Mid priced AR, Thoughts....

[Kenk]

Afternoon, a buddy of mine is looking for a mid-priced AR in .223, and was hoping for something decent / ok in the 8 - 11 range. I suggested looking at Rock River Arms, as I've always liked their rifles. One in particular I suggested was the RRAGE 3G RIFLE LAR-15
https://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1904
Any thoughts would be great. Also, he has no interest in building one at this point
Thanks


Ken

[sqlbullet]

...

So this gun:  https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-moe-ept-rifle-w-mbus-sight-set.html

But for $300 more money.

All good-natured kidding aside, you can have as fine an AR carbine as any for $500.  Any more than that and it should start to have some serious upgrade features like a match grade trigger or barrel.

In point of fact, the PSA model I linked above has a superior mid length gas system and comes with BUIS already installed, both of which I would consider upgrades over the Rock River.

Spec wise, https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/bear-essential seems to match up more of less to the Rock River, but for a little less than half the coin.

When you spend more, you are very much paying for the name in the AR world.

[Kenk]

Thanks my Friend!

[The_Shadow]

I second Palmetto State Armory

[Trapper6L]

Rock River is pretty decent stuff. I've bought several DPMS over the years, the Sweet 16 versions. All have been super accurate. Not too much can go wrong in an AR platform to cause it to shoot bad. I even purposely built a 7.62x 39 upper with the absolute cheapest stuff I could find. It's a one hole shooter at 100yds with the Lehigh Chaos 123gr bullet. So you don't have to break the bank with "tricky" parts to get a shooter. I'd determine what profile he wants, flattop, A2, etc. and buy whatever is on sale AND available. Might look at the Sweet 16 too.
https://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/dpms/rfa2b16-panther-bull-sweet-16-rifle-5.56mm-16in-30rd-black/

[terdog]

I 2nd the DPMS.

Both my son and I have the ORACLE as our 1st AR15. Shoots lights out and has never given either of us a lick of trouble.

[Kenk]

Thanks Guy's!

[Rooster41]

Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore has some good deals on AR's. Here is an example of a Ruger for $599. https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/199005

Dont' overlook Alex Pro Firearms. They are made right here in Minnesota. Alexandria to be exact. I have one of their 16" rifles. It is great rifle and accurate. Their customer service is top notch. Nothing better than a small local company. https://www.apfarmory.com/apf-alpha-no-optic/

[sqlbullet]

I even purposely built a 7.62x 39 upper with the absolute cheapest stuff I could find. It's a one hole shooter at 100yds with the Lehigh Chaos 123gr bullet.

This is the biggest take away I want to convey.  This has been my experience as well.  You have to really work at it to buy/build a "bad" AR.

Oh...And that PSA rifle I posted yesterday....If you are willing to buy it as a complete upper + complete lower, it is $430 right now:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar-15-lower-classic-edition.html
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-pencil-5-56-nato-1-7-stainless-steel-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-upper-with-nib-bcg-ch-mbus-sight-set.html

Actually, this is a little bit better gun for accuracy IMHO due to the stainless steel barrel vs Chro-Mo-V.

[Mike D]

You can find a Colt 6920 for the upper end of his budget very easily.

No sense to skimp on quality in that price range.


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[Univibe]

You could go entry level for $500 or so, e.g. Smith, Ruger, OSA etc.  These will do most people fine, especially those who don't shoot a lot.

I spent a bit less than $1000 out the door for the 6920.  For another $400 over entry level, you get a duty tough mil spec rifle.  I do not regret it.

Now that Colt is not shipping rifles, I'd go BCM M4 mod 0 for the same price.  I have no experience with BCM but pros such as trainers use them.