700-Dollar AR15 vs 2,000-Dollar AR15

[@hickok45]

One thing I meant to mention as I ramble through this video was that some companies make a CHF (cold hammer forged) barrel, such as Daniel Defense. That method supposedly results in a very high quality barrel. DD is well-known for this, so well-known that I forgot to even mention it. It's another process that adds to the expense.

[@name_less7687]

No doubt cold hammer’s good. For a self defense rifle though, why? If you shoot enough to wear a good quality non cold hammer out, you’ll shoot enough to wear a cold hammer forged one out. Barrels are cheap. My though, just replace it. Pay less. Unless it’s for competition. Also triggers are nice to be nice. You can get a cheap trigger polish it up, and get a geiselle spring set ($12ish) have a great trigger. Obviously that won’t have great result with all triggers but if it’s crisp and reliable in the beginning, it will be crisper, lighter, and every bit as reliable afterwards if you chose the springs right, and don’t botch it. A captured buffer spring’s nice too.. Ar’s are like Glocks .. they just go though. It’s all preference. Regardless you’re replacing parts as it approaches 10k for sure and 15-25k you’ll need a new barrel on either typically.

[@XXPS60]

Daniel Defense is so high end they support gun control. Never will support them by buying their products.

[@mghegotagun]

From recent reading, I'm lead to believe the alleged durability gain from CHF is actually a product of chrome lining.

[@ptigris939]

Ruger's are cold hammer forged for half the price

[@darrelwhite2649]

So does Ruger on their $700 rifles.

[@adong1]

I think we can all agree that owning an AR of any brand is better than no AR at all 🇺🇸

[@changlee1196]

The things we have to do in california... fin grips and mag locks lol.. sigh... and 11% tax for bs.

[@adong1]

@ I feel for you, brother. It would be interesting to see Hickok45 show us what California restrictions look like as a demonstration

[@geodude1177]

@@FirstLast-ln3ly Its a additional 11% tax when you purchase firearms and ammo

[@changlee1196]

@@FirstLast-ln3ly Its an excise tax on top of everything else for "violence prevention" on firearms and ammo, its stupidly laughable and an overreach / work around to removing firearms in the state of California.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

You can start with a 200-500 dollar unit and upgrade from there

[@johnsodx]

It’s the usual story. If you buy a lower cost AR than me, you wasted your money on a POS. If you buy a higher cost AR than me, you wasted your money on an over-priced boutique firearm. If you bought exactly the same AR as me, you are brilliant.

[@KevinB-pd3me]

Its like everyone driving faster than you is a maniac, everyone driving slower is a moron.

[@Paulprosser-c3t]

😂exactly

[@philipstaite4775]

Not just ARs, basically anything

[@Paulprosser-c3t]

@@philipstaite4775 unfortunately that's also true lol

[@jackmehoff2363]

As a card carrying psa cult member, i am obligated to congratulate anyone who says they have a psa. And the mention all the forges to anyone who insults psa

[@Ballistec]

I bought a Ruger AR556 a few years ago on a Black Friday special for $499. I tuned the trigger myself and added a $200 scope. I have my own range, load my own ammo, and shoot almost every day, but this was my first AR. I bore sighted the scope and set a target up at 50 yds. The first 5 rounds I ever fired from this gun shot a ½ inch group at 50 yards. I zeroed it, moved the target to 100 yds, and shot a ¾" group. This gun still shoots ¾" groups after 2,000 rounds. I have since bought 2 more Ruger ARs; I've never paid more than $600, and don't see a reason to.

[@K5_RC]

The AR556 has always been super attractive to me. S&W and Ruger I think are the kings of "budget" ARs.

[@davidcoleman6211]

The CHF barrel on the Ruger is likely the best budget barrel.

[@landho1]

Same here, I put a Timney trigger in it and it shoots great

[@crabbypadty393]

If you shoot every day how have you only shot 2k rounds?

[@davidcoleman6211]

@@crabbypadty393 didn't say he shot the Ruger every I rarely shoot my hunting rifle and I can shoot from my back porch. Mostly just 22lr and 9mm because I use them a lot more. Varmints and daily carry.

[@Wooley689]

I work for a company that we make components for DD. Let me tell you, they are very, very picky on the specs and milling. The bolts go through multiple checks, each is mag inspected. After a bolt is machined it is checked for tolerance compliance, then it goes to heat treat, comes back and holes are checked with pin gauges and thread holes are checked again. Then it goes to have finish process, comes back and is yet again checked with pin and thread gauges. Parts found substandard are destroyed and scrapped. Tolerances are very tight and parts are checked on a CMM in temperature-controlled QC lab then checked for stress fractures from heat treat process in an enclosed mag room with chemical/dye with ultraviolet light. Parts have to be free of any burrs, galling, pits, dents, dings, scratches etc. Just the checks of one hundred fifty bolts or chassis can take up to nine QC hours.

[@0madeit311]

I got the ddm4 slw, and 2 mk18 rsiii’s best ar’s I’ve ever owned.

[@TerryWomack-l9q]

Does all that trouble really matter at the end of the day though? Does that bolt do something that the PSA bolt can't do for example?

[@spacemancam]

@@TerryWomack-l9q there’s been KZbinrs who have put Daniel Defense rifles through some tough scenarios and they have performed extremely well, with that being said PSA has gotten a lot better. There’s a reason DD has contracts with special ops units and PSA doesn’t. Daniel Defense is up there with the HK416 and KAC in terms of reliability and performance out of the box. PSA just doesn’t last as many rounds under the distress that the other mentioned brands can take. But I think as time goes on the diminishing returns between the two will become similar to PC processors.

[@--RSL--]

🙄

[@CharlesCo918]

@@TerryWomack-l9q When you're alone an unafraid, or the weapon is 30 years old and handed down, it sure gives peace of mind.

[@wegmandan]

Merry Christmas Mr Hickok. Many of us enjoy your content

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

As a machinist I've made a lot of parts that had to be magnetic particle inspected. It's really crazy stuff,you'll have a part that appears to be fine only to have minute cracks in it that only appear when it's inspected using that method. Cracks are mainly a problem with heat treated metals. They become more brittle when hardened. The metal particles will line up on the cracks exposing them. They also make a dye to inspect for cracks. You spray the part with a red dye and let it dry a bit and wipe away any excess and follow up with the white powdery substance. The dye will penetrate the crack and become visible when sprayed with the white powdery spray. The best part about the spray is anyone can do. No special tools needed.

