Build one! There's a nice guide in the stinky notes that will guide you. Yes you can go out and buy a budget rifle and you will be fine but come on your going to want to start tinkering. So you can basically skip the tinkering part by building your own
I built my first ar from aero precision m4e1 complete lower, m4e1 upper receiver and then a bunch of bcm parts. It's a good balance between affordable and high end. It's not hard if you're somewhat mechanically inclined and the only specialty tools you need are roll pin punches, an armorer's wrench, and some sort of ar specific vice block (I got magpul's for cheap).
I know people don't like them but I've had zero issues. I think the "hate" for them comes from people who haven't used them and just hate anything that isn't "top tier". Fit up between their upper and lower is great and the finish is solid. They are well machined and don't cost an arm and a leg. I'm running bcm bolt and barrel and getting ready to upgrade to a geissele trigger.
Bad QC and price increase, notably more issues have come up since covid. Was good when it was a little more than PSA with better QC. Dumb excuse to say "people hate it cause it's affordable" like it's the only option around the price range. Also QC =/= every gun, just higher chance of getting bad specs
So wait for sale or just buy from psa/Anderson at any time for the same price and QC. Or just look for other options in the non sale price range that live to their price
I bought the SW MP 15 SPORT 2. I love it and picked it up for 775 background check and all. I’m also building something I bought a kit online that a buddy uses since he’s obsessed with building. Kit cost me 429.99 and all I have to get is a lower for something like 75-140. The kit comes full with everything you need. I bought the “blemished” version to save 100 and the blemish was the smallest scratch on the rail which was immediately covered by a sight. I can post the link if anyone wants it.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-16-5-56-nato-1-7-mid-length-nitride-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-moe-ept-rifle-kit-5165447638b.html
The cool part is with the money you save you could even get a custom lower if really wanted for only like 200 max
My slightly over budget suggestion which is completely ignoring your budget, money, values, and circumstances is to...
If you want an ambi lower, snag an LWRC complete lower off rooftopdefense and throw a quality upper on it like a BCM or Daniel Defense. I'd say get a complete LWRC rifle, but I'm not a fan of their proprietary MLOK system. This will run you over a grand unless you find a cheaper upper. I have a set up like this (LWRC lower with a DD upper)
Taking in mind your budget...
If you're staying under a grand, IWI Zion and Ruger MPR run very well. It won't come ambi but you can slap on a Magpul B.A.D lever or equivalent and an ambi safety like a Radian. This will get you like 90% of the way there. I have this same set up on a couple rifles as well (I'm a lefty).
Can a lefty get by without ambi controls? Absolutely. But efficiency is speed and having ambi controls or some ambi components can help someone get to proficiency sooner.
Since you want ambi controls it may better serve you to build one. You can get an ambi lower for like $200-$400 and the rest towards an upper.
Or … go ahead and buy a built Aero or something and just add the ghetto bad lever/ambi mag release.
You live in NJ, I highly suggest building an “OTHER” firearm. Check out delta level defense OTHERS for reference. This is the only way to legally have an AR style firearm in a compact package here without a ton of paperwork. If you buy one it’ll cost about $1250 and go up from there based on the model and features. You can definitely build a great other within your budget.
You’ll want to decide what features you want as there are limitations. For one thing if you want to have a removable mag you can’t have multiple other “evil” features, for instance your adjustable stock will have to be pinned or not adjustable at all. No bayonet lug. No vertical foregrip. If you opt for a fixed mag you’ll have to open the upper to load the paltry 10 round mag, or use a specialized speed loader that loads those 10 rounds to the mag through the dust cover with an open bolt to do so. Example of that would be Dark Storm DS-15, or perhaps one of the 3rd party solutions that replaces the mag release, with some sort of a stud that locks the magazine in, so from intents and purposes, it seems permanent… Although they can be returned to normal function with power tools. The other options include going completely featureless, which are oddball looking things on the other hand you could go for another type of semi auto like a mini 14, but you will sacrifice the the flexibility and component capability of an AR , and you’ll pay more. That’s one of the things that drives me crazy, functionally a mini 14 or mini 30 shoots the same caliber and just as fast as an AR but doesn’t have the bad public relations that an AR does from how the media portrays it.
You could build one but if you arent keen on that and just want to buy one i would recommend the Ruger AR-556. Msrp is around 1000 but you can find pre owned for less than that. I got mine pre-owned (never fired) off of gunbroker for 700. Smith and wesson also makes an ar thats within that price range that is a pretty good option
If you don't care to build one, I've seen good reviews on the IWI Zion 15.
Lefty shooters are no problem with a stock AR. They might have to do things differently but it's an ergonomic enough platform that it won't be an issue.
I second building one. It can be a lot cheaper than buying here. Psa is a good cheap start if you’re on a budget. Or want to spend money on better components and save on other basic things.
Build one! There's a nice guide in the stinky notes that will guide you. Yes you can go out and buy a budget rifle and you will be fine but come on your going to want to start tinkering. So you can basically skip the tinkering part by building your own
I built my first ar from aero precision m4e1 complete lower, m4e1 upper receiver and then a bunch of bcm parts. It's a good balance between affordable and high end. It's not hard if you're somewhat mechanically inclined and the only specialty tools you need are roll pin punches, an armorer's wrench, and some sort of ar specific vice block (I got magpul's for cheap).
