Looking for my first m4 style rifle

[Semperfidjm]

I need some help !!!! I'm trying to make up my mind between building an m4 or buying one. If I buy I'm thinking of the Ruger or Barrett . I'm looking to spend around $1100 to $1400. I've checked out the www and talked untill blue in the face still on the fence . Any help would be greatly recieved.

[LaoSexMachine]

I got my DPMS for around $700. Basically lefted it KISS.

[Commander Shepard]

I'd say go with Bravo Company Manufacturing, they sell complete milspec rifles. You might want to take this into consideration:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html

[dangerdan87]

You will spend more money building than buying b/c you will need tools.

I just looked at BCM's website and I did not see complete rifles for sale and the only lower I saw was BCM's, which is out of stock until mid to late spring.

I would recommend
http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=387&zenid=gb9shft81gvstt9ujpnv7g6u66
Spikes Tactical ST-15 M4 LE Carbine - $799 (http://www.spikestactical.com/z/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=113&products_id=387&zenid=gb9shft81gvstt9ujpnv7g6u66)
I think this is the better bang for the buck.

Here's my builds:

MK12:
LMT Lower
CMT upper
Charging handle w/ big latch
M16 BCG
Troy end plate
WOA 18" SPR bbl
KAC FF RAS
Gas block
ARMS mount
KAC BUIS's
ARMS bipod mount
Harris Bipod
OPS INC 12th model
Leupold MR/T
Custom scope turrets
Specter sling
KAC sing mount

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/ermey/Guns/IMG_0283.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/ermey/Guns/IMG_0290.jpg

M4:
POF lower - SBR'd
Daniel Defence lower parts
CMT upper
LMT SOPMOD stock
TD pistol grip
M16 BCG
Gas buster charging handle
CQD end plate
Magpul MS2
KAC RAS and VFG
CMMG M4 bbl
Magpul BUIS
KAC NT4
KAC M4 comp
Trijicon TA31ECOS-DOC ACOG
Kill flash
Surefire M591
BBL side sling mount

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/ermey/Guns/IMG_0289.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/ermey/Guns/IMG_0282.jpg

Yeah, I know, sh!tty pics.

Currently working on a .308 variant (with my own logos and LLC). Will have a 16" dimpled bbl and some other goodness.

[G-AWZT]

How about a Bushie?

[HK in AK]

If you are in the Corps, you can check with you armorer and they could recommend a good choice. I have built my own, which is nice because it lets you customize the parts and pieces to your specs. If you want a nice M4 version, get a Colt 6920 semi. It comes with a M4 profile 16-inch barrel and an A3 flatop with removable carry handle. The total cost is about $1,100.

Take a look at this link: http://www.sturmgewehr.com/webBBS/semi4sale.cgi?read=227215

The dealer is really good, and they are very helpful.

[dangerdan87]

The armorers I know come to me for recommendations...and I'm a grunt.

It really depends how much you want to spend. IMO, I wouldn't buy a rifle that is very close or meets my budget. I'd buy something cheaper, of the same quality with excellent customer service, and use what I have left over for ammo and accessories that may be beneficial.

I would like to own a colt 6921 or a 6920 just to say I own a Colt because they are as milspec as milspec can get an on top of their mil contracts, but at the same time I could buy something a little less, with the same quality and milspecness, and probably better costumer service. The only thing I loose is the logos...

It basically come down to the name. A Colt BCG can cost up to $250 when I could get the same kind of bolt by a different manufacture, MPI tested and chrome lining for $135.

I'm not doggin' Colt, I'm just a cheap bastard - My uncle doesn't pay me that much.
Colt did serve me well over seas.

If you do want a Colt, I would check out Clyde Armory - Colt Rifles (https://policeguns.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=16_236&osCsid=momte19pbq7kg46o7ss8veff54) (HK in AK posted a link to his classified ad above)
FYI - the 6921 is an SBR and NFA rules apply

But as I said before, Spikes does have some good stuff.

[gaijinsamurai]

On Uzitalk forum, someone is selling a couple of LMT uppers. Price seems good....

http://www.uzitalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52175

[HK in AK]

Here is a Spike's Tactical M4 with a 16-inch M4 profile barrel. It went from receiver to fully built rifle.

115853

[Scrim]

Spikes tactical is good Peeps.
S&W have some fantastic deals for Military at the moment, about $200 off, plus $100 mail in rebate or 5 PMags. You could get one for about the same as a DPMS. Has to be a LE dealer in your state though or your PX if they sell firearms. Im quite impressed with the Smiths actually, weve had good feedback from some of the agencies weve sold them too. MacGyvers spreadsheet speaks for itself.
Personally I love my LMT Piston. We just sent a LMT Piston upper with M16 Bolt carrier to Afghanistan, I can give you a report in about 7 months LOL.
I work at Clyde Armory, we have the LMT Pistons in stock complete rifles only. Shoot me an email rob@policeguns.com

[hood]

I got mine about 6 months ago, which was my first gun purchase. Stock Bushmaster XM15. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have gone with a flat top, monolithic rail, no fixed front sight etc. You should decide before you start, are you going to keep it simple and not go crazy with the mods, or are you going to use a full rail system and do all sorts of fun stuff with it. You'll end up saving money in the long run and the gun will look better if you get the correct base config for your intent. Here is mine, originally from the store, and now.

[LineDoggie]

Meh, used a Bushmaster for years with no problems. Built my own 2 years ago using a Olympic pre ban lower and Bushmaster upper, no issues. Only upgrade since is a Chrome Bolt and Carrier because I remember how good they were with My XM16E1 in Basic. I think a lot of the issues are just Snobbery

[Kaltesherz]

Stick to Colt, BCM, LMT, or Daniel Defense. Prices for ARs have gone down quite a bit lately to pre-Obama days so now's the time to buy.