[@sawboss5794]

We do the same in boiler making work. I use uv lights with the dye. It makes every imperfection stand out.

[@Rustebadge]

Nice description. The very reason why companies like Colt are king when it comes to the quality and longevity of a combat arm, not a paper puncher. Many owners confuse a pinecone shooter with a battle-ready firearm. My police agency issued S&W MP-15T's and they are incredible. Others close-by issued Rock Rivers, Bushmasters and even a Sigs resulting in various problems. Ours are great.

[@qcan8468]

The process you are describing is FPI (Fluorescent Particle Inspection). MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection) is limited to magnetic materials but can find sub-surface cracks. FPI is limited to surface cracks but can be used on both magnetic and non-magnetic metals.

[@drcornelius8275]

We used to call that magnaflux testing when checking out an engine block or heads for cracks

[@qcan8468]

@@drcornelius8275 Magnaflux is the most well known company that makes and sells the MPI equipment. So that makes sense.

[@AntoineWilliams7118]

I wish I had a grandpa. Hickok is as close as I will ever get.

[@AustinH7]

Same here

[@tyronjones9149]

He really showed me a lot with his videos

[@DreadNawght]

if your takeaway from his content is the fact he's a grandpa that's a bit reductive and me personally i find that disrespectful

[@theintrovertedcalifornian5047]

@@DreadNawght They have not watched enough videos the guy can shoot and has a lot of knowledge plus he reloads.

[@TheCyndicate]

Me too,... me too.

[@TheOzSr]

You are one of the reasons why I want to visit US. I hope I have the honor of meeting a valuable person like you. I'm big fun of yours Much love from Turkey.

[@nigerbear2642]

I like the people who visit. It is the ones that play wannabe American that will be very easy to deal with here soon.

[@PapiShanks]

definitely visit the US one day, its a beautiful country, the internet just makes us look really bad lol

[@TheOzSr]

@@PapiShanks According to the internet, we are still riding camels :) So, It is a very beautiful country with many beautiful people. we are aware of this

[@bwoj42]

@@PapiShanks as well as the people

[@SoggyWaffle27]

Turkey makes good guns . Caniks are awesome

[@riche.9990]

Thank you for your honest opinion. I have been thinking of owning an AR15 for a long time now and all of your videos including this one are very educational. I appreciate it..

[@irocss85]

Stop waiting. Prices are as cheap right now for fire arms and ammunition than they ever will be in the future. Start stock pulling ammo now too. It's better than gold if things get the worst possible and even if we continue to prosper as a country forever inflation will always make ago more expensive in the future.

[@artillerybuff2000]

I purchased my first Colt AR in 1982. Since then I've built a couple of dozen more in 5.56, .300 BO, .308, and 6.5 Creedmoor. Two of my custom heavy barrel 6.5 Creedmoors can shoot 1/2 MOA at 1,000 yards on a calm day. It is a very versatile platform. That being said, any AR is better than no AR. I always say just buy the best one you can afford and shoot the heck out of it...

[@jimhovater8755]

As a former LEO and a current educator, you have my eternal gratitude for the continued 2A work that you do.

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

lol. former cop and current educator. the worst of both!

[@42doodoochips]

@@notlisted-cl5lsand what do you do to stay productive?

[@johnny5.56]

@@42doodoochips Every 2a advocate should have disdain for police.

[@Devin7Eleven]

@@johnny5.56 I don't, because I don't view things as black or white like a dumbass.

[@inshoreassassin]

​@@notlisted-cl5ls😅😅

[@teamperry757]

I have not watched a video in a long time (months) but I truly believe that you have done more for the shooting community than you will ever know. You expose a side that a lot of people that haven't grown up shooting never see. You are our KZbin gun Grandpa!! Thanks and love you Hickok and son

[@cody8217]

You mean when he threw a fit over people expressing free speech and advocated for the banning of bump stocks?

[@Squizzle56]

Like driving to town, you could go in a basic F150 or a King Ranch; you still get there. Depends on how much you can/want to spend.

[@HM3al]

Got an old 2000 F150 still going strong with 210k miles, very basic truck with 5 speed manual trans

[@robertgaudet7407]

I read that as depends on how much you can / want to speed.

[@natedeordio4010]

Only thing is a basic and a King Ranch can have the same Engine, Transmission, and Frame, guns necessarily don’t. You’re just paying for the interior

[@andrewpereira1117]

​@natedeordio4010 you're completely wrong lol you're paying for a lots more than the interior 😆

[@1958bytor]

@@natedeordio4010they can all delete the same.

[@MatthewFloor]

I have a Ruger AR for 4 years now and I’m happy with it

[@theelviscerator]

As a non rich person, I buy mid range guns, and spend the money saved on AMMO.

[@dothedewinme]

same. my Sig M400 SDI X have thousands of rounds through it and never jams up. it just keep chugging

[@mojoman2001]

Yup. The final Quality Control inspector is the consumer who puts the gun through its paces *before* the original manufacturer's warranty runs out. If you have not tested it, yourself, then your brand new unfired safe queen is of dubious quality, no matter how much you paid or whose name is stamped on it. If sending it back for warranty service will aggravate the crap out of you, then pay more for better QC at the factory to reduce those odds. But you still need to test it, yourself. Even the most expensive brands are not 100%. Nothing is. Manufacturing defects are less likely with better factory QC, is all.

[@4characterusername]

This is the way.

[@Gunslinger978]

Glad to see you still going sir! God bless and God speed.

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

A number of years ago, I went to visit some friends. One of them is an ex police officer (swat) and armourer. Under his guidance, I assembled a very nice AR15. Just under $1000 in parts. Which included a high-quality scope, flip up sites as backups, light, and just about the highest quality parts available. I asked him “How much would it have cost to buy a rifle like that in a typical gun store?” He answered about $2000. Once I added up the cost of the hotel stay, food, (my friends had me over for supper a few times) and travel expenses it came to just over $2000. But, I got the pleasure of seeing Friends I hadn’t connected with in years.

[@buckaroobonsaitree7488]

I love how humble the best guntubers are. Always love your content sir!

