First AR -- Any Advice??

[Minshooter]

That particular Anderson has a Carbine Length Gas System. Try to avoid those, and get at least a mid-length gas system with a 16" barrel. Any longer barrel, definitely get a rifle length Gas Tube.
Anything with the M4 barrel, with the useless step cut, will be a Carbine Length Gas Tube/System.
You need to read the fine print, as many low end AR's will use the M4 barrel, and hide it under a handguard.
The Anderson Lower Receiver is as good as any, and better than most, according to a long ago test in Shotgun (Now Firearms) News. They tested around ten makes, all prices, and Anderson was in the top two.
That said, the receiver is the least important component of an AR, assuming it's reasonably in spec.
The barrel is absolutely the most important, if best possible accuracy means anything to you.
If you just want to make noise at 100 yards or less, get whatever your wallet allows, and enjoy.

 

[6Creed73]

The good thing about the AR15 platform is its easy to upgrade and doesn't require a gunsmith for anything really. Barrels are an easy change and you may want to upgrade yours eventually.

Anderson is lower tier, but if you upgrade the barrel and BCG you can have a really good rifle.

I have several and one of mine I built from inexpensive lower and upper receivers from Palmetto State Armory. But I got good internals like a Wilson Combat Barrel and BCG, a Geissele trigger, Superlative Arms gas block and decent stock. Even with the cheaper receiver it's one of the best performaning ARs I have.

Moral of the story...enjoy the rifle. If you end up liking the platform, everything that's important is upgradable easily.

 

[Iowa Fox]

Build it from one part at a time.
Like Rocketvapor said watch for sales. Last summer Brownels had single stage Trigger tech ar Diamond 1.5 lb triggers on sale for $149. I got two of them for the parts collection box. Its fairly easy to get a $45 L P kit to a smooth 3 pound pull with a little work. When you buy them one part at a time you don't even feel the purchase price plus a lot of the things I like are not available on a factory complete rifle. Barrel, bolt and trigger is what is important.

 

[itchyTF]

I can see myself doing the 80% receiver thing someday, just not now

You might consider getting an 80% lower now while you can and put it in the safe until you’re ready.

 

[Rocketvapor]

I say build it. (assemble)
Shop around, watching shipping costs, and learn.
Getting a factory rifle and upgrading is a good way to start a parts box as you upgrade.
A parts box of stuff no one wants

 

[Iowa Fox]

If you decide to build one there is tons of info out there to make a good shooting rifle.

Combating AR-15 bolt carrier tilt: taking baby steps to correct an accuracy shortfall in AR-15 rifles. - Free Online Library

Free Online Library: Combating AR-15 bolt carrier tilt: taking baby steps to correct an accuracy shortfall in AR-15 rifles.(TECH TOPICS) by "American Gunsmith"; Sports, sporting goods and toys industry Sport, sporting goods and toys industry

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Articles by author: Carlos, Joe - Free Online Library

Free Online Library: Articles by Carlos, Joe

www.thefreelibrary.com

 

[nakneker]

Just kind of want to get my feet wet in an economical way, unless someone knows a good reason to avoid this brand. Here's the propaganda. jd

It’s a good way to see if you like them or not, you certainly can get your money back. If you’ve shot bolts all your life ARs have a very different feel but they can be accurate, very accurate.

I started much the same way. Then bought a few tools and started building them. I’ve only built 223 wyldes and 300 blackout in 6 different configurations but it’s been fun and they shoot great. They all work and shoot great.

Once you get it you’ll know if it’s something you want to stick with or not. Good luck whichever way you go.

 

[Kevin1990]

Anderson is just fine. As long as the lower is within spec, then you're all good. You can switch out the upper anytime. I know guys that have BCM, Colt, and geissle uppers, on Anderson lowers. That being said. I enjoy piece mealing ARs and building them myself.

Also, what's the AR for? If it's for SHTF type stuff or self defense, I'd go with a different upper. Check out aero precision. Price wise are a really good value and they passed NIJ standards.

If it were an accuracy driven rifle, id buy the Anderson lower and when funds were available I'd buy a WOA upper.

Last thing I'll say. The Anderson might be an absolute work horse. I just don't know much about the BCG, and the barrel. I've shot a lot of aero, SOLGW, Colt and BCM BCGs and they all worked flawless. I believe sionics makes the BCGs for colt, BCM and SOLGW.


https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/aero-precision-rifle-successfully-tested-to-nij-standard/

 

[brokeasajoke]

Just to go bang you can get a palmetto lower while they do free shipping and get a BCA upper. I've seen them do 10% off if you let it set in your cart. I'm thinking a 300BO but I honestly don't need one. I've got a buncha 300 brass I've picked up at a private range I can't bring myself to sell.

