Why Would You Buy The Cheaper AR Over the More Expensive One? FN 15 Guardian

[@BacktheBlue357]

As a 40+ year firearms dealer, when asked about what firearm someone should purchase, I always steer them towards a reliable but less expensive firearm instead of maxing out their budget on the firearm only. My response when asked is, they're better off buying a $800.00 gun and $800 on ammo, training, and magazines than buying a $1600.00 gun and not being able to afford to practice.

[@wesleycristman3278]

What are your thoughts on the Ruger 556? Is it “good for a budget” or just “good period”?

[@richardm3023]

@@wesleycristman3278 The Ruger is good for the price. So is the SW M & P 15. For target shooting, and other "routine" shooting, there's nothing wrong with a cheaper AR. If you're getting into competitive shooting, or something like that, get a better platform.

[@wesleycristman3278]

@@richardm3023 Thanks appreciate it

[@BacktheBlue357]

@@wesleycristman3278 I'm a Ruger fan boy. My first firearm I ever purchased was a Ruger 10/22 that I purchased in 1977. I've sold thousands of Rugers and can recall 2 times in 40 plus years that I've had to involve Ruger in remedying an issue. And, both times they couldn't have been more accommodating if they tried. The Ruger 556 is an excellent platform. Especially for the price.

[@joshjohnson2600]

That kind of consideration will keep people coming back. Good on you.

[@aaronskuse2207]

Saw on Reddit PSA was selling the upper and lower parts of an AR15, minus the rear sight, for $450. $450 for a virtually complete rifle is insane. Just goes to show how dedicated PSA is of their goal for arming everyone with an AR.

[@Notorious621]

I built my first AR and I saved hundreds with PSA for about a mid-teir platform, couldnt be happier I did have a gas issue but they had it back to me in a week. I want to change a few things like the dust cover, and switch to an ambi selector otherwise I cant wait to send plenty of 556 down range.

[@NG..]

I’ve seen deals on PSA and when I crunched the numbers I found you could build one for $230-$250. God Bless America, and PSA. 🇺🇸

[@mail-qh2qc]

Notice hoe they always have a "blemished" AK that's perfectly fine and marked down 200$? They want everyone armed.

[@aaronskuse2207]

*drops glasses *spits out drink My god… 😮 Forgot those stupid UFO’s, THIS is the conspiracy Alex Jones should be ranting and raving about!

[@surefiresteak0292]

looking at a PSA kit rn for like 350

[@starpoint2112]

both my AR15's were under 900 Ruger AR15 5.56 and Diamondback DB15 Ruger was 800 and the DB was 580. Both shoot the same. And let's be honest - someone comes on your property and you grab your AR and defending your land, the bad people won't know the difference when you dispatch them with a budget gun.

[@mattmurphy7030]

My Ruger shoots great, 10,000 rounds and no keyholing yet. But they're *heavy* and overgassed to hell

[@anthonygerber8261]

Ruger MPR 16.1" barrel. $900 and runs great. CHF barrel. Free float barrel with M-lok on the hand guards.

[@FYRARMS]

Bought my first off-the-shelf Colt AR back in 1993. After changing almost every OEM part on the gun over the next few years, it made sense to simply build my own the way I want from scratch. Been building every single one of mine in my collection ever since.

[@adamr9215]

Building your own is the only way to go. Why spend more for a bunch of parts that you are probably going to want to change to your liking? The exception is for the first of that platform that you buy since you may not know what you want yet. In that case, start on the cheaper side as there is no reason to pay more for parts you are going to change out anyways. Furniture is a big one you can save money on since a lot of it is simply cosmetic.

[@thejohnhend]

This is the way

[@thejohnhend]

I’m building a 6arc with a Ballistic advantage barrel, quality parts and a couple things I had laying around for about $800 that would run about $2-3k if I purchased already made up.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I bought my first Colt Government 20" A2 in 1994 and still have it. $675 + 5% sales tax. That is the only factory rifle I own out of the 20 something ARs I now have in 2023.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

@@adamr9215 Factory Colt ARs are best kept that way and all original. If you want a custom build them yourself out of parts.

[@Threedog1963]

Yikes! Comparing a $1800 to a $1000 AR? I feel like a cheapskate when I paid under $800 for a new, perfectly functioning AR at the local gun shop. No bells and whistles, but it shoots straight and I have no issues with it.

[@kerbalairforce8802]

IMO, if you're going cheap, build out of cheap parts, and get a nicer trigger and barrel if you want.

[@aestheticswim3397]

plus you get to personalize it yourself and really get to make it yours

[@aestheticswim3397]

also double yikes for comparing the rifles to a damn near 100k truck

[@wesleycristman3278]

For a little over $800 I got my Ruger 556 and I love it. Thing’s as accurate as a laser pointer.

[@MikeMcclendon1377]

Hell... I have a RADICAL FIREARMS AR-15 & I love it, shoots great. I've upgraded little things, but it was really good out of the box

[@gregoryseguin5073]

I love that everyone on here is so passionate about their ARs. I’m new to the platform myself and love hearing what everyone has.

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

You will buy more then one AR, you might buy your first one THEN build your second or buy your second over a couple of months or years. Most I know that get into ARs have more than 1. You might even get your 2nd in a different caliber, I have 2 ARs 5.56 and I am thinking about a 3rd in .450 Bushmaster caliber (Rock River Arms LAR-15M A4), or might get an AR 10 in 6.5 Creedmoore (Savage ARMS MSR 10)

[@gregoryseguin5073]

@@BLACKHEAT1028 oh I went and bought my second within 4 months lol

[@chizorama]

​@@gregoryseguin5073They're like Lays potato chips, you can't have just one. Welcome aboard!