[@SSSnexus]

Yup. I scroll past all the clickbait tacticool gun bros and go right to hickok45 and Paul Harrell may he rest in peace

[@airdromeaccount7922]

hickok45 we support you and your channel, now and always!

[@kenibnanak5554]

What you say at 9:25 is my experience too. They just work. Regardless of brand name. As long as it passes a routine maintenance inspection and loads and chambers, have fun all day with it.

[@freedomisntfree_44]

Same. From the military to any of mine or friends target shooting too… never seen one just not work unless it’s super dirty or neglected.

[@Sammydx1]

I have a late 90s used police buy back. 1000s of rounds. Still runs perfectly. Paid 500

[@gregtaylor3657]

As civilians in the US, we aren’t expected to take our private arms to go out of the country to fight for our freedom, but our freedom here is more secure when our enemies know that our citizens are well armed to defend our freedom here from attack and tyranny.

[@x0j]

ok well uh... There are millions of foreign gangsters and terrorists invading and you're just sitting around sooo....

[@practicalplinking6133]

Just keep the stats on foot shots private !!

[@Demonkingx5]

Bro we ain't gonna beat drones with an AR 😂.

[@bigslinking]

@@Demonkingx5 That's what the VEPR12 is for, it's a flyswatter. The AR is need for its buttstock, it's used to bash in the drone operator's scull, unless you're running a collapsible, in that case it's all bayonet only😂 @Demonkingx5.

[@jonosterman2878]

@@Demonkingx5 yea we are. Just throw up the signal jammers and you’re good to go

[@koalakakes]

love my DDm4v7, very reliable and high quality

[@archcunningham5579]

I never had interest in buying an AR rifle until Smith and Wesson started making them. I went to my local gun store and was surprised how affordable they were. I trusted Smith and Wesson quality and have not been disappointed in the riffle !!!!

[@3M8RY0]

Same.

[@FellaGuy2]

Just bought an Aero Precision M4E1 and i dig it so far. It is the most expensive AR I've ever owned and yet you will still see comments from people calling it junk. It certainly isn't junk. I've found that within the hardcore AR community you will always find someone calling a good rifle junk because it isnt four thousand dollars.

[@Leonard-t6b]

Same as pistol community

[@Carriesaglock]

I just built an Aero Precision myself. Built the lower got an Aero upper. Runs great my cleanest build yet.

[@practicalplinking6133]

Sounds like a beemer owner !!

[@practicalplinking6133]

Sounds like a beemer owner !! (belongs here)

[@Dawg7227]

Just disregard people that don’t respect commoners. I can afford a higher end AR and I choose not to. I could also afford a new pickup every two years, but I’m still driving a 2012 with ~290k miles on it. Being sensible with your spending is nothing to feel bad for.

[@jeffbrooks1817]

Used a Smith and Wesson AR with a ACOG sight for 15 years qualified with it every year. Never a jam or misfire.Carried it into hairy situations many times and never batted a eye. The sight cost twice what the gun did.Kept it cleaned a oiled. 750.00 rifle.Sold it a rookie officer for him to carry.Bought another just like it 799.00. Spend what you want it's your money.I know what works.

[@CETGale]

I would love to own a DD rifle but as a poor man I just can't bring myself to buy one........ A friend of mine is a manager at DD and he has told me he would get me a discount on a DD 4 or 5 hundred off... That said I will stick with my 700 Armalite AR...... One day when I have $$ to spare I plan on it, which sure aint now under Bidenomics....

[@DV8-q6n]

I will bet my life on my Colt LE6920. Bought it for $900, and it will do everything I need it to do. I can hit a man size target at 500 yards repeatedly with no problem. It's reliable and parts are everywhere.

[@kurtg8861]

And let’s face it Smith and Weston and Colt don’t make crap. They might be lower cost, but their quality is unbelievable. My friends M&P shot as well as my Wilson combat when we were at the range and he has a lot more money to spend on ammo.

[@AKFF320]

Amen

[@davidhague1619]

Smith and Wesson has changed over the years....

[@jefferybrown1806]

Iv'e had the joy of owning a S&W sport2 and a Daniel Defense DDM4V7 and absolutely loved both of them. In my opinion it all boils down to the money you can afford to spend and what you will be using your AR for.

[@louismm777]

What would you say is the difference between both of them ?

[@jefferybrown1806]

@louismm777 in my opinion The quality control is much tighter with the DD, better materials. Shooting wise, very similar, DD had a little less recoil and a tighter group at 50 yards. The s&w sport 2 was a carbine length gas system though

[@jonpaulison2283]

I have owned quite few AR's from colt to cobalt and really to me as long as they run with no problems then money well spent ...

[@bigslinking]

If you're buying a toy, it doesn't matter what you buy, if it feels good do it. If you don't own an AR already, get one, any AR you buy is better than nothing. If you want a Battle rifle that your life depends on, you want a short stroke piston drive system. It's superior in every way over a common direct impingement system. These piston drive systems cost more, weight slightly more but they don't choke out, when subjected to constant excessive firing (1000 rounds as fast as you can load the 25x40round magazines). HK MR556, HK MR762, SIG Rattler 300 Blackout (for suppressed fire out to 150 yards) are built for War, they always run and eat everything. Thats why these rifles cost 31oo, 415o, 265o and they are worth every penny of that. When you're pricing and deciding what rifle to get remember that most will need a few hundred bucks extra for accessories (Rise 535 or Timney Trigger, carry strap, QD points, QD mounts, magazines, sights, optics, laser, thermal, night vision, lights, bipods, ammo). Remember any AR you choose is still infinitely better than owning the nothing. Don't own the nothing. 👈I mentioned that twice because it's that important👌.

[@SoapHorizons789]

Best gun review channel hands down, God bless you hickok45!

[@rjoetting7594]

The only malfunctions I have had with any AR have been a problem with cheap magazines. This also translates to semiautomatic pistols too.

[@tomgarrett9232]

I agree completely.

[@seaocean4868]

Buy a 500 dollar psa and find out the bolt breaks sometimes at 700 rounds sometimes at 2k. Its like a little game!

[@matthewbeaver5026]

​@@seaocean4868that prob has more to do with the gorillas they have assembling them. If the barrel extention is over torqued inside the receiver and the lugs are hitting every cycle they arent going to last that long. Assembly issue not a material issue.

