I hate forum newbies that start off their membership at a forum asking a whole bunch of questions.  So now, I'm hating myself.  Please bare with me.  I've got a decent firearm collection and have decided that the AR-15 is my next investment.  Problem I'm running into is that "the" AR-15 isn't so easy.  I thought that real simple, I go to Colt and get it.  Wham, bam thank you ma'am.  Now that I'm actually doing some research, my brain is swimming.  Practically every manufacturer makes an AR-15 and there are tons of variations that I just don't understand.  A1, A2, A3, A4, M4, etc.  I've had tons of dealers all swear by different manufacturers.  "Rock River is the best." "S&W can't' be beat."  "Bushmaster is the future of AR's."  "You want the original, you need the original, get an Armalite."  I swear I didn't put this much work into buying my car.
 
Long story short(er), I've got about $1,500 that I'm willing to put towards the gun alone, not including any extras or accessories.  That doesn't mean I need to spend $1,500 on the firearm, I'm just allotting myself that amount.  I'm not a competition shooter, aside from who can knock over the beer can the furthest.  I don't plan on renting myself out to Somalia to use it in a war.  I just want a good AR that will last and that's reliable.  Maybe be able to kill a zombie or two. 
 
There are only a few things that I'm really looking for.  I'm 99% sure I'm going to be adding either an EOTech or Aimpoint optic, so I need to be able to have that option.  It needs to be able to handle at least 30 round mags in .223.  I also prefer a collapsible stock.
 
So far I'm thinking of the S&W 811010.  You can see it at http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product...ucts_id/55555.  Any reason not to go this route, or reasons why I should?  I truly appreciate all the help.

First off, to the forum. No need to sweat asking questions, that is what we are here for.

First, I am still a little confused about what purpose your rifle will fill. Is this really from a novelty or collection standpoint? I ask being that it appears you have knocked off target and home defense from possible applications.

Once we know for sure what the purpose is, answers will be easier to provide.

S&W make some great rifles, but the one you provided has an A2 stock. I know the picture shows a collapsible stock, but the description states A2.

I know I joked around a lot in my first post. I'll use it mainly for target shooting. Definitely want it to be available in times of civil unrest or any other type of situation. I have a Mossberg 500 shorty as my first home defense weapon and an XD .45 for secondary and travel. I've also got an SKS, CX4 and AK-47 in the cabinet that I fire regularly. I wouldn't say I collect guns, as I fire all of them a couple times a month.

I appreciate the feedback on the S&W I posted. I read the sticky on variations but didn't see anything in there regarding changes to the stock.

This post has been edited by d3f4c3d: November 5th 2009 7:32 AM

Cool, well if you figure that the Eotech will be included in the budget you have allotted, then a S&W would fit well. S&W rifles are well thought of at their price point. Daniel Defense also offers an excellent rifle that you can find for $1139.

You are right, there are several options available out there. What I recommend you do is take some time while contemplating this purchase. Stay active on the boards and see what people are talking about when it comes to different brands and any issues they may be experiencing.

Here is a link to a chart that shows the major differences of a lot of different brands. Keep in mind that this chart is directed towards those who want rifles that will be receiving punishment more than they typical AR sees, so this isn't the end-all in your situation.

Hope this helps, if you have anymore questions feel free to ask!

to the Armory! We don't mind answering any questions you may have. There are a ton of different ARs and AR manufacturers. My first recommendation is Charles Daly. The D-M4LE is a great carbine but it's more than the S&W.

You could have Addax order (or build) an upper receiver for you.

Then you could get a complete lower from JTAC (lower link). The LMT Defender lowers are a great bargain.



TS

Your $1500 gives you a lot of options. Basically you could get a mid-range gun with all the right extras on it or get a top shelf brand that would need to outfit.

But the most important thing before we start is ask one basic question. What do you want the AR for? Target shooting, self defense, plinking, hunting? While most AR's will do all those reasonably well they still like to specialize a bit. Your primary usage can point us in the right direction for advice.

Also, how handy are you? A little bit of skills and you can semi-build a great gun. Normally I recommend newcomers to AR get a factory gun first, but as someone with a decent collection you may already have some gun modding skills.


As for the all the brands salesmen are pushing at you, you can relax. While there are some shady assembly companies out there, the true manufacturers as a group pretty much all put out decent gear. In factory models your choices consist of good or great in quality. What is more important is value.

Example would be guns with the exact same features from Bushmaster and DPMS. I would call them all equal quality as well. But somehow the DPMS will usually cost you $100-200 less. Bushmaster simply puts a brand surcharge on their gear because they were the primo brand a decade ago.

Anyway, you will find Bushmaster, DPMS, and Stag pretty much the same. All good quality gear. About a half level up in quality you get Daly, Sabre, Rock River, Colt, Amalite, and S&W. Yeah, Colt will cost more because of their vast name recognition.

Then you hit the high end guns. Noveske, LMT, POF, Knights Armament, and LWRC. You might be able to find a very stripped model of these with your budget. I'd place the Addax uppers in this group too that TS mentioned above. Addax doesn't make complete guns though, just the uppers. Still that's a great way to get a premium gun because you can make just about any brand of lower into a premium version with some basic garage skills.

I'm sure I missed some of the brand names, but those will be the lion's share of what you see.

So tell us your primary usage and we'll point you to a good choice.

As for being an AR n00b, forget about that here. We don't play those elitist games. We just want to get a black rifle into your hands that you love.

This post has been edited by +Zeke+: November 5th 2009 8:40 AM

http://www.sabredefence.com/

I'd go with the M5 carbine http://www.sabredefence.com/commercial.php

then slap a Aimpoint micro H1 on it in a LaRue mount and a Vltor stock & ya will be all set. Plus if ya want some magnification ya can always put a magnifier on at a later date..

I wanted to start off by saying every one of you that responded rock. Never been to a forum where the new guy doesn't get bashed. I was definitely waiting for a "buy an airsoft until you can answer your own questions." Kudos. That chart was awesome. I was able to learn a lot about the components there and really let me know what to look for. As it is my first AR, I am wanting to go commercial. Looks like the Daly CDDM4E16 will be a great starter for me. Even though it's my first AR, I doubt it will be my last. I'm gonna check my local FFL's and see if they can give me a decent price. If not, Buds is great and I'll likely get it from there. Again thanks for all the help. BTW if anyone is down here in the South Florida area, let me know. It's always nice to have a couple extra shooting buddies.

This post has been edited by d3f4c3d: November 5th 2009 11:57 PM

to the Armory Always learn more if you ask questions. I'm sure you've heard the only "dumb" question is the one you did not ask. This is a great website...plenty of folks will help you and answer questions. Like has been said...plenty of great AR's out there. Sounds like you have the $$$'s saved up....go slow...select the model that fits your wants and desires. We have a couple of S&W. They are great The CD's are great too. My favorite is a Addax GPU that fits several different lowers IMHO just go slow staring off Enjoy the BRD

You will be very pleased with your Charles Daly.



TS



to the Armory!

Daly owners here say only positive things about them. I think you'll enjoy your choice.