Economical AR

[chevydeerhunter]

I was thinking of buying another Mini-14, but if I'm going to pay upwards to $800, I'm thinking I may go the AR route. What would be a good economical brand of AR to start out with? I've seen some DPMS AR's going in the $800-$1k range, but I've heard mixed reviews. I'm wanting a basic carbine, but a full size AR will work if I can get it cheaper. Thanks in advance.

 

[carney]

If you don't want an ar but are looking for something relatively equivalent; I would look into a Kel-Tec SU-16, really fun little rifles. Plus lifetime warranty.

 

[Texas42]

Just to let you know. I've starting to see some Rugers in the 600 dollar range.

You can order an upper and a lower from somewhere like Rock river arms for something like 900 dollars.

Or a rifle kit for $650 or 700+ shipping +tax (needs a stripped reciever). I got a lower from there in two months.

 

[cuate]

Mini 14s and ARs....an argument can be easily found but you might find a Mini 30 to shoot and see if you like it. I just aquired one and its AWSOME !!!!

Still like my AR & Mini 14, but that 30 is a booger bear ! They are on Gunbroker and elsewhere.

 

[Okierifleman]

If you are just looking for a plinker, I would go with either a RRA or Oly. If you are a little patient, you can pick up a Stag for around $900 on Gunbroker. IMHO, they are the best of the lower level AR's.

 

[onac255]

I found a new Stag Arms Model 1 for 1,030 at a local gun shop.

 

[chevydeerhunter]

Looking at all the different AR websites(DPMS, Bushmaster, Stag, etc.), it looks like one can be built as cheap as $750(minus shipping, transfer costs, etc.), but the wait is extensive up to a year in some cases.

 

[AR15Vern]

Build one

Go over to ar15.com and do some research. There is enough info there to build one.

 

[mclarenross]

Ive got an Uncle with a Series-180 Mini-14 that he doesnt shoot anymore and is wanting to get rid of it. Its in pretty good shape. He would likely take $450 for it if you are interested.

 

[D-Day]

Ive got an Uncle with a Series-180 Mini-14 that he doesnt shoot anymore and is wanting to get rid of it. Its in pretty good shape. He would likely take $450 for it if you are interested.

Are you going to be down towards San Antonio anytime soon, I would take you up on that.

 

[jgedmond]

I recently built a CMMG mid-length with upgraded stock, grip, etc for about $1100. Of course, I ordered everything when prices were peaking :-)

Prices are coming down now and I am sure that you can do better than I did. As someone mentioned, go to AR15.com, it's really not that hard to build exactly what you want. The primary downside, is no manufacturer's warranty. But everything's a commodity and replaceable anyway.

BTW took it to the range this weekend and shot a 10-round 2" group with iron sites (and bifocals) at 50 yards - I'm happy with that.

 

[mclarenross]

I make it out that way every now and then. Ill get some pics of it and figure out when I might be headed out there and let you know.

 

[TomCat0197]

The wait time is coming back down to reality, I found all the parts to put one together in stock right now.

from PKfirearms.com in Ohio
Rock River complete upper is 515.00 (16" CAR or Midlength gas system at this price, chrome lined barrel on both)
Rock River LPK is 70.00
Rock River 6 position stock kit 75.00
Shipping 16.00 Total 676.00

Aim Surplus in Ohio
Magpul flip rear sight is 55.06 shipped

Spikes Tactical has an AR15.com group buy on lowers for 100.00 each plus shipping/Transfer fee (I'll assume 50 bucks to cover shipping/transfer)

Total 881.06 with only a week's wait for the delivery truck/post office.

An hour of time once it all comes in and you have built your own AR: Priceless

 

[D-Day]

I make it out that way every now and then. Ill get some pics of it and figure out when I might be headed out there and let you know.

You let me know when you will be this way and it is sold. I can meet somewhere as well.

 

[wayneside]

check out buds...they have dpms panther lites for under 800...

 

[TexMex247]

+1 on Buds gunshop. However I would recommend the Armalite M-15. You can get a full size HBAR for 870 delivered, or get a carbine for the same or less.

 

[Okierifleman]

+1 on Buds gunshop. However I would recommend the Armalite M-15. You can get a full size HBAR for 870 delivered, or get a carbine for the same or less.

Where can you pick up an Armalite for $870 delivered? They make a super rifle. I have been dying to pick up an AR-10 for a while

 

[D-Day]

Where can you pick up an Armalite for $870 delivered? They make a super rifle. I have been dying to pick up an AR-10 for a while

I want an AR 10 as well. I haven't seen Armalite that cheap, but I see DPMS AR10, or whatever they call it, for less than $1000. Now if they are in stock is something else.

 

[Stangfan93]

Check out Class3weapons.com they has some RRA CAR A2's for $800. Go to the website. Email the owner John and see if he has any specials going on. I just bought a RRA from him. I was going to buy the $800 model he had on special but I wanted certain things so I paid a little more.

 

[TexasHK]

If you are just looking for a base AR-15 that has good accuracy, I would look to find a STAG or Bushmaster.

I picked up a Bushmaster several years ago and it has eaten everything that I have thrown at it...and you should be able to pick them up for less than 1K as a base model.

The only issue that I have ever had with mine is that you need to make sure all the pins and allen heads on the bolt carrier are tight...mine still shot but until I tightened everything back up, it was a single shot.