FinsandFur.net Forums

Hunting => Firearms => Topic started by: bigben on February 17, 2016, 06:08:59 PM

Title: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 17, 2016, 06:08:59 PM
I been thinkin on what to do with my tax refund and i think its time to get an entry level ar15. I stoped at a gun store tonight and looked hard at a mp15 sport 2 but left without it. Im looking for an entry level gun that i can play with and then maybe use it for hunting. Do you guys have a good suggesting for something under $700? 
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: nastygunz on February 17, 2016, 07:01:06 PM
https://www.slickguns.com/product/ar15-rifle-comparison-700-or-less/

http://www.armslist.com/classifieds/search?location=pennsylvania&category=all&page=1&search=Ar15&posttype=7&ships=False&tag=semi-automatic
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: KySongDog on February 17, 2016, 09:24:30 PM
Lots of options out there.  But I would stay away from any that have a carbon receiver.

You won't go wrong with a Colt M4 LE6920.  But it is a couple hundred over your budget.
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Dale on February 18, 2016, 04:37:54 PM
not a thing wrong with the S&W MP15's... mine s a step or 2 above the Sport but that is still a good starting point... my only suggestions would be for it to be a flat top receiver, makes for a lot more secure scope mounting...  if you want to spend a bit more go with a free floating fore arm, but I'm not sure that will make a lot of difference in accuracy at most of the distances you shoot up there...
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: riverboss on February 18, 2016, 06:32:26 PM
I would look at the Remington r15, field and stream had a sale on them awhile back  for around $700.00

Sent from my BLU STUDIO 5.0 C HD using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 19, 2016, 06:36:37 AM
Thanks for the pointers fellas.  I'm heading down this afternoon to a friends gun shop.  he builds ar15's.  As well as he has gun manufactures built rifles in stock.  I'm kinda like a kid before Christmas right now.   :laf:  Hopefully this afternoon I will have a pic and a report on a new AR. 

What does it take to make a standard AR into a 300 whisper?  The one gun shop said it was as simple as changing out the barrel and that was it.  Is that true?   
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Dale on February 19, 2016, 08:06:20 AM
Quote from: bigben on February 19, 2016, 06:36:37 AM

What does it take to make a standard AR into a 300 whisper?  The one gun shop said it was as simple as changing out the barrel and that was it.  Is that true?

yup that's all, same with the 25X45 Sharps... that's gonna be my next black gun... 

when I was thinking about a larger bore diameter the 300 came up but I figured if I was gonna have a 308 dia, it was gonna have more thump then the whisper... that's when the AR10T came home...   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Coulter on February 19, 2016, 09:07:04 AM
Hey Ben...ask about the Ruger AR556 too. That one is right in your price range and has a better twist in the barrel than the M&P. I picked one up myself, the only thing I don't like so far is the trigger. But that will be switched out when I get a chance. Have fun looking/buying!

Steve
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: JohnP on February 19, 2016, 10:26:24 AM
Ben I don't think you could go wrong on any of the ones that are on today's market.  I had a ArmaLite in .223 that I used for calling when I hunted the border.  My grandson now has it and has done his best to burn up the barrel, all to no avail.  I now have a DPMS .308-LR that I will use when calling on the border, which I haven't done since I got the darn thing! 

Whatever it is that you end up with I'm sure you'll enjoy shooting it. 
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Hawks Feather on February 19, 2016, 10:50:13 AM
I don't really have a suggestion for you about which one to get, but I will say that they are fun to shoot.  Just remember to pace yourself so that you aren't in need of a new barrel real soon.

Jerry
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 19, 2016, 05:28:44 PM
I ended up getting a palmetto armory pa-15. Stainless chromelined barrel and my buddie cerekoted a few items on the gun. Pics when i get a chance to go to range.
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Hawks Feather on February 19, 2016, 10:34:07 PM
Looking forward to the pictures.

Jerry
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 20, 2016, 06:12:38 AM
Heres a pic after i got home with it last night.

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/DB7F38CA-46D1-4DBB-AAEC-71015B794C9D_zpspjaxfupc.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/DB7F38CA-46D1-4DBB-AAEC-71015B794C9D_zpspjaxfupc.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: riverboss on February 21, 2016, 06:33:25 AM
Looks good Ben you will love it after you get it dialed in.

