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You'd have to be a total [bleep] to spend $1235 on a first AR for someone who isn't likely to shoot more than a hundred rounds a year. What planet are you from anyway?
I think your experience only applies to the tiny percentage of AR users who play games or do classes.

I always appreciate your advice, and the advice of others here like TWR, and even Blue. Blue has probably seen so many different types of cheap AR's and the failures associated with them. I still consider myself new to the platform, but it would be nice if some of you guys with more knowledge and experience would lay down the important stuff that will keep an ar functioning 100%. I will list some of the things off the top of my head:

1. Buy a GOOD BCG!!! That could mean RCA, Noveske, BCM, even some Tool Craft premium BCG's are good stuff.
2. Buy a good, well known barrel. FN, Ballistic Advantage (Aero Precision), WOA if you have the extra coin.
3. Make sure stuff is properly staked.
4. Proper gas tube.
5. Gas block. That does not mean it has to be a high dollar AGB either. I prefer non adjustable gas blocks that are fastened properly. Guys running cans should probably use the AGB.
6. Run the proper buffer springs and buffer for the loads you run. That doesn't mean a high dollar JP silent captured spring system either. A cheaper Armaspec stealth recoil spring system works just fine if you want to try, but not spend so much $
7. Trigger: Single stage, 2 stage, that's up to you. They all work, but offer different feels. I prefer a real smooth trigger pull at around 3.5 pounds. That is either single or 2 stage, doesn't matter there. The RRA 2 stage varmint match is a damn good trigger for the money (less than $80 most times).
8. Upper and lower receivers. Most are about the same and you are paying for a name. Some are worth a little more money, as the tolerances are tighter and the finishes are better. Just don't get a poly lower!!
9. Upgrades like an Ambi charge handle are top of my list. The Radian Raptors are very nice.
10. The sky is really the limit on other upgrades you may want to get. Stock, grip, handguards, bad lever, LPK of your choice.

The moral of the story, if you put one together, put good/great parts in it. Make sure things are lined up perfectly (like your gas block) and properly held in place so it will not come apart. Barrel properly torqued down and even bedded in some cases. I've never had a single issue with any of my AR's and I used to shoot them a lot. My favorite is a Northtech Defense, but most guys here have never heard of that one. I have well over 10,000 rounds on that one without a single failure. The first AR I bought was a cheap Rogue Defense that was built in Oregon. It runs flawlessly as well, but uses a RCA bcg. I've changed barrels on that rifle 4 times now, gave it to my dad and then got it back after he passed away. That rifle has also ran flawlessly. However, I don't know if I'd suggest buying from a small town no name AR builder in Oregon. It's a damn good rifle though. The finish is tough as a diamond and the damn thing runs and has ran thousands of rounds down range. Shot my smallest group at 400 yards with it last year, after I got a Bushmaster HBAR on it.

It really boils down to what parts you put in it, and how it's assembled. [bleep] parts and no attention to detail will leave you stranded. Don't be one of those guys..

It's good to seek the advice of those who do this for a living. My experience with ARs is shooting 3 gun and as a recreational shooter with 30+ years of experience.

My experience and views are different than an instructor who sees hundreds of shooters and rifles. It's the difference between a car salesman and a car mechanic.

I'm not buying that at all.

BCM & FN are both known for quality & being reliable.

Sionics & SOLGW are not the only people who build good AR's.

And my own builds are as good as any..................& I own 3 KAC's.

MM

Not everyone looking for their first AR wants to spend a lot of money on it. BUT !! Buy once and cry once. My first was an Armalite. I have developed one problem with it in 15 years. The dust cover spring no longer holds the door open. It looks like it has spun loose. (?) That is an impressive AR Bluedreaux.

kwg

Jee Whiz, pard.

Uhh, sure.

LOL

I love when a first AR for home defense and plinking becomes "you need a tier-1 XXXX"


I did the rifle, handgun, and both optics for a grand (not including the upgraded trigger)




It's not what I'd take to a class, but it'll more than do for the OP's started purpose

I said nearly.

Of the 15ish brands that have been mentioned in this thread, BCM and FN have been mentioned once. I’m sure they’d both be fine, even though FN mailed us a dozen rifles with loose castle nuts.

What does it bring his first home defense AR have to do with it?

If you wouldn’t trust it for a weekend larp, why should you trust it to save your life?

Because it goes bang every time I squeeze the trigger.

I actually brought the picture rifle/optic to a competition and shot some of the rifle portion after my run with that rifle. It did just fine.

If your friend could find one of these for $1000, in my opinion I would buy it over a PSA, or RRA.

https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-le6920-carbine-223556-161-301-pmag-mbus-4-pos-stk-blk

I have a S&W MP-15 I'd let go for a fair price.

I was where your friend was a couple years ago and bought this rifle. I shot a few boxes through it. It worked flawlessly and helped me figure out what I liked and didn't. I built a rifle for myself and a carbine for my lovely bride on Anderson lowers and various parts. I really like the LaRue trigger for $89.

So now this one is available. It has the A2 (?) front sight blade so I found optics troublesome. Something to think about.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/m-p-15-sport-ii

What were the failures you saw with the Saints?

Google - Springfield Armory Saint failures

You'll get lots of hits. The Saint is a hard no.

[video:youtube]https://youtube.com/shorts/4XyLt_a17nw?si=aGtKMT3xnPjlVhSa[/video]

Our failure list is at work. I’ll check it next week.

That would be a very interesting list.

Thanks for the effort.

I purchased this upper to go with an Anderson lower and purchased lower build kit from PSA as well. It shoots great but did need some breaking in. Since about 50 rounds, it shoots and cycles everything I throw at it including some lighter plinking rounds that I loaded. I have over 1000 through it now without a failure of any kind.