For 2k for just the rifle my picks would be:
Noveske
BCM
Daniel Defense
LMT
KAC
LWRC
Daniel Defense
Sons of Liberty Gunworks

All of those have their pros and cons. I only left larue out as I much prefer their offerings in the mid-long range market vs cqb to mid.

If I had roughly 2kish and didn't own an AR id lean towards BCM, and you'll be under that mark by a few hundred. Then put it towards mags, ammo, scout light, and a T2 or a Comp M5.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
One brand I would absolutely not consider these days is Colt, which is a real shame, since their 6920 was the gold standard of M4-type rifles for years. Well, not anymore.

Para,

When would you say this changed?

In the past five years.

Thank you! I really like that FN as well, just not the CA compliant model.

It's actually been a slow slide, starting after Colt lost the M4 military contract to FN, and that was sometime around 2010 IIRC. But, things started to get noticeably more acute beginning about five years ago. I wouldn't want a Colt AR made after late 2016 or so. Just my opinion.

If you can find them under $1000 they’re still a good buy, but unless it’s a specialty model, don’t go above $1000 especially for a 6920. A 6960 isn’t bad (mid length with a Centurion MLok rail) and can be had for just a little more with some looking, but don’t let someone drive up the price just because it has a Colt pony.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
It's actually been a slow slide, starting after Colt lost the M4 military contract to FN, and that was sometime around 2010 IIRC. But, things started to get noticeably more acute beginning about five years ago. I wouldn't want a Colt AR made after late 2016 or so. Just my opinion.

I value your opinion. I believe the 6920 in question was made right around 2012, so it should be good.

For the short version, here’s a quick video on old vs. new Colts:



If you really want to get deep, Chris Bartocci at the Small Arms Solutions YouTube channel goes over things in far more agonizing detail detail showing far more examples including prototype rifles he was given while he worked at Colt. It’s a hell of a rabbit hole, but it’s an interesting one.

quote:

Originally posted by Loswsmith:
It's close to the top of that budget, but I'd go with a JP-15. For the quality of what you're getting, I don't think there is anything better in terms of rifle only.

This would likely be my choice as well.


Opt for the LMOS bolt carrier, tune it properly with the adjustable gas block. Enjoy.

This thread has been going on for a while. Looked back at my suggestions several months ago and would add LaRue near the top of the list. Especially for what they cost.
That will be my next rifle if there is one. Ymmv

Where has POF gone since the owner was killed a few years back? Who is running it since?

POF is still going. About the only thing new I've seen from them has been not putting pistol braces on their AR pistols, but still charging the same price.