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$1500-2000 M4 build/prebuilt rifle recommendations?
Posted on 4/18/14 at 3:51 am
Posted on 4/18/14 at 3:51 am
I know there have been lots of AR build threads, so please forgive this one. I'm looking to either build or purchase a pre-built M4 rifle. Ultimately I want to put good optics and some accessories like a vertical foregrip, stuff like that, on it, but as of now since this will be my first AR rifle I'm just looking to get the best bang for my buck for a flat out rifle, and I'll add things like optics and stuff later on.
So my price range is ~1500-2000. I've considered Larue, Daniel Defense, POF, Wilson, LWRC, etc. Ideally, I'd like to find a company that offers a fully built rifle rather than building it piece by piece myself.
What do you recommend as far as where I should start out looking, what I should look for, etc.? Also, cartridge recommendations? I'm completely open so it doesn't necessarily have to be 5.56. I'm open to 300 Blackout, 6.8, .308, etc. I'll be upfront with you guys, I'm not up to date on the pros and cons of the various cartridges yet, but I'm beginning my research. Just thought I'd ask for some tips here. I am a beginner when it comes to this platform, but I'm mainly concerned with getting the best rifle for my money right now, and waiting and saving to add optics and accessories that I want later on.
Any advice would be highly appreciated.
Oh, one more thing. I'd like nothing higher than a 16" barrel obviously, although I am considering setting up a gun trust in order to more easily get a SBR. I live in a city so an SBR would be more ideal than a full-size AR platform. Do you think a 16" is fine for urban needs or it might be worth it saving and shelling out more money to get a good SBR?
I know this is a lot of questions and not as linear as I'd like, but perhaps you can help me shape what it is I'm looking for and help me see what's the best approach to take here.
Again, thanks guys for any help.
So my price range is ~1500-2000. I've considered Larue, Daniel Defense, POF, Wilson, LWRC, etc. Ideally, I'd like to find a company that offers a fully built rifle rather than building it piece by piece myself.
What do you recommend as far as where I should start out looking, what I should look for, etc.? Also, cartridge recommendations? I'm completely open so it doesn't necessarily have to be 5.56. I'm open to 300 Blackout, 6.8, .308, etc. I'll be upfront with you guys, I'm not up to date on the pros and cons of the various cartridges yet, but I'm beginning my research. Just thought I'd ask for some tips here. I am a beginner when it comes to this platform, but I'm mainly concerned with getting the best rifle for my money right now, and waiting and saving to add optics and accessories that I want later on.
Any advice would be highly appreciated.
Oh, one more thing. I'd like nothing higher than a 16" barrel obviously, although I am considering setting up a gun trust in order to more easily get a SBR. I live in a city so an SBR would be more ideal than a full-size AR platform. Do you think a 16" is fine for urban needs or it might be worth it saving and shelling out more money to get a good SBR?
I know this is a lot of questions and not as linear as I'd like, but perhaps you can help me shape what it is I'm looking for and help me see what's the best approach to take here.
Again, thanks guys for any help.
This post was edited on 4/18/14 at 3:53 am
7
Posted on 4/18/14 at 4:00 am to Tom288
Daniel Defense
For your first I'd get the 5.56.
Just get a 16" barrel. To get an SBR will take much longer to get everything set up with having to get a trust.
For your first I'd get the 5.56.
Just get a 16" barrel. To get an SBR will take much longer to get everything set up with having to get a trust.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 4:05 am to bbvdd
I appreciate the advice, but I thought one of the major benefits of a trust was that it made that process so much easier. Like you don't need your Chief of Police authorization, no fingerprints, and background check (I think, maybe?) and the process is just really streamlined?
With a trust does it still take like 3-6 months to acquire an SBR?
Again, thanks for the help. I'll check out DD in further detail.
One more question. Any preference on optics? I'm considering two combos: either the ACOG with the deltapoint on top, or the EOTech with a flip up 3x magnifier. I'm kind of leaning toward the latter since I'd assume any potential engagement would be close range where the EOTech would potentially edge out the ACOG, but the flip up magnifier gives you an option for range if you need it. Thoughts?
With a trust does it still take like 3-6 months to acquire an SBR?
Again, thanks for the help. I'll check out DD in further detail.
One more question. Any preference on optics? I'm considering two combos: either the ACOG with the deltapoint on top, or the EOTech with a flip up 3x magnifier. I'm kind of leaning toward the latter since I'd assume any potential engagement would be close range where the EOTech would potentially edge out the ACOG, but the flip up magnifier gives you an option for range if you need it. Thoughts?
Posted on 4/18/14 at 5:14 am to Tom288
I really like BCM and Daniel Defense. You should be able to find a complete BCM for well under 1500. Daniel Defense seems to have increased in price lately, but you still can find them for under $1500.
For your first AR, you should definitely go .223/5.56. Piston guns are great, especially if you're going the SBR/suppressor route... But there are so many great DI guns out there that I haven't spent the money to go down that road yet.
