my first ar15

[cookie62]

Around here you can pick up an M&P for around 850 to 950 depending on model. I think they are still offering a $100 rebate until the end of the month.

[twyacht]

M+P's, DPMS, Rock River, Stag, and others, are all hovering around $1000 or less for the standard models, the bells and whistles can be done as you become even more familiar with an AR platform. In essence, the receivers are about the same.

Be sure, it is the caliber and rifle for what you want it to do. Think of mags, ammo, barrel length, features, ease of use, field stripping, spare parts, etc,..

Take as much time as it takes to test drive, research, study, ask around your local shooting places, and get a feel for what it is for YOU.

There is great resources and knowledge here. $1000.00 is a good price to get a great AR rifle. Welcome to DRTV, post any questions or ideas your kicking around, you will get a straight and honest response regarding brand, triggers, options, future upgrades, etc.

Glad your here at DRTV.

[tombogan03884]

This is the 21st century, there really aren't any "bad" AR's out there unless it's a very new Company, the ones that make crap got tore up here on the internet, so any that are still in business have to be making decent product.
After market stuff, Magazines, and especially optics you generally get what you pay for. You don't want to go to Afghanistan with a $30 NcStar red dot, by the same token, do you really need to spend $$$$$$$ on EoTech or Trijicon for 20 rounds a month at the range ?

[rat31465]

I recently ran across a used LMT for $900.00.  Your budget is reasonable but if you can find a way to add another $250-$300 to your budget...your options will improve tremendously.

[MikeBjerum]

I disagree with the last half of M58s post. A lot of folks bought ARs out of panic. They didn't really want or need them, just thought "now or never". Now that the panic is over and the economy has tanked? I'd bet there are some sweet deals out there. Who cares if it has a couple of thousand rounds though it? If its a good brand (Bushmaster/remington, Smith, DPMS Rock River, Stag, etc.)  that has been well maintained,well that's just getting broken in. I wouldn't buy a beater, but a like new gun that you can look at at your local dealer might save you a lot more than $50. I'd look at that used rack.
FQ13

Not in this world!   Fifty bucks is about all a good used will save you.  To save a hundred it is going to look worn and used.  May still be good, but it shows wear.  Also, our bubble burst here long ago, and prices have returned to the pre-BHO range.  Anyone with high priced new isn't moving them, and they can't afford to discount the high priced used.

Like I said, I'll pay $50 extra for new gun smell, because $50 is all it will cost me.  Damn, a new M&P 15-22 is $499, and on the used rack it is $479 ... When I'm spending five hundred I'm going new for that price!

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

I don't really care about price. I'm happy to pay what I can afford to get exactly what I want.
It's that "can afford" that causes the problems.  

[bafsu92]

Not in this world!   Fifty bucks is about all a good used will save you.  To save a hundred it is going to look worn and used.  May still be good, but it shows wear.  Also, our bubble burst here long ago, and prices have returned to the pre-BHO range.  Anyone with high priced new isn't moving them, and they can't afford to discount the high priced used.

Like I said, I'll pay $50 extra for new gun smell, because $50 is all it will cost me.  Damn, a new M&P 15-22 is $499, and on the used rack it is $479 ... When I'm spending five hundred I'm going new for that price!

Maybe you'll only save $50 in the shops but watch for private sales. I bought a "used" Bushy XM15 (handled a bit and carried around in the trunk of a car but never fired) for $500 a couple weeks ago from a guy walking around the gun show. I see new M&P's all the time for $799 specials now. Now that the Obama panic has subsided for the time being you can buy stuff dirt cheap if you work at it a bit. I bought an unfired WASR Romanian AK a few weeks ago for $325.

[billt]

Pretty hard to go wrong with a good Bushmaster M-4 model in the $780.00 to $900.00 range. I've got 5 Bushy's. They all run like scalded dogs! I'm also in total agreement to buy new. Buying a used AR will save you very little.  Bill T.

[bafsu92]

There are a couple Gunbroker sellers that have had LMT SPM16 M4's listed for $999 - $1099 the last couple of weeks. Three months ago that was an easy $1500+ rifle. Unlike a lot of AR's on the market you'd be hard pressed to build this with new LMT parts for less. Pick one of these up for a $25 transfer and no sales tax and you won't be sorry.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=197147702
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=197312633
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=195759914

[breezzer99]

you can pic up a good AR from budsgunshop.com I got the olympic arm k16 they came a long away since there cast lowers. It shoots just as good as my old bush.