 

[Fuj]

I originally owned a pair of the first Colts that came to the civillian
market. I sold them off for a decent profit and replaced them
with a pair of Rock River's. They are a HBR Mid Delta, and a bull
barreled EOP. These are shooters and will never be sold.....

 

[dantiff2]

Palmetto state armory is the way to go if you just want to buy and shoot and not build. I have several of their barrels in different calibers and have yet to have one NOT shoot tiny little groups with the right bullets. Even little pistol builds and 16” 7 twist 5.56’s. Give it a 69 smk and it’s always under moa. Amazed at their quality. Don’t buy bulk 55 fmj ammo. Haven’t found a barrel yet that will shoot that junk.

Edit. If you want to have some real fun, Get one of their 7.62x39 barrels and they are a tight bore 309.5. Shoots 308 bullets good and will clover leaf (100 yds) cheap steel case Russian junk too

 

[DumpHollow]

Rock River and be done with it.

 

[Bluefink4895]

As mentioned by previous poster - White Oak Armament (WOA) if you want more than a basic zombie blaster upper...that is still reasonably priced.
Call or e-mail John...he will fulfill your AR needs and happiness will ensue.

White Oak Armament | Quality Parts for Competitive and Casual Shooters

Looking for parts or accessories for your rifle? White Oak Armament is the destination for quality parts for competitive and recreational marksmen.

www.whiteoakarmament.com

Oh yeah, in addition to a decent barrel, a good trigger is a must have for a decent AR experience. Many of the basic GI trigger are from the devil...long, heavy, creepy, etc. But many affordable choices out there nowadays.
2-stage is my recommendation. Preferably a Geissele. But for the money the PSA 2-stage ain't too bad once broke in:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-2-stage-nickel-boron-trigger-assembly1.html

I got one in a spare/loaner rifle for Jr's & new shooters. It has been reliable.

Last - from a functionality standpoint, magazines do matter.
Personal Opinion Warning (Trigger Warning, ALERT) - Avoid the mall-ninja-crap unless you are hooked on magazine dumps and looking tacti-kool.
Good quality 20-rnd GI (or equivalent) is my preference...but that is shaped by many, many years of shooting HP competition...so my tastes are very conservative. But plenty of decent (new) mags nowadays to chose from. Just remember that the magazine is part of the system, don't ignore and spend wisely.

Very, very last caveat (I promise) - get a GI chamber brush (again, insure functionality). Never forget that Eugene Stoner's (blessed be his name) design is a direct gas impingement system. Keep that chamber clean.

 

[JSH]

So I must be about the only guy who doesn't own one. I've been thinking of pulling the trigger (nerk, nerk) on an Anderson Arms that Buds is selling for around $450 or so. Aluminum alloy both upper and lower,

Anderson Arms AM15 Utility 5.56 NATO 16" Black, M-LOK Forend - Blue/Black, 16" Barrel, 30+1 Rounds, Black Stock​

I guess they're full mill-spec and such.

I'm dumb about these rifles, kinda want to have one while I can get one. (Oregon)
Is there any reason this one isn't right for me?? jd

What do you expect from it all around or is it just the price?

I bought a Bushmaster Varmint because it was close to what I envisioned building. So then, so I do my part as far as AR’s I bought a half dozen lowers. Serial # serves the purpose and doesn’t take up the room a complete rig does, piss off a Dem.

 

[55fairlane]

If can afford it buy a rock river arms, how ever the rifle your looking at will perform just fine for zombie blasting, if that it the route you go think about a trigger upgrade

 

[David Milisock]

Don't know what your budget is, or what your intentions are, but remember, you get what you pay for.

When I got my last AR I was concerned because in my opinion the AR is for sure one platform that you don't always get what you pay for.

Today there is so much AR crap out there, we have nearly anyone slapping them together. You get those who believe that shooting 2 inches at 100 yards is the norm and I've seen YouTube channels shooting $1,000 + rifles doing exactly that.