[@seaocean4868]

building custom is always a great option as you get all the parts you want instead of buying a complete just to replace all the bits you dont want. i prefer bcm dd geissele tier stuff myself because i want to have my guns for as long as possible and if shtuff hits the fan i want to be able to depend on em. But if you just want a lil somethin to hit the range or beat on the cheap options arent bad and this fn is a good option. I however am the type to worry about how the hand guard attaches. if i trip and fall on my gun i dont want it to get loose or the bolts to snap since the cheaper guns use smaller hardware and usually the threads are built into the handguard so if you strip them while doing maintenance the handguard is now trash.

[@panzerabwerkanone]

I have six going on seven.

[@YaboiSlendeR]

The classic $400-700 AR with a clean scope or red dot, and you still doing the same magic :)

[@JamesSmullins]

Exactly, other than trigger they shoot the same and will out last most shooter's my $500 ar shoots accurate and every time, what you get for thousand or more dollars isn't changing that but makes you look cooler at the range.

[@jayhemfindsyou]

@@JamesSmullins And you can get a great 3.5lb trigger upgrade for just over $100 these days.

[@waldojim42]

Several years ago I got a cheap Windman CF SRC (AR15). It was about the cheapest ar-15 I could buy at the time that was "full featured" - meaning dust cover, forward assist, etc. It didn't come with any sights at all, and only had a couple cheap steel mags. After throwing on a decent enough optic, and some pmags, I have a blast with it. It shoots straight, and runs reliably. About all I need as someone that doesn't care about competition shooting.

[@rickymoss4565]

You're not gonna beat the Windham! Great choice!

[@dillonc7955]

PSA has a notable amount of rifles that offer FN premium barrels if youre willing to throw in the extra cash, costing 900-1200 dollars for a barrel that may as well last a lifetime. I'll admit I'm into the "cheaper" guns with no shame.

[@emmw7794]

I trust FN with my life. I don't care if they built a cheaper AR, I know it won't fail me. I feel more confident in the FN rifles than my own expensive rifles I put together. I don't know why, I just know they won't fail.

[@Laugh1ngboy]

If you can't hit some one with a shot gun a 2k rifle isn't going to get you any better at shooting. A 400 dollar rifle will teach you to hit a target and if it's worth it to get a 2k rifle to get nominally better. Plus I can buy the better parts and build up the PSA rifle.

[@dillonc7955]

​@@Laugh1ngboy400 dollars depends on how much research you do. Bear Creek Arsenal I've heard good things about, but other companies like ATI's Omni platform I've heard of lots of reliability issues.

[@MikeMcclendon1377]

ATI is definitely a NO GO. For that price point I'd go RADICAL FIREARMS, PSA, or BEAR CREEK

[@John5.56]

@@emmw7794Because you know that someone who builds rifles for a living put it together, makes sense.

[@vaughnbrady4454]

I bought a Diamondback DB15 several years ago for less than $500. Over the years since I have run over 3000 rounds through it, and only had 4 malfunctions due to a bad magazine, but 100% reliability otherwise. The only modification I've made is an ambidextrous charging handle since I'm left-handed, a light/laser, and a red dot sight. All in all, I spent about $1000 for everything.

[@ericgreen8419]

Same experience here with Diamondback I've got a db10. Around 1500 rounds through it only trouble I had was with cheap Chinese mags

[@daniellebarta4469]

look at Stag, they have a Left Handed AR. great option i hear

[@vaughnbrady4454]

@@daniellebarta4469 I looked at the Stag, but it was never in stock at the time. I hear they're a good quality firearm.

[@southerndad68]

Glad to hear that because I have one on layaway at my local pawn shop and will have it out in a few weeks then I'm going to get what I need to set it up, I'll end up spending about $1200 total.

[@rodm2345]

​@vaughnbrady4454 I know you said it was due to the mags so despite those hiccups would you recommend the diamondback? I'm looking to get one but I've read and watched videos that review it and they're pretty mixed so now I'm back to square one on my search.

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

The ar platform is so versatile there's endless possibilities, even budget ones can be amazing and added onto later. Palmetto state armory has been doing amazing this for budget and new builders alike.

[@bluesteeltraining]

As one poster mentioned, I went with the best base model and allowed for enough left over for me to tailor the rifle the way I wanted it. I didn’t load all my money on to the most expensive rifle I could afford and then go cheap on accessories. In the end I wound up with a rifle that works so well for me, I can’t believe it cost me as little as it did. In fact, when it was all said, and done, I still had enough money, left to buy quality ammo and some additional cleaning accessories for my new rifle!

[@Joe-f1n8m]

Which base model?

[@booya6437]

While I don’t doubt there are differences given the difference in price, I’ve never seen a torture test where the expensive gun performed better than the “cheaper” guns. Garand Thumb’s torture test really evens the playing field for these rifles.

[@ElderRichardPGreen]

first time watching one of your video's, i find you to be a breath of fresh air. You speak very clear, people can understand what you are saying and to me that means a lot. You are informative and up front with what you are saying, we don't need to try and read between the lines. Keep up the great work

[@petesheppard1709]

Good video! Without demeaning anyone, Colion clearly points out why it's fun to have options! I'm happy with an S&W Sport II and its reliability after thousands of rounds, but for those who want to spend more money on higher-tier rifles, they have my enthusiastic support!

[@ricks.1092]

Most people don't even know why the expensive AR is better. Smith makes an excellent AR that would do just fine as a go to war or duty rifle. Smith saves money in the barrel...which the barrel performs just fine. They use 4041 CMV steel. Whereas, most companies use 4150 CMV steel. What's the difference, the 4150 is a slightly more carbon in the barrel making it a bit stronger. All euro made AK's...have been and still use 4140 steel. SO that should tell you 4041 steel is just fine. And 4150 is essentially overkill. Another cost saver is, buffer tube made from 6061 aluminum when 7075 is much better, Smith uses 7075 buffer tubes. The true cost saving are in the BCG, why most companies don't list all the metal uses. Only the carrier and bolt. When the extractor, cam pin, and gas key use a different metal. I know this because the family business is gun manufacturing and we've been doing it for close to a century.

