Need your advice, gun people.

Not sure what your state laws are but make sure it's legal for you to purchase an AR. Here in MN you have to have a permit to purchase.

For a first time gun owner I would recommend getting a 10/22 and/or a shotgun, like an 870. Both are fun firearms and if you want to just target shoot/plink .22s are cheap and fun.

If you're set on an AR I would point you in the direction of a DPMS. I haven't had any experience with Bushmaster but you could find an equivalent carbine for around the same price with DPMS. I've never heard any complaints WITH DPMS and they're made right in the heart of MN.
 
13065615:JAHpow said:
Not sure what your state laws are but make sure it's legal for you to purchase an AR. Here in MN you have to have a permit to purchase.

For a first time gun owner I would recommend getting a 10/22 and/or a shotgun, like an 870. Both are fun firearms and if you want to just target shoot/plink .22s are cheap and fun.

If you're set on an AR I would point you in the direction of a DPMS. I haven't had any experience with Bushmaster but you could find an equivalent carbine for around the same price with DPMS. I've never heard any complaints WITH DPMS and they're made right in the heart of MN.
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1. I am familiar with Virginia law

2. I have plenty of experience handling/shooting firearms, this would be the first that I would own. I have no interest in owning a 22. I don't intend to "plink" (although I plan on putting quite a few rounds through it). I'm buying this for home defense. (inb4 BUY A SHOTGUN- I plan on purchasing one as well).

3. I've seen them... they didn't jump out at me during my search. But I'll take a 2nd look.
 
13065622:Mr.Sloth said:
1. I am familiar with Virginia law

2. I have plenty of experience handling/shooting firearms, this would be the first that I would own. I have no interest in owning a 22. I don't intend to "plink" (although I plan on putting quite a few rounds through it). I'm buying this for home defense. (inb4 BUY A SHOTGUN- I plan on purchasing one as well).

3. I've seen them... they didn't jump out at me during my search. But I'll take a 2nd look.
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How familiar are you with the AR platform? Its a lot more cost effective to build one versus buy one. I would not go Bushmaster or DPMS. DPMS is notoriously known for producing sub par "mil-spec" components. If your budget allows, I would be looking at Spikes, Mega, Stag, Noveske, YHM, etc and making it a custom rifle.

This being said - if you'd prefer to purchase one outright, I personally would look for one without a chrome lined barrel. It's argued that chrome lined barrels are less accurate, but easier to clean and sustain rapid fire better over time. I prefer to shoot stainless barrels.

Another suggestion would be to see if you can find one with a 14.5" barrel thats been pinned to 16" (for legality.) If the main purpose of this rifle is for home defense, it may serve you better to have as compact a rifle as possible.

PM me if you have any questions, comments, etc. I build AR's in my spare time so I might be able to help you
 
I'd get a mid length system

runs smother.

I prefer a front sight post, personally, but everyone is different.

I wouldn't buy a bushmaster or a DPMS. better gats for your money.

You can also get a high quality pea shooter for a lot less money than some of the brands mentioned above. not everyone can drop 1800+ on an AR.

Mine says Palmetto State Armory on the upper, has FN stamped on the barrel and Rainier Arms on the lower, has never had a problem and shoots 2 moa groups 2 years and a few thousand rounds latter. Spent about $900 on her, and got some nicer components than is on the bushy.
 
13065762:itsbenyo said:
if youre in the market for an AR, try looking at LMT's theyre just about as quality as you can get
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You realize LMT makes receivers for a variety of companies, right? It's all the same shit.
 
You seems to have already picked a gun, so what kind of advice do you need?

Buy quality ammunition and treat, never, keep, keep, know

That, and enjoy

Don't be the kind of jackass that people will point out as an example of why gun ownership is bad
 
BUILD ONE!! So much fun to do, almost like adult legos. You get the options to customize the build with much better parts than what any 500-1000 bought rifle will get you. I just finished a AR build and have a 1in7 twist, chrome lined barrell, full magpul furniture, free float rail, magpul BUIS, Nib BCG, 4lb trigger and PMAGS. Only thing left is get an optic of sorts, have the BUIS in the meantime. Not only do you learn what and how each part functions, you save a good amount of cash and get the look you want.

You should be checking out Palmetto State Armory everyday

www.slickguns.com is a great site that compiles great deals and sales from all across the web all day!+-
 
Hey I also need some help so this seems better then making my own thread...