I invested in a 6MM ARC, a complete Aero Precision upper and started with the Aero Precision M4E lower. A 16" stainless heavy barrel, a match trigger, military iron sights, 2, 24 round and 2, 5 round magazines and a brass catcher for I believe about $1,300. This rifle shoots very well, with 10-5 shot groups it averaged 1/2 inch with factory 105 grain Hornady Black.

One moron on the YouTube was selling rifles, his 6MM ARC rifles were shooting 1 1/2 to 2" groups. Told me I was a liar the 6MM ARC wasn't capable. Two months later he posted that he started cutting his chambers differently and his groups were 1/2 of what they previously were.

If I was to get another AR I'd research and invest in the man doing the build.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Look close at the pictures of the 2 stage triggers for the little "S" in a square.
That's a Schmid trigger. Shop around. I feel it is a real bargain.
This is a GOOD single stage trigger for $50

Schmid Tool Gun Nuts Match Fire Control Group AR-15 Lower Receiver

The Schmid Tool Gun Nuts line of AR-15 Parts was crafted by Schmid Tools, a company that has been producing fire control groups and lower parts kits for...

www.midwayusa.com

BTW, Midway has their $99/free shipping deal on now.
You can find "branded" Schmid triggers for more.
Another, for a little more is the Larue MBT.
To get closer to Midway's $99/free shipping,

AR-STONER AR-15 Lower Receiver Pin Spring Parts Kit

The AR-STONER™ Lower Pin and Spring Kit for the AR-15 platform is the perfect choice if you are looking to build your next AR-15. This kit...

www.midwayusa.com

Here is an interesting upper, ready to run.
For $205, includes the BCG.

BC-15 | .223 Wylde Right Side Charging Upper | 18" 416R SS Heavy Barrel | 1:8 Twist | Mid-Length Gas System | 15" MLOK | with BCG & Charging Handle

Experience all the benefits of right side charging uppers for better accuracy and performance with this 18" stainless .223 Wylde AR-15 complete upper assembly featuring the new handguard. Shop Now!

www.bearcreekarsenal.com

I like the heavy side charger and use them almost exclusively for my heavy long barreled ARs.

Another thought,
If you go off the main road in calibers, reliable operation will be subject to fine details like dwell time, port size, gas length, buffer weight. The easy button will be the .223 Wylde.

I'm thinking of getting these two parts just to be different.
Will shop for best price/shipping. Already have A2 stuff in the parts bin.

Boyds Stock AR-15 Rifle Laminated Wood Nutmeg

Boyds' AR-15 Rifle Stocks are designed for fixed stock model rifles with the A2 buffer tube. No adapter is required. Adjustable models will not work...

www.midwayusa.com

Boyds Pistol Grip Finger Grooves AR-15, LR-308 Laminated Wood Nutmeg

The Boyds Pistol Grip with Finger Grooves is 4.25" long and will fit all carbine, mid-length, and rifle length AR-15's. All finished parts have...

www.midwayusa.com

COLA burning a hole in my pocket. Just bought the two wood parts (free shipping)

Build it, and they will come

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Lol, I thought I was the last American to own an ar15.
For some reason I was always shy of Ruger. But I got their SFAR ar10 in 308 and was so impressed I bought a Ruger AR556. I love it although I'm not really a terrific AR shooter. I'd like to see someone shoot this thing that really knows what they're doing. View attachment 1525215View attachment 1525217

I’ve been very impressed with my Ruger MPR for the money too. Just had to switch out the muzzle brake to a good flash hider.

 

[majohnson]

Try getting a matching upper and lower. Purchased a lower with 2 matched uppers from Wilson Combat. Wilson just finds upper and lowers the that have the best fit. I had them find an additional upper that was close to the same fit.

It let me build an AR with 2 different calibers. Since one upper is 6.5 Grendel it requires a different bolt so I went ahead and purchased 2 different BCG.

It does require a scope adjustment when switching uppers. The areas you don’t short change is the barrel, trigger and bolt carrier group. I happen to like 2 stage triggers, so it was a simpler choice. The nice thing about just swapping uppers is the gun fit and trigger are always the same.

 

[Rocketvapor]

When picking a caliber and twist rate keep in mind the cost of ammo or reloading components.
The wife and I shoot 60 round F-class (plus sighters) shooting the heavier bullets in a 22 Nosler
One or two 30 - 40 round practice sessions month (except the cold, wet, rainy days).
Call it 100 to 150 rounds a month for each of us.
That's at least 200 heavy bullets,
200 primers,
a pound of powder,
wear and tear on the brass, and barrel,
each month.