Need a good multi purpose rifle

BCEagleAce

BCEagleAce

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All,

I became a gun owner within the last year. I have several semi auto handguns, but no rifle.

I've thought about an AR (mainly because they look cool and I am tempted to buy into the potential ban craze), but I wanted input on what to buy.

I don't hunt and I don't necessarily plan on starting. I mostly target shoot. I'd like something that will serve the target shooting purposes, but also be a good general purpose gun if the world economy collapses, the SHTF, and zombies take over. Obviously, I assume getting a good shotgun should be a consideration, but what would people recommend in the way of a rifle?
 
AR.

Accurate

Uses ammo that is (usually LOL) readily available & will be in an EOTW situation

Really fun to shoot

Customizable if you want to go that route.

My second choice would be a Garand from CMP but this is all just my opinion.

I did the whole 'what do I buy' thing too and came out with an AR - and then quickly bought a 10/2 as well.
 
Some will say something in .308. And while I agree it is a great caliber, the price per round can be a little frightening.

An AR in .223 is always my default rifle suggestion. Price, accessories, varying configurations, and high potential for ban-ability makes it a good solid choice in my book.
 
AR-15 type.

It is your duty to own the primary battle rifle of your country’s military.

The fact that you will enjoy owning and shooting it is simply additional benefit.
 
The way i look at it an M1A can serve all purposes. pick off zombies at 500 yards and knock over deer if need be that have not been affected by the zombie disease.
 
*crickets*

[laugh]

That is the million dollar question. Four Seasons gets some on a fairly regular basis but you may have to wait a bit for it.
 
BCEagleAce said:
So, where does one buy an AR these days?
Click to expand...

There's the rub. It might behoove you to put one together from parts. It'll be cheaper and you can make it just the way you want it.

AR15.com will have ALL the info you need. Their Equipment Exchange section is massive but you have to be lightening fast.
No matter where you buy from, you also need to be sure it doesn't have a collapsible/folding stock, bayo lug, or flash hider.
 
check around, there is one in the classifieds right now.

as someone else put it, "be ready to buy on site"

-other than that, you can order one and wait....
 
Rob said:
There's the rub. It might behoove you to put one together from parts. It'll be cheaper and you can make it just the way you want it.

AR15.com will have ALL the info you need. Their Equipment Exchange section is massive but you have to be lightening fast.
Click to expand...
Also, do your research to find out what a 'reasonable' price for parts is. There are a lot of people taking advantage of the situation and price gouging out there.
 
BCEagleAce said:
Any suggestions on what it SHOULD cost to put together a solid AR from parts?
Click to expand...

Look for a used or new rifle. This will save you a lot of time and a headache. I’m partial to the 20inch models with a full stock. I Bought mine for 700 last spring brand new. A little digging and one will turn up.
 
 
BCEagleAce said:
Any suggestions on what it SHOULD cost to put together a solid AR from parts?
Click to expand...

With today's prices it's a crapshoot and the prices are hugely inflated. Everything is subject to availability.

[totally guestimating here]

Complete lower - well under $400
or
Stripped lower - under $150
Lower Parts Kit - $75
Stock, buffer, spring - $80

Upper - all over the place
 
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the jeff said:
http://northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=56599

http://northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=56173

http://northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=56489

http://northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=50651

http://northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=54732

http://www.collectorsguns.com/rptXLUsedGunList.html

They have a few.

Four Seasons has:
http://fsguns.com/used/
DPMS VERY RECENT A-15 Flat top 5.56 f1011xxk $1099.95 Like new with red dot with modular stock
STAG ARMS VERY RECENT Model 6.8 LEFT HAND 6.8 28xxx $1599.95 12 ten round mags and 14 boxes of ammo
Click to expand...

Those prices at 4 Season's aren't bad.
 
Here's how I would suggest getting an AR these days.

First a background. If you're only going to have 1 AR, you might as well get something basic, but of the highest quality. That pretty much either means Colt or Lewis Machine and Tool (aka LMT).

First step is to visit a local gun shop and figure out if they are the ones you want to do business with.

Find out if they can order colt or LMT for you. Get some prices and bounce them off this group.

Also find out if they will handle the transfer of a gun you purchase on-line. (typically for a $25 fee)

The simplest thing would just be to buy an in-stock gun from them.

If thats not an option, next simplest would be to have them order one for you.

If you are in more of a rush, you can always buy something on gunbroker.com.

Finally you can actually buy a complete upper assembly from LMT on their web site. (this is not a firearm). Then have this dealer order a complete lower assembly from LMT. (this is a firearm and must be handled by them)

When you have both assemblies, you push 2 pins in and the assemblies become a gun. You also save yourself about $125 over buying a complete LMT AR because you save the 11% excise tax that is charged on complete guns.

Hope this helps.

Don
 
The AR is a FINE weapon, and I certainly vouch for it. That being said, my *personal* preference is my PTR-91 (American HK-91 clone). Accurate, dependable, easy to clean/maintain/fix, and whatever you hit will most likely stay down. It is heavier than other an AR/AK, but once again, I prefer an actual "battle rifle" as opposed to an "assault rifle". (Although I suggest getting both!) The cost of ammo is a bit spendy, but other accessories such as mags and good optics is cheap. The original z-24 scope/mount will hold zero when detached, and the BDC on it is accurate out to 600 meters.

