Looking at getting AR-15 Need opinions

Jared535 · 04-02-2009, 06:20 PM

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!

GixxerPete · 04-02-2009, 06:43 PM

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

FatFugg · 04-02-2009, 06:48 PM

Is it this one?

M&P 15T

Jared535 · 04-02-2009, 06:50 PM

Just uploaded some pics

GixxerPete · 04-02-2009, 07:00 PM

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?

GixxerPete · 04-02-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatFugg

Is it this one?

M&P 15T

I likey that one.

Coug91 · 04-02-2009, 08:57 PM

Ibid

Metonymy · 04-03-2009, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GixxerPete

Are chrome lined barrels worth it?

IMO very much so.

DJ Nathan V · 04-03-2009, 07:41 AM

Rock River ARs are fantastic.

Jared535 · 04-03-2009, 07:54 AM

thank you to everyone for taking over the thread. Can I have my original question answered? Pics of what I am looking at are the 4th post down. Thanks!

Mic · 04-03-2009, 08:47 AM

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.

Guff · 04-03-2009, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared535

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!

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.

Guff · 04-03-2009, 08:57 AM

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.

FatFugg · 04-03-2009, 03:59 PM

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 · 04-03-2009, 07:10 PM

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.

FatFugg · 04-03-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared535

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.

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.

Coug91 · 04-03-2009, 08:53 PM

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 · 04-05-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coug91

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.

I havent seen a used AR at Axels for quite some time. I think all he has right now are the $1500+ types.

to Axel good guy!

Jared535 · 04-05-2009, 08:12 PM

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.

Coug91 · 04-05-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared535

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.

$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.

Jared535 · 04-06-2009, 08:18 AM

good link. thanks!

DJ Nathan V · 04-06-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coug91

$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.

on qtips and pipe cleaners. I cleaned enough M16s and I know it works.

A field strip + pipe cleaners + swabs + qtips is plenty. Clean the bolt, carrier, barrel, and chamber and drive on. Pay close attention to the bolt itself. On the back edges (where the gas return hits it) as it'll collect LOTS of carbon if you don't scrub it good. Carbon buildup there won't affect the performance much at first but can over time.

04-02-2009, 06:20 PM	#1
Jared535 Rifleman Joined: Mar 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 106	Looking at getting AR-15 Need opinions 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!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-02-2009, 06:43 PM	#2
GixxerPete Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Renton, WA Posts: 517	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

04-02-2009, 06:48 PM	#3
FatFugg Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Dri-Shities Posts: 563	Is it this one? M&P 15T

04-02-2009, 06:50 PM	#4
Jared535 Rifleman Joined: Mar 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 106	Just uploaded some pics

04-02-2009, 07:00 PM	#5
GixxerPete Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Renton, WA Posts: 517	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?

04-02-2009, 08:57 PM	#7
Coug91 Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 223	Ibid

04-03-2009, 07:41 AM	#9
DJ Nathan V Gunslinger Joined: Apr 2009 From: Auburn, WA Posts: 31	Rock River ARs are fantastic.

04-03-2009, 07:54 AM	#10
Jared535 Rifleman Joined: Mar 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 106	thank you to everyone for taking over the thread. Can I have my original question answered? Pics of what I am looking at are the 4th post down. Thanks!

04-03-2009, 08:47 AM	#11
Mic Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Wa Posts: 165	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.

04-03-2009, 08:57 AM	#13
Guff Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Bellevue Posts: 151	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.

04-03-2009, 03:59 PM	#14
FatFugg Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Dri-Shities Posts: 563	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.

04-03-2009, 07:10 PM	#15
Jared535 Rifleman Joined: Mar 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 106	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.

04-03-2009, 08:53 PM	#17
Coug91 Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 223	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.

04-05-2009, 08:12 PM	#19
Jared535 Rifleman Joined: Mar 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 106	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.

04-06-2009, 08:18 AM	#21
Jared535 Rifleman Joined: Mar 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 106	good link. thanks!