[@glennlyons2178]

This is the only comment that makes sense. After market mags are trash. I've never had a problem with factory magazines; but two very expensive 60 round mags failed me at the range as I fired my AR. Same goes for extended mags for my 9mm. Use the wrong magazine andthe cost of you gun means nothing. The gun won't function consistently.

[@EO1025]

Yup

[@DDGVET4]

The School of the American Rifle channel seems to me to be one of the absolute best sources for learning the in's and out's of different manufacturers products and some of the high end AR's aren't as high end as you might think and the Trash Panda's aren't as trashy as you might think either.

[@LocaliLLocano]

At the end of the day range time trumps things. You can’t buy skill, you can buy tools which may make or break your skill.

[@babar292]

School and rifles sounds like a bad bad combo.

[@datadavis]

@@babar292 moron joke

[@TheGor54]

just another sales pitch.

[@dwaynewelch7835]

@@TheGor54and your just another uneducated moron.

[@tomgriffiths68]

I'm a reverse AR snob or something. Being a proud Kentuckian, three of my ARs are built on Anderson receivers. I built them all in wildly different configurations for different purposes. The money that I saved on the Anderson receivers was pumped back into the cost of the high-end components that went on the guns. One of them is approaching $2,000 in parts value, including the $110 or so that I paid for the upper and lower. 😂 Never had a problem out of any of them.

[@Nethezbet]

I dropped a stamp on an Anderson. A buddy laughed that I would do that to a "Poverty Pony." It's a freaking lower, lol. Is it in spec? Then it's fine.

[@dickjohnson7845]

@@Nethezbet Exactly! A lower is a lower. I did an 80% Anderson lower, left it naked aluminum and polished it. All the other components are high end, CMC trigger, Luth AR stock, Gibbz side charge upper, etc. Why do I give to shits about the lower? The lower is is the like the engine compartment for a high performance car, it just holds everything together.

[@DaveF-m6n]

Anderson rocks. Mine run like clocks.

[@dickjohnson7845]

@@DaveF-m6n Same here. A lower is a lower, it's the components in the lower and the receiver that matter.

[@grimey5.565]

Daniel Defensive quality control and customer service is top tier. I've had their hard chrome bolt carriers and CHF barrels and they are amazing. But I also have M&P lowers and they have been excellent too.

[@PeakedHill]

I have a Stag model 15 paid $1000 for it back in 2008. It was an inexpensive alternative to the LMT that I really wanted but it has run without issue since purchased. Made a few mods to enhance accuracy trigger sights changing handle muzzle break red dot sight etc.

[@rayhollingsworth2588]

I had the same and regret selling it. I fell on tough times. Never had one hiccup out of It. Shot thousands of rounds in it. It was topped off with a Eotec 512 sight sweet rifle

[@AJ-gk7bn]

Have a stag 15 complete lower with a psa sabre upper with geissele rail on it. Love the stag roll mark! Stag is absolutely underrated.

[@737T1C130]

Here come all the AR snobs….

[@MDAdventure]

🧍🏻

[@RealMTBAddict]

You first.

[@TheGuy030770]

What about us AK guys?

[@dronepilot260rc]

@@TheGuy030770AK guy here but I’d buy a Smith and Wesson AR without hesitation

[@ColinHutchins-e2q]

And non of them have a zeroed rifle to show for all the money spent.

[@asbrand]

I have two AR-15s. One is a very cheap Bear Creek Arsenal BC-15 that I spent a whopping $380 brand new. It goes bang every time, and puts the round wherever I am aiming it. I have had zero issues with it, and have hundreds of rounds through it. Nothing has failed or broken yet. And if something does...I'll replace that part. Is it warfare worthy? **shrug** Is it good enough to have a fun day at the range? Absolutely.

[@Mr.Avuncular]

I appreciate you thoughts on a purchase having just picked up ...hi- point c-9 I just wanted a pistol on the down low..100 bucks at a pawn shop. Also a cheap shotgun a Stevens also 100 bucks. Do they throw lead down range absolutely! Am I going to use them everyday nope I feel safer now than I did without. Having said that I will get a better 9 mill

[@JonFox-t5x]

I got a Radical Firearms AR15 for $387 a few months ago. It’s been flawless so far and is built very well. It has an excellent trigger too. 4 1/2 pounds and very crisp.

[@jordanwilson3120]

I got 1 also in 7.62 got it for under 650$ its work great​@JonFox-t5x

[@albundy7459]

“Warfare worthy” is a marketing buzz word. It’s never going to see a war. It shouldn’t be something you should ever consider.

[@seaocean4868]

You're not wrong however everyone needs something proven and quality for when a situation arises that you need it. Cheap ars are fine for the range but in the case of civil war or any shtf sort of situation you need something that will last much longer such as dd bcm geissele or others. Some past 5x longer than your average 4 or 500 dollar ar. Besides the things that are iust nice to have. You can get a good barrel and bcg and put it into a cheaper ar and be good to go. Also good optics is always smart.

[@Mr_Facts]

I have some Frankenstein AR builds. The only one I ever had a problem with was a PSA kit/upper with a lower I lost in a boating accident. It wouldn’t cycle after the first round. On the second round, the bolt would stick and jam the round before it would fully chamber. I tried all sorts of mags. This is when I was new to the platform. I removed the bolt and cleaned it, I also thought I lubed the BCG enough…It started doing it after around 500 rounds. I didn’t even think about lube really because I thought it was enough. This was a long time ago and I can’t remember what else I tried doing to fix it. I did a bunch of research and took it out shooting and it still jammed and wouldn’t feed, finally I just lubed the heck out of the bolt with some full synthetic motor oil and it’s been running like a champ for over 2000 rounds. I was so mad at myself. Easy fix.

[@maui6446]

I think the best thing for 99 percent of folks to do is to buy something like the S&W and upgrade the ergonomics, etc... to your personal liking. One of the best things about the AR platform is how modular and easy it is to upgrade. So, get the basic gun from from someone like S&W and over time upgrade the trigger, stock, grip, sights, sling, sling mounts, etc... to your liking. Make it YOUR rifle. When you get into replacing barrel, bolt carrier groups, hand guards, etc... It gets much more expensive and you might be better off just buying a more expensive rifle.

