Who makes a good budget AR15?

[zsnowman]

What budget AR15 for under $1000 would you recommend for home defense and range shooting 300 to 400 yards? I am 69 years old and retired from the Army (I can shoot an AR16 at a distance). I would prefer a mid-length gas port, 16-inch barrel. I plan on shooting it a lot, so I need a good barrel. I currently use a 12 gauge and would like something with a little less kick.
Are the Radical or PSA ARs dependable? I have read mixed reviews, some say they are good, some say they are junk.
Is the S&W M&P barrel with a 1:9 twist accurate out to 300, 400 yards?
Would the S&W be any better that the Colt?

[Inkslinger]

Under $1,000? Colt 6920.

https://www.gandrtactical.com/Colt-M...-15_p_235.html

[markm]

For Mid length and something you plan to shoot "a lot", I'd go with a BCM middy. It'll be over 1k, but for what you want to do, a cheapo AR isn't the best bet.... you'll probably end up spending the difference in upgrades/repairs in the long run.

[everready73]

I would go with a Colt 6920 OEM and throw the stock and rail of your choice on. Should be under 1k complete

https://armsunlimited.com/colt-le692...-no-furniture/

BCM is always a good option as well but will run a little over 1k

[mack7.62]

Colts are overrated, PSA is underrated here.

These would be my picks, a complete lower and charging handle will add another $250 or so, the PSA premium uppers use FN hammer forged barrels but the haters got to hate.

$459.99
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...bcg-or-ch.html

$99.99
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...p-no-logo.html

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15/lowers.html

[Hammer_Man]

What budget AR15 for under $1000 would you recommend for home defense and range shooting 300 to 400 yards? I am 69 years old and retired from the Army (I can shoot an AR16 at a distance). I would prefer a mid-length gas port, 16-inch barrel. I plan on shooting it a lot, so I need a good barrel. I currently use a 12 gauge and would like something with a little less kick.
Are the Radical or PSA ARs dependable? I have read mixed reviews, some say they are good, some say they are junk.
Is the S&W M&P barrel with a 1:9 twist accurate out to 300, 400 yards?
Would the S&W be any better that the Colt?

The S&W M&P seems to be well made, and if you’re on a budget it’s one I would recommend. The 1x9 twist works with 55 grain projectiles, so shooting buckets of M193 won’t be an issue. Keep in mind it’s a basic carbine, so it’s not going to be match gun accurate, but neither is the Colt. This forum is home of the Colt Cult, so take some of “CoLt Iz BesT” comments with a grain of salt. Colt does make a good AR, but S&W has a pretty good reputation for reliability as well.

That said, the 1x7 twist of the 6920 is preferable if you plan to shoot heavier 62-77 grain ammo. Additionally, the Colt barrel is chrome lined to mil spec, which some people prefer over nitride coatings. I wouldn’t let the carbine gas system dissuade you, as it’s plenty reliable. Recently I saw a CR6920 marked down to $929.00 at my local Sportsman’s, which is a pretty decent deal if you can swing it.

[matemike]

I would go with a Colt 6920 OEM and throw the stock and rail of your choice on. Should be under 1k complete

https://armsunlimited.com/colt-le692...-no-furniture/

BCM is always a good option as well but will run a little over 1k

This is a really cool option. You'll also need some sort of sight(s) and you might want to swap out the A2 grip as well, but a new grip is certainly not required.

[DoubleW]

The Colt OEM, 1or 2, is all you need. Add your preference of rail, optic and furniture and you’re good to go.

[everready73]

This is a really cool option. You'll also need some sort of sight(s) and you might want to swap out the A2 grip as well, but a new grip is certainly not required.

If you don't want to worry about the rail and stock the Colt Trooper is just 1100 and complete minus sites

https://www.guns.com/firearms/rifles...4121_b2ec0abb9

[Beat Trash]

https://www.guns.com/firearms/rifles...m_medium=df_NA

Colt CR6960 is a midlength gas system. This site has them for $1,000.