About a month ago, I got fired up and decided I wanted a semi-auto rifle. I looked at some AK’s, and decided it was basically a cheap gun in most cases. An inexpensive Saiga is about the best way to go.
Well, of course the AR interest came next, and decided to do some research on buying my first AR. This is a more technical rifle, and more expensive, but rightly so. I posted a message on a board, and was offered the advice to ask myself what it would be used for. After I got past the “how cool would it be to have an AR” mindset, I decided it would mainly be kept in the closet in case a SHTF happens. Of course I would want to get some rounds in every once in a while, so basically it is a plinker for hobby. Now as far as I’m concerned, if I am not actively shooting this gun, and working out the bugs as I go along, it would be smart for me to find something of reputable quality. Also what always comes into mind, is what the value of the purchase is.
There is not really much of a price fluctuation in this product line compared to other products, and the extreme seems to run about 25%.
Now the products I have looked at includes and considered are Colt, LMT, Stag, RRA, Bush, Oly, DPMS. I have glanced at SW, Arm,
BCM. With Oly being the least expensive, and Colt being a complete rifle according to the holy enlightening “chart” by rob_s. I think that it is quite fair to debate the choice between these two. Anything in between, it would take an upgrade to make the left side of the “chart” leaving the cost about the same. LMT does come quite close though to Colt, but for a newbie, a complete rifle just seems more attractive.
Ok, so I picked my options:
A2 fixed is fine for me. If I do buy a scope, I would like it in that position anyway. A3 and A4 flatop are more competively priced and can make a $100 difference minimum. Also, M4 barrel not required. Either of these options would put me in the “enthusiast” list, and not being an “enthusiast” at the moment, why pay for it?
Then, what do I come up with… The Colt 6520, on the left side of the chart at a cost of $1050. Or an Oly K3B on the right side of the chart for $669. At this point I am totally apathetic with the “middle” brands based on the fact that it is just not worth quibbling over less than a couple hundred bucks (less than 20% of savings) for something I would have to give the benefit of the doubt.
Ok, so the Colt’s parts are tested, and are made from better steel. From a laymans perspective, this is obviously debatable since some parts only have a given life anyway. The only other thing to consider is accuracy, just how much more accuracy am I getting for the $? Also with the ? of the price per replacement of like the BCG. We can control the BCG quality by buying a better one at $130. Leaving the savings of buying the Oly at $250. Not bad, we are working on a 25% savings so far. The rest is just a little more roll of the dice since the parts are not tested quite as much, but Oly has a lifetime warranty, and having backup pieces just sounds like a good idea anyway.
I already decided on the 6520, no headaches expected for just a bit more in $, but a great value as far as I’m concerned. But you know, what if not every one can afford the Colt? What if you could, and then you meet some hottie you would write hot checks for, but you really don’t want them to really be hot? LOL lt Seems like an Oly would be a really nice option, “chart” or not.