Something like this would do you well... Just throw on a rear sight and upgrade the stock. You can throw on some rail sections and add other accessories too.
LINK
You would still have plenty of money for a good optic. I prefer Aimpoint to Eotech, but you know what they say about opinions. If you could swing an ACOG, that would be a fantastic choice as well.
For your first AR, you should definitely go .223/5.56. Piston guns are great, especially if you're going the SBR/suppressor route... But there are so many great DI guns out there that I haven't spent the money to go down that road yet.
Something like this would do you well... Just throw on a rear sight and upgrade the stock. You can throw on some rail sections and add other accessories too.
LINK
You would still have plenty of money for a good optic. I prefer Aimpoint to Eotech, but you know what they say about opinions. If you could swing an ACOG, that would be a fantastic choice as well.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 6:04 am to Tom288
Form 3s are running 9 months right now. From pending to approved that is. I'm assuming that form 1s are the same.
Why are you setting up a rifle for the "city"? You do realize that the military clears houses in the sandbox with 16" and longer barrels?
I can't get over your wording. "urban needs"
It sounds like this rife is destined to have 14 lasers and 3 VFGs on it. Hopefully it only has 4 flashlights on it though.
Why are you setting up a rifle for the "city"? You do realize that the military clears houses in the sandbox with 16" and longer barrels?
I can't get over your wording. "urban needs"
It sounds like this rife is destined to have 14 lasers and 3 VFGs on it. Hopefully it only has 4 flashlights on it though.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 6:11 am to Ice Cream Sammich
quote:
Why are you setting up a rifle for the "city"? You do realize that the military clears houses in the sandbox with 16" and longer barrels?
I didn't mean the city/urban thing to be taken too strongly/literally. It was more my way of saying I'd prefer a shorter length rifle.
I admit it was bad wording, but I was a little drunk at the time. I only meant I wanted a carbine rather than a full-sized rifle because for me, personally, it would be more comfortable in how I'd want to use it. We lack any good long distance ranges around here so I don't need a full sized AR, everything would be medium to close range.
Believe me, I'm not some douche that's going to have drum mags with a 10x scope, bipod and fake M203 slung underneath.
This post was edited on 4/18/14 at 6:11 am
Posted on 4/18/14 at 6:29 am to Tom288
There are companies that will permanently attach a muzzle device to a 14.5 inch barrel when you purchase... No stamp would then be required.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 8:04 am to Tom288
You have gotten sound advice thus far. If you aren't scared about building one I always recommend that because in the end you don't end up with a box of parts you removed from your "off the shelf" rifle. BCM is tits. I have a 14.5" midlength with a pinned flash hider and it shoots like butter.
Here are BCM complete uppers LINK
Edit: those are JUsT 14.5" midlength uppers. Poke around the site if you are interested in other barrel lengths or gas systems but I highly recommend a midlength, they shoot much smoother than carbine length
Then you could buy a stripped lower and build it as you want
Here are BCM complete uppers LINK
Edit: those are JUsT 14.5" midlength uppers. Poke around the site if you are interested in other barrel lengths or gas systems but I highly recommend a midlength, they shoot much smoother than carbine length
Then you could buy a stripped lower and build it as you want
This post was edited on 4/18/14 at 8:06 am
Posted on 4/18/14 at 8:13 am to Tom288
Honestly, if I wasn't so deep into my gun I'd sell it and get a LMT MRP setup with a couple of different barrels. Can have a SBR and spr just with a barrel swap and zero. I've had multiple uppers before and it gets expensive buying all the parts to complete them all.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 8:46 am to kengel2
kengel, that is not a bad idea either, especially since it sounds like the OP may want an SBR option in the future.
it could also give him the ability to change calibers if he wants. LMT makes their MRP barrels in 5.56, 6.8, .204, and 300BLK
here is mine (the stock has changed over the years but it is the same rifle)
16" piston
18" prairie dog assassin
12" sbr
it could also give him the ability to change calibers if he wants. LMT makes their MRP barrels in 5.56, 6.8, .204, and 300BLK
here is mine (the stock has changed over the years but it is the same rifle)
16" piston
18" prairie dog assassin
12" sbr
Posted on 4/18/14 at 8:55 am to tiddlesmcdiddles
I'm on the road, glad you posted the examples. Exactly, what I was talking about. All you have to do is buy barrels and optics and you are done. Even going from piston to do is easy.
Barrels are pricey, but they are some of the best especially the stainless ones. They use rock creek blanks which is what I used on my bolt gun, very nice barrels.
Barrels are pricey, but they are some of the best especially the stainless ones. They use rock creek blanks which is what I used on my bolt gun, very nice barrels.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 8:56 am to Tom288
If you go the SBR route, go with the .300 BLK. And if you go .300 BLK, go Noveske.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 11:50 am to Tom288
Tom, my man....
With that price range, get a Daniel Defense or BCM. If you want to spend a little more, get a Noveske (my favorite) or Larue.