Here's my LMT
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/kaltesherz/010-4.jpg

[HK in AK]

Guys, very nice rigs. The deal offered by S&W is a great one......but has anybody has some endurance testing with their rigs? I think with the advent of latest CNC machines, you can do pretty well with off-brand name products - like Spike's. It all depends on what you want - I have both Colt, Bushmaster, and Spike's....so name only goes so far with me.

If you have some buddies with various builds, see about having a range day and take some ammo and see what you like. I do that a lot with people I know, it helps them be able to pick through what they like and see what they actually want to purchase. Good luck.

[Balnk]

I'm suprised no one recommended LWRCI. Awesome rifle, but it's pricey due to its piston

http://www.lwrci.com/

[dangerdan87]

He's not wanting to know every M4 like weapon there is...he wants to know which can he afford.

[Paltcon]

I saw a used Stag Arms one for $700, is that good or not?

[BlackFlag]

I saw a used Stag Arms one for $700, is that good or not?

Depends on how "used" it is. If it's in good shape, I'd go for it. Stags are great Rifles.

[Paltcon]

Depends on how "used" it is. If it's in good shape, I'd go for it. Stags are great Rifles.
Thanks, I'll give it a second look but somebody else probably bought it by now. At least I know the store I was at is on the level.

[dangerdan87]

Thanks, I'll give it a second look but somebody else probably bought it by now. At least I know the store I was at is on the level.

$699 brand new Spikes M4 rifle vs $700 used STAG...hmm, dont get me wrong, STAG has some good stuff and parts (I like CMT), but I'm all about the better deal. Car salesmen hate me ;) .
I almost bought a used Colt 6920 for $875

[gaijinsamurai]

Here's a good source of info on different M4/AR variants. It was originally posted by another MP.net member on this site:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html

[HK in AK]

Here's a good source of info on different M4/AR variants. It was originally posted by another MP.net member on this site:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html

Great website...........thanks gaijin.......

[jagermeister]

My ruger is probably my favorite ar15. I would get one of those if your going to put rails and BUIS on your gun anyways.

[Semperfidjm]

Well after some great advice and test firing 5 different m4's this weekend I think I have made up my mind. Ruger SR556 w/ a reflex 9mil . I looked at DPMS , Stag , Colt , Bushmaster and even the Sig. With all the extra add ons I wanted the ruger had them all ( knock down sites houge mags and grips upgraded rails it came out to same cost . I like the gas system of the Ruger and it had a nice trigger .Plus
after talking to a few friends in my wives unit they ordered it for $1159 . So I wanted to thank you all !!!! Great help!!!! So glad wife won't be home to yell at me about the money for six more months( she is in A stan ) . I will get a ACOG for it later and I even found my next one . Panther in 6.8 ... My buddies was so nice!!! So thanks again!

[HK in AK]

I will never purchase a Ruger product....I protest the fact the founder was the primary person for the 1994 assault weapons ban. Even if they are gone from the company, I have too long a memory about the namesake of the company.

[jagermeister]

I will never purchase a Ruger product....I protest the fact the founder was the primary person for the 1994 assault weapons ban. Even if they are gone from the company, I have too long a memory about the namesake of the company.


Ya I mean its not like hes dead or anything. The company has obviously changed its stance on assault weapons after he died.

[jagermeister]

Well after some great advice and test firing 5 different m4's this weekend I think I have made up my mind. Ruger SR556 w/ a reflex 9mil . I looked at DPMS , Stag , Colt , Bushmaster and even the Sig. With all the extra add ons I wanted the ruger had them all ( knock down sites houge mags and grips upgraded rails it came out to same cost . I like the gas system of the Ruger and it had a nice trigger .Plus
after talking to a few friends in my wives unit they ordered it for $1159 . So I wanted to thank you all !!!! Great help!!!! So glad wife won't be home to yell at me about the money for six more months( she is in A stan ) . I will get a ACOG for it later and I even found my next one . Panther in 6.8 ... My buddies was so nice!!! So thanks again!

congrats bud youll love it

[Semperfidjm]

Well after 750 rnd thrue the rifle I'm in love!!!!! A great rifle . And the refex is one of the best I've played with. Ordered a black hawk rifle bag . So far very pleased , and wife was not pissed lol. Just wanted to say thanks once again for all the help

[jimmyboots]

thats great, the rugers look pretty good to me.

[SilentType]

The Ruger SR-556 is very high quality and although at the high-end of the OP's price range I would say it definitely is a great gas piston AR rifle.

The only real draw back to it is the weight, which is 7.92 lbs unloaded and you'll feel that weight right away with the center of balance being far forward of the pistol grip more so than most DI AR rifles. So if you purchase the Ruger SR-556 I would highly recommend adopting Magpul's AFG to help you control the front weight as opposed to using just a traditional vfg and the various grip positions with it. One of the other things I didn't really care for about the Ruger is the 1:9 twist, but this is something reasonable minds can differ on and really has to do with what type of ammunition you're going to use. If you like heavier 75 grain or 77 grain than you're probably better off with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist over a 1:9. If you shoot a lot of 55 grain, which is less expensive than 1:9 is ideal. So that's a question in search of an individual answer.

I do think other than the two gripes above the Ruger SR 556 is a great rifle. Definitely worth the price.

[SilentType]

The Barrett REC7, the Sabre Defence M4 tactical piston carbine, the LWRC, and by all account the HK MR 556 are tier one gas piston system, but they're all absurdly expensive. The Ruger SR 556 is definitely up there in quality and beats the hell of those rifles in price.