Both the Ruger and S&W have good reputations. Good guns for a good price.

 

If I were you I’d look at the BCM M4 mod 0. IMO it is probably the best budget entry-level factory AR that you can buy. I’ve never had any problem with any of my BCM rifles.

 

BCM and budget AR do not go together... Nothing wrong with BCM, have one myself, but it is not a budget rifle.

 

What Gino said.

Hard to beat for a first Foray into the AR world. Well established support and good guns for the money. Basic guns that are very functional and allow you to learn the system and discover your preferences.

If you find you need a second one, maybe build or have built from components. Probably cheaper in the long run than buying something and discarding half.

 

Ruger, M&P, S&W are all excellent entry level AR's. And there are dozens of other AR-15 makes. I have 2 CMMG lowers that I built up, which is another way to go. Uppers are completely interchangeable. Keep in mind they are all basically the same, unlike a full on ready to 3 gun rifle, like a JP 15 at $2,000 plus some nice glass, say another $1,000. Get a flat top, so you can run a dot, scope or irons.

Here is the forum for AR-15's

https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/

 

Hands down the S&W M&P 15.

 

I own a Ruger AR556 and have shot a number of Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sports or Sport II carbines. I would consider both to be very solid carbines that offer great value for the price. I also own two other more expensive ARs including a Colt LE 6920. The Colt does not shoot any better than the Ruger. I have seen both the M&P Sport II and the Ruger AR556 advertised for prices at and under $500 in recent years. I personally went with the Ruger because I preferred the 1:8 twist rate barrel on the AR556 to the 1:9 twist barrel of the Smith. But either would do fine if you plan to only shoot ammunition with projectiles of 70 grains or less.

It really depends on what you want to do with the rifle. If you are going to be target shooting primarily and just want to learn the platform, you do not need to shell out a grand for a BCM. I assume you don't anticipate spending days in the rain in the jungle, crawling through rice paddies, or engaging in sustained firefights in which hundreds of rounds are shot in a few minutes. If so, there may be no practical advantage to paying for a chrome-lined or melonited barrel.

I have not shot a Springfield Saint. On paper, it has some features that might warrant the additional cost over the Smith and the Ruger, namely better furniture (including and M-LOK compatible hand guard) and a mid-length, rather than the carbine-length gas system of the other two. But I would not lose much sleep over the gas system. Another consideration if you are willing to pay a bit more than the cost of the AR556 or M&P Sport II would be the Ruger AR556 MPR. This offers a free floated, M-LOK hand guard, an 18" nitrided, 1:8 twist barrel, rifle-length gas system, a much better trigger, and better furniture, but comes without any sights or optic so you will have to add one or the other, or both. It is a very solid value for around $600 and would probably be my number one pick in that price range.

Also in that same general price range would be an Aero Precision. Brownell's often has sales on bare Aero Precision rifles to which you add a butt stock, free-float hand guard and optics. I would also look at Palmetto State Armory. They offer a very wide variety of complete AR rifles or separate AR lowers and uppers offering a wide array of barrels and other options.

Of course, if you do want to shell out a grand or more, you can have your choice of some very nice rifles.

 

pblanc wrote an excellent reply. Let me add, if you didn’t understand all that he wrote, take a step back, go to arfcom and other sites, and delay your purchase until you are informed.

For me, it was a major brand optics-ready rifle, 18” 1:8 cold hammer forged barrel, free-float MLOK handguard, rifle-length gas system, and Magpul fold-down sights. Every feature was chosen for a reason. (MPR)

 

might want to look in the black rifle forum. Lots of threads on that topic.

https://www.glocktalk.com/forum/black-rifle-forum.93/

 

If I were you I’d look at the BCM M4 mod 0. IMO it is probably the best budget entry-level factory AR that you can buy. I’ve never had any problem with any of my BCM rifles.

This. Or Sons of Liberty. As you said.... buy once, cry once.

 

Depends on what your budget is. The OP bought 2 Glocks within 3 months, so he has the budget for a BCM. BCM is probably the cheapest rifle I’d recommend someone buy for a first rifle. Buy once cry once.

You are correct that budget (cost) isn't the major issue but rather a quality entry level AR for someone who is working his way into it. Im a little under a thousand into my new gun collection and want to stay in a reasonable area. I'd rather purchase something reasonable for fun and then move on to the next "must have".

