Need suggestions on AR-15 models <$600

[Sandcut]

I think I've finally decided to enter the AR-15 market. And I have to admit, the amount of info out there is daunting to a newbie. I'm looking for suggestions of available makes/models that folks here have used and find to be reliable, but here's what I'm looking for:

<$600 (will consider up to $700, but still need to buy mags and ammo)

I don't want to build. I want something ready off the shelf. I will learn as I go. And, although unlikely, I may not like ARs and I don't want to sink a lot of money into it at first. There's time for that later.

Iron sights (I would like to have the carry handle configuration, but will entertain flip up sights on a flat top like the M&P15 Sport II if that's all that's out there due to market demand for sticking red dots on everything) I don't want any optics.

Plain, round A2 type forestock. I like plain. I don't need rails to hang stuff off of.


With those constraints, what is out there, in that price range for a plain AR?

[gnbrotz]

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/mp-15-sport-ii

You can find it online from Bud's Gun Shop for just over $500.

I'd browse the S&W site for other models that may be exactly the configuration you're looking for and then price it elsewhere. The model I listed doesn't have the carry handle.

ETA - You may be better off price wise to 'add-on' the carry handle using the commonly provided rail than look for one with the handle "built-in".

[danhr]

Delton AR with two mags $399.99
Attachment 95979
http://grabagun.com/del-ton-dtsport-...-comm-stk.html
Carrying handle/rear sight combo $18
Aim-Sports-Inc-MT017-815879012517.jpg.jpg
https://grabagun.com/aimsports-mt017-ar-det-handle.html

So for around $450 including shipping and FFL fees, you will have a decent AR with carry handle/rear sight and two magazines.

Drop another $250-$350 (depending if you don't mind shooting steel or if you want to get brass cased military ammo) on 1000 rounds of .223/5.56 and you are set.

[esh21167]

S&W M&P for $498 shipped. https://www.gunbuyer.com/smith-and-w...-10202-gb.html

or

Ruger AR556 for $479 + $7.99 shipping. http://grabagun.com/ruger-ar-556-bla...inch-30rd.html

[Emptymag]

I was you in 2007.
Didn't want "rails" or "gadgets" or anything - just a basic carbine.

I didn't want to build one - "It's too complicated". (it's not)

My compromise in order to afford one (they were more expensive back then) was to buy a KIT.
It consisted of a completed upper and all the other loose parts needed to finish a lower - I just needed to supply a stripped lower and assemble the parts.
Easy-peasy. The only part in a "full build" that would require any "special tools" is the assembly of the barrel onto the upper.
All the rest... basic hand tools. I used a pair of channel-lock pliers a little hammer and some tiny screwdrivers in place of punches.
That first carbine was easy. Assemble the lower and slap on the pre-assembled upper. Done.

Once I realized that it was not nearly as complex as I had initially thought, I began building them so I could use the exact parts I wanted.
Luckily a forum member who lives in the area has been cool enough to put the barrel onto a few uppers for me. If I had known I was going to like building these so much I'd have gotten the armorer's wrench and vice block in the beginning and done them all myself.

I found that by building them the way I wanted them I got exactly what I wanted. (well, I'm not wealthy, so I got as close to what I want as I can afford. LOL)
That first carbine mostly collects dust now.

If you chose to do it the way I initially did, you can build a "semi-custom" gun for not a lot of money by assembling a lower and then choosing one of Palmetto State Armory's many complete upper configurations. They come with assorted barrel lengths, handguard styles, different gas length set ups.
You can EVEN buy a completed lower AND a completed upper and slap the two together! I've recently seen sales on those two items that totaled around $500 or less.


All that said, for a basic, no-frills, plain Jane AR15, there has never been a better time to buy a complete carbine than right now.
But consider your options.

[BobFromBucks]

I won a DPMS Panther Oracle 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem 16" AR-15 a couple of weeks ago. It seems well made. Reviews are good and you can buy one for less than $500. I have not run it yet.

[Kid k]

Ruger ar556. 487 shipped. https://grabagun.com/ruger-ar-556-bl...inch-30rd.html

[Emptymag]

This is no longer valid, but this type of deal pops up regularly at PSA.




You can get an Anderson stripped lower for $47 shipped + transfer then add your carry handle if you so choose.

[Emptymag]

Also no longer valid, but was just on sale recently...






$260
+
$130
________
$390

add in $20ish for transfer and whatever you decide for a rear sight.


The deals are INSANE right now.

[bigandy1966]

if you are a member of Spoortsman's guide and they have a double your discount sale, the delton 20" rifle kit with a Anderson blem lower from PSA will drop you under the $5 benjys.
Sigh we are living the good old days...
Remember during those maddening days after shooting incidents when the ARs were around a grand ?