[@petesheppard1709]

@@ricks.1092 That's good information; thanks! The barrel's nitride treatment is also extremely tough. LASTLY, the fact that I clean and lube regularly doesn't hurt. 😎

[@8475143117]

I'm cool with an M&P also but for an AWESOME budget/QUALITY ALL American made rifle is the Radical Firearms...

[@petesheppard1709]

It’s great to have options! 😀

[@8475143117]

@@petesheppard1709 AGREED!

[@ozzylife]

All this reminded me I bought a colt rifle a while ago and haven’t taken it out in years. Need to hit the range thanks for this video man.

[@ROYZARMY]

Yes i would buy a cheaper one over an expensive one

[@demonjmh]

Especially when the one in the video isnt your typical low budget AR. I was expecting to see a ruger 5.56 or something.

[@ROYZARMY]

@demonjmh yeah I know. I love his videos but he is definitely paid to do what he does I personally would just buy a psa all day long

[@nohandle74]

Why just buy a higher quality one. You'll make more money I promise.

[@cd3121]

@@ROYZARMY ive had many psa nothing bad to say run just as good as my colt or bcm or aero matter fact i take my psa out more then i do my high quality ars

[@KPad87]

Or a radical ar15 500$

[@scottamy6496]

I never purchased a complete AR, I’ve always thought that getting a quality in-spec lower and either building an upper to my specs or purchasing a quality upper and matching it to my lowers was the better way to go! I have Griffin Armament and Aero/Ballistic Advantage lowers with Larue triggers and either BCM or DD prebuilt uppers or my Frankenstein uppers and have saved a bunch of money doing it that way! This way I can use my preferred furniture, triggers, BCGs and LPKs and don’t have to worry about changing out what I already paid for and won’t use.

[@wyrmzr]

I built my own AR for $800. Over the years, I've added a different grip, and trigger. Sub MOA, where I've shot woodchucks through the eye at 100 yards. If you're mechanically inclined, upgrades are relatively cheap.

[@joshuahagen2961]

That part. I think my PSAs are just that in name only. Barrel, lower, and upper are all PSA...all the internals are...well...everything else lol

[@ROOSTER333]

@@joshuahagen2961 I think that's the good thing about them. They understand most people can't 1 time afford a badass rifle but they can get a PSA and build off it. I love them only problem I've had is my dagger slide won't operate w my 3rd gen glock 19

[@danielrivera6673]

For someone looking to purchase their first AR-15, this was a very informative video. Love your content. Keep it up!

[@jaex26]

I built my PSA AR for under $500. It shoots just as well as my $2000+ Gucci AR. My Gucci AR may shoots 1/2 MOA better than my PSA but in a real world scenario that doesn't mean jack. Premium AR's are overrated.

[@vinnymigliore2810]

facts

[@idxdesign]

#facts

[@EwokyBalboa]

I smell a lot of exaggeration. Or you spent $1500 on superfluous parts that don't matter. There's a lot of things that are generally worth the difference between a $500 ar and a $1000 ar, but as you go higher you get drastically diminishing gains per $. "Premium" ar parts aren't "overrated" if you're buying the right parts for a reason. Just depends what you're wanting it to do though.... like don't spend over $1k on a match barrel if you're a plinker who goes to the range once a year

[@Inkushu]

Can I get a parts list?

[@Nunofyadangbisnes]

In my mind, if it’s reliable, it’s good enough.

[@Chainsaw2373]

Life long shooter and old veteran and I think this is one of the best videos I’ve seen on the AR-15. Thank You.

[@celowski6296]

PSA has NEVER let me down. I never had a feed issue. The accuracy is good as I can shoot. Why dump over a grand into a varmint rife when you can get a Garand or a M1A1?

[@swesleyc7]

I feel the same way about another underrated company: Diamondback. I bought a DB15 and, frankly, after learning so much about AR manufacturing, steel types, etc. I'm very, very glad I did not pay more than I did (~$680) for a completed DB15 - it was entirely made with satisfactory (some more than satisfactory) methods and materials. I don't see the big perk of buying an even budget FN Guardian. Since then, I've modified it. To be honest, I should've built my 1st AR from the ground up and would've saved money compared to buying the completed DB15. That said, I'm glad I didn't buy a more expensive completed rifle above the DB15 since the only things left original from the DB15 are the barrel, BCG, buffer, and lower.

[@i_inf0din254]

I feel like whenever I eventually get a rifle. PSA is kinda the only way to go. And when they come out with an amazing Dagger I might get one of those too

[@ratroute8238]

@@i_inf0din254 The PSA sweet spot is not their cheapest rifle ,if you can spend $40 - $70 more at PSA you can get a better trigger(EPT polished), furniture(Magpul), and maybe back up iron sights(PSA)....and a mid length gas system will help with any "over gassed" issues channels like T. Rex arms keep talking about.

[@justsomeguyontheinternet5331]

Put up the extra cash for their uppers with FN CHF barrels (you can even get then with Geissele rails), and you enter a place where you have no real reason to want something "better" (aka, with a fancy name on it)

[@Brogan.Vessel]

Same, I have a Sabre in .300black, a Dagger, and a Micro Dagger. I love all 3!

[@r4tain]

The way y'all filming now is crazy! Very cool. Thanks for doin what you do. God bless

[@americanpatriot70476]

I like how says “cheaper” and it’s $1000😂. Hell I spent $600 for mine and feel it’s a pretty solid AR from Radical Arms

[@kristybishop4]

❤ radical arms, just as good as more expensive ones

[@MalefaxTheBlack]

Cheap is subjective… If you’re loaded, 1K is pretty cheap. If you’re poor AF, 1K is out of your price range.

[@americanpatriot70476]

@@MalefaxTheBlack Just because you say $1000 is too much for a single firearm doesn’t mean your poor AF

[@MalefaxTheBlack]

@@americanpatriot70476 I mean… I was basically being generic about it.

