Ar-15

[Scott7m]

been looking into ar-15's and thoughts of using them for coyote in .223.

I see that remington has came out with a nice looking gun, what is the best bang for the buck when it comes to ar-15's and what is a good scope choice for one of these rifles

[killinmammals]

Hundreds of choices as far as scopes. Remingtons r15 is a good gun, its basically a bushmaster. DPMS makes good guns, Double Star, heck there are lots of good guns.
If you build it yourself you can save quite a bit of money...and its soooo easy to build one. My first lower I put together in 15 minutes. I'm building a varmint ar right now. DS lower, DPMS lpk with JARD 2lb trigger, DS 20 heavy barrell upper, free float national match handguard, a3 upper and probably putting a ziess scope with rapid z reticle. Just waiting on DS to get the lower shipped out...then gotta slay some yotes:D

[redlickranch]

If you want one you better get serious pretty quick. Lowers that use to sell for $89-$100 are now $200 and $300. Most shops have sold out of AR style weapons. My cousin picked up an M&P AR for $899 and it was the last one at G.M.

I would check Uncle Lees to see what they have left, but most are flying off the shelves with the threat of the AWB coming back.

As for the AR's I like the Flat Tops with say a 4 x 12 scope for longer shots. I know many folks are putting red dots on AR's, but after 100 yards I would rather have a scope. I went with at 20 inch barrel myself. Also look for a 2 stage trigger, I got the Rock River one for $80, well worth it.

GOOD LUCK.

[Scott7m]

man it sounds like there is a whole lot to learn with ar's......... shew..... i donno.... i seen a gun shop at the remington ar for $990.. they look good...

[MikeKy]

Scott, the $990 was probably a real deal. I've seen two in the last two days. One was $1290 and the other was $1549.99. Both NIB.

[redlickranch]

Check some of the online dealers that sell AR's, non of them have any in stock and most have taken prices off their website. There was a nice article in the NRA magazine on the Remington, it is basically a bushmaster and for under $1,000 it would be a good buy right now the way things are going. Also I am still seeing mags out there for under $15 so you might want to get some of them also, I believe the R25 comes with a 5 or 9 round already for hunting purposes.

[brasskeeper]

Check some of the online dealers that sell AR's, non of them have any in stock and most have taken prices off their website. There was a nice article in the NRA magazine on the Remington, it is basically a bushmaster and for under $1,000 it would be a good buy right now the way things are going. Also I am still seeing mags out there for under $15 so you might want to get some of them also, I believe the R25 comes with a 5 or 9 round already for hunting purposes.

Where are you seeing the mags for under $15?

[trust me]

So, I'm late getting in the AR game. If a complete Rem or Bushmaster for <$1000 is a good entry-level deal, what would it run me to pick up the various components and assemble a rifle myself?

[KYhunter79]

what would it run me to pick up the various components and assemble a rifle myself?

Yeah, thats what I was wondering. I wouldn't mind learning how to put one together myself.

How much could someone save by buying all the parts separately and putting it together yourself? Roughly what would it cost?

[ebsmc]

Look at Centerfire Systems. They have several different options for $699. I've got a Doublestar Lower and a J&T upper and it's a great gun. I use it for hunting groundhogs and coyotes. Really accurate.

[brasskeeper]

As of last friday centerfire was COMPLETELY out of AR complete rifles, Stripped Lowers and Parts. That day they said they had orders in to double star but they had no idea if or when they would get them.

Sense then they have taken the prices off the rifles on the website. I would expect a price increase when they get more in.

I doubt you will see anymore stripped lowers for $100 or $699 AR's

[redlickranch]

Look at Centerfire Systems. They have several different options for $699. I've got a Doublestar Lower and a J&T upper and it's a great gun. I use it for hunting groundhogs and coyotes. Really accurate.


All the big web dealers are out of Double Star or any other $700 rifles. Check the web or auction sites prices are through the roof right now. I bought two lowers for $160 each on Wed. I could get $225 each for them right now, but I want to hold on to them. I heard that Rock River is trying to buy back lowers and parts from Distributors just so they can make complete weapons. Anyone been to Uncle Lees to see what they had left???? (AR's)

[killinmammals]

Where are you seeing the mags for under $15?
Heck, if I buy USGI mags I won't pay over $8 for them, and won't pay over $15 for a pmag(which are the best mags imo) I'm good on mags at this point, but never afraid to grab a few up if the price is right
So, I'm late getting in the AR game. If a complete Rem or Bushmaster for <$1000 is a good entry-level deal, what would it run me to pick up the various components and assemble a rifle myself?
Depends on how all out you want to go...the possibilities are nearly endless..
Yeah, thats what I was wondering. I wouldn't mind learning how to put one together myself.

