Welcome to TheOhioOutdoors
Wanting to join the rest of our members? Login or sign up today!
Login / Join

AR recommendation

Schu72

Well-Known Member
3,864
113
Streetsboro
Not review, but looking for a recommendation. I'm considering getting a pair of ARs for the boys. Not looking to break the bank, but I don't want junk either. Any "value" ARs out there? I've read some reviews on line, but looking for personal experiences from the members .
 

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,915
274
Appalachia
I have a DPMS Panther in 5.56/.223 that didn't break the bank and has served me well as a 100-200 yard plinker. I'm not an AR "guy" though, so there'll be plenty of opinions here that are worth much more than mine. @Mike and @Beentown come to mind as a couple resident experts on the platform.
 

Beentown

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,740
154
Sunbury, OH
Best in slot for value I say Palmetto State Armory. I have/had many and never an issue. Problem looking right now is getting what you want and availability is going to be VERY difficult. I am trying to build a 12.5" with handguard over barrel for a suppresor which I am ordering this week.

For factory guns that are more well known it is hard to beat Colt, Spikes, DD, BCM, LMT, Noveske, etc... But you are going to pay a premium.

What I recommend doing? Get an upper/lower combo from a place like Aero Precision or PSA and then build it with the boys, piece by piece as it comes available with exactly what you want. I also recommend fingering as many rifles as possible before doing so. That way you know what you like. A heavy barrel is great for yotes/long range but is super taxing when transitioning between mutiple targets, quickly.

Are you going to the get together this weekend? I am planning to attend one day and can bring some examples for them. 18" barrels down to 10.5" These are what I have laying beside me outside the safe (was cleaning). All parts assemblies.
 

Attachments

  • 20200721_095714.jpg
    20200721_095714.jpg
    174.6 KB · Views: 215

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Mostly plinking and maybe a little piece of mind.
I’d say about any of them will do that job. Parts are all interchangeable if you wanted to upgrade in the future. See if you can find something in your price range first. Then TOO could give you opinions and experiences on that.
 

Schu72

Well-Known Member
3,864
113
Streetsboro
Best in slot for value I say Palmetto State Armory. I have/had many and never an issue. Problem looking right now is getting what you want and availability is going to be VERY difficult. I am trying to build a 12.5" with handguard over barrel for a suppresor which I am ordering this week.

For factory guns that are more well known it is hard to beat Colt, Spikes, DD, BCM, LMT, Noveske, etc... But you are going to pay a premium.

What I recommend doing? Get an upper/lower combo from a place like Aero Precision or PSA and then build it with the boys, piece by piece as it comes available with exactly what you want. I also recommend fingering as many rifles as possible before doing so. That way you know what you like. A heavy barrel is great for yotes/long range but is super taxing when transitioning between mutiple targets, quickly.

Are you going to the get together this weekend? I am planning to attend one day and can bring some examples for them. 18" barrels down to 10.5" These are what I have laying beside me outside the safe (was cleaning). All parts assemblies.
While I think doing a build with them would be an awesome experience, I'm not sure how practical it would be with our schedules and lack of knowledge. And although I wouldn't say I'm in a huge hurry, the limited availability and approaching election are both weighing on my mind.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Military guys build these...the Dumbass kid on a 3 day drunk.

You basically have to tear it down and rebuild it every time you shoot them, just for cleaning.

It ain’t that hard.
 

Smawgunner

Junior Member
223
61
Athens
Honestly I don’t think you’ll find an AR piece of junk for just plinking so just find a good deal. It’s not like one brand has a design flaw, they’re all interchangeable. If you want plinking fun...get the M&P 15-22. Shoots .22 and ergonomically is exactly like an AR. I like to shoot it more than my .223 ARs!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Big H

oz1195

Junior Member
66
37
Smith and Wesson makes good stuff. I run one for work. S&W makes the sports model that is very reliable. I’ve heard good things about the Springfield Saints . Just like the others have said BCM is really good too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5Cent

5Cent

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
12,332
212
North Central Ohio
I enjoy my entry level Ruger 556 with the delta ring that doesn't require tools.

My next will prolly be another Ruger for a backup that is the same, then someday hope to add a Saint to match with my 2 XDMs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: OhioWhiteTails

Wildlife

Denny
Supporting Member
5,248
191
Ross County, Ohio
Not knowing what you're looking for, I just did a quick on-line search for 223/556.

https://www.sgammo.com/product/223-...j-m193-imi-ammo-made-israel-military-industri

For optics or any gun related accessories, I recommend that you become a member to the following. No up front cost to join and you will get excellent deal offers towards top tier gun products. I receive daily emails from them with some hard to pass up deals.

https://www.dvor.com/?utm_source=ev...0_00&pdata=366451702f3136476632742f5852446b43

My particular preferred ammunition has been the biggest challenge to acquire since March of this year. Whenever I find it, I buy it up right away, and usually in bulk amounts. As each month passes, it has become even more of a challenge to find. Ammo prices have been steadily increasing each new month as well.

Good luck in finding what you're looking for!
 

Strizzi

Junior Member
308
65
Definitely look into a smith and Wesson M&P, Ruger, or PSA. They will give you the best bang for your buck.

Just noticed you found some Rugers. Excellent choice, I have one and it’s ran flawless since I’ve bought it. Ammo is tough to find but still obtainable check out SGAMMO and ammoseek. I’ve been luck enough to find a few deals rivaling pre-corona prices.