[Atluu]

If I can find a AR15 for less than $800, I will buy it immediately. But for now I'm leaning towards the g17

[M&P15T]

Originally Posted by Atluu

If I can find a AR15 for less than $800, I will buy it immediately. But for now I'm leaning towards the g17

S&W M&P15 Sport. Should be able to get one for about $650.00, check gunbroker.com.

Brass cased range ammo (M193) costs about the same as .45. Steel cased russian ammo is cheaper but dirtier. Cleaning an AR is more involved than a pistol, but far from difficult.

[Atluu]

Are there other ar15 brands under $800? I want to have some solid choices before pulling the trigger. No pun intended

[JaPes]

Originally Posted by Atluu

... the only downfall of the glocks is its aesthetics. It's very plain and the same throughout the glocks. I don't want to buy a gun if I won't like the looks of it.

Your original post states:

Originally Posted by Atluu

I'm looking for a gun to be my first and last gun for a extremely long time.

If I were in this situation, reliable function trumps aesthetics. Even though my preference in handguns does not include Glocks (former G17, G19, & 21SF owner), I can not deny that they have a legendary track record for reliability.


21SF


G17g4


G19g4, night sights, Insight M3 light. This used to be my primary home defense handgun, and I set it up for that role.

Take a look at the S&W M&P 9fs. The caveat is that since whatever handgun you purchase will be your only handgun for a long time, the M&P 9fs is my second place recommendation.



Mine goes bang every time, no function issues. Primarily, I appreciate that mine has proven itself to reliable. Second, I appreciate that the ergonomics fit me better. Third, I like it's appearance.

The reason it's my 2nd place recommendation? The polymer frame M&P semi-auto pistol design has been on the market since 2005. The polymer frame Glock semi-auto pistol design has been on the market since 1982.

Glock's 30 years of proven reliability trumps S&W M&P Pistol's 7 years of proven reliability. I can not argue against that.

Originally Posted by Atluu

If I can find a AR15 for less than $800, I will buy it immediately. But for now I'm leaning towards the g17

It's called the S&W M&P 15-Sport. IMO, the best complete factory rifle in it's price range. I purchased mine for $614.99 OTD.



The issue is that it's hard to resist accessorizing an AR15. Mine is proof. An AR15 will burn a hole in your wallet quick.

Depending on your location, you may or may not have many places that allow rifle calibers on the range. Ammo is more expensive.

Originally Posted by Atluu

Are there other ar15 brands under $800? I want to have some solid choices before pulling the trigger. No pun intended

Sure there are. Visit a few gun shops and look.

BUT...

IMO, buy the G34. The Glock will be utterly reliable. Inexpensive 9mm 115gr FMJ ammo will give you the opportunity to practice more often. The only way to improve your marksmanship is to get trigger time.

Once you have that G34 and equipped it with night sights, save up some money here and there. Do yourself a favor. Buy a semi-auto .22lr pistol (Ruger, Browning, S&W). The most affordable practice is with a .22lr pistol. It won't teach you how to deal with center fire caliber recoil. It will help you practice the basics of grip, stance, sight, & trigger press.

Originally Posted by Bilbo Bagins

+1 on this one too, however I got to say WOW what are you smoking with the Running Man/Richard Dawson reference at the end.

LOL. "The Running Man" was the only fictional situation in which I could imagine Oldman11 and myself being pitted against each other.

[GEN3]

I would probably go with a G17 if I were you. It's a bit cheaper than the G34 and If you wanted to save even more money you can find a police trade in for a good price if you don't mind a used gun.

[Gregg702]

Originally Posted by Atluu

Are there other ar15 brands under $800? I want to have some solid choices before pulling the trigger. No pun intended

As stated in the post above yours, the M&P15 Is a great value AR15. That said, I would pick up a handgun first, just because it is a bit more versatile. Go rent guns, find one you like and shoot well.

[mingaa]

I have a G34 and use it for competition, range fun and HD. That said it is a bit more due to extra features. No harder to maintain and a gem of a pistol but I'd agree that in your position the full size 9mm G17 might be a great fit.

Magazine capacity and ammo cost (IMHO) puts it in front of the classic accurate 1911.

You will enjoy any of your choices-they are all good. Learn the gun well, get some added training and visit the range regularly to stay comfortable with your choice AND to keep the proper mind state that comes with SD gun ownership responsibility.

[Atluu]

Originally Posted by AudiGregg

As stated in the post above yours, the M&P15 Is a great value AR15. That said, I would pick up a handgun first, just because it is a bit more versatile. Go rent guns, find one you like and shoot well.

I did some research on the mp15. It looks like a solid rifle for its price. I'm only scared that it'll be hard to clean and maintain its perfection as being my first gun. I'll have to read alot more of maintenance, bullet costs, and field stripping it. Do you guys have any guides that will elaborate on these points?

If the rifle doesn't work out, I think I have my eye on a glock 17. I just need to upgrade to night sights and some others. Are there any issues with the gen 4 glocks?

[Atluu]

It's called the S&W M&P 15-Sport. IMO, the best complete factory rifle in it's price range. I purchased mine for $614.99 OTD.



The issue is that it's hard to resist accessorizing an AR15. Mine is proof. An AR15 will burn a hole in your wallet quick.

Depending on your location, you may or may not have many places that allow rifle calibers on the range. Ammo is more expensive.



Sure there are. Visit a few gun shops and look.

BUT...

