[hickracefan]

Hi! I have been deer, turkey, and small game hunting my entire life and just starting to get into predator hunting. I'm looking into getting an AR-15 calibered in .223/5.56, as i believe my .300WSM to be a little big for this task and .22WMR on the smaller side! I been looking at the Bushmaster's online, but they're pretty pricey, wanting a good, reliable firearm that won't break the bank. Anyone have any reccommendations?

[trip286]

I recently went to palmetto state armory's site and built one in the "shopping cart" I think my total price came to about $690. It wasn't a predator rifle, I found the parts that would get me as close to an M16A2 as I could, but it would do the job.

I highly recommend doing the same. Go to their site, look at the rifle kits which are lacking only the stripped lower. Shop around a bit there, and you'll have some ideas hit you in the head like a brick, I promise.

By the way, I haven't bought it yet, and don't know for sure if I will, but I really like the package I put together, and its much cheaper than the 1911 that I've been wanting.

[hickracefan]

Originally Posted by trip286

I recently went to palmetto state armory's site and built one in the "shopping cart" I think my total price came to about $690. It wasn't a predator rifle, I found the parts that would get me as close to an M16A2 as I could, but it would do the job.

I highly recommend doing the same. Go to their site, look at the rifle kits which are lacking only the stripped lower. Shop around a bit there, and you'll have some ideas hit you in the head like a brick, I promise.

By the way, I haven't bought it yet, and don't know for sure if I will, but I really like the package I put together, and its much cheaper than the 1911 that I've been wanting.

I actually checked out a Smith&Wesson M&P15 Sport and fell in love with it, expecially for the price! I do not need a $1000 gun with all the bells and whistles as it will not see combat, haha! It's just gunna be a gun to target shoot with and hunt coyotes and such! Do you know any good websites that have a lot of accessories and such?

[hickracefan]

Originally Posted by hickracefan

I actually checked out a Smith&Wesson M&P15 Sport and fell in love with it, expecially for the price! I do not need a $1000 gun with all the bells and whistles as it will not see combat, haha! It's just gunna be a gun to target shoot with and hunt coyotes and such! Do you know any good websites that have a lot of accessories and such?

I have not bought the gun as there is a gun show in town next weekend and want to check out some other brands there and just compare and see what feels better to me...

[Sniper03]

racefan,

Trip has the right idea.
Build your own a lower with an A-2 Stock to save a few bucks and it is fine for a varmint or predator rifle for hunting. Then go shopping for a good Predator Varmint upper from Rock River, Stag, Bushmaster or one of the other reputable weapon companies and put it together. If you shop around sometime dealers have great prices on good name brand uppers. You need to buy one complete with Bolt Carrier and Bolt in it. They can also send you the upper in the mail since only the receiver is restricted. I would also recommend a 1:9 or 1:8 twist barrel. You could have one fine predator gun built for around $850. You can always add on extras later as you have some extra $$$. Like a 2 stage NM Trigger for example for around a $100 later. One thing to remember if you are actualy predator hunting and doing a lot of moving and walking I would recommend you stay away from the real heavy varmint barrels. They have predator weight barrels available that are very accurate and easier to handle and tote around. Just for information, take a look at the Rock River Web Site at the Predator or Coyote Model rifles to give you and Idea of what you may want to build. The were designed for predator hunters. We will be glad to assist on your build. There are many here on the FTF that know their stuff when it comes to ARs. Dillinger, Trip, C3 and the list goes on! By the way M&A Parts can also fix you up with a good predator upper and parts. If you would call them tell them the LT. sent you and to take care of you! I do not work for them I just know them!

03

[Catfish]

You will want to get a match trigger in what ever you get as the standard triggers in AR`s really scuks. Also, get one with a gas block and not a frount sight on it, an stay away from the clapsible stocks. I learned all of these things the hard, or should I say, the expencive way. Mine wears a 3 x 9 Leupold on it and after several years I findly shot at a coyote with it set on something other than 3X. It was 300 yrds out befor I got the first shot off and I got 6 off between there and 500 yrds. I think I got lucky and put the 3 rd. shot in the left hind quater, but did not get it.

[purehavoc]

Hickracefan, Like stated above take a look at the Palmetto stuff , excellent quality , good customer service from what I hear I havent had to use it . and the price is right
I have exactly $819 in my gun the way its pictured with the red dot and BUIS and that was with my transfer fee.
That should leave you with plenty of money for about 750 rounds of .223

[hickracefan]

Thanks for all the insight you have provided me with! I'm new to these type of guns and want something different besides all the bolt and lever actions rifles I have. I never realized they were as customizable as they are. I'm going to take all your advice and do some more research! I will be sure to let you guys know what i decide to do and ask for more help as i need it, haha! Thanks again!

[hickracefan]

Oh and one more thing that i just remembered...i suppose it a little early for this but does the barrel break in period involve. I believe it involves alot of cleaning the barrel?

[Cattledog]

Check out the a-15 buyers guide on the articles section.

A-First-Time-Buyers-Guide-to-the-AR15
It'll seem like its more than you ever wanted to know.... keep on the AR-forums . theres more