Recommendations for an AR
Posted by ms_newday_newhope@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 17 comments
Female here looking to find something that is lightweight and good brand. This is my local armory if you see anything here worthwhile or have any recommendations including features to look out for
https://shop.mainlinearmory.com/rifles/semi-automatic-rifles?page=1
GrappleApparatus@reddit
I’m a lightweight female and I really don’t think you can accidentally buy an AR that is too heavy, usually you’ll have to buy something specialty like HBAR uppers or quad rail stuff.
You can get away with just about any AR made by PSA. I’d literally recommend buy whatever you think looks the coolest that is made by them since they’re all virtually the same, except some are “pistols” and some are rifles. If you don’t know what I’m talking about and don’t feel like learning, buy a PSA AR15 with a 16 inch barrel.
DeFiClark@reddit
Add to this: 556 or Wylde chambering. Just not .223.
Free floated barrels typically have better accuracy: PSA has a number that fit the bill.
AD3PDX@reddit
DD is overpriced for what it is.
The RDB is a great design but poorly executed. Also an AR is a better starting point until you know more.
Non free floating handguards save a little weight but are bad for practical accuracy because how you hold and support the gun puts pressure on the barrel.
A free floated barrel removes a lot of variables and if you get a lightweight barrel it can reduce weight by a lot more than using a non free floated handguard.
Lightweight barrels will heat up faster which affects accuracy but it’s more predictable and consistent than the non-free floated approach.
There are basically two main ways to reduce weight and (more importantly) improve balance. Reduce barrel length and reduce barrel profile (diameter).
There are three US legal routes for a sub 16” barrel.
1) a 14.5” pin & weld (permanently attached muzzle device bringing total length up to 16”
2) register it as an SBR (short barreled rifle)
3) a braced AR pistol with a somewhat stock like arm brace in place of the shoulder stock.
In terms of reduced barrel profile a pencil profile barrel or a hybrid profile barrel are good options but with limited availability in affordable high quality off the shelf options.
Three routes
A) spend more (if spending $2k vs $1k doesn’t phase you)
B) buy separate components and assemble them (or have them assembled)
C) hunt around online to learn what is available, and be prepared to possibly wait for it to be in stock.
The two methods (shorter and thinner) can be combined for a very handy little gun but that basically dictates options A or B
shit_poster9000@reddit
The negative impact from classic style handguards is also a tad bit overblown around here, it really only becomes a serious problem when you start hanging tons of weight onto the handguard, gas block and barrel. Bit of a bummer it’s something you gotta go out of your way for nowadays, front end stay’s much cooler to the touch while being lighter.
AD3PDX@reddit
Serious weight on the handguard isn’t just a WML and IR device. It includes shooting off a barricade, off a bipod, supported against a tree, wall, or post, certain shooting techniques using a sling…
Successful_Link4541@reddit
AR pistol 10.5 inch barrel (can hit and kill at 1000 yards +) or longer barrel. Look for the brand that can and do shoot 1" groups or less at 100 yards with good trigger pull weight 3 - 4 1/2 lbs. There are many nowadays.
Accuracy is much more fun than mediocre.
Beebjank@reddit
I think the way you're measuring accuracy is a little exaggerated... Even really REALLY high end ARs struggle to achieve 1" or sub MOA groups, even with match ammo. Mid-high end ARs generally have a 1.5-2.5 MOA grouping @ 100yds which is considered beyond acceptable.
10.5" 556 ARs at 1000 yards is more of a prayer. Out of a 10" barrel, the round has about 2400fps from the muzzle. At 600 yards, about 1000fps. At 1000 yards, about 800fps. A 55gr projectile at that distance has.... 78 ft lbs. For reference, subsonic 22lr (40gr at 1050fps) has 98ft lbs. Not saying it's not lethal but.... come on. I would say that you won't even find an appropriate optic that can accommodate the bullet drop at that distance that doesn't at least have 20MOA of built in drop in the scope mount itself.
Successful_Link4541@reddit
PS
60 +/- foot pound of energy from a single projectile will go thru a human body including bone.
30 foot pounds is considered deadly.
Successful_Link4541@reddit
video of ballistic dummy kill shots 1000 yards 10.5 barrel.
RRA many guaranteed 1" or less group at 100 yards.
I have the 10.5 and 24 inch barrel length RRA rifles. That i shoot 1000 yards regularly both shoot less than 1 inch at 100 yards. Also try Rise Armament rifles, Wilson Combat there are others.
Successful_Link4541@reddit
PS
60 +/- foot pound of energy from a single projectile will go thru a human body including bone.
30 foot pounds is considered deadly.
slk28850@reddit
BCM Recce are designed to be light weight.
Armand5005@reddit
Smith and Wesson AR’s are a great starter. More than enough and are fairly solid and priced well.
ChainringCalf@reddit
All those 16" 556 M&P15s are going to be fine. At that price, I'd just try to avoid anything proprietary, so you can upgrade how you wish later.
Sal-LeMandeur@reddit
They carry the RDB (their price is too damn high on it though), unless you're set on an AR I'd go with that. It has been my go-to for years, and why I'd suggest it for you is
It's as light as any AR you'll find, it is balanced to the rear, so closer to your core and feels very light. The gas system can be adjusted down to reduce recoil. It has easily accessible ambidextrous controls and a good enough trigger for range, and it's compact enough to use in the home, while sacrificing nothing in terms of lethality.
People will come crap on the brand but it's like people telling you caviar is awful: truth it they've just never tried it.
Can't go wrong with the DDM4V7 though, it's the weapon of choice for nutters that get geared-up by feds.
GrappleApparatus@reddit
I have the RDB and it’s nifty but nowhere near a serious use rifle. Especially not for someone who isn’t too familiar with firearms.
Own-Particular6321@reddit
Unless you're made of money or the feds are setting you up to take out your local grade school/mosque, go ahead and skip the DD stuff. Someone else recommended the RDB and I'll second that. ARs are pretty light on the whole though. Any differences between companies are going to be measured in ounces, not pounds.
Elegant_House_1127@reddit
If you want a light rifle, look into a non free floating barrels with magpul hand guards. DD and others like it are free floating but they are heavier.