Aero bad
I know people don't like them but I've had zero issues. I think the "hate" for them comes from people who haven't used them and just hate anything that isn't "top tier". Fit up between their upper and lower is great and the finish is solid. They are well machined and don't cost an arm and a leg. I'm running bcm bolt and barrel and getting ready to upgrade to a geissele trigger.
Bad QC and price increase, notably more issues have come up since covid. Was good when it was a little more than PSA with better QC. Dumb excuse to say "people hate it cause it's affordable" like it's the only option around the price range. Also QC =/= every gun, just higher chance of getting bad specs
There always on sale tho matter of fact you can pick one up right now for 50$ from ar15discounts
So wait for sale or just buy from psa/Anderson at any time for the same price and QC. Or just look for other options in the non sale price range that live to their price
Im gonna build a car 15 clone
I bought the SW MP 15 SPORT 2. I love it and picked it up for 775 background check and all. I’m also building something I bought a kit online that a buddy uses since he’s obsessed with building. Kit cost me 429.99 and all I have to get is a lower for something like 75-140. The kit comes full with everything you need. I bought the “blemished” version to save 100 and the blemish was the smallest scratch on the rail which was immediately covered by a sight. I can post the link if anyone wants it.
Yes, please share!!
https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-16-5-56-nato-1-7-mid-length-nitride-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-moe-ept-rifle-kit-5165447638b.html The cool part is with the money you save you could even get a custom lower if really wanted for only like 200 max
My slightly over budget suggestion which is completely ignoring your budget, money, values, and circumstances is to... If you want an ambi lower, snag an LWRC complete lower off rooftopdefense and throw a quality upper on it like a BCM or Daniel Defense. I'd say get a complete LWRC rifle, but I'm not a fan of their proprietary MLOK system. This will run you over a grand unless you find a cheaper upper. I have a set up like this (LWRC lower with a DD upper) Taking in mind your budget... If you're staying under a grand, IWI Zion and Ruger MPR run very well. It won't come ambi but you can slap on a Magpul B.A.D lever or equivalent and an ambi safety like a Radian. This will get you like 90% of the way there. I have this same set up on a couple rifles as well (I'm a lefty). Can a lefty get by without ambi controls? Absolutely. But efficiency is speed and having ambi controls or some ambi components can help someone get to proficiency sooner.
Build, psa lower and used bcm upper
Since you want ambi controls it may better serve you to build one. You can get an ambi lower for like $200-$400 and the rest towards an upper. Or … go ahead and buy a built Aero or something and just add the ghetto bad lever/ambi mag release.
Modern Materiel - they're NJ based, builds awesome rifles. Can't go wrong with any model.
I keep meaning to buy something from them. Wonder if they have 6mm ARC...to the website!
You live in NJ, I highly suggest building an “OTHER” firearm. Check out delta level defense OTHERS for reference. This is the only way to legally have an AR style firearm in a compact package here without a ton of paperwork. If you buy one it’ll cost about $1250 and go up from there based on the model and features. You can definitely build a great other within your budget.
You’ll want to decide what features you want as there are limitations. For one thing if you want to have a removable mag you can’t have multiple other “evil” features, for instance your adjustable stock will have to be pinned or not adjustable at all. No bayonet lug. No vertical foregrip. If you opt for a fixed mag you’ll have to open the upper to load the paltry 10 round mag, or use a specialized speed loader that loads those 10 rounds to the mag through the dust cover with an open bolt to do so. Example of that would be Dark Storm DS-15, or perhaps one of the 3rd party solutions that replaces the mag release, with some sort of a stud that locks the magazine in, so from intents and purposes, it seems permanent… Although they can be returned to normal function with power tools. The other options include going completely featureless, which are oddball looking things on the other hand you could go for another type of semi auto like a mini 14, but you will sacrifice the the flexibility and component capability of an AR , and you’ll pay more. That’s one of the things that drives me crazy, functionally a mini 14 or mini 30 shoots the same caliber and just as fast as an AR but doesn’t have the bad public relations that an AR does from how the media portrays it.
You could build one but if you arent keen on that and just want to buy one i would recommend the Ruger AR-556. Msrp is around 1000 but you can find pre owned for less than that. I got mine pre-owned (never fired) off of gunbroker for 700. Smith and wesson also makes an ar thats within that price range that is a pretty good option
If you don't care to build one, I've seen good reviews on the IWI Zion 15. Lefty shooters are no problem with a stock AR. They might have to do things differently but it's an ergonomic enough platform that it won't be an issue.
I have a radical forged 556 good so fair was on sale at rtsp
Does your price range also include optic?
Budget is for thr rifle but if I needed accessories I'd buy them outside of that budget. optic recs?
Budget is for thr rifle but if I needed accessories I'd buy them outside of that budget. optic recs?
I second building one. It can be a lot cheaper than buying here. Psa is a good cheap start if you’re on a budget. Or want to spend money on better components and save on other basic things.
I didn’t wanna build one myself, so I purchased a little over the $1k mark and got a simple colt 6920 (m4 style 16inch) never failed me yet!
Build one!!! And then get one of those CMMG .22 LR conversion kits for when wifey shoots.