just bought my first AR, but now i have a few questions....

[krisgolden2007]

Hello everyone,
So this past weekend I finaly bought myself a DPMS AR-15. I've never owned an AR-15 before and I'm just in shock of all the accesories there is for this platform... (I thought there ws alot of upgrades for my 1911, BUT WOW i never knew there where this many for a AR!!!!)

The first question I have is what model exactly is it? Im thinking its the Panther AP4 Carbine (its just really looks the same). The reason i ask is becasue the tag on the gun and my reciept says APA4.. and I've looked on the DPMS web site and either I'm over looking it or what but im not seeing a APA4. Mine is 16" barrel if that helps. I'll hopefully try and attatch a photo.

The next question I have is, I would like to change the hand guard from the stock one to one with accessory rails, I dont know what im looking for because I've seen theres mid length, carbine length, etc..... The stock one is appox 6" in length. And besides the big price difference I've seen, what is the difference in the free floating and not floating hand guards.

I bought this gun becasue I like the look and feel of an AR, it's mainly for target shooting and home protection. So if anyone has any suggestions o advice on accesories or upgrades I'd gladly like to hear them seeings how I have no idea how im going to accesorize it yet..

Thanks for your help
Kris

[winchester70]

That is a carbine length hand guard and a free float tube is attached to the barrel nut and does not touch the barrel there for giving better accuracy I personally like Yankee Hill Machine www.yhm.net prices are good.

[ungawa]

It's fine the way it is.

[Xringshooter]

You've not owned an AR before. Why not just shoot it a while and get to know it and its capabilities before spending a bunch of money to hang a bunch of stuff on it? You may find that you really don't want/need to change it.

[ungawa]

Just an FYI, those magazines in the pic look black. Not sure what they are. Pick up a couple new military contract mags. They're about $12 each.

[NightRocker]

Nice Rifle, Congrats on your first AR-15!!! Don't forget plenty of Ammo. They also tend to multiply! lol.

[ungawa]

That is indeed a very nice looking rifle.

I'm contemplating getting one very similar in layout.

[krisgolden2007]

The mags in the pics came with the gun. I was looking into buying a few magpul pmag mags. They seem afforadable and have great reviews with durability. Like I said im not sure what I want to do just yet with the gun, prolly wont do much to it till this summer after I get a few 100 rounds thru it and see if I want to change anything or not.
Thanks tho for the carbine length awnser
Kris

[arjohnson]

Take it out and shoot it as is, then you can go any direction when your ready. You can add a rail, optics, sling, and configure it anyway you like.

[tdyoung58]

Good looking AR

Before you buy anything shoot it a while..... Also get the AR catalog from Brownell's

They're free

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2.../AR_15_CATALOG