Since this is your first AR, I would say for you to go with 5.56. If you've ever considered getting a suppressor, then 300blk may be in your future. it's a great round. basically a 30cal bullet in a 5.56 casing, and it is great to shoot suppressed (ESPECIALLY with a short barrel)
You always appear to have plenty of cash to blow, so I would recommend this. For now, get a 16" in 5.56. Make sure you shoot it a lot and that it doesn't sit in the safe collecting dust. If you absolutely love it and want to do more, file your forms/go the trust route, get your lower engraved, and in the eternity you wait for the forms to clear, you can scout around for some short barreled uppers (look for 10.5" or 8" Noveske barrels, ideally) and possibly a suppressor.
If your concern is best rifle for your money right now, just get a 16" Daniel Defense and don't bother with the ATF right now. Shoot with irons for several weeks before you splurge on optics
With that price range, get a Daniel Defense or BCM. If you want to spend a little more, get a Noveske (my favorite) or Larue.
Since this is your first AR, I would say for you to go with 5.56. If you've ever considered getting a suppressor, then 300blk may be in your future. it's a great round. basically a 30cal bullet in a 5.56 casing, and it is great to shoot suppressed (ESPECIALLY with a short barrel)
You always appear to have plenty of cash to blow, so I would recommend this. For now, get a 16" in 5.56. Make sure you shoot it a lot and that it doesn't sit in the safe collecting dust. If you absolutely love it and want to do more, file your forms/go the trust route, get your lower engraved, and in the eternity you wait for the forms to clear, you can scout around for some short barreled uppers (look for 10.5" or 8" Noveske barrels, ideally) and possibly a suppressor.
If your concern is best rifle for your money right now, just get a 16" Daniel Defense and don't bother with the ATF right now. Shoot with irons for several weeks before you splurge on optics
Posted on 4/18/14 at 11:55 am to Carson123987
go with this, bro
LINK
fricking awesome rifle.
I'm not sure if you're opposed to used or not, but if you scout out bayoushooter, m4carbine, and snipershide, you can find some badass rifles with lots of good parts for a discount. Lot of those guys blow a shitload on designer ARs and never use them, so they sell them to make some money back. I'll be on the lookout for you
LINK
fricking awesome rifle.
I'm not sure if you're opposed to used or not, but if you scout out bayoushooter, m4carbine, and snipershide, you can find some badass rifles with lots of good parts for a discount. Lot of those guys blow a shitload on designer ARs and never use them, so they sell them to make some money back. I'll be on the lookout for you
Posted on 4/18/14 at 12:04 pm to Carson123987
Sign up for an account on lightfighter.net lot of pmc guys dump their stuff after deployment on there. Can pick up good plate carriers, chest rigs and other stuff as well. Everyone seems pretty squared away over there too, got to have an account to post and view the forum tho.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 12:24 pm to burgeman
I appreciate it everyone.
And yeah, in my future plans I ultimately want to set up a trust for SBRs and suppressors mainly. So this is definitely the first step toward an ultimate SBR goal.
And yeah, in my future plans I ultimately want to set up a trust for SBRs and suppressors mainly. So this is definitely the first step toward an ultimate SBR goal.
This post was edited on 4/18/14 at 12:27 pm
Posted on 4/18/14 at 12:56 pm to Tom288
I'd get a complete DD and go from there. Great lower for a SBR build and a very accurate upper for anything.
I got mine in 300blk but already put a deposit down on a can. For a first AR I'd always go 5.56.
You won't know the difference between a 14.5 and 16" either. Until you need to thread a can or QD connector on it and can't.
I got mine in 300blk but already put a deposit down on a can. For a first AR I'd always go 5.56.
You won't know the difference between a 14.5 and 16" either. Until you need to thread a can or QD connector on it and can't.
Posted on 4/18/14 at 2:06 pm to Tom288
There's a BCM Jack Carbine on arfcom equipment exchange for $1900 (used). Sweet lil rifle.
ETA: meh, can get em brand new for a couple hundred more off gunbot, guess it's not really a deal.
ETA: meh, can get em brand new for a couple hundred more off gunbot, guess it's not really a deal.
This post was edited on 4/18/14 at 2:12 pm
Posted on 4/18/14 at 3:11 pm to Soul Gleaux
quote:
There's a BCM Jack Carbine on arfcom equipment exchange for $1900 (used). Sweet lil rifle.
want
Posted on 4/18/14 at 4:53 pm to Carson123987
While I've got this thread posted, what's the board's thoughts on optics:
Or forget the extra magnifier and just get a single EOTech or Aimpoint? Also, from just a cursory look through the internet I've read a lot of opinions stating that the Aimpoint is the better optic out of the two and is a lot more reliable. That sound about right?
Or forget the extra magnifier and just get a single EOTech or Aimpoint? Also, from just a cursory look through the internet I've read a lot of opinions stating that the Aimpoint is the better optic out of the two and is a lot more reliable. That sound about right?
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