Howdy…I’m new to the forum, new to AR’s (the last rifle of this type I used was what was issued to me by Uncle Sam 25 years ago), but I am a pretty proficient “gun guy”
I have decided I want an AR/M4 type carbine, I’m just not sure which one to buy. So many options…so many opinions…so much hype! My use for the rifle will be home defense, camp defense (I spend quite a bit of time in remote spots). I tend to shoot a lot, so I want something accurate and “fun” to shoot. I may get into some small local 3 gun type matches. I think I would enjoy taking a carbine/tactical shooting class.
I would expect to lightly customize the carbine, maybe put a white light up front, I’m not sure what else. I would appreciate some advice. Thanks!
A loose budget would help greatly in deciding a platform for you. Considering you’d like to use this to possibly defend your life, I wound in no way skimp. Check out ‘The Chart’ in the AR Technical forum, right under this forum.
If I was in your position, this is what I would buy.
[ul]
[li]Noveske N4 Light Recce Basic Upper Half[/li][li]Noveske Stripped Lower Receiver (Comes free with upper receiver purchase)[/li][li]Daniel Defense Lower Parts Kit[/li][li]Magpul MOE grip and buttstock.[/li][li]Magpul PMAGs [/li][li]BCM Bolt Carrier Group[/li][/ul]
Then when you can, purchase whatever Aimpoint model you like and can afford, and a Surefire light and mount. The BCM BCG is optional, but considered about the best BCG one can buy. Keep the one that came with your upper receiver from Noveske as a spare.
Keep in mind I am by no means an expert in the field of ARs, and I don’t even own one, but I’ve done a pretty significant amount of research in anticipation of purchasing.
They aren’t up to par with Noveske, BCM, COLT, or LMT, but I think they’re nice rifles. If you think you’ll ever use the rifle to defend yourself, there are better options within your budget.
Either on the first or second page of AR Discussions there is a lengthy thread going about the S&W M&P 15’s. Good read. I had the 15T and sold it to get the 15TS that should be out any week now. I use it for a duty rifle. Good stuff and affordable. I also would look at the BCM line. I would have one but its not on my agencies carry list.
Listen well about getting Daniel Defense (DD), Bravo Company (BCM) or Colt.
Right now you won’t find a BCM complete. I just bought one of their uppers and it’s fantastic.
Colts you can find, you don’t have to pay a premium, and it will hold it’s value in the national market.
Daniel Defense, you can find a complete rifle right now for $975 before shipping/fees.
BCM and DD will hold the strong value amongst those in the know, around here. Until recently I didn’t “know”, and was lucky/smart and almost always bought Colts. You don’t need to spend anywhere near $1500 for a great rifle, excluding optics.
I forgot about Daniel Defense. Wish that was also on my departments carry list. Colt is a good one too but I figured most knew that. Read as much as you can my young Jedi.
If you actually did the research and came to your own conclusion, assuming you are a logical thinker, you would come to the same or very similar conclusions to nearly everyone here and dump the DPMS or RRA if you want a rifle to depend on.
I appreciate all of the replies and opinions, and I hope they keep coming. I am reading every word I can find on the subject…but WOW do opinions vary.
As for the “think for myself” comment…thats what I’m doing. What I know for sure is that the printed word is one thing, experience with finger on the trigger is another. Finger on the trigger in fear for your life is anothr level entirely…
I especially appreciate the comments from LEO’s discussing thier personal carbine…I’m assuming an LEO buying an AR is a gun guy, and is making this decision based on solid experience.
An officer working part time at a gun store is urging me to get an S&W, the version he likes has a rubberized piccatinny type forearm, Troy folding sights front and back. S&W’s coupon for 5 free magazines also…$1200. From what I have read here this might be a good plan. Again…opinions welcomed. Thanks.
not a bad price but look into rifles with midlength gas systems, superior in pretty much every way to carbine gas systems for the same barrel length. If you are a bigger guy with longer arms then youll appreciate the longer handguard midlengths have.