I was really really interested in building my first AR (going to be my first firearm) that would be chambered in .308/7.62 so I could use it for larger game hunting along with some longer range target practice (im sure many of you already see that as a poor first rifle choice but w.e.)

The more and more research I do the more I think it may be a bad call to go with the ar308. I dont really care about the 2x ammo cost, Im not some bump-trigger "operator" emptying mags into dirt mounds, but-

The cost of 7.62 parts is already much higher, in addition to that the options are much more limited and you need to match parts for DPMS or armalite etc. which is kinda shitty. I want to keep my build within the ~$1300 range (w/o optic) and thats basically impossible, specially considering...

I think I would like to go with a precision lower/upper, there doesnt really seem to be much benefit to this besides the slight increase in build quality/accuracy, I personally believe they're also much more visually pleasing.

Im also looking at a fortis freefloating rail, anyone have any experience? I know the freefloat is only really beneficial for long range but once again, I think its one of the best looking rails.

all around I guess Im just looking for some advice, I forsure want to BUILD my first AR so I understand it and know it well, open to any suggestions/opinions!
 
13065899:Phil-X- said:
Hey I also need some help so this seems better then making my own thread...

I was really really interested in building my first AR (going to be my first firearm) that would be chambered in .308/7.62 so I could use it for larger game hunting along with some longer range target practice (im sure many of you already see that as a poor first rifle choice but w.e.)

The more and more research I do the more I think it may be a bad call to go with the ar308. I dont really care about the 2x ammo cost, Im not some bump-trigger "operator" emptying mags into dirt mounds, but-

The cost of 7.62 parts is already much higher, in addition to that the options are much more limited and you need to match parts for DPMS or armalite etc. which is kinda shitty. I want to keep my build within the ~$1300 range (w/o optic) and thats basically impossible, specially considering...

I think I would like to go with a precision lower/upper, there doesnt really seem to be much benefit to this besides the slight increase in build quality/accuracy, I personally believe they're also much more visually pleasing.

Im also looking at a fortis freefloating rail, anyone have any experience? I know the freefloat is only really beneficial for long range but once again, I think its one of the best looking rails.

all around I guess Im just looking for some advice, I forsure want to BUILD my first AR so I understand it and know it well, open to any suggestions/opinions!
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For a $1300 budget befor glass, you can build a hell of a blaster. Trust me, I did. PM me if you have any specific questions and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction.
 
13065899:Phil-X- said:
Hey I also need some help so this seems better then making my own thread...

I was really really interested in building my first AR (going to be my first firearm) that would be chambered in .308/7.62 so I could use it for larger game hunting along with some longer range target practice (im sure many of you already see that as a poor first rifle choice but w.e.)

The more and more research I do the more I think it may be a bad call to go with the ar308. I dont really care about the 2x ammo cost, Im not some bump-trigger "operator" emptying mags into dirt mounds, but-

The cost of 7.62 parts is already much higher, in addition to that the options are much more limited and you need to match parts for DPMS or armalite etc. which is kinda shitty. I want to keep my build within the ~$1300 range (w/o optic) and thats basically impossible, specially considering...

I think I would like to go with a precision lower/upper, there doesnt really seem to be much benefit to this besides the slight increase in build quality/accuracy, I personally believe they're also much more visually pleasing.

Im also looking at a fortis freefloating rail, anyone have any experience? I know the freefloat is only really beneficial for long range but once again, I think its one of the best looking rails.

all around I guess Im just looking for some advice, I forsure want to BUILD my first AR so I understand it and know it well, open to any suggestions/opinions!
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6.8SPC? 300BLK? Both are less powerful rounds, but still are more than enough for your normal elk/deer/wolf hunts. You can use most of the same parts for a 5.56/.223 lower, bcg ect. Just need new mags and a new upper, plus then you can swap uppers from caliber to caliber
 
13065899:Phil-X- said:
Hey I also need some help so this seems better then making my own thread...

I was really really interested in building my first AR (going to be my first firearm) that would be chambered in .308/7.62 so I could use it for larger game hunting along with some longer range target practice (im sure many of you already see that as a poor first rifle choice but w.e.)

