Quality AR-15 for $1000 or less?

[PSAM4]

Wanting to purchase my first AR-15. What would you guys recommend for $1000 or less? Really don't want to go over a $1000. Gonna use for target plinking, home protection, SHTF. I dont know the best things to look for just wanting some ideas. I have a SKS now but never had a AR before. Thanks!

[polymorpheous]

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=6920

http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/CO6920.aspx

[Eric D.]

Read the stickied threads at the top of each subforum and use the orange search button at the top of the page.

[Microalign]

Behold, the legendary chart:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AqmgMm61Ok7WdExwaG16OENzOEZ1akp2a3Y2NjMxTEE&single=true&gid=2&output=html

Details explained on the chart:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html

If you want a straight answer, buy a rifle made by the TOP FIVE. Colt, Bravo Company Manufacturing, Daniel Defense, Lewis Machine & Tool, or Noveske. All other brands are either of shitty manufacture, shitty materials, or have unknown specifications because the manufacturer chooses to hide those specs from the customer. Usually when the specs are hidden, it is to keep the customer from knowing what poor quality is being used to manufacturer the product. The TOP FIVE brands are also time testing and proven rifles used by many of us.

If you choose to go cheap, and save $100-$200 by buying something like a DPMS or Bushmaster, then the rifle that you buy will most likely function fine for low round counts before you start to experience problems. Most manufacturers calculate the average amount of ammunition fired by the average civilian customer, and they determine just how durable, and long lasting their rifles need to be for that customer. The average AR-15 civilian buyer will never exceed 5000rds through their rifle, and these companies bet on that. However, when you get guys like us who put at least 5000rds through their rifle in only one year, then we see just how much of a piece of dog shit these rifles are.

[The_War_Wagon]

If you can afford AR owership, and all that that entails, than you DON'T need a budget.

I've utilized a LOT of checklists when buying/building AR's. "Budget," wasn't one of them.

[darbn]

My vote is for a Colt 6920.

[G-lock]

Colt complete rifle is slightly more than 1K, or a BCM upper and blem lower or lower of your choice, might be slightly over 1k in the end but you can get exactly what you want and work it up over time.

[C-grunt]

Colt 6920 is the gold standard and can be had for about 950. It's the gold standard for a reason and the easy correct answer to your question.

[fdxpilot]

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=6920

http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/CO6920.aspx

Another thumbs up for the Colt 6920. When I wanted one, Grant at G & R was out of stock, so I bought mine from DSG.

[txf15crewchief]

I suggest reading some of the aforementioned threads. A Colt 6920 or if you would prefer lighter, a 6720. I started with a 6920 and shot it. Alot. The reading and shooting will save you a lot of money.

[Gargoyle]

I just put together an M16A5 concept clone for under 1K.

BCM barreled upper, BCM BCG, Gunfighter CH
Aero Precision lower
RRA lower guts with 2 stage NM trigger
Vltor A5 stock kit
Colt Carry handle
...all other nickle dime parts

$957 in hand

[Todd00000]

Another thumbs up for the Colt 6920.

I agree, if you can afford a Colt I highly recommend it.

[Kokopelli]

I'll throw my lot in with the Colt recommendations as well. For my first 5.56 AR I went with a 6721 and it's worked out well.. I doubt you'll have any regrets with the Colt.. Cheers.. Ron

[Tommato]

Colt 6720 or 6920 is very probably THE BEST first AR anyone can own. However, it is by no means a beginners rifle, and will serve you well as long as you live. Contact Grant at G&R tactical for the best prices and service.

Tommato

[NitroDave08]

As stated above numerous times, Colt 6920. Cant go wrong with the tried and trued. Love mine.

[G30Mike]

I've had the shitty brand rifles when I first started off in the AR world and now that I've gone to a Colt, the differences are there. I can tell the quality just by holding them.
I wish I hadn't wasted so much time, energy, and money on BM and DPMS. I could have had 2 Colts or a really nice Noveske for the money I wasted on shitty AR's.
Its easier learning from others mistakes and taking advice from those who know what they're talking about, rather than flushing money down the crapper like I did.

[Iraqgunz]

Asked numerous time just in the last month.