[@Orr_s]

School of american rifle is amazing for all AR expertise as well. When i upgraded my ejector and extractor springs to Springco springs and changed my gas rings on my BCG it made a world of difference for my AR

[@mccjoe01]

Yup. Chad's channel is very helpful

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Yes it's crazy how big a difference those little gas rings can make

[@matthewbeaver5026]

He just put out a vid the other day showing how using extra power extractor spings can cause the extractor to touch on the inside of the bolt. Just something to look for when upgrading springs.

[@Orr_s]

@ yeahh i did catch that one, thanks man!

[@lawofliberty3517]

Those rings ARE VERY CRITICAL.

[@markm5112]

Back when it was legal, I gave my adult sons blank lowers with a bag of parts and PSA uppers for Christmas. They used to get legos, then became engineers. They milled out the lowers, assembled the rifles, mounted lpvo’s and years later the rifles are still drilling bullseye at 200 yards. Easily 2000 rounds through each

[@truckstopcowboytruckstopco5639]

Hell Ya! You just gave me an idea.

[@danferrell1]

It’s still very much legal.

[@markm5112]

@ awesome

[@edwardmackey747]

When you can buy 3 M&P ARs for the price of 1 Daniel Defense AR, it's an easy choice for me. But then again I'm not in a foreign country fighting and my day to day safety doesn't heavily rely on minimizing my chances of a malfunction or component failure on my AR. I've never had a malfunction or component failure on my 2 M&P ARs, but then again I've only shot about 2,000 rounds through them and I clean and lube them religiously after each range day.

[@CETGale]

I would love to own a DD rifle but as a poor man I just can't bring myself to buy one........ A friend of mine is a manager at DD and he has told me he would get me a discount on a DD 4 or 5 hundred off... That said I will stick with my 700 Armalite AR...... One day when I have $$ to spare I plan on it, which sure aint now under Bidenomics....

[@watchchannel8201]

Would you rather own 3 ford rangers or 1 ford raptor?

[@jefferyboring4410]

@@watchchannel8201that’s not the same at all. And u know it. A DD is no raptor.

[@jefferyboring4410]

@@CETGalewhat I see all the time talking to ppl that get em. They’ll splurge for a DD and own 3-5 psa or whatever bear creek. A few yrs later they offer the DD for sale. Why because they realize they don’t need that investment in a silly ar. And they sell em. Over and over . Don’t get wrapped up in that. If u want a special barrel buy a barrel if u want a lobster tail bolt but that bolt. Buy those mags but don’t expect amazing things. A dirt rifle jams a pulled shot misses. Assemble what u want you’ll be way happier.DD assembles rifles . They’re all collections of parts. Just assemble them well.

[@DouglasNorman-im6bm]

​@@watchchannel82013 rangers without a doubt.

[@timsmith3919]

You are the coolest dude.I look you up every time I’m looking up fire arms. Very informative and you’re just a cool cat 😊 be well my friend!

[@BonnevilleNut]

You are by far.. the most humble person I've ever experienced..

[@TStheDeplorable]

If you haven't spent $2000 in range time learning to shoot and practicing, you'll never get any benefit out of a $2000 firearm compared to a $500 firearm.

[@dronepilot260rc]

I agree

[@Chase_01]

More like 2,000 in optics

[@jh-333-7]

I feel that this is a fair assessment

[@Av8or7]

Yes

[@firearmretreat]

bingo

[@Theglockman]

I have a budget built Spikes lower with PSA upper and also built a Geissele AR15, I honestly enjoy shooting my budget rifle after shooting 2000+ rounds each. No need to spend over a $700-$1000 for civilian use. Great channel!

[@matthewgoulamanian5968]

i had that same setup and believe it or not it kept jamming, but i didnt have the geissele trigger i had the stock spikes trigger, it kept jamming and. i thought for sure it was the psa upper.. i sent it back and they sent it. back to me and told me it was fine, ? i being frustrated bought the spikes tactical upper and viola!! it worked fine sometimes. the mix match doesnt work glad it worked for you

[@davidcoleman6211]

​@@matthewgoulamanian5968probably just needed to be tuned. Over gasses upper needs a heavier buffer. H2 buffer may have fixed the problem. But now you have an upper to build a lower for.

[@matthewgoulamanian5968]

@@davidcoleman6211 @ psa told me theres. possibility. the bolt carrier group was binding on the trigger an Nd i agreed with them because the upper worked on every lower except any of the lowers that had a spike trigger in it

[@E14days826]

Same here. I put together a PSA budget build for 250-300 bucks 5 years ago. Still shoots great actually shoots better than my buddy’s 3k build lol.

[@TTime685]

​@@E14days826Surrrrre

[@user-yu1zp2vu9x]

Thanks for sharing. Well rounded and experienced knowledge is highly valuable. Mixed with a little modesty and you really have something. Guns are tools. My rule for buying tools is buy once and cry once. That rule has served me well for fifty-six years.

[@jakedangerfield7265]

Happy Thanksgiving sir, thanks for all you do

[@Gnarls33]

My first Ar 15 was a stag 15 and loved it, I'm now building my own, well kinda. I just bought a complete upper from Daniel defense the DDMV7. It was expensive but well worth it and now I am completing my striped lower my self with of course a binary trigger and all V7 parts. Great video but my advice it you can afford a little more go with a Stag 15 over an M&P. Trust me you wont regret it....

[@bigwhiteseth]

You nailed it with the "building it to go to war." Basically the cost comes in when it's built to last longer. Your average joe will do just fine with a sport 3.

[@neverquit2640]

The PSA Sabre especially the 1 with the FN barrel and Geisselle rail/gas block is hard to beat fo the money. Radian ambi controls, and charging handle, microbest BCG, and Hiperfire trigger for around 1200.

[@Balticblue93]

This is what I came here to say. I am an FFL and sell all brands, but the PSA Sabre in any configuration is the best buy for the money, especially the FN CHF barrel and all the standard features you listed. MicroBest chrome lined and phosphate ejector and properly staked gas system is great for the $1000-$1200 price range. I have sold dozens and own two myself.

[@bblwarrantydepartment981]

This is what I purchased for my first ar

[@neverquit2640]

@bblwarrantydepartment981 can't go wrong especially with a first. Granted I'd check nothing slipped past PSA QC but mine is solid only thing I had to do was add a little loctite to the screws on the rail.

[@Balticblue93]

@ Great choice! You won’t be disappointed until you shoot a cheaper model and want yours back.