IMO, buy the G34. The Glock will be utterly reliable. Inexpensive 9mm 115gr FMJ ammo will give you the opportunity to practice more often. The only way to improve your marksmanship is to get trigger time.

Once you have that G34 and equipped it with night sights, save up some money here and there. Do yourself a favor. Buy a semi-auto .22lr pistol (Ruger, Browning, S&W). The most affordable practice is with a .22lr pistol. It won't teach you how to deal with center fire caliber recoil. It will help you practice the basics of grip, stance, sight, & trigger press.




LOL. "The Running Man" was the only fictional situation in which I could imagine Oldman11 and myself being pitted against each other.

What's so different between the 34 and 17? Besides the length of the slide, sights, and trigger.

[eracer]

Originally Posted by Atluu

I did some research on the mp15. It looks like a solid rifle for its price. I'm only scared that it'll be hard to clean and maintain its perfection as being my first gun. I'll have to read alot more of maintenance, bullet costs, and field stripping it. Do you guys have any guides that will elaborate on these points?

If the rifle doesn't work out, I think I have my eye on a glock 17. I just need to upgrade to night sights and some others. Are there any issues with the gen 4 glocks?

There is tons of info available on how to field strip and detail strip AR-15's. AR15.com is a great resource for this sort of thing.

As for reliability...

the AR-15 was developed as a combat weapon, where reliability was paramount.

There were some issues with the very first M-16's, but the addition of chrome-lined barrel and chamber pretty much eliminated those. And contrary to what some might say, you do not have to clean an AR-15 every time you shoot it. I typically put 500 rounds through my main carbine between cleanings, and it has NEVER failed to fire or eject. I run milsurp ammo through it (PRVI Partisan, or IMI usually.) I don't shoot Wolf ammo. Some do, and have no problems with it. i just don't like the stuff.

Good luck with whatever choice you make. Have fun, and be safe.

[Sheepdog Scout]

Originally Posted by Atluu

Thank you very much for clearing all of the misunderstanding. I wanted to buy the AR-15, but it was well out of my price range. Also, from research, I learned that it's a lot harder to maintenance and clean compared to a pistol. I never really like the way AK's looked. Now that you enlightened me about the calibers, I am now leaning towards the 9mm glock. But the only downfall of the glocks is its aesthetics. It's very plain and the same throughout the glocks. I don't want to buy a gun if I won't like the looks of it.

Also, for the G17 and the G34, what are the differences between the two? I hear that its just the trigger and the sites that are different. I am planning to buy night sights anyways.

Not one of your choices. But you should look at the Beretta 92.


You can get it with a rail, or without. In black or stainless..etc. The trigger can be improved by adding a D spring if desired. It's a quick installation by someone who knows what they're doing.

[ithaca_deerslayer]

Originally Posted by Atluu

What's so different between the 34 and 17? Besides the length of the slide, sights, and trigger.

The 34 has the cut out at the top of the slide, near the muzzle, and costs more.

You can get a 17 with night sights for about the same price as a 34 without night sights

[Atluu]

Yeah that's what I was thinking might as well get the 17 since I'll be changing the sites. But now I'm stuck between an ar15 now. Now that I could get the m&p15

[M&P15T]

Originally Posted by Atluu

Yeah that's what I was thinking might as well get the 17 since I'll be changing the sites. But now I'm stuck between an ar15 now. Now that I could get the m&p15

There is no comparison (for me), in the pleasure derived from shooting, between a pistol and an AR. Out on the range (you need to skip going to expensive, indoor ranges and find a local, cheap, outdoor range), with an AR, you can hit at 7 yards, or at 300 yards. The feeling of power and control in your hands is incredible.

Plus, in an HD situation, there is no comparison between the threat stopping capabilities of an AR versus a pistol. Remember you mentioned stopping power? A .45 has 400-500 ft.lbs. of energy. An AR delivers 1000-1200 ft.lbs of energy, and is still pretty economical to shoot. Other rifles have even waaaay more energy, but their cost can be prohibative.

If you're smart, and "build" you AR over time as money allows, you won't kill yourself financially. You can buy almost any accessory you would want cheaply by finding it used. Want an Eotech Holosight? Get it used for cheap. VFGs, AVGs, slings, stocks, rails, everything you want can be found cheaply with patience and knowledge.

Head on over to our Black Rifle Club and ask questions if you like, or just PM me, and I'll answer your basic questions.

[JaPes]

Glock 17 or any other quality striker fired, polymer frame, semi-auto 9mm pistol should be the first acquired.

AR15 or 12ga shotgun 2nd.

I'm done. Peace out. Good luck with your choice.

[ithaca_deerslayer]

Originally Posted by Atluu

Yeah that's what I was thinking might as well get the 17 since I'll be changing the sites. But now I'm stuck between an ar15 now. Now that I could get the m&p15

Big difference between a rifle and a handgun.

The rifle is a lot more powerful and 10x as accurate to shoot at any distance greater than 7 yards.

But the pistol fits in a holster on your hip, giving you both hands free. The pistol is easily concealed. You can even wear your pistol around the house when relaxing (I always have a pistol on me, even at home).

And, perhaps with some controversy, I believe a pistol is better for home defense. You keep it always on you, and I believe, are better able to move around with it in closed spaces.

A Glock 17 on your hip with 18 rounds of 124gr +P Gold Dots is better than a rifle or shotgun kept in a corner somewhere. Sure, if you know trouble is coming, then go grab the long gun, too