My only long guns are a shotgun and bolt action .22 so it's time to add the SHTF AR-15. It'll be my first and probably only AR so I want something reliable and practical that I can practice shooting at the range once a month and then put away and know it's there for me if I ever NEED it. I'm buying peace of mind more than anything. I don't see benchrest, 3-gun or any competitive shooting in my future. I've done a lot of internet research but I've hit the analysis paralysis stage.
I'm sure the M&P sport is a fantastic rifle but I know it's built to a price point so I'm wondering what the next "no-brainer" step-up is. In automotive terms, if the Sport is the Corolla then I want the Camry. I'm not looking to pinch pennies but I don't want to pay for 1/4" MOA. I just want a good value, full features and reliability I can have confidence in. I know a lot of guys will say "build it" and I'm capable of assembling a rifle but I want to avoid the endless hours of researching and potential compatibility problems. I just want to buy a brand new complete rifle that the manufacturer tested the crap out of and comes with a warranty. Throw your suggestions out for me. Thanks in advance.
My only advice is if your just looking for a AR to shoot and improve your MARKSMENSHIP and have on hand a basic A2 and web sling is pretty hard to beat and as basic as it gets.
Or a carbine with with a fixed carry handle which you should be able to find at decent prices as not many people are buying ARs with fixed carry handles.
As for the camery of ARs I will say basically anything less than 1000$
Is,in this range.
My Stag H2 was like a camary .....feed a,poor diet ,never washed and oil changes where few......that gun took a beating. I sent 3k rounds of steel cased garbage through it....cleaned it at around 4k rounds. Sold to me friend who continues the abuse. I may have been lucky ?
I also like RRA for the price point.
I had a,LMT also fine carbine although the offers during Obama sales where just to much to refuse.
Keep in mind also if you intend to shoot m193/855 or other "cheap" ammo don't be to concerned with how accurate gun is supposed to be.
I seen a new to me magazine on the shelf this week at the store
ARrifleman they had a bunch of new guns and test I was actually surprised at the closer to reality accuracy test.
Also FN is putting out a entry AR now also.