[@hairydogstail]

The best places to go to understand the AR15 is Chad from the School of the American Rifle and AR15 Tech in 5 minutes..Chad has been revolutionary for exposing the BS on this subject.. Mil spec is the tolerances set for parts and materials required by the TDP.. Most civilian rifles fail the TDP tolerances and specs when they claim mil spec...

[@shaunzimmerman661]

there is even a variant in mil spec fpr example there barrel steel spec is for CMV carbon content is .41 to .49 so it can either be 4140 with 41% carbo or 4150 with 49% carbon or anywheres in between. so a barrel that is 4140 can claim mil spec but it isnt as strong as a barrel thats 4150 mil spec. then there is their ordance 4150 and the carbon percentage is dif yet 49 to 55%.

[@hairydogstail]

@@shaunzimmerman661 Yes, there are 3 steels allowed and 4140 Chromium-vanadium is one of them, but not for the M4/M4A1..4150 and pushed buttoned (not pulled) rifling is required for the M4/M4A1.. There are other specs for the steel such as heat treatment, etc..That is not what I'm talking about..I'm talking about the tolerances between parts, materials and sizes..There are tolerances between the interface between two different parts such as the bolt tail O.D. and bolt tail bore in the carrier..Most AR rifles won't pass mustered as in TDP (mil spec) parts are the most expensive compared to the parts that were rejected and put into different bins to be sold to civilian AR manufacturers..

[@motorheadproductions865]

Milspec means the cheapest contract made junk possible, but it does make standards that keep the junk running for the most part. I wouldn’t be surprised if a big majority of our military’s rifles even meet “mil-spec” standards alone.

[@hairydogstail]

​@@motorheadproductions865 Your reply is about as mindless as it gets..All military contracted rifles have to pass the TDP spec, testing, etc.. If you actually had the specs, gauges and most of all the knowledge to test/gauge rifles you would never have left such a stupid comment..

[@motorheadproductions865]

@@hairydogstail haha show me proof of military rifles passing the inspection id like to see this with gauges and tolerances demonstrated. It’s more of a standard to uphold doesn’t mean it’s followed

[@FirearmJunkyBlick]

You’re the man Hickok. Plain and simple. That’s the only description you need.

[@007twm]

Keep 'em coming Hickok. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

[@alikabok-es4sx]

Not much to say, except, a truly honest opinion, based on years of actual used, on ARs. ALL of them are reliable. Its the materials, and how these materials are made. Just like cars ALL cars will start and move, but there are huge differences in power, comfort, speed, and amenities.

[@MunkyWrench]

New to AR world and this is my most needed answered question thanks Hickock

[@GB-zi6qr]

Caution I must advise, a deeeeeeep rabbit hole is the AR world. ;)

[@MunkyWrench]

@@GB-zi6qr I have my own channel and I am a firm believer in KZbin university .. I am a professor within its ranks lol and I spend my nights down many rabbit holes. This hole is one I am glad to dive into. I love Hickock and my 2A ... its very confusing at the moment but I am learning new stuff every day . Thanks my friend for the smile

[@GB-zi6qr]

@@MunkyWrench Outstanding!!!

[@Devin7Eleven]

AR market definitely has choice overload. So many brands and tiny details that won't matter to majority of casual shooters.

[@GB-zi6qr]

@@Devin7Eleven Very true. The beautiful thing about this choice overload, a person can get a more budget friendly rifle. Then they can try it out, work with it and learn the rifle. Should they enjoy range time, they can then slowly modify their rifle as they like. Personally, I really enjoyed building my own rifle. YMMV.

[@lolgoma]

thank you so much for everything you’ve done for the 2a community

[@timsmith3919]

I’m 35yrs old and I absolutely love watching your videos brother man!

[@TheGuy030770]

The one component that I pay attention to is the firing pin retainer. I’ve had them break. In the army I’ve seen the gas key on the bolt carrier shear off, and that was a Colt rifle. The only time I think it’s necessary to dump a lot of money into a platform is if you’re using it for competitive shooting. Occasional users like myself can go super cheap.

[@jimhovater8755]

Over the years, I've owned Colt, Armalite, Bushmaster, DPMS, PSA, and ATI. I've never had any issues with any of those. My wife and I currently own (2) DPMS carbines, a 10.5-inch PSA Mk18 clone (my vehucle AR), and a 7.5-inch ATI (my wife's vehicle AR).

[@thekikendallsautoandrandom1271]

Yup. Had the gas block on my m16a2 i carried in the Marines snap the bolts on the range. Been there seen that. Never snapped the retainer pin though.

[@lawofliberty3517]

I've only had gas rings fail. Was on a DSA ZM4. Replaced them with rings from KAK Industries.

[@Mixmastermez]

Yes. I bought two budget ars. I figured if I did ever have to use em I'd probably wouldn't be around long enough to worry about getting 2k gun. I also have a spare rifle to hand a comrade if needed

[@DGardhouse]

As always, I enjoy your videos. As a Canadian I wish we could get/have some of these AR rifles. Hello from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦

[@mikegraves6070]

Take your country back from the liberal commies ruling Canada and restore freedom. Then you can have all of the ar rifles you want.

[@HPC-oh9qy]

Gotta vote that turd Trudeau out

[@kansasscout4322]

Too bad Trudeau is PM. When will Canadians stand up? Looks like the big cities are the problem. A former Canadian friend who is a devout christian is an absolute sheep. The mind set between the USA and Canada is very different. My family fled to Canada at the end of the Revolutionary war. Stayed for 100 years. Still family up there in NB. I love Canada and most Canadians.

[@billberry8240]

As always, a great job of thoughtfully dissecting the differences between good and better firearms. When we are new to the world of AR'S, we think of prohibitive cost ,as we get more experience, we realize the little things make the whole just better . Quality over quantity. Thanks brother, for another great review.

[@bradleyduvall5161]

I bought a Colt M4 from Walmart just before they quit carrying them, and was out the door for $850, smoothest action i have ever seen on a AR, I have a Springfield Saint Victor 300Blk out pistol $700 pro deal, very nice shooter, DPMS AR10 308. $700 holds Nickel sized groups bench shooting. Also have a ACR, very smooth action, but its not a AR obviously. And the shop I use to work at sold tons of $450 Diamond Back ARs when I was there and not one complaint. For the average shooter a cheaper AR will work just fine, and upgrades like a $100 trigger makes them nice shooters. Like any firearm you want to use for self defense, always make it prove to you at the range it will do just that before you try to depend on it. My brother in law bought a $3000 Daniel Defense and it went back to the manufacturer 3 times before it would over 5 rounds without a jam/ failure to feed. So sometimes more isn't better.

