What are some things to look for when buying an AR-15?

Hi, I own a Core 15 M4 that was $826 plus tax and $50 for a rear sight.

There are a lot of good AR's on the market. First you should look at the BCG to see if the gas key is staked properly, it should have little indentations on the bolts.

Second you want a 5.56 NATO barrel, preferably chrome lined as it is more durable than steel but generally a little less accurate, though most shooters won't see a difference.

A 1:7 twist rate is what most people want. My rifle has a 1:9 twist rate but 1:7,1:8 and 1:9 are optional. The 1:7 twist allows you to shoot heavier grain rounds more accurately.

Core, Spike Tactical, Bushmaster, Colt, S&W all make good AR's.

The M&P-15 is a good beginner AR, although it lack some features such as a dusk cover, forward assist, and chrome lined barrel. Also can't except those 60+ round mag.

For the price Core and Spike Tactical come to mind for all those standard AR features and are $800.

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What are you going to use it for? I ask because the AR-15 I use for NRA Highpower Rifle matches at my local club and state championships looks nothing like the one I have home defense - and those two look nothing like the one I use for varmint shooting........ and those three look nothing like the one I use for deer and caribou hunting.

So - unless you are willing to spend two minutes telling us what you are going to do with it - all you are gonna get are generic answers from people who are fans of what they have bought. And that is never good advice.

There is a reason places like www.midwayusa.com have nearly 4,000 AR parts in stock - because the gun can be used for tons of things. Unless you are willing to say what things you are gonna do - people like me who build tactical and match models cant help you.

Here is an example of a good buy for $800:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STR5...

Compare its features with other models you are looking at.

Most AR15 rifles are pretty decent no matter who makes them...... Get the one that has the features you want at the price you want to pay..... Don't get all hung up whether is a Bushmaster or Rock River Arms.....

If you want a decent one, avoid Model 1 and Olympic. If you want accuracy, get a free float tube.

IMHO, S&W M&P 15 offers the most features and upgrades on an AR for their price of any AR, short of assembling one yourself.

Pick one that fits your budget and does what you want it to:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath...

Save up for a better gun there are better guns out there like the SCAR.