[@justanotheryoutuber5228]

Same experience with my m&p sport 2 I think I spent 750 on it and it’s a pretty decent platform.. have had it for over 5 years now though and it’s time to start changing things out on it

[@davidrosenlund7533]

I have one of each, both built by me. After retiring from the Army I got into local Mid-Range Prone matches. So I built the best rifle I could with part of the VA lump sum payment. I followed that up 10 years later with a hunting carbine. Both built on YHM lowers, slick side uppers and both are 6.5 Grendel. Both came in under $3k. I'm not saying mine are better than anyone else's. But the Army gave me the skills, I'm going to use them. That said, my distance rifle isn't going to be carried very far. With the heavy profile barrel, piston system, Magpul PSR stock and all the other parts. It's beyond 10lbs. I'll build another upper for it someday to broaden its use potential.

[@adam-m8l3q]

I would go with the cheaper of the 2 just because you can add exactly what you want on to your AR. Plus you can add on gradually if you do not have the money right away. I think you do a terrific job of keeping it interesting and educational, great job and thanks.

[@Amayi1]

This man gets it

[@leadlacedanarchy9341]

Yes because then I could actually afford the ammo to train with it. Just because something is cheaper doesn't always mean it's junk and for those of us poor people it's the smarter buy.

[@Gregster1234]

Ok don’t laugh at me! I have a S&W M&P sport AR and it does everything I need it do. I did upgrade the trigger and added a bit of furniture along with a Red Dot Sig. Accurate and runs well so far no complaints.

[@stewie84]

Forward assist is valuable to anyone who brass checks to make sure the first round is picked up and chambered, which I highly recommend. I was a Marine rifle and pistol instructor, and this is a built-in habit for a reason. A lot of M-16/M-4/AR-15 rifles will not get all the way back into battery when you brass check. Train and develop habits to fire reliably in adverse conditions. I do appreciate the points in this video. I own a $700 16” medium weight barrel profile Del-Ton AR-15 with MagPul furniture that is an extremely rugged and reliable platform. On the other end, I own a JP-15 with an 18” match barrel chambered in .223 Wylde, muzzle brake, match trigger, and a Low Mass Operating System that is the lowest recoiling and flattest shooting competition level gun I’ve known…. With the optic and mount, that one is about a $5k gun. Key point though… it’s a competition gun with unnecessary features for a decent combat rifle.

[@gregoryseguin5073]

How have you liked the del-ton? I purchased the Sierra 316L and the DT sport over the last year and have enjoyed learning the platform and going to the range with both. Have to give the edge to the sport because I just feel like it shoots better

[@stewie84]

@@gregoryseguin5073 Honestly, it’s a great rifle and I would trust my life to it. There are definitely better platforms and features between the 2 rifles I mentioned… like free float barrels, improved triggers, better bolt carrier groups, etc… but I’d wager I could possible the 500 yard line prone on irons with this rifle. It’s not the best, but it is entirely adequate. Some people whine about how dirty DI systems are and that a piston w/adjustable gas block is better if you wanna run a suppressor. That’s fair, but I’ve never had a problem keeping my guns clean, and I still might throw a three lug on the end with a Flow556 or something and I could run suppressed no problem.

[@pocketsand4404]

It's better to buy one inexpensive rifle and thousands of rounds of ammo to train with, than buy an expensive rifle but can't afford ammo to become proficient with it. Stick with that one rifle and learn the fundamentals to become an excellent shooter overtime. TRAINING makes you a good shooter, NOT just simply buying an expensive rifle.

[@RegimentJoker]

That's not true, mine came with aimbot.

[@chltmdwp]

only if you're poor

[@BrowncoatGofAZ]

That makes complete sense

[@Unk_Marco]

But let's be honest, if they're cheaping out on the AR they're probably not gonna spend thousands on ammo.

[@elche1976]

​@@chltmdwpsome people can shoot well with whatever they're given. Just love the real world... rich people stay rich by living like they're poor. Poor people stay poor by living/ pretending they're rich. I've witnessed way too many people with their Call of Duty give that they spent way too much on, and after talking to them, know they spittle have gone with something more affordable. But they want to project appearances and look tacticool. Do what you want, but those types are easily obvious to those around them.

[@abelacosta7200]

I remember when I was making my 1st AR purchase. I really wanted to go all out and buy a Daniel Defense rifle, but it cost around $2000-$2200. Before just jumping in head first into the vast world of AR’s, I wanted to make sure I would learn the AR platform and how it functions. I ended up purchasing a Radical Firearms RF 15 for $450. Not gonna lie at first I felt like I should’ve just gotten the DD rifle. Not that there was anything wrong with the RF 15. Right out the box it was accurate & has had zero malfunctions. It just felt like a cheapy. My homeboy has a DD V7 Pro and man I can feel the difference in quality between the 2. No disrespect to Radical Firearms. But after some mods I got that RF 15 running better than my homeboys DD. I upgraded the BCG with a LaRue Tactical spring kit & a V Seven cam pin & Ti firing pin. Then I installed a V Seven enhanced H1 buffer & Teflon coated spring. Also put a V Seven muzzle device. Last I put a LaRue trigger. Got that boy running like a champion. Guess my point is you can make a cheap AR run just as good if not better than a name brand rifle. You just gotta know what works for you & your rig.

[@jerrodbates8480]

I just found a rf for 400$ and finally committed to grabbing it.

[@natemarvel2471]

Having shot both, the difference between a contemporary cheap AR and a contemporary expensive AR with all the extra gadgets, the difference is thinner than the margins on Arizona iced Tea. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to slap a radian Raptor in there and I'm going to probably put a Gucci trigger, but I can do that in stages and make a $700 AR feel more like a $1200 AR.

[@Freedom_And_Fire]

The truck analogy is a perfect comparison! Love the content.