[@matthewtrabue2556]

It's good to see an honest and unbiased review.

[@zandersohn4283]

Good BCG, Good Trigger, Good Optic & A Decent Quality CHF Upper. That’s How I Approach The Issue.

[@hickok45]

Pretty smart priorities.

[@zandersohn4283]

I Also Subscribe To GT’s Mantra To Strive To Become An Expert With Whatever Equipment You Happen To have On Hand. Practice Practice-

[@ron5545]

Small Arms Solutions is of the best firearms channels. Just straight info.

[@ayayron7776]

*Thank you for making this video for us.😊*

[@mattomite9097]

I always like how humble you are on videos. Just a very reasonable analysis

[@boomdawg56]

Great video, I have an old Bushmaster I bought a few decades ago for a little over $1000 and a parts gun I built for about $350. They both work equally well for what I use them for. I see better fit and finish on higher end guns, better looking furniture maybe. I thank DD, Bushmaster, Kimber, and others for establishing the market for firearms like this, setting a benchmark. When what I have no longer fits the bill, I will look for something better.

[@ChrisInAlabama229]

Agree on your reason for not wanting to debate 🤣. But everyone should know at the end of the day, yes there is absolutely a difference with no questions asked. If they don’t , may want to pick one up and increase the round count and rethink it

[@ChrisInAlabama229]

Most people bash higher end guns simply because they just can’t afford it 🙄 Anyone who has at least a 500 round count on buffet tier/price levels of different rifles or handguns know this. Weekend shooters with less then 200 round count a year don’t know

[@GunnDogInn]

Like The Corvette Canaro Mustang Ferrari controversy . End of day they can be used for fun or getting tickets or going to jail .

[@Mark-iq6hi]

Not aware of the Canaro!😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ModernGunGear]

i’m a total Daniel Defense fanboy but I do admit I do love some M&P 15 sport twos and ones.. super fun to shoot and I got my first one for 499$

[@LocaliLLocano]

Im also sure that the hours you spent on the DD system can carry over to a 500 dollar AR and you will still shoot well.

[@colesjh]

I purchased a S&W M&P 15-22 to train on before buying my first AR. After familiarizing the controls etc, I bought a DDM4 V9 as my first AR. Absolutely love this rife. Added a DDMk18 to my “wish-list”, but also looking at a CZ Bren 2, the new S&W M&P 15 SBR, and even possibly a Sig MCX and lastly a B&T APC223 all configured in SBR. Give m quality over quantity anytime. Makes no sense to me to purchase something that is cheaper only to replace it later. If I can’t afford it, I’ll save up for it until I can. Though everyone’s situation is different. Great info as always Hickok!

[@indigomarine91]

@@colesjh you won! Congratulations

[@oxyplik3542]

Greetings from Ukraine! Dear Hickok45 thank you for years of high quality weapons review !!! God bless America ! Слава Україні !

[@americandude3825]

Yall need to take your country back from your president…..

[@b.a.hwyndham893]

You owe us about 200 billion dollars. Trump is going to cut off the money flow on day 1.

[@ubich1]

Героям слава!

[@jpm1544]

​@@b.a.hwyndham893 😆 touch grass

[@bradcolby1]

We Americans are proud to support you.God Bless Ukraine 🇺🇦🤝🇺🇸 (Ignore the clowns)

[@jasonmeehan6080]

With Black Friday there’s plenty of opportunities to buy 2k+ ARs and get them for $1200 or less. Like the Geissele Super Duty. Also, if you are an NRA instructor you can get 30% off a Daniel Defense AR

[@universal_wisdom3416]

How this Man doesn’t have 10 million subs is beyond comprehension

[@Zealot.4.Christ]

Now..... thats the best way I've ever heard it put... And yes sir. Thank you.... For sharing in this video. Alabama proud. 😊

[@LockedBreech]

The Primary Arms prism has been my go-to AR sight for years, nice to see it's hickok approved.

[@GunnDogInn]

Reminder Wyndom Weaponry is back in business give them a look and support . I built a Wyndom Weaponry pCC 9 with a barrell i bought during their bankruptcy sale . Runs great .

[@MHoffy28]

Do u mean Windham weaponry? I have a Windham ar and it's a great firearm

[@knunn5171]

How is it possible to own, give advice and recommend a weapon and not know how to spell the brand name?

[@bigmacfullerton7870]

Wait….what? WW is back in business? That’s great news. I have a WW AR I got for $800 that totally kicks ass. I want my lifetime warranty back though 😅

[@xXE4GLEyEXx]

As someone who sadly is living outside the US and can't own firearms, my AR is a mere 300 usd one xd an air gun that can go full auto for the heck of it. But I love the platform and if perhaps one day I get the chance, I'll gladly run a real one :3

[@Thatguy55595]

Move here if you are a criminal and then get your own. I own a legal Glock 17 and I wouldn’t trade it for the world

[@juliette2366]

Most ar15s will go. I will keep it simple. This following statement is generally true, but not guaranteed. Nothing much is after all.. I trust most ar15s out there from PSA basic line and up... But i see it like this, I trust cheaper guns But i trust my more expensive ones to do everything the cheap ones do.. for longer. That however still doesn't mean you need to buy a 2k+ rifle, if you arent going to be in theater for 14 months out on 41 day missions..probably dont need to worry to much about the need for a rifle that has just the top percentage chance of not going down after 6k rounds. And that's like 99.9 percent of people. I mean buy what you want i got a knights factory sbr hahaha But do i need it, Lord, no lol I'd be served just fine with a PSA or Aero or any of the really well made, albeit a lot more affordable alternatives.

[@K5_RC]

Just shot the Sport 3 today and its all I need. It's the most expensive AR Ive used, but it seems to be perfect for my needs. Love it!

[@randyfrantz7195]

You might want to talk about the benefits of assembling an AR from parts. A person can select inexpensive parts for things that are not going to make much difference and spend for parts that make "the" difference. As you mentioned with your Daniel Defense, you changed to a Giselle trigger even though Daniel's trigger is certainly decent. When assembling (notice that I did not say building...) your own AR is selecting the right parts from the start. Of course, many don't have the interest or ability to do the job. For those that do have interest and ability, it is something worth considering as an extension of your gun hobby.