How much could someone save by buying all the parts separately and putting it together yourself? Roughly what would it cost?
Well, as for cost, you can find deals(or you could) at gun shows, from people with extra parts and build a nice ar for $600 easily, now it may be a little different with the hoarding of parts and supplies. I have enough stuff to build about 6 more minus complete uppers.
Someone mentioned Double Star, thats usually who I go with, right now the company I go through at work for DS lowers was 600 orders behind as of last Monday. One of the guys at DS said they had lowers going out for coating but just couldn't keep up and were trying their hardest to keep up with demand....and that is just ONE company out of how many. Im waiting on 20 pmags to come to my door right now, I got lucky and got in on a group buy with mags for $11, I wish I had got 50 but oh well, the total order ended up being for over 7,000 mags!!!:eek:

[stalkingbear]

The other day I bought 2 dpms .223 with bull barrel complete flat tops. I topped 1 with a quality 4x-16x and not sure what I'm going to put on other 1. Anyway,I bought them for 699$ each and coyote hunting and plinking is exactly what I got them for. You're not going to find a better deal on a good rifle than dpms. After having had bad experience with 5.56 YEARS ago,I consider them to be mere varmit/plinking/target rifle/round. For that purpose however,you'll be VERY hard pressed to find a "funner" gun. I cut my teeth on running game while going to gunsmithing school in az and jumpshooting jackrabbits with a .223 semiauto althou it was a mini 14.

[killinmammals]

DPMS does make some fine rifles, no doubt. I have a few of their lowers and all my lower parts kits are DPMS minus triggers which are usually JARD. Double Star has some of the best deals there are and I have yet to find a bad one...plus their customer service is unreal. I deal usually with DS but DPMS is my other choice

[killinmammals]

DANG...a buddy just called me from Louisville, I was going to build an AR for him when he got all the parts together. He just had time to stop by a gun shop and ask about lowers...the guy told him they were running $500 and he would be lucky to find them that price!! WTH...price gougin sobs! I can still get them for $125, although they are backordered!! I have talked to manufacturors too that say the prices haven't gone up....its BS. At a time when you think they would be wanting to stick together, they are rippin people off

[Rabbit Runner]

I just bought a bushmaster ar-15 for 900 dollars counting tax and everything at uncle lee's today. Whittakers was selling anywhere from 1100 and up

[killinmammals]

I just bought a bushmaster ar-15 for 900 dollars counting tax and everything at uncle lee's today. Whittakers was selling anywhere from 1100 and up
You got yourself a deal!:D

[camoxjeep]

I've go with DS also. Got one complete DS and one I built with DS lower and colt upper. I use mine for everything. Also got the ciener 22 kit to go with it. If you can find any lower I would get a few, esp if their on the cheaper side. I cant stand how the gun stores are robbing everyone now. But if someone is willing to spend the cash then what you gonna do. Heck the other day on gunbroker a Noveski stripped lower went for $740. go figure.:eek:

[stalkingbear]

Sounds like I got good deal on my dpms bull barreled flat top rifles then for 699 each,also installed jard triggers and freefloat tubes in em too.:D

[crestliner200]

What is the deal with building your own lower. Do you mean to actually just buy all the aprts and assemble the lower yourself. Never done this. Doesthe parts need to be shipped to a FFL licensed dealer. All i know about them is that an assembled Lower has to be shipped to a FFL licensed person. I'm dumb when it comes to this kinda stuff.:o

[ScoutMan]

Crestliner. They are talking about getting a stripped lower receiver and adding a parts kit to it. You can have the whole gun, minus the stripped receiver, shipped to your house. The receiver is the part that has the serial numbers on it and has to be registered through a dealer. I am new to this also, but have found a lot of good information on the web and from forum members. The website www.ar15.com (http://www.ar15.com) is a good place to start.