[@ScarecrowShoots]

I agree colion,triggers are important upgrades but only when you have base line experience with a standard ar15 trigger. If youre buying an upgrade its usually best to have an idea of where your rifle is before you decide where you want it to be,this can possibly save you money and headaches

[@rchouser123]

The moving shot with the stabilization on the firearm was really cool. Props to the editor for the ingenuity. It's a cool shot I've never seen before.

[@rileyfahl9787]

With modern manufacturing and materials, at some point you’re buying the name more than you are the weapon. Anything $1200 and above is a solid rifle. Sub $1000 is a good start for upgrades and as a beater

[@PlazmaZ5]

SCAR owners (especially the MK16/5.56) trying to talk that thing like up like it's a genuine boujie/gucci gun when it's litterally a mass produced rifle that was bought for around the same price as the M4 by the U.S. Government and later dropped because it didn't do anything better (and in same cases did things worse) will never stop being funny to me.

[@hairydogstail]

Not true, unless every part is in tolerance and checked then it is a crap shoot..Cost does not guarantee quality.. TDP specs are there for a reason and with the plethora of different manufacturers who don't gauge every part or manufactured in house there is no guarantee..

[@rileyfahl9787]

@@PlazmaZ5 what tickles my peaches about the SCAR is that to this day, FN will void your warranty on it if you put a suppressor on it

[@rileyfahl9787]

@@hairydogstail I’m talking about complete guns or complete uppers going on lowers. Typically a reputable company (Radian, KAC, FN, LWRC, etc.) that makes their rifles in house already has all of there parts in spec. Frankenguns and guns with aftermarket parts i.e new BCGs and/or barrels should have their parts check for tolerances

[@NoVaRedacted]

Very true, even though I bought a $2800 Fierce Firearms AR-15 Carbon fiber.

[@MutarFuqueer]

Good review! This reminds me of an interview with the president of B&T NA where he was asked what the difference is between the APC 9 and the GHM 9 and he basically said there are a few differences, but they are essentially the same, even though one is about $1k more.

[@stuart4341]

Both are still expensive, not easy for an average person to spend 1000 on an AR-15, I don't think the benefits are worth the extra money unless you're rich

[@BillyWillicker]

Buying a $1k ticket item is easy as long as you prioritize, instead of buying two $500 poop-sticks.

[@ZarkowsWorld]

Hah, here in Sweden the DD V7 is 4K USD. You got it easy.

[@dillonc7955]

Just wait on PSA, they always have good quality guns on sale to where you can easily get yourself the rifle plus the essentials (optic, flashlight, sling) and not just the rifle.

[@uptowndann109]

@@ZarkowsWorld wow I bought mine for $1,498

[@Laugh1ngboy]

My accuracy isn't affected by my using a 400 dollar gun.

[@justa.american8303]

I purchased my Colt AR15 off the shelf in 1976. The SP-01 didn't have a forward assist, just a stock Colt trigger, and the standard 'mil-spec pencil ' barrel along with the triangle handguards. So advance to today and I am working on my custom AR because of medical conditions. The platform offers a lot of improvements for little money as you mentioned. It is a great platform to modify for those of us who have 'busted' bodies and handicaps. I have worked with FN-FALs, G-3s, AK variants among others. But the AR platforms are by far the best and easiest to work with from a disabilities standpoint. Don't forget that the physical abilities you have today may not be as good as tomorrow's abilities. All it takes is one small accident that can change your life or turn it on it's head and your hobby, along with everything else, must be rearranged around your new physical abilities.

[@roscoedickhertz8947]

I’ll stick to my PSA, cheap, effective, and they take care of their customers.

[@MakeItUpAsIGo]

My PSA has never let me down. Beat that thing up an still have 5k rounds on mine. Only malfunctions i've had was with cheap training ammo.

[@hairydogstail]

Every colt part is checked to be in spec because they have to be being a DOD supplier, PSA is not..Most parts are purchased from the same manufacturers, but the DOD parts are not sold to all customers.. They can have bin one of the (in spec parts to bin) and bin 6 being the worst or reject bin..Guess which bin the cheaper manufacturers pick from??There is a reason the same type rifle cost a lot more from one company and a lot cheaper from another..@@MakeItUpAsIGo

[@arktactical6112]

I have a 10.5" 5.56 from PSA that kept getting FTE's and failed to cycle completely. I've sent it back to PSA twice now and the 2nd time they said the headspace was off. I'm waiting on them to send it back and it's been over a month the 2nd time around. I'm not a gunsmith but if the headspace is off then couldn't it blow up in your face when firing?

[@hairydogstail]

Not if it had a short chamber..The correct go gauge head space for a 5.56 chamber is 1.4646 and not the commercial 223 1.4636 go gauge..TDP 5.56 chamber is bigger than a commercial 223.. Many people who should know this poopoo proper go gauges but I see short chambers and improper throats all the time in 5.56 marked barrels..@@arktactical6112

[@roscoedickhertz8947]

@@arktactical6112 it won't blow up in your face, at worst the head will rip off the case during extraction leaving part of the case/shoulder in the chamber, or the web of the case will fail and the gas will vent out the receiver. Still a pain in the ass, I'd get a set of gauges to test the headspacing when you get your rifle back.

[@henrybroadcast]

Colion you sold me on Springfield armory and I end up buying Saint Victor with low tactical folder and I cannot be happier. Awesome trigger included and $500 in perks Thank you so much for giving me the enthusiasm for this brand. I really like your content, keep it up bro, GBY

[@1cavscout160]

I have AR's ranging from $5000.00 down to just under $1000.00. and one of my favorites to shoot is an FN-15 complete upper on a custom built lower. Much cheaper than My HK's or SCAR's but has been just as reliable and fun to shoot. Can't go wrong with FN.

[@machine27856]

You always give your honest opinion about firearms, accessories, etc. That seems to be overlooked in today's society. Thank you for your honesty

[@alexh4436]

I guess it comes down to what you want out a firearm. If it is about getting the most bang for home defense buck then neither of these rifles are a good option. If you are an enthusiast then it is really just a matter of what suits you best and what you can afford.

