Thinking about an AR-15

[KubotaSteve]

Two guns I have always wanted was a .45 ACP and a AR-15 not quite sure why. Thanks to you guys I bought the .45 ACP (Springfield XD-45). It is an awesome gun and everyone that has shot it has commented how nice it was to shoot. The wife is finally coming around on her feelings about guns (she actually wants to learn to shoot them) and I am looking into getting an AR-15. The wife called the local gun store and they have 3 in stock ranging from $845 up to $1400.
I always like to do plenty of research. I have been checking out some of the AR-15 websites, but wanted to get opinions from people here that I know and trust. Anything in particular I should look for or want to get on it. This will be used mainly for shooting targets or take out a groundhog here or there . Let the comments roll.

 

[Kendall69]

GunBroker.com guns: Bushmaster XM15 AR-15 ar15 ar 15 Modular Carbine (item: 80989519 ends: Sep-26-07 06:28:53 PM)

 

[KubotaSteve]

I'm going to stay with the local gun store where I got my .45. I just don't like dealing with all the hassle on the shipping stuff for firearms.
I'm looking more for specifics on what to look at such as the different types of stocks, scopes, lights, etc. It's going to be a nice show piece that I target shoot with every once in a while.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[RonMar]

It really depends on what you want to use it for. Those 3 prices quoted to your wife were probably from lowest to highest:
Plain basic AR

Mid grade, perhaps configured to be more carryable/maneuverable in close quarters(collapsable stock, modified forend and different/additional sight options).

Match grade AR. (adjustable rear stock/cheekpiece, Heavy barrel, different sight options/flat topped upper receiver and different forend).

From what you describe as a possible use you would probably be very happy with the basic AR. I think both you and your wife would find it very shootable. The addition of an optical sight would make it a groundhogs worst nightmare. Unless you are planning on getting into highpower competition or specifically getting one configured for close quarters/night work, then you could save a few bucks. The beauty of this particular firearm is there are a wealth of aftermarket modifications you can do later if your needs/wants change.

 

[Skyco]

Picking an AR is like picking a tractor...
Personally I've been very pleased with my Bushmaster and my Kubota

 

[Tractors4u]

Picking an AR is like picking a tractor...
Personally I've been very pleased with my Bushmaster and my Kubota

I have the Bushmaster XM15 that I have been very pleased with. My wife has also fired and enjoyed it. The telescoping stock is nice. If you wife is small with short arms, the tele-stock is nice.

 

[MrJimi]

AR-15 is a fine choice but I went with a stainless Ruger Mini 14 .223 caliber and I polished it like chrome, it looks like it belongs in a parade but is mean as heck, I bought a Butler Creek folding stock and now I look like A-Team
with a real accurate firearm
and I liked it so much, I also bought a Ruger Mini 30, 7.62 round and did same to it
Jim

 

[Todd_C]

I have several ARs (Colt, DPMS, and Rock River). I like my Rock River Tactical Entry model the best (16" barrel with retracting stock). Rock River ARs come with a match trigger installed and all 223 guns are guranteed for accuracy. The Bushmaster is also a great gun.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have several ARs (Colt, DPMS, and Rock River). I like my Rock River Tactical Entry model the best (16" barrel with retracting stock). Rock River ARs come with a match trigger installed and all 223 guns are guranteed for accuracy. The Bushmaster is also a great gun.

I also have a Rock River Arms (RRA) Entry Tactical...same gun as Todd.
It ain't the cheapest or most expensive but it's a darn nice rifle.
Before I bought it, I looked at a used Bushmaster and a new Stag. I almost went for the Stag since you can get them in left hand configurations...but I definitely liked the RRA the most.

Unless you're match shooting, I d not suggest a match grade rifle. Had one (DPMS). Nice gun, but ammo finicky. I wanted something I can use surplus 5.56 ammo in.

 

[Skyco]

AR-15 is a fine choice but I went with a stainless Ruger Mini 14 .223 caliber and I polished it like chrome, it looks like it belongs in a parade but is mean as heck, I bought a Butler Creek folding stock and now I look like A-Team
with a real accurate firearm
and I liked it so much, I also bought a Ruger Mini 30, 7.62 round and did same to it
Jim

Have a Mini 30 SS here too....ain't been real happy with it. Mainly because it won't fire about 40% of the Russian Wolf elcheapo ammo...firing pin strikes too light. Put in an extra power Wolff hammer spring and got it where it only misfires 20%. The Russian ammo has hard primers and works 100% in the 60 year old design AK- Kinda stinks since the Mini 30 costs 2x what my AK did and isn't as reliable I reload brass with normal primers just for the Mini 30 to make it affordable to shoot.

BTW my BM AR is the flattop with front sight...I like the versatility, I can swap on a carry handle with rear sight or put on a scope/red dot/laser without the hassle of a fixed carry handle in the way