[@GB-zi6qr]

I 100% agree!!! I even spent a couple of years getting everything together to assemble my rifle.

[@ThmsDouglas]

The one thing I always reccomend buying no matter if you have a cheap AR or not is a good trigger, it's the one thing that makes such a huge difference to me.

[@Sleeperdude]

The only issue I ever had with AR was a DPMS sportical. It would not fire steel case ammo out of a GI mag

[@stuartgorka989]

I've had a few that don't like steel case (two colts and an armalite). That's more because what I have is very underpowered, not the steel case itself. The bolts didn't have enough get up and go to fully cycle with much energy so would either get stuck on the top round, or not have enough energy to strip off the top round from the mag.

[@jammbbs1688]

Last I checked on psa they have the Armalite M153GN18 is 899$ normally between 1.5-2k and it's already got all the bells and whistles

[@TradeRunners]

hickok is the only person i can watch talk about guns all day.. absolute goat! ❤

[@PanamaSticks]

I've never owned one. However, I had shopped around a bit before NYS outlawed them, and recall the expensive guns had forged receivers. That makes a stronger weapon.

[@SamF-vc9gh]

That smith and wesson is $1700 here in south africa. The FA shops have huge markups here. Luckily i use a american logistics/importer and get my FA for way cheaper. I dont support our shops when they blatantly rip us of like this

[@CETGale]

Yall better arm up and start to train because the blaks seem to be wanting to wipe out the SA W man.......

[@ThmsDouglas]

WOW yeah that's way too much!

[@wolfieplays3965]

Lucky guys you can own ARs. I’m from Illinois and they are getting away with violating our 2nd amendment rights here. ARs are banned here in Illinois right now unless you are military or police. Or you owned it pre Ban you can have it. Those who don’t have ARs who want to buy one can’t. You can’t even go out of state and buy one unless you become a resident in a state where you can buy one. Illinois is coming up with all kinds of stupid laws and if I had the money too I’d flee like the other bunch of people that are fleeing this insanity. You need a license called a foid card to own a gun then a Concealed carry on top of that just to be able to carry it. And there’s places where you can’t legally carry and it makes all the work you do to legally own guns all for nothing because you can’t even legally defend yourself there.

[@Jayleewild]

Iowa isn't far away and we're a constitutional Carry state. Move over the river man.. screw those unconstitutional laws. I'm just across the big old river.. visit Killinois as little as possible due to that states BS. Make the move happen any way you can. Plenty of work here as well.

[@CETGale]

I feel sorry for you guys..... It's bad that 1 big blue city can tell the rest of the state what ,where, and when they can own / shoot... Your right to defend yourself and property is also up to Chiraq (like they have ANY business telling others about gun safety)....smh

[@Synthgunner]

This crazy to me, Im from Illinois but left in 2019...AR collector so not sure what I would've done. Im in Florida now......go two ARs next to me right now

[@120offroadllc]

Word is President Trump might make federal law every state Constitution Carry (CC)

[@NicholasX.]

I'm in the same communist state as you my friend, and if I ever get the opportunity, I'm planning to escape as well.

[@andrewkeeton3627]

I can shoot that $700 AR just as bad as I could shoot that $2000 AR

[@Rickristian]

Positive way to keep going is to increase the firearm safety and handling advices given by host. Hickok senior aways has great suggestions during his presentations. KZbinrs need these priceless safery awareness. Thank you and congeatulations for your work.

[@trillnye9128]

Perfect timing on the video. Was gonna drop around 1200-1500 on an ar decided to go with a 600$ zro delta and with th extra money ordered all the upgrades i want including a new stock, pistol grip, new trigger, foregrip and a compensator.

[@jrranch9712]

I have a 16" Colt and 10.5" Palmetto State. Im very satisfied with both. My PSA is my bedside guardian.

[@daequanloco8351]

Palmetto State Armory is the value king of AR15s

[@Jayleewild]

AP is right there with them though

[@GlockFito]

Anderson too

[@tommynason5853]

All turd. Sandwiches

[@AxtionMag]

Absolutely

[@ThmsDouglas]

PSA is amazing

[@speedyd8150]

Hickok reminds me of the character Burt from the movie Tremors

[@complexblackness]

Lol

[@scottallberry]

I bought an Andersen manufacturing am15 as my first ar. Low cost, entry level. No optic, $500 rifle. I added optics and zeroed it. Shoots great. I dont larp, i dont prep for zombies, i just go to a range i belong to and relax. Its good enough for what i do. i plan on adding a trigger upgrade, and probably a pistol grip and buttstock though it came with magpul just to firm it up.

[@PewPew9mm]

I remember watching your videos for hours and hours when I was getting ready to turn 21 and buy my first edc pistol. It’s really cool to see you’re still making videos 10+ years later. Also live here and Tennessee as well and after being diagnosed with cancer last December on the 12th at 30 yrs old I don’t have the mobility to do much of anything atm so I’ve really gotten into shooting a lot more over the last 5 months or so and now I’m getting ready to grab my first AR so this video is informative. Shooting my brother in laws AR yesterday made me want one 😂 that and a staccato p ! Liking my kanik tti combat with the mekanik MO3 reflex sight but the staccato has my eyes at the moment !

[@firearmretreat]

ill take 2 or 3 700 rigs than 1 2000 rig

[@GlockFito]

Me too any day

[@knightingale9833]

Buy what makes sense for you

[@chhansen9813]

Those semi-automatic automatic assault weapons of wars guns are so scary!

[@darrelwhite2649]

Go hide in your safe space!

[@Mike80528]

Moronic statements like this are too common among the 2A crowd. Intentional ignorance is stupid. ALWAYS.

[@Ash_95]

I know. I need a blankie and teddie bear everytime I open my gun safe.

[@K.Miller5150]

All them black evil guns get your self a good single shot shotgun made of wood

[@grahambrown1980]

The lament of the frightened little leftists.😅

[@andyhuang7526]

I bought a precision upper and lower on a different store, charging handle, BCG for about $1200! Just added a $300 Leupolf 4-12 40mm mid range ! Love it ! 😊