[@gregory8414]

Thank you for explaining things I probably wouldn’t have thought of but should know. Thank you for your perspective on all the things you talk about.

[@Hollywood_Howard]

I have a diamondback db15 that I paid $800 for. Shoots just like an expensive one, and I can put more expensive parts in if deemed necessary. When you paying so much for a rifle, it’s basically just coming with all the upgrades already on it.

[@paulis7319]

My first AR was the DB15 that I got at a pawn shop used for $550 and it came with a Vortex Sparc red dot. I added a 2K lumens Olight and a cheap 3x magnifier. Now I have an LPVO that I'll be installing soon, but not in a hurry cause the red dot is sub MOA right now. Best damn rifle I've ever owned.

[@auduffer]

Great video; I got the Guardian, changed the stock, charging handle, got a sling, red dot, magnifier, and a foregrip for the price of the TAC-3

[@mjpb20]

Man you got a great channel going here. I just really like the straight forward & factual approach. Well spoken, educational content is kind of a rarity. Thank you for that. I also appreciate your 2nd amendment standpoint, and the fact that you are putting it out there for others. Cheers !

[@gavinwerling2389]

Just bought my first AR yesterday, Anderson Manufacturing down in Kentucky. Spent 500$ and in today’s economy I cant complain. Seems to be a great gun to learn on

[@ConnorT.]

My first AR was a Diamondback i got on sale $512. Havent regretted that purchase ever since. Diamondback is my go-to for a budget build, and probably the best brand if your looking for a cheaper option.

[@keithfagan5424]

I have DPMS, Bushmaster, PSA, Bear Creek and Aero Precision, so far they all run fine, it's called good firearm maintenance and quality of certain parts, like BCG and so on.

[@411DL]

That and sometimes small issues, while there, don't completely ruin a rifle. I've seen enough 'School of the American Rifle' videos to know that a few of my builds have slight issues, usually overgassing that can be remedied. But, like my local gunsmith says "If it shoots good, it is good. Just keep a keen eye on your wear points maintaining it".

[@Marzen216]

I'm always glad to see mfg's offer differing tier levels. I gotta say, the audio on this video is stellar. I don't know what you upgraded but it sounds stellar.

[@NGMonocrom]

Same reason as always if both are reliable. Take the savings, spend it on ammo, and range-time.

[@michaelbacile8439]

I’ve had guns my whole life, grew up shooting squirrels with BB guns then started collecting real firearms as I got older. I picked up my first AR 3 years ago. A ruger-556 for 630$. Pretty happy with it, it’s bone stock but it has shown me how versatile and modular the AR platform can be. Since then I now have 4 and they’re all completely different and all under 1,200. (Not including attachments and mods made to the guns)

[@IndymanPhilly]

I just got into my first AR15 this year. Compared to carrying on active duty the M16A2. I prefer the AR15 I have because of the rail. It has virtually the same weight as the M16A2 I carried in the army. But being able to adapt my AR15 where you are not adapting an M16A2 issued to you by the Army. Uniquely my battle sight zero with the AR15 natural sights and the M16A2 I carried are the exact same. I figured it would be slightly different but wasn't. I would love to try both of the rifles in this video and compare it to my current AR.

[@BrassAngels]

Thank you for your service! 🤘

[@jessegreen6138]

The first rifle I used in the military was the M14. That rifle when loaded was 10.7 pounds. I also used the M16A1 which also weighed 8.8 pounds. By the way the M16A2 weighed 8.8 pounds when loaded. Now unless they reduced the weight some way since I retired in 1999 they were 8.8 pounds fully loaded. The only thing was both M16's were solid stocks back in the day. From one veteran to another thank you for your service.

[@thejoker9201]

I carried an M16A4 the deference being the A4 has a flat top pic rail and a quad pic rail hand gaurd I suppose we were issued the M16A4 back in 03 was because we were Infantry 11bravo and we mounted red dots ACOGs and Peq IR lasers on our rifles all the none combat companies were still issued the M16A2s. That said I still liked my Rock river arms AR-15 better then my M16 it seemed tighter and better made Besides we rarely used select 3 round burst

[@thejoker9201]

​​​​@@jessegreen6138I only served a few short years 02 to 07 just in time for OIF I believe we were one of the last active duty units to use the M16 A4 variant to be exact 2O inch barrel and a solid heavy but stock good for bashing all the new units coming in were issued M4 carbines. With collapsing plastic stocks

[@BrassAngels]

@@thejoker9201 thank you for the time you served no matter how short it may have been brother. 🤘

[@oneofakind6282]

I paid 500 bucks for my AR15 2 years ago shoots straight added optics with a magnerfier never a fail very reliable

[@mikesomethindecent3722]

The analogy of no-show socks when wearing shorts/no barrel showing makes sense to me in my head, too. I understand it 😂

[@stephenwalling5878]

I have a Daniel defense rifle, it was my first rifle I owned when I got out of the military. My favorite weapon is the m-1911.

[@texasranger24]

Why would i buy cheap? Because i don't have Colion Noir money, that's why.

[@Ash_95]

Or sponsorships.

[@nunyabidness7547]

he definatly likes the fancy guns that for sure

[@1014p]

Build it, Wilson Combat barrel with good parts sub 1100 or better.

