, M4 Carbine with freefloating barrel and forged upper and lower, Trijicon acog, flip up back up sights, front grip, wolfhook sling, SOPMOD integrated cheekrest collapsible buttstock, and a balancing system.

[Jim_M]

Mine is shot in USPSA 3-gun. Built by Marty Koldziej at Accuracy Speaks Gunsmithing in Mesa AZ.

Here are a couple pics of his muzzle brake installed on my barrel. Amazing rifle.

[Micro]

I still haven't bought an AR, but have pretty much decided to in February or March (bonus time at work). After shooting some, and talking to folks at shops and my gun club, I've decided to go with an M4 sized gun with DI system. I think it will be a Smith and Wesson or a Colt.

[BassCats]

FN Makes all of the M4s we use (MPs), if I'm not mistaken the rest of the Army get mixed manufacturers M4s. In my opinion the FNs have a lot better gas system and are a lot less prone to failure, for the civilian side I would take a look at Stoner (the original), Rock River Arms, or Fulton Armory. They all make a pretty d**n good AR, but there are an endless amount of aftermarket parts out there for ARs so you can make it your own, usually better than a stock AR. It's all about what you're looking for. Personally I would want a 6.8 caliber, M4 Carbine with freefloating barrel and forged upper and lower, Trijicon acog, flip up back up sights, front grip, wolfhook sling, SOPMOD integrated cheekrest collapsible buttstock, and a balancing system.

The only contractor allowed for the M4 is Colt, the only Contractor for the M16 is currently FN. Bushmaster made some during the first Gulf War that are still in circulation. Colt used to make the majority of M16 until FN won the new contract.

[Dr. Watson]

The only contractor allowed for the M4 is Colt, the only Contractor for the M16 is currently FN. Bushmaster made some during the first Gulf War that are still in circulation. Colt used to make the majority of M16 until FN won the new contract.

Not true, ALL of my company's M4s are FN, because FN creates an MP model. M16s are pretty much phased out for the entire Army, there are a few here and there usually given to transpo units . Some of my Infantry buddies have been issued bushmaster M4s and some of my FA (Field Artillery) buddies have been issued Colt and DPMS government M4s. It's all dependent on the supply guys that order the weapons and parts from the main Army supply depot.

[preed37]

have not seen anyone mention armalite yet, but i have one and absolutly love it! it has a 20 inch flat upper and a 4 position colapsable stock, match trigger and i would not get rid of it for anything. if the barrel is broken in right they are very easly sub 1 moa. my best group is .58 moa with custom rounds. this rifle has also bagged plenty of coyotes and even a few black birds. very highly recomended from me!!

[Dr. Watson]

have not seen anyone mention armalite yet, but i have one and absolutly love it! it has a 20 inch flat upper and a 4 position colapsable stock, match trigger and i would not get rid of it for anything. if the barrel is broken in right they are very easly sub 1 moa. my best group is .58 moa with custom rounds. this rifle has also bagged plenty of coyotes and even a few black birds. very highly recomended from me!!

totally slipped my mind, but yes armalite does make a quality weapon.