[killinmammals]

What is the deal with building your own lower. Do you mean to actually just buy all the aprts and assemble the lower yourself. Never done this. Doesthe parts need to be shipped to a FFL licensed dealer. All i know about them is that an assembled Lower has to be shipped to a FFL licensed person. I'm dumb when it comes to this kinda stuff.:o
The lower has to be shipped to an FFL period...stripped or assembled. Other than the lower you can mail order everything you could possibly need for the gun.
I've been patiently waiting a little over a month now on my next upper from double star...dang I can't wait...I'm like a kid waiting on christmas:D

[AteUp]

Note to self: Never, ever, ever open a thread about evil black rifles because it always starts that irrational rationalizing that I need one.:eek:

[killinmammals]

Note to self: Never, ever, ever open a thread about evil black rifles because it always starts that irrational rationalizing that I need one.:eek:
thats a double negative(or whatever..been awhile since I had english class) but anyway I'll just go ahead and say it cancels itself out...which would mean you do need one:D

[AteUp]

I'm pretty sure when it comes to our toys, we all do some serious irrational rationalizing.;)

[raktrakr]

So, I'm late getting in the AR game. If a complete Rem or Bushmaster for <$1000 is a good entry-level deal, what would it run me to pick up the various components and assemble a rifle myself?A basic "low end" you could probably get done for $600. I've got about $600 in mine, all I need is handguards and stock. Been nickel/dimeing this thing for about 4 yrs now. all Bushmaster except upper reciever and LPK(RRA).

[turkeytalker]

A basic "low end" you could probably get done for $600. I've got about $600 in mine, all I need is handguards and stock. Been nickel/dimeing this thing for about 4 yrs now. all Bushmaster except upper reciever and LPK(RRA).


I agree with raktrakr said. I'd start ordering the big ticket items now (lower, upper) as there will be a wait but i'm thinking prices are doomed to go up in the new year.

[raktrakr]

I agree with raktrakr said. I'd start ordering the big ticket items now (lower, upper) as there will be a wait but i'm thinking prices are doomed to go up in the new year.Yes, get an upper,lower and mags now. The other stuff you can get "like new" or used for a song, leftovers from thier "tacticool" conversions. I've been doing mine one piece at a time,nothing was bought "complete". Just make sure you have the right tools for the job though,armorers wrench,vise block and headspace guage

[steelslinger]

Bought my Armalite M15A4C for $849 @ Whittakers in Feb. A guy I work with liked mine and priced the same gun a week ago there....$1299 (I was not there and don't know if this is fact).

[hunter115]

The black guns are selling like crazy now. If you want one, you better get it now, along with mags and ammo:)

I think DPMS is about as good for the money as any AR-15;)

[WSM Man]

I have two DPMSs, one 223/5.56 and one 6.8spc, and one Colt 223/5.56. I can't tell any difference in shooting them, but the Colt cost a pretty penny more. I've shot Bushmasters, Double Star, and Olympics too. I gotta give a nod to Olympics from my experience, but for the Price, you can't beat a DPMS!;)

[kyfuzzyface]

As of last friday centerfire was COMPLETELY out of AR complete rifles, Stripped Lowers and Parts. That day they said they had orders in to double star but they had no idea if or when they would get them.

Sense then they have taken the prices off the rifles on the website. I would expect a price increase when they get more in.

I doubt you will see anymore stripped lowers for $100 or $699 AR's


I was in Keens Depot in Bardstown today and they have several ARs in stock

[Armorvet]

My best friend and I both just bought DPMS Sportical models from Shooters Supply in Louisville for $827 OUT THE DOOR, 2-30 round mags, hard case, cleaning kit AND a TRUGLO red dot sight. I have already built 2 more DPMS lowers w/4 position stocks total cost=$240 each, at the gun show this past weekend some joker was trying to sell DPMS complete rifles for $1197 when I told him how much I paid I think he almost fainted with a booth full of eager buyers when I announced where and how much! The gun shows are a total joke and you'll be lucky to leave with your shirt, the only thing I have found there worth getting were 30 round mags for $15 brand new.
You just have to know where to buy to get the actual price rather than being butt raped buy greedy dealers.

[Armorvet]

I have two DPMSs, one 223/5.56 and one 6.8spc, and one Colt 223/5.56. I can't tell any difference in shooting them, but the Colt cost a pretty penny more. I've shot Bushmasters, Double Star, and Olympics too. I gotta give a nod to Olympics from my experience, but for the Price, you can't beat a DPMS!;)
How do you like the 6.8 SPC that you have? I'm wanting to complete my other lower in 6.8 but just need someone to shove me over the top to get me there due to the cost of ammo compared to .223

[Armorvet]

Sorry for 3 replies in a row gentlemen, I'm really bored at work right now.
Check out model1sales.com who have complete AR 15 kits IN STOCK READY TO SHIP ( minus the lower of course ) or blackthorneproducts.com but they are on back order for bolt carriers and charging handles, both are very nicely priced kit sales sites. Find a lower for a legit price of $125 and you're in there under $600 no sweat but you won't have any mags or a hard case for it so tack those on top of your kit price.