Sent from my BLU STUDIO 5.0 C HD using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 21, 2016, 09:30:29 AM
Thanks

I ended up throwing a 4x32 scope on it this morning and ran ip to the cabin for a little range session. The mounts i have are a bit short but was enough to let me get it sighted in.

The range behind to cabin

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/E13186B2-2A8A-4D7A-82E1-FD7C640EFFEA_zpstzreocp2.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/E13186B2-2A8A-4D7A-82E1-FD7C640EFFEA_zpstzreocp2.jpg.html)

The bench i was shooting from. Not real stable and really was shooting off my elbows rested on the bench.

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/0975AF1F-CA8A-4738-9B18-F39B907607FF_zpsqelq9kc8.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/0975AF1F-CA8A-4738-9B18-F39B907607FF_zpsqelq9kc8.jpg.html)

The results of american eagle varmint black box loads. 70 yds

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/86ECE303-746B-4028-9409-2E405A3E40A1_zpsavds9s44.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/86ECE303-746B-4028-9409-2E405A3E40A1_zpsavds9s44.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 21, 2016, 09:32:49 AM
Dots are 2" left dot was taking my time right dot was 5 rds down range fast as i could. The trigger is heavy and has some creep to it. Does anyone have any suggestions to a lower lb trigger and ajustable creep? 

I like the gun. I need to get smaller mags and mount a decent scope on it and shoot off a real bench but im happy with accuracy thus far.
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: riverboss on February 21, 2016, 11:26:41 AM
Get some yellow trigger springs I forget the name but someone will chime in with it.
That should get get you to around 3 lbs. Google trigger set screw for at 15 its easy to do I got 3 with factory triggers that feel like $200.00 triggers.

Sent from my BLU STUDIO 5.0 C HD using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Dale on February 21, 2016, 11:55:40 AM
  I put Timney's in all mine, don't like the 2 stage triggers... you can put the springs in but you'll just have a lighter 2 stage...

            http://www.ammosc.com/223-stainless-steel-10-rd-magazine

      here's who I use for the 10 rd mags...
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 22, 2016, 07:02:13 AM
thanks guys.  I'll check it out. 
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: HaMeR on February 22, 2016, 07:47:16 AM
It's a darn good start Ben!!  :yoyo: :yoyo:  Trigger will help for sure as well as the shorter mags. You'll have it up to speed in no time!!
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Jeb on February 22, 2016, 09:19:35 PM
I second that Ruger AR556. The price is right and it's as good as my other AR's.
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Jeb on February 22, 2016, 09:21:08 PM
Here's a pic Ruger AR556
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 23, 2016, 07:25:49 AM
I did look really hard at the ruger.  He has one sitting there in stock.  I'm pretty happy with the choice I made.  I need to order some trigger springs and a 10rd mag today and hopefully they might be here by the weekend.  Id like to throw on a 3-9 power scope and see what it will do off bags and some handloads.

Does anyone have any suggestions on bulk ammo?  I did pick up some black box stuff last night at the local gun store that had lake city brass in and since I use that in my bolt .223 it is a bit more desirable for me at least. 
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: JohnP on February 23, 2016, 11:17:25 AM
Ben there is no law against owning more than one AR.  Has PA passed a law now allowing AR's for hunting?
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 23, 2016, 11:42:17 AM
  The plan is to get familiar with this one then I want to get a 80% lower and machine it out and finish it. 

No you cannot hunt with them yet in pa but there has been a big push in recent years. 
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Dale on February 25, 2016, 11:42:10 PM
here's where I get a lot of my ammo... look around you can normally find good 556 for 35¢ a round or less...

http://www.gunbot.net/ammo/rifle/556/
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 26, 2016, 03:18:08 PM
Well a trip to the bargain cave at cabelas helped me change this sucker already.  I found a free floating hand guard for 30 bucks. And a set of p series rings for 35. I also had ordered in a lighter spring set from midway as well as a armors tool to take it apart.

I just got done throwing it all back together and other then the creep in the trigger im happy with it. I put a verified nikon 3-9x40 bdc to shoot for groups this weekend. I need to grab a linger 10-32 set screw to replace the one that was missing on the handguard as well.

