Calling all you gun lovers!

[ReeferBob]

For your first AR I suggest you build it yourself. Not entirely - do an "urban" build. Buy a stripped lower for @$100 (or less), then get a lower parts kit for another $100 (or less). Then a stock for $50, then a complete upper with bolt carrier group for under $500 (I got a decent one for under $300 shipped from PSA). Don't forget a basic set of armorer's brass punches (with nipples) and gun oil. Everything except the lower can be purchases over the counter or the Internet. You'll have a good, basic shooter and be more knowledgeable about your firearm. It is quite easy to build them the learning curve is super low. By buying the upper assembled, really all you are doing is putting a few parts in the lower anyway. Youtube videos will more than suffice. For your next and subsequent ARs (yes, they are addictive) you can consider building your upper, which is more technically challenging.

 

[Breadman03]

Since you mentioned hunting, I will suggest that you check your local game regulations. Semi's aren't allowed for hunting in PA, though I think there are a couple exceptions.

I'm generally a Ruger fan, though I will also be the first to say that all of your big-name manufacturers are good. You really can't go wrong either way. The only real input I can give is that Ruger's customer service is top notch. They will take care of you if there are any issues.

I suggest that everyone gets some quality training on firearms safety. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but find someone responsible who can provide solid instruction. If you're near me, we could meet at a local range and go over the basics.

 

[Defiant Arms]

just build one if you have any mechanical aptitude you should be able to do it easily :)

look at palmetto state armory if they are still around I've been overseas for awhile so don't know if they are or not.

pm me when you decide what you want i hold a ffl and can hep on what you should pay

 

[Defiant Arms]

also check out CDNN its a company out of texas but they ship all over and have really good deals

 

[ndz98]

@ReeferBob @Defiant Arms my first choice was to build an AR and buy all the parts from PSA. Little did I know about the weird rules that are in place. I can't order and of the lower reciever without being 21. I read on why that is and apparently it is because it can be converted to some kind of pistol. But you can buy a rifle at 18 and take it apart if you really wanted an individual part. Makes sense lol. The other way I look at it too is that I don't know enough about what I would like better in a gun to start building one to my preference. If I buy a quality gun that's already assembled, I can see what I would like better and possibly add on to the one I have or just do a complete new build on my own when I turn 21.

 

[ndz98]

Since you mentioned hunting, I will suggest that you check your local game regulations. Semi's aren't allowed for hunting in PA, though I think there are a couple exceptions.

I'm generally a Ruger fan, though I will also be the first to say that all of your big-name manufacturers are good. You really can't go wrong either way. The only real input I can give is that Ruger's customer service is top notch. They will take care of you if there are any issues.

I suggest that everyone gets some quality training on firearms safety. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but find someone responsible who can provide solid instruction. If you're near me, we could meet at a local range and go over the basics.

I researched to see if it was legal to hunt with in the state of TN and it is.

The customer service is a big part that I had in mine too and I always heard they did have good service. Only thing that I heard differs between Ruger and S&W is the warranty.

 

[Defiant Arms]

instead of buying a stripped lower buy a built lower with a stock that should get around that pistol law thing you spoke of..

 

[ZJedi945]

Between those 2, I would say the Smith. I have a spike tactical that I built and I love it. They cost a little more and can be hard to get but it's worth it. OR you could get a Tavor :D

 

[kateater]

Like defiant arms said buy a complete rifle lower from PSA. I love PSA premium uppers and the money you say you can actually upgrade to a CHF cold hammer forged. I would stay away from the 1:9 twist M&P as it doesn't like the heavier bullets 62gr and up.

 

[ndz98]

@Defiant Arms @kateater unfortunately still have to be 21

 

[Defiant Arms]

This is as tacticool as it gets :)

 

[ndz98]

What do you guys think about those Ruger American Predator Rifles? They don't seem like bad guns for the price from what I've read on them.

 

[srad750c]

If you want to shoot for fun, save yourself some cash. Get a CZ 455 varmint in .22 LR with Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 scope. You won't be sorry[emoji3]

 

[Defiant Arms]

Or a ruger 10/22

My advice is decide exactly what you want functions form etc. because I'm not going to tell you to get a Larue PredetAR when a bushmaster will suffice

 

[srad750c]

What do you guys think about those Ruger American Predator Rifles? They don't seem like bad guns for the price from what I've read on them.

Ruger is excellent, I have a M77 Mark2 in 7mm magnum, works every time.

 

[ReeferBob]

@ReeferBob @Defiant Arms my first choice was to build an AR and buy all the parts from PSA. Little did I know about the weird rules that are in place. I can't order and of the lower reciever without being 21. I read on why that is and apparently it is because it can be converted to some kind of pistol. But you can buy a rifle at 18 and take it apart if you really wanted an individual part. Makes sense lol. The other way I look at it too is that I don't know enough about what I would like better in a gun to start building one to my preference. If I buy a quality gun that's already assembled, I can see what I would like better and possibly add on to the one I have or just do a complete new build on my own when I turn 21.

"Quality" is a little relative since they are all milspec so theoretically, equal, or at least all at a minimum quality level. My regular shooter is a Rock River arms that I built myself (All RRA parts) but I just built a PSA rifle using the cheapest PSA parts accept the lower which was RRA and the first time I shot I was within 1" of center target at 25 yards. Reliable as can be!

Here's something just for the Halibut. Consecutive S/N Colts (my first 2 ARs).....

 

[ndz98]

...

 

[OldGoat]

I own a couple ruger 10/22's and a ruger LC9S. I am a big fan of Ruger firearms. I recently bought a DPMS (Panther arms) AR-10 (.308) I have only fired a few hundred rounds through it but so far I am lovin it! I looked at the Ruger .308 first and it was WAY out of my price range, although a super nice gun. Panther arms makes good stuff in the "Tacticool" world....might be worth a look for ya. I decided .308 over the .223 only because I wanted a bit beefier ballistics. Nothing wrong with the .223 round though. I will say.....LOL....speaking form experience that your first gun won't be your last so pick one you like right this minute and buy another later.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Steer clear of the beretta arx series. I had many jams and misfired rounds out of mine. Got rid of it a week after having it and only 2 range trips. May have been a bad build, but I was in no way happy with mine. (Read a few posts so don't even know if this was an option, just thought I'd throw it out there though)

 

[masssnapz]

Wish I didn't live in Massachusetts right about now.