[mwezell]

Sorry for 3 replies in a row gentlemen, I'm really bored at work right now.
Check out model1sales.com who have complete AR 15 kits IN STOCK READY TO SHIP ( minus the lower of course ) or blackthorneproducts.com but they are on back order for bolt carriers and charging handles, both are very nicely priced kit sales sites. Find a lower for a legit price of $125 and you're in there under $600 no sweat but you won't have any mags or a hard case for it so tack those on top of your kit price.

The last time I spoke with Model 1, they said they had the stuff in stock but that it would be several months before they would be able to ship it out.:eek:---Mike Ezell

[WSM Man]

How do you like the 6.8 SPC that you have? I'm wanting to complete my other lower in 6.8 but just need someone to shove me over the top to get me there due to the cost of ammo compared to .223


I really like it. The ammo is more $, I buy Remington 20 round boxes for about $17, more than twice what you can get cheaper 223 for. But if you buy Remington 223 it is pretty close to the same price as the Remington 6.8SPC. Anyway I had the two 223/5.56s and wanted something different, and I'm happy I got it, it is a better performing round across the board.

223 is usually a 40 or 55gr (some up to about 70grs) while the SPC is a 115gr normally, roughly twice the weight, with similar trajectories (223 is slightly better). While some might not consider it a stellar improvement over the .223, it (the 6.8 SPC) delivers around 44% greater energy than the 5.56 mm NATO (M4 configuration) through the 100-300 meter range, which I believe is a pretty big improvement. It is a good varmit round like the 223, even better for deer hunting (IMHO, but the 223 is fine for this too) and also legal for Elk hunting in KY (bullet diameter is .277) which the .223 is not (< .270).

[Armorvet]

I really like it. The ammo is more $, I buy Remington 20 round boxes for about $17, more than twice what you can get cheaper 223 for. But if you buy Remington 223 it is pretty close to the same price as the Remington 6.8SPC. Anyway I had the two 223/5.56s and wanted something different, and I'm happy I got it, it is a better performing round across the board.

223 is usually a 40 or 55gr (some up to about 70grs) while the SPC is a 115gr normally, roughly twice the weight, with similar trajectories (223 is slightly better). While some might not consider it a stellar improvement over the .223, it (the 6.8 SPC) delivers around 44% greater energy than the 5.56 mm NATO (M4 configuration) through the 100-300 meter range, which I believe is a pretty big improvement. It is a good varmit round like the 223, even better for deer hunting (IMHO, but the 223 is fine for this too) and also legal for Elk hunting in KY (bullet diameter is .277) which the .223 is not (< .270).
Excellent feedback and the info provided is exceptional. Thanks for pushing me over the fence, I've actually already started buying 6.8 as I knew I would ultimately chamber the next one in that config but wasn't positive. The next upper I think I'm going to purchase after this is completed will most likely be the 5.45 russian round that seems to be cheap plinking as long as you don't mind waiting on internet ammo.

[ScoutMan]

I was shopping for stripped lowers at the gun show. It was a joke. $225 was the cheapest I could find one for. Needless to say that I did not buy it. The better deals were from the people walking around, not the dealers. I guess that I picked a bad time to build my first AR.

[Armorvet]

I was shopping for stripped lowers at the gun show. It was a joke. $225 was the cheapest I could find one for. Needless to say that I did not buy it. The better deals were from the people walking around, not the dealers. I guess that I picked a bad time to build my first AR.
If you get close to Louisville give these guys a call, Danny's Gun Repair 502-968-0767, he quoted me $140 for Stag stripped lowers, this place is a little shop with guys with good intentions just trying to make a buck, I would love to sell ya one of my DPMS lowers but they've become part of the family already as we have built them from stripped to complete lowers already.

[ScoutMan]

Thanks for the info Armorvet. I was in Louisville all day today but didnt check your post until now. Its not that far of a drive so I may have to give them a call if other options fall through. I dont know if you are on AR15.com, but Legal Transfers on the equipment exchange is doing a Stag Arms complete kit for $599 shipped. It is minus the lower and mag and is on backorder but seems like a good deal.

[Armorvet]

don't forget to check out Shooters Supply while you're in the area, our DPMS Sportical was $837 out the door with tax, rifle, 2 mags, hard case, cleaning kit and a Truglo red dot scope. They did say that the prices were going up 1st of the year.