1st .223 long gun

[WanMan99]

I know this has been beaten to death but I am saving up for my first rifle in .223 and I wanted a recommendation as to what would be a good first rifle. I am leaning towards a S&W M&P15 for a complete unit that could be moderately customized. I do not want to consider a full build until I become comfortable with the platform.
Anybody in the same boat that has purchased a M&P or Stag, Bushmaster etc.. That is very happy with their purchase and would recommend it? I am looking for a range toy in the 100-200 yard range for a rifle newbie. Also, a good scope in the
$200 - $400 range.
I have been reading up on this for over 10 months and I still cannot firm up a decision. I haven't shot anything except a colt sporter pre ban that felt extremely comfortable and accurate.
My price range is $800 to $1500.
Thanks.

 

[55_grain]

I have only good things to say about Bushmaster and Colt ARs...

55_grain

 

[whatluck]

I would do a BCM.

 

[mac1911]

I have a STAG factory gun and it has been 100%. I also have a few put togethers with multiple manufactures including S&W, RRA, Bushmaster ect ect
Thus far all have performed as should. I to took a long time to make a choice. In the end it came down to customer support. STAG hands down beat the knot out of them all with taking the time to answer my questions, calling me back when they said they would. Price point was also a consideration.
If you really looking to get a AR try to shoot a few variants. I have come to learn the hard way that I dislike the collapsible style stocks, much prefer the A2 stock. I like the magpul super adjustable stock, but find that a little pricey for my use. I also found it difficult to shoot the flat top CARs with scopes with out a comb or cheek riser.
When I mount a AR my eye ball just makes it to the rear sight peep hole.
I don't have a lot of experience with scopes. I will give you my take though
I have purchased several older model high end scopes that work great for me. ex: I have a leupold VX III that I purchased used thats been awesome its 20+ old
I have better luck with the sub cheap scopes than the 100-300 range scopes I will use good mounts with cheap scopes. Works for me. Although I am not to into scopes and always seem to end up back to irons....that's just me

 

[Mass-diver]

I would do a BCM.

These guys make great rifles. Certainly a big step above "hobby" brands, but without a big jump in cost.

 

[Dream to Dream]

I do not want to consider a full build until I become comfortable with the platform.

Don't dismiss the idea of putting your own together. Buying a complete upper and throwing it on a completed lower (whether you put the lower together yourself or buy it as such) is dead-nuts simple and gives you many more choices than buying off-the-shelf. Read this for more information. Prices quoted are a bit out of date but this sort of approach will give you a very high quality, economical rifle with the features of your choosing and no extensive knowledge of the platform is necessary.

I'm an absolute AR rookie and I managed to put together a very solid carbine for about $1200, using parts that are designed to take a beating. And most importantly, I had fun doing so and feel quite a bit more pride than if I just picked up a rifle with whatever features the factory wanted to throw on there.

 

[Brian5582]

I have a Stag and Bushy, I don't care for the Stag. For what you want to spend you could do better than both of those. I am looking at getting an LMT or LWRC next.