Choosing first rifle

[jxh5761]

Hey guys

I currently own 3 handguns and now I am considering buying my first rifle.

I've shot many rifles (roughly 500 rounds of different rifles) so I know i will get an AR15 for sure.

I've always liked the look of a classic AR15. I know this may sound immature but I really care about the looks of the rifle.

The most common barrel length for a typical AR15 seems to be 16" (correct me if I am wrong). What hand guard length should I choose?

This is what I mean by "classy look"

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...00px-HK416.jpg

What's the hand guard length on this HK 416? Somewhere arround 12in?

Thanks guys

[Emptymag]

Classic or classy? That doesn't look very "classic" to me.

This does...



That said, that's the beauty of the AR15 - you can build it the way you want it.


16" is "carbine" length and it's popular because it's the shortest you can go without needing to go the route of a SBR. (short barreled rifle)
18" or 20" are popular rifle length barrels.
Gas tube lengths are typically carbine, mid-length, or rifle and sometimes dictate the length of hand guard used.
Another thing that affects your choice of hand guard is whether you use a "standard" A2 gas block with front sight, or if you use a low profile gas block and run the hand guard over it, and mount a front sight on the hand guard.

It really depends on what you want.

[jthrelf]

The best place to start gathering ideas for your first build would be www.palmettostatearmory.com

You can easily build a classic looking rifle using their parts and assembled uppers for under $500. Of course you can go 'higher quality' with more expensive parts from places like BCM.

Or go ahead and just buy a name brand rifle like a colt 6920 which is pretty classic looking.

[bigandy1966]

16" Thats a mid length carbine, get an AR 15 flat top rifle in 20 hbar"

[P89]

This is classic.

[bigandy1966]

Stocks made by Matel.

[Sgt.K]

This is classic.

QFT

[39flathead]

Classic...

[P89]

Classic...

I recognize that wood pile. That's the equivalent of Em putting a gun in gravel. Are they both slab sides?

[39flathead]

I recognize that wood pile. That's the equivalent of Em putting a gun in gravel. Are they both slab sides?

I had three, sold one to a member here.
Both I have left are like the one pictured above.
(One is at my brothers, I still own it technically although I doubt I'll ever get it back, so I really only have one...)

I'd have to check the dates again, one is '78 and one is '82 iirc.