The more and more research I do the more I think it may be a bad call to go with the ar308. I dont really care about the 2x ammo cost, Im not some bump-trigger "operator" emptying mags into dirt mounds, but-

The cost of 7.62 parts is already much higher, in addition to that the options are much more limited and you need to match parts for DPMS or armalite etc. which is kinda shitty. I want to keep my build within the ~$1300 range (w/o optic) and thats basically impossible, specially considering...

I think I would like to go with a precision lower/upper, there doesnt really seem to be much benefit to this besides the slight increase in build quality/accuracy, I personally believe they're also much more visually pleasing.

Im also looking at a fortis freefloating rail, anyone have any experience? I know the freefloat is only really beneficial for long range but once again, I think its one of the best looking rails.

all around I guess Im just looking for some advice, I forsure want to BUILD my first AR so I understand it and know it well, open to any suggestions/opinions!
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What I would do:

build in 5.56. whether you think you will or not now, you're going to end up shooting it a lot. a couple years of shooting and the money you'll have saved on ammo would probably be enough to almost buy a decent hunting rifle. Then you can hunt with that rather than an 8 lb AR which would be a total pain in the ass. Then at the end of the day you'll also have 2 rifles rather than 1 and after a few years have no doubt spent the same price as you would having made it in 7.62
 
13065899:Phil-X- said:
Hey I also need some help so this seems better then making my own thread...

I was really really interested in building my first AR (going to be my first firearm) that would be chambered in .308/7.62 so I could use it for larger game hunting along with some longer range target practice (im sure many of you already see that as a poor first rifle choice but w.e.)

The more and more research I do the more I think it may be a bad call to go with the ar308. I dont really care about the 2x ammo cost, Im not some bump-trigger "operator" emptying mags into dirt mounds, but-

The cost of 7.62 parts is already much higher, in addition to that the options are much more limited and you need to match parts for DPMS or armalite etc. which is kinda shitty. I want to keep my build within the ~$1300 range (w/o optic) and thats basically impossible, specially considering...

I think I would like to go with a precision lower/upper, there doesnt really seem to be much benefit to this besides the slight increase in build quality/accuracy, I personally believe they're also much more visually pleasing.

Im also looking at a fortis freefloating rail, anyone have any experience? I know the freefloat is only really beneficial for long range but once again, I think its one of the best looking rails.

all around I guess Im just looking for some advice, I forsure want to BUILD my first AR so I understand it and know it well, open to any suggestions/opinions!
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And whatever you do, buy a Raptor CH. Worth the coin in every way. Treat yo' self.
 
nevermind its for self defense i didnt read the OP my bad.

AR for home security? you live in compton bro?
 
you can kill an elk with a .22lr... you should be fine with just about any caliber other than a .25...

legally, and quickly might be another story...

Shot placement generally trumps hole size. That said, what you are hunting, the terrain you are hunting in, and how you like to hunt should determine your caliber size.

I don't think the AR platform offers many benefits for hunting animals that walk on four legs. Pretty good for hunting the two legged variety though.

$1300 can build you a rock solid AR15. Doesn't really get you in the door with an AR10 variant.
 
13066038:cobra_commander said:
I don't think the AR platform offers many benefits for hunting animals that walk on four legs. Pretty good for hunting the two legged variety though.
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Plenty of people deer hunt with ar15's.. as well as boars out of helicopters haha
 
13066121:Phil-X- said:
any opinions on having an extra larger cal upper that will be compatible with a 5.56 components?
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Just curious, why an AR instead of a traditional hunting rifle if youre going to be using it for hunting?
 
13066121:Phil-X- said:
any opinions on having an extra larger cal upper that will be compatible with a 5.56 components?
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The most popular option is 300 AAC Blackout. Wasn't really intended to be used as a hunting cartridge, but a lot of people use it for that. Most people use is to shoot 200+ grain subsonic loads through a suppressor. That's the only caliber to my knowledge that only requires a barrel swap on an AR15.

Any other caliber will require a barrel, new bolt assembly (Note: not a new carrier, just a bolt), and magazine. Not a whole lot of extra money, but theoretically you could save about $150 - $200 on an upper if you can use the same bolt/handle/magazines when you switch from 300 BLK to 223 Rem.

