[bruce101]

First off thanks for taking the time to look at this.

I'm not completely new to the ar platform I'm in the military and run a colt m4, but doing all this research is starting to get me confused... Just a few things like 1/7, 1/8, 1/9 twist , chrome lined barrel, pencil thick barrel .....ect ect...

Basically I need a quick rundown on a ar15.. I want a good one that can take a beating at shooting schools and be tough enough to last a Long time as my go too gun when **** hits the fan... But I don't want to drop a hole lot of money on one at the moment.

What are the good brands to stick with and what are the iffy ones to stay away from...I would like to have a low gas block cause I plan on putting a troy, Daniel defense, or noveske free float rail on it.

Here's what I want to build/ make it look like..

[jjfuller1]

Well building is easier than it sounds and a great way to get the look and functions you want. At the current time it's hard to find any rifles or parts . You just need to keep your eyes open. I say start with the stripped lower. Look to PSA, stag, DD, spikes tactical.

The barrel twist is a guideline for what weight of bullets should shoot the best. The faster 1/7 twist should in theory be better for heavier 75gr bullets than say a lighter 50 or 55gr bullet. But the 1/9 is better for light bullets. It's not always a guaranteed thing but generally true.

[longunner]

Read the stickies they have a bunch of good info about barrel twists and recommended bullet grain weight for each. As for a quality AR you won't get anything now for a reasonable price unless you're lucky. If you wait till prices go back to normal you could get two for the price you're paying for one these days.

[ScottA]

Check out the stickies in the AR section. It is a wealth of information and will answer most of your questions.

[bluez]

I also recommend you read the AR15 stickies.

Having said that while many snobs claim 1 in 7 is superior for all but the most exotic heavy loads is just as good and may be marginally better for the most common 55 grain ammo.

I currently own one with a 2 in 9 barrel, and 2 w/ a 1 in 7 barrell and i cannot discern a difference on the range with different rounds ( of course I stick to the most common loads only such as 55 gr and 62 gr but that is what 90% of ppl shoot)

if you are going to shooting schools you mgith want to look at a high end one.
Those actually have not risen as much in price as entry level guns.

[Quentin]

Do you want an M4gery, pretty much a semiauto M4? The Colt 6920 is a civilian legal form of the M4 you now carry, except for SA and a 16" barrel. Their 6720 is the same except for a pencil barrel.

I like the 16" pencil barrel but at 16" prefer the midlength gas length which is 2" longer than the carbine length gas which is perfect on the 14.5" M4. I'd say look hard at a BCM and Daniel Defense because Colt doesn't offer a middy. Other brands to consider for a patrol/duty rifle: LMT, Noveske, PSA, Sionics, Spikes and a few more. Colt of course if you want carbine length gas. I'd stay away from Bushmaster, DPMS, Oly, DTI, Windham and other commercial spec'd ARs

Anyway, 1/7" twist; chrome lined pencil barrel, chamber and bolt carrier; milspec materials and measurements are the way to go.

PSA is the best bang for the buck now but of course times are tough for the AR buyer now. Remember you can put together the parts of your choice yourself. Not hard at all.

[locutus]

What Quentin said.

I have the Colt 6940 with TA31H ACOG. IMHO, the way to go.

[Quentin]

Originally Posted by locutus

... I have the Colt 6940 with TA31H ACOG. IMHO, the way to go.

Excellent configuration, Locutus!

[bluez]

Remeer folks. our guns DO NOT fire full auto. so having a less than milspec gun means little for our applications.
Heat load from full auto is what neccessiates those higher specs for the military

Having said tha,t the old 3 Tier system is no longer valid as many of the so called "tier 3" brands have the same or nearly same specs now in thier better models.

You can get a rifle from Delton that has 4150 steel, CL chamber an dbarrell. MPI/HPT bolts etc etc for 700 dollars (pre bubble price).
Is the finishs as nice as a RRA or a DD? No but I dont think everyone cars about that.

I own a Daniel Defense DDM4V5 and a SIG516 because i enjoy something really nice and expensive with beautiful finish and can easily afford such guns.

But I dont want to send people that are on a budget on a wild goose chase for high dollar $$ brands by making them think enty level AR's are not good enough. They <are> good enough.

if you are on a budget the big entry level brands Delton, DPMS and such, are fanastic guns and likely better quality than what the US military got from Colt in the 70's.

And its not like the "better" brands are immune from problems:

I just bought a Smith & Wesson MP15 MOE (which I had ordered before the bubble) and this is considered a high Tier 2 or even low Tier 1 gun by many.

And the Front sight post was crooked!!!!
On the S&W!

But both Deltons I have owned had zero problems , the uppers where not beautifully finsihed, but they shot straight and the FST was straight, and they had the right specs too.

[PrimePorkchop]

based on your picture, you'll want to get:

Magpul AFG

The optic looks like an Aimpoint...what exact model I don't know and I could be wrong, it's just what popped in my head when I saw it. But my personal opinion would be to go with an EOtech. I have an EXPS 2-0 and love it.

If want my OPINION - get a Colt.

I own an LE6940 and I love it. Beyond belief.

Others will have differing opinions, but opinions are all you're going to get to go by. Everyone has different needs and circumstances, all of which have to be taken into consideration when picking a rifle.