Ok so I'm looking to buy an AR. My first actually! I'm not looking to break the bank. I have been eyeing the ruger ar 556. A friend who is a dealer can get it for me for 589 plus tax. I've read nothing but good reviews on it so far and I've always been a ruger fan due to reputation and quality! He however has a diamondback DB 15 in stock and I was curious as to your opinions. I hesitate to buy off brand firearms due to prior experiences. Does anyone know anything about the diamondback? Seems that hey are fairly new to the market out of Florida! How would they rate compared to a ruger? If it were your choice and the price was very similar ( diamondback is a bit more) what would you do? Both are 1 in 8 twist. I realize the diamondback has a few upgrades on it but I'm more interested in quality!

Any information or advise would be much appreciated! I'm leaning towards my gut instinct of going with ruger, but was wondering if any of you knowledgeable ar guys could persuade me the other way

Personally I'd spend a little more and get something slightly better than either. If I had to pick between the two I'd probably get the ruger.

By looking at the two photos. I would pick the top photo, not knowing which one it is, the stainless barrel, the foreword accessory rail, the longer top rail. Items that would be added to improve compared to the bottom one.

Normally I would say Ruger hands-down, but Dale makes some good points. What's the price and does it come set up like that?

Also, what are you going to be using it for?

Yeah I like the looks of the diamondback as well (top). But I did find some reviews since posting this where everyone was saying steer clear of the diamondbacks. I was curious if anyone had firsthand knowledge of them. I personally am not a fan of ar's and all the tactical crap, but I know my boys prob will be. Just getting one now because prices of firearms won't be cheaper in the future. Mostly target and possibly defense. The ruger is about 600. The diamondback about 700 plus prob another 100 for sights, since they arent included. But so far Ive read negative about the diamondback quality.

Any suggestions in the 6 to 800 range?

Out of the two you asked about, Ruger. If you wanted to bump the budget up, RRA.

Should be able to find a rock river or a spikes around 800. Or look hard enough plenty of deals out there right now on used stuff.

Smith and Wesson sport 2 over either in same price range

I would choose neither of those two. I personally wouldn't buy anything diamond back

There is a beginner colt ar out theree

And it is over priced for what you get. No chrome lining in the barrel, bolt and carrier are not marked like Colt parts... seems like another "Colt branded" rifle vs. true Colt.

I would go Ruger over the other.

But I would go Spikes or PSA over both of those. But PSA would get my vote for a budget rifle. A nicely spec'd PSA can be had for cheap.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mi...ing-handle.html


http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-stainless-mid-length-1-7-freedom-rifle-kit.html

Just add a lower receiver to the bottom one and your done. $500 +/- for a nice rifle

Another vote for Palmetto State.

I would visit Runner Runner guns in McKinney if I were you.

Buddy of mine just got a diamondback. Rifle was priced good and shoots great but after only a few mags the stock will not stay in position. Simply the recoil of a 5.56 round will fullly collapse the stock and slam your face into the receiver. That being said I'd still go for the diamond back and put another buffer tube and or stock on it but just an fyi.

You did not say how you going to use it?
Hunting, walking, 100-200 yard shots think light, short, cheap, quad rail bad idea for hunting rifle. 7-8 lb
Gun range, bench rest, long distance, something to brag about - spend money on barrel, slow twist like 7, solid stock. All this means heavy. My AR for example with Shilen 20" 7 twist , matching bolt, solid stock to shot ground hogs at 300-500 yards just parts $1200, 14lb

Not an AR guy or tacticool but I do own the Ruger. Topped with a leupold 3x9 and leupold mount. I've been very happy with the rifle. I only have a 100 yd range but I can shoot moa all day. Shot 120 rounds last week mag after mag without a hiccup. Ran outta bullets or would of kept going. Anyway I've put a lot of rounds down range over the last year without any problems.