[@LuisFlores-vl3xz]

Yup agreed

[@SaundersE5]

He gets them for free

[@krinky74]

Personally, I like to buy my own lower and upper. Once I get that done, I’ll buy the parts I want such as FN’s barrel which is chrome lined. Last one I picked up was about $159 out the door. Same barrel that you’ve got on that expensive AR.!!! 😮😉🤙😎. The only difference between my custom made AR and the one you purchased as you paid someone in the labor to do you the stuff for you that is so easily done. I have a Chrome lined FN barrel…I have a Tactical latch, Magpul, stock and furniture, custom, trigger, and a brand name M-Lok Rail. Etc. Anything you want you can add yourself which is what I did. Save me a ton of $$$ money, and the enjoyment of doing it myself .! Besides, the tools are cheap to do it with and there are tons of videos on KZbin about how to build your own they AR. The video is good information it doesn’t compare a good bad or ugly just states by what you want for what you need. But I say build what you want for what you need. ! I came out with a better rifle and that half the price even compared to a cheap FN .! 💯

[@josephscott6642]

Some people don't make enough money to save money

[@chase8289]

That guardian looks awesome I recently purchased my FN reflex and freaking love it FN really has my attention now

[@no_step_on_snek9796]

Neither, I would buy 2 PSA's with optics instead and put the rest into ammo 🤣. I would never "buy" a "gucci" rifle. I've built 2 with everything I wanted, piece by piece. I also have a few PSA's. I see little to no difference between my $1400 builds and my $700 PSA's. No more wasting money for me. I do like Aero Precision recievers though...no roll pins. No trigger guard to install, and lowers tapped for a set screw to reduce play between upper and lower.

[@peterruiz6117]

Better for "throwing from a building"...Got it. I love my DelTon 20in. heavy barrel, A2 stock. Heavy, long, straight trigger guard, handle...and PERFECT. Looks old school, and thats how I think.

[@JCab13]

Lets go. Always look forward to your amazing reviews

[@Dan-ib4sz]

An honest and well-presented video for the purpose of educating. Well done. You just gained another subscriber..

[@joshjohnson2600]

I've had less problems with my DB-15 than I've had with my Ruger Mini-14.

[@MarineVet]

I have a Bushmaster that I've been shooting for 32 years and one for 29 years . I paid $450 for each. They are scratched up, dinged up and ugly, but they still shoot. I don't baby my firearms and cry when they get a nick, scratch or gouge in the paint, coating, or metal. Historically, they have had less failures than any other semi-auto I've owned. I take that back... my Aero failed to chamber round number two and has not failed since, but it's only 12 years old.

[@jackbaird5235]

Great video as always colion I have owned a few different ar 15's over the years but I have held onto my pof renegade and absolutely love my rifle! And I have it pimped out just like I want it. Also built my aero precision m5 with all the goodies I wanted from the git go.shes a bad batch dmr set up.also jut built an aero precision lower and purchased the ar57 upper and that thing rocks! Goes very nicely with my optics ready threaded barrel rock 5.7 great combo that shares the same caliber. Man I love guns and that you can pretty much make them to fit all of your needs!!! God bless America and the 2nd amendment forever

[@romes9465]

Really good comparison.Keep up the good work.

[@joelgrimes7591]

$450 for a DelTon echo. Runs as good as my Colt.

[@Merkaba954]

As a left-handed rifle shooter, I hate the Forward assist because when I charge the rifle, I often hit the assist when I pull the charging handle back with the fingernail of my right index finger and have almost ripped the nail completely off doing that. It stings a little. That is one of the things I love about my CMMG Banshee. I got the newer generation that deleted the forward assist.

[@scubasteve3032]

I built a $3000 ar-15 and regret it. A $700 ar-15 would have served me just as well.

[@catman4x466]

@@assclapper2231😂😂😂😂

[@widehead1234]

You wouldn't be saying that if you actually owned, the three thousand dollar rifle lol coming from a DDM4V7 owner with a VCOG mounted

[@danovichi]

@@widehead1234 LOL...

[@virgildailey1970]

@@assclapper2231: It’s possible. I built a $2500 ar 15 using a Bcm upper and lower. Then picked my barrel, bcg, buffer spring/buffer, and hand guard. Rifle is a tack driver and performs flawlessly. All depends on how much money you are willing to invest. I get the impression that you are a 12 year old know it all! I could have spent more. It all depends on your budget and choices! You can spend $1000 dollars on a proof research carbon fiber .223 barrel. Just the barrel.

[@virgildailey1970]

@@widehead1234: I own a Daniel defense DD5V5 hunter in 6.5 creedmoor. Throw in the Leupold $2,000 scope I put on it, by the time said and done came to about $5,5000 after taxes. A $3,200 gun. Not that impressed with it.

[@PatriotJK1776]

Love the wrap on the TRX my man. I have a 21 Diamond Black TRX loaded, just hit 34,000 miles and still love it.

[@henrigreene3781]

If you want a bare bones option, Stag Arms makes an actual bare bones rifle that comes with no furniture that would be a good option for someone who wants one they can customize.

[@robertcook6986]

Bought my self a FN guardian and customized the hell out of it. Was able to afford good optics along with a bunch of other upgrades and honestly i like it better than if i got the tac3 so thank you and keep foghting the good fight

[@MyCoolFish]

No forward assist? For anyone that has shot this overseas in the desert, you understand the value of the forward assist. It’s there for a reason.

[@marlu6373]

what is the diference?

[@MyCoolFish]

@@marlu6373 there’s a lot of carbon build up after shooting several magazines. Combine that with the dusty environment, sometimes the bolt has a hard time going all the way forward. Even if it’s slight, the bolt carrier will get stuck a little bit and the bolt won’t be chambered which means you can’t shoot. The forward assist literally pushes the bolt carrier forward incrementally to seat the bolt into the chamber.

[@marlu6373]

@@MyCoolFish i always wondered about that now thanks to you i know thanks bud.

[@imonaroll9502]

Thank you for the pointers. 👍

[@niikkyp]

i picked up my rifle for $450 on sale last black friday from duhnams, threw a half decent sight and all the magpull stuff you can imagine and couldn’t be happier, i’ve never had the gun fail on me or any single issue thousands of rounds later

[@TheDonbmxer]

As someone just getting into fire arms your videos are very helpful.

[@joshshepherd5660]

Man....I have used the bigger charging handles and they are absolutely badass...until you carry the damn rifle all day. That said, if you manage to freeze the gun up or have a stuck case, you will wish like crazy you had a chawnky charging handle. especially if you are in a big hurry to get to work with it. Shooters poison to pick i suppose but, ive changed all mine back to mil-spec lol

[@ROYZARMY]

Colion would you buy a psa? Or only the ones your paid to review just curious

[@timebolt-rapid-video]

Damn...delivered the entire intro without a single jump cut...huge fan!

