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Thread: What do you look for in a AR15?

  1. #1
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    What do you look for in a AR15?

    Hey guys, I'm looking to find out what the folks here look for in a AR15 to determine if it's a "good one" or a "bad one", aside from the obvious like functional issues, poor fit and finish, etc. Things like the Bushmaster rifles not having staked gas keys.

    I would like to compile a list of what AR15 connoisseurs look for when evaluating a new rifle.

    Thanks guys.
    Please check out the Military Arms Channel on YouTube.

  2. #2
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    The "chart" is a good place to start. Do a search, you will find it (maybe it's a sticky in the tech forum?). Usually, these features can be distinguished by restricting the search to particular manufacturers (e.g., Colt, LMT, BCM, DD).

    If you buy the rifle new, you shouldn't have any problems. If you start buying home builds or parted rifles, then you have to start checking every little detail.
    Last edited by kwilkin; 08-12-11 at 09:53.

  3. #3
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    I am not a fit and finish guy.

    Reliability is number one for me. I gotta say, "the chart" helps with that. Not saying I won't get an occasional Lemon, but those companies are more than willing to work with you if you do have problems.

    Staked keys are a must, as well as MP/HP testing on the bolt at least. 5.56 chambering, 4150 barrel steel. Castle nut should be staked. Personally, i am a Chrome lining fan, for the barrel.

    Reputation is big, but some of it does come from the Chart. Conversely, If I find that a certain company that scores high on the chart has treated their customers unfairly, like has happened, I will go with another. That being said, BCM is tops. Their customer service is second to none, and their rifles are very reliable.
    Last edited by Shiz; 08-15-11 at 18:37.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by MilitaryArms View Post
    Hey guys, I'm looking to find out what the folks here look for in a AR15 to determine if it's a "good one" or a "bad one", aside from the obvious like functional issues, poor fit and finish, etc. Things like the Bushmaster rifles not having staked gas keys.

    I would like to compile a list of what AR15 connoisseurs look for when evaluating a new rifle.

    Thanks guys.
    For me, it is easy. I call the manufacturer and ask questions about the TDP. If they do not know what I am talking about or give vague answers I have no interest.

    If they do (somewhat) follow the TDP, but have some kind of ghey bug/insect/reptile on the side of the gun or if their marketing system looks like it fell out of a TAPOUT commercial, I am out as well.

    So following the above, that leaves me with:

    Colt
    BCM
    DD
    Noveske


    C4
    Last edited by C4IGrant; 08-12-11 at 10:35.

  5. #5
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    I don't know if I can consider myself an AR "connoisseur" but assuming the rifle is assembled and functions properly, the first thing I look is if it's configuration fits what I plan to use the rifle for. After that, I look at the quality and specifications of the barrel. The barrel is the foundation of the rifle. I check for rifle twist. While the 1/9 is a good choice if the shooter stays with shorter bullets, I think the 1/8 & 1/7 are better choices for my use.

    I will pass on M4 & government profile barrels. Not because they are bad, I just don't want the M203 cut of the M4 or the poor weight distribution of the gov.

    The one barrel profile I'd like to see is what is commonly called the "sporter" profile, like what's found on hunting bolt actions. It would be just a little thicker and heavier than an AR lightweight or "pencil" profile.

    If there is anything on the rifle that shouldn't be, or anything that adds unnecessary weight, I lose interest. Gimmicks are a no-go. I will check for fit & finish and examine the small details. While the cosmetic aspects of fit & finish do not make a rifle shoot or function better, proper fit & finish and attention to detail tells me whether or not the folks who made it "get it" or if they are simply hamfists trying to make a buck

    Does it have quad rails? Standard M4 stock? A1 upper? Vertical foregrip? Pass. None of these items affect the quality of the weapon nor are they bad features, they're just not what I want to spend money on. (Quad rails are not a complete deal breaker. I would buy a KAC SR15 E3 because I like how it handles. Otherwise, I would choose standard handguards over a quad to save money and install a FF handguard I like.)

    Low quality optics, mounts & rings? Low quality furniture? Pass.

    I will look to see how the rifle shoulders and how it feels in my hands. If the fit, feel or balance is awkward, I'll pass.

    The hardest thing to explain and is strictly a personal quirk, I look to see if the firearm- any firearm- talks to me. If it lays in my hands dead and inert, I will pass. There needs to be some sort of tug before I buy. Strange and probably useless in answering your question, but it's a factor
    Last edited by MistWolf; 08-12-11 at 10:42.
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  6. #6
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    So following the above, that leaves me with:

    Colt
    BCM
    DD
    Noveske


    C4[/QUOTE]


    Is this in any certain order?
    "Courage is being scared to death ,but saddling up anyways" John wayne

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  7. #7
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    I dont really have a list I go by. I dont buy complete rifles any more, cause I can get better for cheaper, if I do the work. I always start a new build off with a statement of its intended purpose. I physically write it down. If this rifle is for, lets say, home defence, I write it on the top of a piece of paper. I then start writing down requirements and needs that this build will have to meet, I make a general list.
    For example:
    1. light weight- for speed of mvmnt, and so my wife can use easier.
    2. very compact- so I wont get tangled on my coat rack or house coat.
    3. adjustable stock- to fit me, and my wife.
    4. white light- ID my target
    5. reliability- works all the time, every time. I include mags here too
    6. sights- red dot? Irons? holo sights? variable power?
    ETC..........
    After the list is compiled, I start researching manufacturers that make products that fit those requirements.
    I have usually settled on parts from either BCM, LMT, Spikes, Colt, and DD for actual rifle components.
    For accessories like optics, sights, lights, and furniture, I have went mostly with aimpoint, eotech, DD, surefire, IWC, Magpul, Vltor, etc....
    But, after I know the rifles purpose, and the accesories I need, I narrow everything down to the best quality parts for each application. If 3 places make parts of equal quality, I buy the cheapest.
    For example: IF I am buying the lower reciever, and BCM, LMT, and Spikes are my options, whichever is cheaper, I buy.
    Now I do have favorites, and I am a fanboy of certain manufacturers, so I will pay a little extra for their stuff, within reason.
    But thats how I do it.
    "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."
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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Guns-up.50 View Post
    Is this in any certain order?

    Depends on your use. BCM, DD, and Colt are all built to a high standard and can be had for a great price. Noveske barrels are a cut above the other three and they're more expensive but still...a great rifle.
    Last edited by munch520; 08-12-11 at 11:18.

  9. #9
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    Is this in any certain order?

    Nope.

    Out of them though, only Colt has the TDP.


    C4
    Last edited by C4IGrant; 08-12-11 at 16:43.

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    .......
    Last edited by ALCOAR; 09-25-11 at 02:39.

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