Are there any bad AR’s still being built? Back 20 or so years ago Hess was known as a brand to avoid. I’m guessing that some of those are still floating around in the used market.

I’ve been out of the loop for a few years and we all know that shooting isn’t a cheap hobby. I have a buddy that wants me to go with him to a couple shows and help him pick something out and I don’t have anything I want to sell him for what he thinks he should spend. He also doesn’t want to build. So if I were looking for a cheap AR to shoot a few times, just to see if I was actually interested enough to take shooting AR’s up as a hobby what’s NOT recommended?
Any help?

You can likely do more research on your iPad than at a gunshow. Just casual shooting, 16” lighter weight?

I’ve even had good luck with a cheapie from Palmetto State, cleaned, lubed, gave it a chance.

One of my mid or upper favorites lately has been Midwest Industries out of Wisconsin. There are so many ways to go when choosing.

the AR fanboi tier charts change almost daily

anderson was the Poors favorite but then got bought by Ruger

Delton, closed

Aero is bankrupt,

so, honestly, as someone that has built a literal shit ton over the years, still competes with one (White Oak upper, build lower with RRA trigger) and owns about 8 or 9,

just look at the features you want, get a good trigger, and good barrel, and enjoy

In my area, I've seen many lightly used Ruger, S&W M&P, and Springfield Armory AR-15s at gun shops priced between $500-600. Those are all solid, safe choices.

For something under $500, my #1 recommendation is an Andro. They've quietly developed a reputation for bargain-priced ARs that punch above their weight. You can frequently find one of their 16" models (ACI-15 or ACI Bravo) online for a little under $400. After shipping, tax, & FFL transfer, you should be comfortably under $500 out-the-door. Shop carefully, b/c some retailers offer free shipping &/or aren't required to collect tax for your state.

Besides Andro, I'd look to PSA and B. King's Firearms. They have very wide selections, so pick & choose the lower & upper w/ the features you want and slap them together. You usually save a little bit doing this vs buying a complete AR.

This would probably run about +/-500 bucks to an ffl.
https://www.primaryarms.com/de...-rifle-rfth16-mlokde

Palmetto State Armory has a M4 type complete AR for $499. They ship to FFL for $19.99 and tax and transfer probably around $550.
PSA M4
May be able to beat that price locally but not bad for a decent AR.

quote:

Originally posted by Sauer Kraut:
Palmetto State Armory has a M4 type complete AR for $499. They ship to FFL for $19.99 and tax and transfer probably around $550.
PSA M4
May be able to beat that price locally but not bad for a decent AR.

been a while since i looked but I think you can get a complete lower and complete upper, (put them together yourself) for sub $400,