[@felsinferguson1125]

Most expensive AR I've bought was my "take it out of the box, load it, and shoot it" Del-Ton at $695. Everything else, I've built out on poverty ponies or ghosts for under $600. Can't complain about any of 'em so far - they all do exactly what they're supposed to do: Put a round on target anywhere from 25 to 275-300 every time the trigger is pulled. Past about 325-350, the "twitches and jiggles" that started showing up about the time my 50th birthday rolled around make it problematic as to whether I'm gonna hit the target or not.

[@gregoryseguin5073]

Just told another dude on here how much I’ve enjoyed my 316L Delton Sierra and the DT sport model I got this year. I’m very new to the platform and have really been getting into going to the range and everything recently and couldn’t be happier

[@felsinferguson1125]

@@gregoryseguin5073 Mine was the "Del-Echo 316L" . Only thing I'm significantly "less than happy" about with it is that it came with a neutered BCG (At least it's not a colt-style "half-moon") and what seems to me like an "extra high" high-shelf. Didn't know to look for that back then. Not particularly problematic, since it's not my only AR (anymore...) and putting a proper BCG in it is pretty well painless (aside from the $$). The high shelf can be easily "shaved down" if I ever decide to go to the effort - I've got everything needed on-hand (Nice having a universal 80% jig and tooling...) Mainly, it annoys me that gun makers would even consider going along with the BS. (I did all of my "haunted" ones low-shelf, and all of the ponies I've bought came as low-shelf, and other than the Del-Ton, all the rest have proper M16 cut BCGs should the "I no longer give a rat's ass about the legality of drilling the third hole" day come.)

[@coyote520]

Colion.....don't ever stop being you. You are just cool as shit all the way around. We love ya, and appreciate ya! Keep up the good, and entertaining work!

[@brianleverich4467]

Because I can buy two

[@SavgSith]

Bin watching you since you had 10k subs on here. If I'm honest. Bin out of the loop for a several years and watching yout videos again brings back memories of why I subbed to you back in the day. Fun and informative. Keep kicking ass brother! 🤙

[@Tankeryanker339]

The simple reason i would go cheaper is disposable income,kids are expensive 😂

[@thecheapshot1065]

The sock thing speaks to personal taste and the analogy is absolutely spot-on now I see why your videos are successful as they are. I got to say I've never actually held a rifle that was lightweight. My AR-15 was a Mossberg MMR Hunter which is dipped in a mossy oak finish that has a 20-inch barrel it's more or less an a2 set up without the carry handle. But if that rifle stock before I put a bipod on and a scope for an optic came in below 10 lb I would be surprised. That being said it's built Ford tough and I have used that lower religiously without fail on 458 socom and most recently a 65 Grendel. I'm going to be building a rifle lower the two of them actually to turn my 1 AR-15 into 3 so that each of my uppers has a matching lower. And when I say matching I mean it has the features and parts that accommodate the upper the best. I believe from my granddaughter I'm going to go with a lightweight fixed rifle stock

[@maldad9073]

Bought an M&P15 a few years ago as my first AR. The Gucci guns are cool, but after a few little mods mine has hit everything my friends expensive guns can with zero malfunctions. Wouldn't spend the extra money myself.

[@swesleyc7]

Agreed. AR15 manufacturing processes and materials are near-ubiquitous nowadays, allowing companies like Diamondback and PSA to build equivalent rifles to the more expensive companies. So why pay more? My analogy is a lot like Hyundai: they are making luxury cars equivalent to Mercedes today. Their ability to make equivalent quality shows how advanced car manufacturing has gotten for almost everyone (sans Suzuki).

[@typhoonKaiz07]

I started with an Anderson and recently bought a Daniel Defense DDM4v7. I’d be lying if I said that the difference in qc isn’t noticeable because it’s night and day. You have to train though. It doesn’t matter what you have if you’re not training with it.

[@davidblack7184]

Gucci guns v normal guns doesn't matter . Get what you can afford , train with it and learn how to fix it cause it doesn't matter how much you spend on it if won't function . Just my two cents .

[@springermike9846]

Great vid. Helps many of us see the differences in base platform to having a few bells. I have moved and am finding a move to AR over bolt. This was helpful. TY...

[@dan_lev]

"It still drives just as reliably", looks over at a Ram... "You sure dog?" Calm down, just a joke.

[@lacuzon39000]

Brand name firearms outsourced parts from the same manufacture used by more affordable brand , it’s like you can buy a Range Rover with Ford engines used in many others affordable vehicles for example , but then you get caught when you buy parts for that Range Rover , they will charge more for the parts that is exactly the same used in another Ford vehicle , only they added one number or letter for the Range Rover application to sale it at a different price .

[@jayfortier2473]

Great video, you have definitely steered me into buying quality instead of worrying about price . Thank you very much, this was an invaluable lesson

[@vinmesa]

Not my first AR but I just bought one and after the first range day I changed the grip added red dot with magnifier and changed the charging handle, put a guiselle sd-e trigger and put a vertical grip . The gun is awesome! The trigger made a considerable difference for me. Runs great and accurate and reliable. No problems >1000 rounds thru it. After those upgrades shoots better than the more expensive AR and I saved money

[@lukewise777]

I really liked your video. It explained the differences between AR-15's or pretty much what to look for when in the market. Then there's noticing the feel of the weapon in hand, stance, & mobility! This is the 1st video of yours I've seen without the political propaganda!

[@Reso_805]

This video helped me out on choosing which AR was going to be my first. I was trying to get the most information on what I could get with my budget but also be a good AR, living in California I know the laws and makes it kinda hard having a good looking rifle with featureless and fixed but whatever. Thank you for making this video I have my choice now.