I assume you don't reload since this is your first firearm. I reload all calibers I shoot, and personally love the 300 BLK cartridge. Its a fun, low recoil, affordable round that still produces devastating effects on woodchucks. It's that reason that I have multiple uppers that I rotate through on a precision lower build. (223, 300, 6.5 grendel)
 
13066143:.Hugo. said:
Just curious, why an AR instead of a traditional hunting rifle if youre going to be using it for hunting?
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Because I personally believe the AR is a perfect multipurpose platform. If I have a dedicated huntin rifle it's pretty limited in use so The ar choice is for the versatility
 
13066144:45. said:
The most popular option is 300 AAC Blackout. Wasn't really intended to be used as a hunting cartridge, but a lot of people use it for that. Most people use is to shoot 200+ grain subsonic loads through a suppressor. That's the only caliber to my knowledge that only requires a barrel swap on an AR15.

Any other caliber will require a barrel, new bolt assembly (Note: not a new carrier, just a bolt), and magazine. Not a whole lot of extra money, but theoretically you could save about $150 - $200 on an upper if you can use the same bolt/handle/magazines when you switch from 300 BLK to 223 Rem.

I assume you don't reload since this is your first firearm. I reload all calibers I shoot, and personally love the 300 BLK cartridge. Its a fun, low recoil, affordable round that still produces devastating effects on woodchucks. It's that reason that I have multiple uppers that I rotate through on a precision lower build. (223, 300, 6.5 grendel)
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I've definitely seen a lot about the 300 and it seems pretty appealing. My issues I think would be the low velocity and limited round availability. My good friend has a reloading set up tho. The whole barrel only switch with the blk is really appealing, I wish there was a simple 223->308 conversion :/
 
13066178:Phil-X- said:
Because I personally believe the AR is a perfect multipurpose platform. If I have a dedicated huntin rifle it's pretty limited in use so The ar choice is for the versatility
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You only mentioned hunting and target shooting I your post. A standard rifle will do just as good of a job target shooting, and will be less expensive
 
13066040:.frenchy said:
Plenty of people deer hunt with ar15's.. as well as boars out of helicopters haha
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As I mentioned, I can use a 22LR to hunt and kill most 'big game.' It's just not the preferred technique. The AR-15 is the civilian version of a military weapon. It's feature set is designed around combat, and many of those features add little value for hunting. Weapons that can be had for a lot less often offer a more practical set of features for killing four legged prey. For the two legged variety, I'll take my M4, with a 16in mid length upper.
 
13066183:Phil-X- said:
I've definitely seen a lot about the 300 and it seems pretty appealing. My issues I think would be the low velocity and limited round availability. My good friend has a reloading set up tho. The whole barrel only switch with the blk is really appealing, I wish there was a simple 223->308 conversion :/
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Build a complete 556 and then a dedicated 300blk upper. Would only be another few hundred and you've got options depending on what you want to do. Or build an 556 pistol and a 300blk rifle. The pistols are fun and you can still easily hit 200 or more on a 10.5" barrel. If you go that route, a sig brace is a worth investment.
 
jesus im glad i live in the uk, a AR for self defence?

also why would you hunt deer with an AR, they'll pretty much scare after the first shot and then you're definitely not getting any clean shots after that and tbh you might as well go get some practice at the range

imo the only reason i'd get an AR is for the fun of shooting it and in case of zombies
 
13066276:tusken_assraider said:
also why would you hunt deer with an AR, they'll pretty much scare after the first shot and then you're definitely not getting any clean shots after that and tbh you might as well go get some practice at the range
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That would be the same case with any rifle.... dont say anything if youre just gonna talk straight outta your ass
 
13066307:.Hugo. said:
That would be the same case with any rifle.... dont say anything if youre just gonna talk straight outta your ass
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obviously but why is having an AR any more beneficial?
 
13066471:tusken_assraider said:
obviously but why is having an AR any more beneficial?
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When someone decides to kick down your down in the middle of the night, would you rather have a shotgun w/ 5 rounds, and hangun with double that, or a rifle with 6 times that? Now factor in that your intruder is probably armed and has a few friends with him.

That's what I'm considering, at least. Maybe I'm just paranoid.
 
Lets be honest. Shooting an ar15 is a hell of a lot more fun then shooting almost any other hunting rifle.
 
