Ive owned a couple of ar's, but sold them. Looking for something to just shoot for fun and have for the home. Im debating a Bushmaster XM-15 QRC or a M&P Sport 2. Budget is $650. Anyone own either or have input which is best buy? Thanks

Between those two, the S&W, hands down.

Thanks.

If other suggestions fit my budget, don't be shy.

Thanks

Palmetto, stag, rock river. Just about everyone has one in that budget right now.

Palmetto State Armory for a plinker.

If you're half-arse handy then building just the lower and buying a complete upper is a great option. You can get a custom trigger and stocks and things like that without wasted parts and/or money. The lower is significantly easier and doesn't really require special tools. The hardest part of a complete ar is the upper. I ended up doing this. I over paid for a complete Daniel Defense lower and assembled the lower through the glories of Youtube university. If you got this route then it affords you the opportunity to maximize your budget. FYI, a lower with the set screw for the bolt release is so worth it.

That’s what I was gonna say. FWIW, I’ve had really good luck with DPMS as well.

One of the best times ever to buy a good AR in that range

Lots of choices

My first one was a rock river and it was great. Buddy has an M&P and it runs like a sewing machine as well. I agree prices are great right now too!

Man I appreciate all the help. Looks like it will we tougher than expected..lol

Seems most are carbine in this price. How does that pertain to recoil vs non carbine? So many choices and I have very little knowledge of the subject matter.

Thanks again

I would also suggest taking a look at the Sig M400 Tread. If you can get to a D/FW gunshow these can be had for $750 or $800 at a Cabelas. These guns are feature ritch and head and shoulders above what has been mentioned for merely $100-$150 more. If I were buying one in that price range, I'd get it. Especially if there are any lefty's in your family as it is fully ambi.

Earl

Don't forget Ruger. Just paid $479 for my wife's and $699 for my MPR with a red dot last year. Both have been flawless.

Springfield Saint

One more thing to consider... I’ve seen a lot of people go out and buy a new AR with the round fore-end, a big handle above the upper receiver, and the large triangle front sight/gas block. Then they get home and decide they would like to have a flat top and a fore-end they can easily mount scopes to... or say a flash light/laser sight or maybe a front grip. It’s a total waste of money because you just end up ripping everything off and replacing what you just bought. If you think there is ever a chance you might want some of these things, then buy it the way you will need it the first time. These things are like tinker-toys for adults and it’s fun to “make it your own”. Good luck and let us know what you end up getting

The Sig M400 Tread has my attention. Do you have 1 personally?

That's a pretty solid looking rifle!

Earl and Jimbo1 have it nailed

I'll through in the Springfield Saint also.

Where's the best place around Ft Worth to go look at some of these in person? Preferably a place that carries a large inventory of ar`s and good prices.

I don't have one but only because my AR's are either ultra cheap (PSA's) or stinkin expensive (been on a top tier binge lately after selling my S&W revolvers). But I've handled the Tread and if I were buying a gun in that price range, that would be it.

Others have mentioned the Springfield Saint, that's a very good gun for the money too. I don't have a 5.56 Saint but I do have one of their 7.62x51 Victor's.

As far as where around D/FW to see a lot of these, Rifle Gear (Plano) is about the best place. They carry the Sig Tread there also but according to their website are out. The only other stocking place I know you can see that one is Cabelas (Fort Worth and Allen) who also have a fair number of guns to look at (including the Saints). In Dallas, GT Distributors is a great place to check out - their pricing is very good and occasionally they have Police trade in ARs.

Earl

Thanks

After researching some of the suggestions and other info, I believe I'll have to step up my spending to get what I like. I really like the fde color and some of the builds that aero precision have put together. What are the opinions on aero? I put together a components list on their website for around 1k.. They do have a 10% off code, so I'll be around $900. Just curious of any experiences with aero products or builds?

Well i wanted to update my progress. I wound up going with the following:

Aero Precision m4e1 lower with parts kit
Aero Precision Enhanced Uppper enhanced handgaurd
Aero Precision Gen 2 Enhanced Handgaurd
Aero Precision Buffer Tube and Spring
Aero Precision Nitride BCG
Radian Raptor LT charging handle
Ballistic Advantage 16" wylde mid length gas barrel and Aero low pro Gas block
Epsilon muzzle device
CMC trigger 3.5#
Magpul SL-S stock

I'm still debating optic, light, and sling. Anyone use the holosun 503gu? It's on my list as is the aimpoint pro. Aimpoint just looks big in comparison to holosun. Im already way over budget, but that's ok..lol

I have several Holosuns, all have been flawless. They are the larger frame design,unlike the 503GU.

Same here. I use the Sig Sauer Romeo 5 (a rebranded Holosun 403GL), and have been really impressed with it. I actually plan on buying another one for my latest budget AR build.

S&W gets my vote unless you can find a RRA within your budget.