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/36E74875-1187-4712-8F00-96F056ACD6F5_zpsy0rxhrje.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/36E74875-1187-4712-8F00-96F056ACD6F5_zpsy0rxhrje.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: riverboss on February 26, 2016, 04:11:29 PM
Ben look up trigger creap on ar 15 fix, for about 50 cents you can take most if not all away.

Sent from my BLU STUDIO 5.0 C HD using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 26, 2016, 05:10:15 PM
I'll look into it.

Thanks for the heads up dale
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 27, 2016, 12:49:22 PM
(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/EBD1D31C-8E17-4948-8E2C-1207AAECB188_zpsuunlmhoj.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/EBD1D31C-8E17-4948-8E2C-1207AAECB188_zpsuunlmhoj.jpg.html)

Im pretty happy with this. Just sighted in and shot a 5shot 100 yd group with hand loads. Considering the wind was howling. Right to left im happy with the results. 50gr vmax
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: riverboss on February 27, 2016, 04:20:07 PM
Looks good I can't wait to see what it does on a calm day.

Sent from my BLU STUDIO 5.0 C HD using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: Dale on February 27, 2016, 06:24:38 PM
depending on what twist you have in that barrel, the 50gr may be a bit light for best accuracy... a 1-9 may handle them ok but a 1-7or8 will be pushing the limits... I have 1-9 in both of mine and they'll both shoot 77gr very well, 55's are acceptable accuracy but 62's are a lot better...
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on February 28, 2016, 07:57:05 AM
I was thinking that dale. But to be honest. A little under 1" group is more then satisfactory for me with this gun. And factory cheap ammo shoots just as well. The american eagle black box 50gr varmit tips shoot just over an inch with this gun. If pa ever makes it so we can hunt with them and for my outta state trips planned this year i feel confident i can kill anything i aim at. My tikka is a great shooter. I love that gun. But it does get heavy. I was going to build a lite weight calling rifle with a just over legal rifle barrel to carry calling but this ar is just about right.
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on November 23, 2016, 11:29:13 AM
Im bringing this post back up to the top again because i dont want to start a new post since this is all kinda relevant.

Pa is finally moving out of the stone age. The laws have changed and now the govt within pa has said its ok to use semi autos. We still need to wait till pgc allows them but im thinking small game and furbearers are going to be allowed. I have been thinking on added assesories for this gun.

I allready purchased a new 15" free float rail. Keymod comp. i plan on being able to mount a led light  easily to the gun using quick disconnects but the weaver scope mounts i was using are bulky and look like crap. Any suggestions for a better mount?

I also need to come up with a sling. I like the one point sling idea but doesnt seem practical in the hunting woods. But was wondering what your opinion was on those as well.

The only other thing i would like to get are 45 deg offset iron sights for close in shots. My 4-12 power leupold will prob go on this gun  shortly and i typically keep it on 6 power when hunting. But was looking for something in case a very close shot presented itself. We have had greys popup 5yds from us at night and even on 4x would be difficult to shoot. Does anyone have a fav brand or other option thats better?

Reloading for this gun has been easy. The same rounds i shoot out of the contender and my bolt gun shoot great. Just dont like the deformed tip. Any suggestions for a poly tipped bullet that wont explode?  The 55gr gamekings preform excelent on fox and coyote alike. I just figure reloading the same bullet will deform it way too much.

Sorry for not coming around as often but i have been spending a lot of my free time with a woman i met.


(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/E4E13D29-CEDA-4B25-B3A8-B0F2C194529F_zpslqe5douc.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/E4E13D29-CEDA-4B25-B3A8-B0F2C194529F_zpslqe5douc.jpg.html)

Happy hunting fellas
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: slagmaker on November 23, 2016, 12:00:49 PM
Well I own on AR but have no ideas for better mounts for close in work. They are out there and hopefully someone will have suggestions. So until then.

Sounds like a good investment of your free time.
Title: Re: Tell me about ar15's
Post by: bigben on November 25, 2016, 06:17:13 PM
Yea shes a good girl. Outdoorsmen too. Fishes and takes her own fish off as well as hunts

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/5C05292C-CD76-4C92-8B46-40FA951F0407_zpsy4jsw5qt.jpg) (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/bigben8011/media/5C05292C-CD76-4C92-8B46-40FA951F0407_zpsy4jsw5qt.jpg.html)

Ended up putting the longer free float handguard on today. I like the look.