Looking at getting AR-15 Need opinions

I'm also thinking of picking up my first AR, and looking at this one thinking add scope and call it good?

Rock River Arms: NEW! Elite Comp

Is it this one?

M&P 15T

Hmm... I just built one on RRA's website off a base CAR A4 that has pretty much every thing I (think) I want for $1125. That extra $335 would prolly get me a pretty decent scope.

Are chrome lined barrels worth it?

FatFugg said:

Is it this one?

M&P 15T

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I likey that one. :mfclap:

Ibid

GixxerPete said:

Are chrome lined barrels worth it?

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IMO very much so.

Rock River ARs are fantastic.

Well, without knowing the exact M&P model, here's what I can tell yah.

Most likely it does not have M4 Feed Ramps, and is at least a 1 - 9 barrel.

It has no modifications to the gas block, is still using the standard A2 site post gas block.

It looks like it has a 2 piece attached rail system, not a free float. I can't really tell from the photo's.

No info on scope, can't really factor that in

So here's what I'd say.

Rifle value on used market, probably 800-1000. S&W really likes to charge a lot more for there stuff, I think the basic rifle from them is around the 1200-1300 mark, while your RRA and DPMS rifles are as good or better (i will leave my own opinion of S&W out of this) quality for several hundred less.

But without knowing what scope it is, seriously that is the major factor. It could be a cheap 20 dollar scope or it could be a 1200 dollar scope (Not likely, but just giving an example).

The rest of everything else (Clips, V-Grip, rail coveres, etc) is just your sub-100 value junk that should not make the value worth over 100 bucks more.

I've seen those cases go for around 150-200, so figure from that. I'd say probably the whole package is worth between 1000-1500 depending on the scope.

Jared535 said:

I would like to make my first AR purchase and would like to get some opinions and suggestions.

It is a S&W M&P 15 A3 upper comes with 4 position stock tactical rails vertical grip it has the peep sight as well as a mounted 4 power scope unsure of brand. It also has the original case and a huge metal hard case, 3 30 rd mags and ammo box w 50 rounds. It only has about 200 rounds through it and is less than a year old. Anything I should be looking for and what would be a price range. Thanks!

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Is it the .22 or 5.56 upper? I did a quick search and for the package I would guess somewhere around a grand give or take a few hundred... Not brand specific, but I've seen basic ARs going for between $900 and $1200 ballpark.

Before you buy it you should do some investigating to find out what you're looking for/what you want to use it for. Patrick Sweeney has 2 books out. The AR-15 vol. 1 and 2 that I would highly recommend.

Here's the Stag page: Stag Arms - Worldwide Leader In AR Manufacturing You can get an idea of the price range from it.

Another question is whether or not the rails are free-floating or fixed. Free-floating adds some to the accuracy.

One downside of chrome-lined barrels (they were brought up earlier) is that they slightly drop the accuracy... but my guess is that most people wouldn't notice this loss.

I would give it a rough guestimate of $1200.00 in today's market. Could be up or down a bit, but without specifics it would be hard to give you an actual value.

Jared535 said:

thanks for all the replies.
another question is

How do I tell if the rails are free float or not. The scope is a cheapy. I will check on the brand and post.

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Free float will be mounted on the rear to the upper receiver & the front of the rail will not be connected the the barrel. It will just float freely around the barrel.

Go check out the gunshow - there a bunch of decent AR's in the 1200-1300 range. Rumor has it there is a decent used AR at Axels in the 900 range.

Jared535 said:

I ended up picking up the above for $850. I field stripped it and cleaned it as best I could. I was unable to get inside the grooved ring where the round seats when the chamber is closed. I think I will have to take the barrel off to clean that and I havent figured out how to do that yet.

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$850 - you did well.

Q-Tips, chamber brush, pipe cleaners. No need to take the barrel off... upper, yes. barrel, no.

AR15.com linky... Cleaning & Maintenance forum. This should be a good starting point.