 

Keep in mind that some of the rifles which have been mentioned come with a single magazine and some don't come with any. Some come with flip-up polymer peep sights and some come with no sights at all. You may well find that you wish to add a rifle scope or a red dot sight. And then there is ammunition.

Fortunately, magazines for the AR are fairly inexpensive and there are decent options for relatively inexpensive ammo in .223 Remington and 5.56x45, in comparison with a lot of center fire rifle ammo, but they aren't giving the stuff away either. So remember to include in your budget a reasonable amount of ammunition, sights (if necessary), and optic (if desired), and additional magazines. Don't be surprised if you wind up spending another couple hundred dollars or more in fairly short order after you buy the rifle.

 

might want to look in the black rifle forum. Lots of threads on that topic.

https://www.glocktalk.com/forum/black-rifle-forum.93/

Another forum for me to spend my time on. My wife thanks you.

 

My M&P 15 has run flawlessly for two years.

 

M&P, Ruger, PSA, Aero Precision.

 

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15/pa-15-rifles.html

 

Get the Sport II and shoot the heck out of it.

 

S&W M&P Sport II. Stock up on Magpul mags and ammo, and you're set.

 

This.

 

Ruger 556 or smith m and p series base ar rifles are excellent and a great value.

 

CHEAP to OWN,....CHEAP to Shoot.....Cheap to dress up.......Unlimited Fun Fun FUN!!!!
S&W 15-22+cheapie Red Dot $400.00 what can I say......

 

CHEAP to OWN,....CHEAP to Shoot.....Cheap to dress up.......Unlimited Fun Fun FUN!!!!
S&W 15-22+cheapie Red Dot $400.00 what can I say......

View attachment 697206 View attachment 697208

You buy this in addition to the 5.56 mm rifle, not as a sub for.

 

Whatever you get, clean the **** out of it after you buy it and lube the hell out of the BCG
Nice sloppy BCG like a $5 hooker

 

Just saw the S&W Mid length with Magpul furniture for $569 at Locked and Loaded online. I would jump on that if I didn't already have about 5 ARs already

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

 

The ones mentioned buy the OP are all good guns.
I bought the Ruger MPR and love it. MOA accuracy with cheap ammo. It has an 18" barrel if that matters to you. It has a muzzle brake instead of a flash suppressor and it has a high end trigger, very close to the Geisle's I've tried.

 

I have two M&P Sports and a Ruger AR556 MPR. Each cost around $550. I prefer the Ruger because it came with an upgraded trigger, a free floated MLOK handguard, and a CHF barrel. It's a great gun. The Sport is too but it comes pretty bare bones. Reliable as hell though.

 

BCM and budget AR do not go together... Nothing wrong with BCM, have one myself, but it is not a budget rifle.

^^^^This! BCM is solidly mid-level and I would get that over all the other brands you mentioned.

Entry level rifles are ~$500 for a 16” carbine with a 4150 CMV Nitride Barrel. Palmetto State Armory is fantastic with entry level rifles.

Now, if you built your own stuff, you could put together mid-level components for about 25% less than the cost of a BCM.

I’ll also say that unless you’re really going to run your rifle because your profession depends on it, even a mid-level rifle is over-kill. Most people shoot a few times a year and a reliable branded entry level rifle with a 4150 CMV Nitride Barrel that isn’t hammer forged nor chrome lined is more than adequate for self-defense. You’re going to spend more money in ammo many times over than it costs before you’ll ever need to replace it.

It’s much more important that you shoot what you buy so that you understand the qualities and limitations of your platform when you need to use it to possibly save your life.

People spend waaaaay too much time deliberating on buying their safe queen and pimping it out with unnecessary accessories and not enough time training.

 

Which is a very good reason you can get the Ruger 556 16" that has all the parts that most people usually swap out upon purchase. I would buy the Ruger due to the barrel alone, but it also has the 2 stage trigger.

 

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just purchased my first gun back in November (Glock G48) for carry and I've gotten the bug. I'm comfortable with this as my CCW and I'm about to purchase a Glock G20 for hiking/camping. I've done my research and went to different ranges to shoot different types of 10mm to make a decision. I have not been able to do the same for an entry level AR. I'm looking strongly at one of the Ruger .556, S&W M&P 15 and the Springfield Saint. Does anyone here have any insight on these rifles or any other they have purchased.

Thanks in advance guys!

I like your style/taste. Sounds like your list is pragmatic.

I like the sport.

 

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/217711