new to AR-15

tayaran

once again I am seeking some experts help, i went through tons of information on this rifle and I am still not sure what to look for. So my question is: I am planning to buy an AR-15, 85% it will be used to shoot targets at my club, maybe 15% to shoot an animal (unlikely though), so what should I be looking for in that rifle? I mean what features, brands, etc, my price range is $800 - $1000, as usual thanks for your help ...

ginmaster

I recommend a stainless barrell between 20' and 24', since you say "target" and "animals". Go with a 1/8 twist. See CMMG's offerings. They have a lot to choose from. DPMS is another good company to look into.

ern98

The best feature of the AR platform is that by pulling two pins the entire upper comes off. This means that you can swap uppers in a matter of moments. So the question you need to answer is what you want this rifle for? Rambo or target? I suggest to friends that they buy a higher end varmint style AR, like Bushmaster, with a good target barrel and trigger that is still pure milspec not Colt. This out of the box give you a decent target and light varmint rifle. Later you can add a combat upper for urban defense, like if you live in LA, NY or New Orleans. Personally I went for the Bushmaster "Disapator" chrome lined 16" barrel as it gives the 20" barrel sight picture on a 16", but you can get what ever trips your trigger.

cpermd

If by "it will be used to shoot targets at my club" you mean High Power matches, then get a Match Rock River.
Otherwise get anything that blows your skirt up. There is not a dime's worth of difference in the leading mfgrs. I personally prefer a chromelined barrell.

CP

drobs

I've owned 3 AR's over the last 10 years. Started with a Bushmaster, then a Rock River, and finally a DPMS/Delton. They are all good guns.

I've found it's cheaper to assemble your own AR out of a complete lower and complete upper bought separately. The last AR, the DPMS, I put together this way cost me $725 all said an done. I think I will assemble one more this way as a fulsize rifle and see if I can't keep the total cost down to $600 or less.

R-Guns has the best deal around on complete DPMS lowers:
$205
http://www.rguns.net/010_92.html

Delton has some deals on complete uppers.
http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Barrel_Assemblies_20_Del_Ton_Barrel_Assemblies_s/29.htm

Assembly consists of pushing out 2 captive take down pins on the receiver. Putting the charging handle and complete bolt assembly into the upper, then placing the upper on the lower and pushing back in the takedown pins.

Whatever you decide to buy I would hight recommend you get an upper with A3 or A4 sights. They are called different things by different manuafacters. The A3/A4 rear sight system consists of a flat top upper receiver and a removable carry handle w/ rear sights.

Having that option allows you to easily mount optics to your AR down the line.

Here's a pic the DPMS / Delton carbine I assemble a few years ago.

luv_the_huskers

I would also suggest doing your build yourself. I used a Superior Arms lower and Del-Ton M4 upper and came in at just at $600 with a few upgrades (color, and grip). Shoots better than my buddies $1K Bush-hamster, sorry Bushmaster.