The FAL and M1A also get high marks in my book.. but if I had my choice, any of them would likely win out with me over the AR.

(Once again, personal preference. I am not trying to turn this into an AR vs. everything or .223 vs. .308 thread)
 
Thank you all. Seems like you can order parts and it will be a little cheaper, but you have to wait for ever. I sent a couple pms on those listed in the forums.

Thanks for the help all!
 
I bought a complete Ambi stag lower with an A2 stock for $300. And have a 2HT Left handed tactical upper with all the parts (BCG, Charging Handle, folding rear sight being configured by Stag to be MA legal (No bayo Lug and fixed Muzzle break) on order from Stag directly now for $750. Total to be shooting $1050. You can get one without the Quad rails or lefty config for about 250 less. If you dont mind the wait. I figure I will get it in June. I would rather wait, and get the lefty for a fair price. If you don't want to wait and don't mind paying the current market premium it seems like they come up pretty regularly in the classifieds.
 
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If you choose the AR, keep in mind that you are not limited to the .223/5.56. Uppers are made in at least 8 calibers that I can think of from .22lr to .50 Beowolf. I'm probably missing a couple.
 
dcmdon said:
Here's how I would suggest getting an AR these days.

First a background. If you're only going to have 1 AR, you might as well get something basic, but of the highest quality. That pretty much either means Colt or Lewis Machine and Tool (aka LMT).

First step is to visit a local gun shop and figure out if they are the ones you want to do business with.

Find out if they can order colt or LMT for you. Get some prices and bounce them off this group.

Also find out if they will handle the transfer of a gun you purchase on-line. (typically for a $25 fee)

The simplest thing would just be to buy an in-stock gun from them.

If thats not an option, next simplest would be to have them order one for you.

If you are in more of a rush, you can always buy something on gunbroker.com.

Finally you can actually buy a complete upper assembly from LMT on their web site. (this is not a firearm). Then have this dealer order a complete lower assembly from LMT. (this is a firearm and must be handled by them)

When you have both assemblies, you push 2 pins in and the assemblies become a gun. You also save yourself about $125 over buying a complete LMT AR because you save the 11% excise tax that is charged on complete guns.

Hope this helps.

Don
Click to expand...

If you are going to go the build it yourself route - you can order an upper from LMT and have it shipped directly to you. Buy your lower locally - and build the rifle.

I have an LMT upper sitting in my safe - mated to a lower, but still waiting on some more parts. I have to get my ambition up and finish the thing.


Another rifle that seems to have been forgotten in this thread that is a very good general purpose rifle is the SKS.

While they are not quite as easily available as they were even just a year or so ago - they qualify as a great general purpose rifle. They are often used for hunting. You can load them from a stripper clip faster than replacing a mag once you get good (so they are great in a SHTF situation). They are reliable. Still decently priced ($300 - $400 depending on what you get). 7.62x39 is still one of the less expensive rounds out there.

Plus they often come with a stabby thing mounted on the front - making them truly general purpose - you can kill your meal, cut it up - and then defend yourself after you finish eating when the zombies come to take your leftovers.
 
I've seen a couple of AR-15's at M&M's Sporting Goods/Plymouth Bay Outfitters each time I've been in.

Are you considering a bolt action? Maybe a Remmy 700 or something from Savage with the accutrigger? Versatile, easy to clean, less parts to break if SHTF, parts available for customization if so desired.
 
AR definitley fits your bill.
Also consider a an M1 from the CMP....a deal that pretty much can't be beat.

Steve
 
If I wanted to buy a complete AR right now, I'd call Carl at FS and put a deposit on an S&W M&P15. They use great quality parts (Troy rails and BUIS, LMT BCG, etc) and the prices are reasonable. ARs are still coming into shops, they just get snapped up quickly and Carl doesn't seem to be gouging on prices. Another alternative would a Sig 556.

Yes, Colt and LMT are fine ARs but they're far from the only game in town. ARs are like PCs. They're just a bunch of parts from various manufacturers and the quality of the parts largely dictates the quality of the gun. There are other quality manufacturers out there. Also, much like a PC, you can buy parts and build your own or buy one already built. It's harder to view porn on though.
 
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Steve_P said:
AR definitley fits your bill.
Also consider a an M1 from the CMP....a deal that pretty much can't be beat.

Steve
Click to expand...

An M1 Garand is another fine all around rifle. 30.06 is a good hunting round, and surplus Greek 30.06 is still a pretty decent price by the case load from CMP.

If you want to go a little more high tech you can get picatinny rail setups for M1's that will allow you to mount scopes and red dot setups.

You can hotrod M1's - you will find a lot of discussion on the CMP forums about doing so with synthetic stocks and such. This is one thread from last year:
http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=43049

There were a bunch of pics posted which unfortunately seem to have timed out or something and are not available. One guy did an awesome job at updating his Garand.
 

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