13066480:.Hugo. said:
For hunting, its not
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then there was a complete misunderstanding, what i meant in the first line of my post was that its got too be a pretty rough area for someone to need an AR
 
Lodge-Cast-Iron-Grill-Pan1.jpg


uk home defence
 
13066528:tusken_assraider said:
then there was a complete misunderstanding, what i meant in the first line of my post was that its got too be a pretty rough area for someone to need an AR
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I disagree. In a defensive situation, I want to outgun the person trying to harm me. As said on Breaking Bad- 'Never take a half measure'. I feel that applies here. If some POS breaks in to my home with a gun intent on doing me harm, I want to be able to harm him quicker and more effectively that he can me. If that means 31 rounds of 556 in an AR, so be it.
 
13066528:tusken_assraider said:
then there was a complete misunderstanding, what i meant in the first line of my post was that its got too be a pretty rough area for someone to need an AR
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i didnt quote your first line... I quoted the second paragraph talking about hunting
 
13066588:VinnieF said:
if you live in white America and think you need an AR for personal protection, yes, yes you are paranoid.
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Do I live in "white america"?

...no? Where I'm moving the population is 84% african american and violent crime is common.

Do I "need" it?

...no? Would I like it? Absolutely.
 
13066276:tusken_assraider said:
jesus im glad i live in the uk, a AR for self defence?

also why would you hunt deer with an AR, they'll pretty much scare after the first shot and then you're definitely not getting any clean shots after that and tbh you might as well go get some practice at the range

imo the only reason i'd get an AR is for the fun of shooting it and in case of zombies
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13066471:tusken_assraider said:
obviously but why is having an AR any more beneficial?
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13066480:.Hugo. said:
For hunting, its not
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13066568:.Hugo. said:
i didnt quote your first line... I quoted the second paragraph talking about hunting
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i am so confused, what is your point?
 
13066598:tusken_assraider said:
i am so confused, what is your point?
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You said an AR would scare away a deer if you shot. I said no shit, so will any other rifle. Your reason for not using it hunting was borderline retarded. That was my point
 
13066603:.Hugo. said:
You said an AR would scare away a deer if you shot. I said no shit, so will any other rifle. Your reason for not using it hunting was borderline retarded. That was my point
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also if you have to take a second shot at a deer you're not hunting right.

but in reality it would be a shitty hunting rifle because of the added 2 lbs of weight and it being a bit more of a cumbersome design to be moving through the bush with.
 
13066606:VinnieF said:
added 2 lbs of weight and it being a bit more of a cumbersome design to be moving through the bush with.
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Compared to what? The AR platform is far from cumbersome and pretty light compared to majority of hunting rifles.
 
13066606:VinnieF said:
also if you have to take a second shot at a deer you're not hunting right.

but in reality it would be a shitty hunting rifle because of the added 2 lbs of weight and it being a bit more of a cumbersome design to be moving through the bush with.
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Exactly why I recommend philx get a regular rifle instead of AR if he is using it to hunt a lot. The only difference is an AR will "look cooler".
 
13066603:.Hugo. said:
You said an AR would scare away a deer if you shot. I said no shit, so will any other rifle. Your reason for not using it hunting was borderline retarded. That was my point
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yeh its a pretty obvious point but someone was talking about using them for hunting earlier up the thread

and we both a agree that it is pointless using an AR for hunting, i give up
 
13066611:Cirillo said:
Compared to what? The AR platform is far from cumbersome and pretty light compared to majority of hunting rifles.
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an AR in 5.56 isn't that heavy. But have it chambered in a suitable large game calibre and it's an 8-9 lb rifle.

a standard hunting rifle is about 7 lbs.

and you really do feel that extra weight after a few hours.
 
13066183:Phil-X- said:
I've definitely seen a lot about the 300 and it seems pretty appealing. My issues I think would be the low velocity and limited round availability. My good friend has a reloading set up tho. The whole barrel only switch with the blk is really appealing, I wish there was a simple 223->308 conversion :/
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If your primary concern is hunting, muzzle velocity should be your second concern. I would primarily focus on a round that reaches 1000ft-lbs @ 100 yards. That's the minimum requirement in certain states. You can accomplish that with 300BLK no problem. Plus, if your friend reloads - 300BLK is a reloaders dream. Takes the standard .30 cal bullet that can be found literally everywhere, and only uses 10-15gr of powder. It's real cost effective as a hunting round, which makes it a fun plinking round as an alternative to 223 Rem. Also has no recoil, which is an added bonus in my opinion.
 
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