TOP 5 Best First AR 15...AVOID This MISTAKE

Lets go over the Top 5 Best AR 15s and how to choose.
Parts List
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Today we're going over what you should look for in order to find the Best ar-15 brand, the best AR-15 for the money or the best ar-15 for first timers.
On this channel we focus on providing brutally honest reviews.. Whether it's choosing the Best AR 15 for the money, the best AR 15 Upgrades, or the best AR 15 Pistol and much more.
#tacticaltoolbox
My Favorite KZbin Channels to Watch
Honest Outlaw Reviews
/ @honestoutlawreviews
Colion Noir
/ mrcolionnoir
Garand Thumb
/ @garandthumb
Demolition Ranch
/ @demolitionranch
Kentucky Ballistics
/ @kentuckyballistics
MrGunsnGear
/ @mrgunsngear
Warrior Poet Society
/ @warriorpoetsociety
Brandon Herrera
/ @brandonherrera
Classic Firearms
/ @classicfirearms
Disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate me commission at no extra cost to you.

[@TacticalToolbox]

What was your first AR?? *Parts List & Codes Here:* bit.ly/45wDB3P INSANE Pew Pew Deals Here: bit.ly/2OFAl23 I Post Deals Here Almost Daily: twitter.com/tacticatoolbox

[@jaxmz1]

I notice you have the Vortex Radian Tripod, what arca mounts are you using? I was looking at Area419 but don’t know what will actually work and I want one arca mount to work with the one I put on all my rifles.

[@TacticalToolbox]

@@jaxmz1 It wasn't my tripod, so I don't remember

[@Aethlux]

My first AR was a Sig Sauer M400 Tread, it was their entry rifle and I still own it and love it. Also, do you have vids for everything you need for gunsmithing? I want to get started and at least want everything to build ARs

[@GunWillTravel]

First one was an Aero build. So was my second, and half of my third. Your channel was super useful in picking a lot of the parts!

[@romanandrews1438]

My first AR was a 10.5arp trybe defense 5.56. Ran it with sig 3x magnifier and red dot nothing crazy. It worked...and worked...its still working i paid $396 total waited on the best deals on psa lower and trybe defense upper.

[@Serenityindailylife]

My first ar15 was my graduation gift from my Dad, a Colt Delta Elite. I had already been to Basic Training. I was planning on buying one myself. He knew it and was working with the shop owner I was going to buy from. It was 1991 and I noticed the dealer took the rifle down I had on layaway. He told me someone came in and gave him more money, gave my money back. I went home mad and my dad came out and said he wouldn't buy from him anymore... a week later I graduated and we got home from the ceremony. He went inside first and came out to the living room with it.

[@nicolasferrari7146]

Nice

[@hawaiiangunner]

Love it!!!!

[@Impossibly-Possible]

He was in on it with your father and took the chance of bad mouthing from you in the mean time while the week went by for the end goal 🥅

[@scottkelly7051]

You have an awesome dad AND gunshop owner!

[@brenttesterman3171]

Righteous story, brother! Brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.

[@JohnSmith-00700]

A lot of GunTubers just make an entire video to boast about their collection or gunsafe contents of toys. You, on the other hand, focus mostly on educating our community, especially those who are new to the 2nd Amendment right. I, and can say most of your followers, appreciate you for that. God speed! 👍 🇺🇸

[@Kennoisewater123]

Well said. Agree

[@long-range-eliminator]

John has built 90% of his guns. Videos go to show ! He's not like the collector

[@dannystephenson4855]

Colier Nior is another good one to check out! Very active in the community! Check him out! You wont regret it

[@dannystephenson4855]

Sorry it Colion Noir lol i was close dammit!😂

[@Kennoisewater123]

@@long-range-eliminator no thank you for as much as he talks about money and all of it that he has- good for him. I find him very offputting.

[@minimini2731]

My first AR I owned I knew I had to build it, I’m a perfectionist and I wanted to see how they’re built and do it myself. I ordered a blem PSA lower to my local gun shop and took it home everything else I ordered straight to my house and built my at from the ground up. i’ve had it about a little over a year and i’m so happy I built it because I have so much knowledge about the internals now

[@2WheelShenanigans]

I just bought my son a Saint Victor for his first AR. He graduated From Paris Island last week. I bought him a Sig XTEN COMP 10 mm for his first pistol.

[@adb99999999999]

(1) Excellent choice (I have one and it’s one of my absolute favorite things in the vault) (2) May the lord always keep your son safe and well. The fact that he chose to be a Marine speaks volumes about his upbringing 💪💪💪🫡

[@rwcolvin4229]

I'm a 76 year old retiree who recently purchased my first AR platform. It is a radical arms AR15 with an LPVO 1-6. I also have a couple of pistols as I previously had a concealed carry oermit.

[@JohnStaley-e4m]

My 1st (and only so far) is a Ruger AR556. A few basic mods later (red dot, magnifier, backup irons, foregrip, light) and she is as done as I need her to be.

[@SLEEP8313]

Ruger mpr-556 was my first. Eats everything! No failure on any ammo I put in it.

[@ashleypowers2421]

The Ruger was my first AR also. I put in a BCM BCG, a JP Capture Springs with a Triggertech trigger. It shoots beautifully.

[@scottkelly7051]

That was my first one also. It ran like a champ. Just know this, AR15s multiply. My Ruger must have been pregnant when I bought it because, one day, a few months later , I opened my safe and there were 5 in it!

[@stripmin41]

Same here Ruger carbine

[@jacobkirksey1177]

Same here for the ruger, but I did have 1 issue so far and it was a big jam when I put the mag in. The bolt locked to the rear and when I tried to pull out the mag it was stuck too. I’m not sure what could have caused that but it was worrisome since I’ve only had the Rifle for few months now

[@chadvarnell1889]

Just a word of encouragement to you. I was in the military, but I have since forgotten more than I remember on them. I have been shopping AR's and watching videos to brush up. I find your videos very "approachable", and not too crammed with details that saturate you brain to the numbing point. Thanks!

[@adb99999999999]

My first AR was a Springfield Saint Victor B5. It is the king of the “giant killer” class. Great furniture (especially the B5 grip), solid build, fantastic accuracy, AMAZING trigger. 1275 MSRP, street price around 1000. It got me completely hooked on the platform and I have a few more fun builds in the pipeline. I’ve shot some DDs and other high-end AR platform carbines and this thing is comfortably on their level. For the price, buying it feels like legalized theft. Having written this, I think I’m going to go order another one.

[@adb99999999999]

Forgot to mention that the EOtech HHS VI on top cost more than the gun itself!

[@bigmike716]

M&P Sport 2 was my first AR

[@PeasantKing-od5lg]

I don’t have one, but a lot of my buddies do. They run. I wouldn’t feel outgunned with one.

[@chazmartin8048]

Heyy me too

[@deusvult6632]

My first was Olypmic Arms and a Colt HBAR. Now I've gone through PSA's, DD, BCM, and few others I can't remember. Now I build my own with PSA/Aero lowers and Rosco barrels ranging from 10.5, 11.5, 12.5, 14.5 and a couple of 16" I train once a month with a group out in the wild with movement and shoot about 300 rounds per session.

[@deusvult6259]

What state are y'all in? Im in Texas and looking to do some of this kind of training

[@Impossibly-Possible]

Them PSA rifles are insane for price, lifetime warranty 300-400 dollars or a saber for 800-1100

[@weezem]

They're trash. PSA has a good marketing team to sell their 🗑️ products.

[@Will-W]

@@weezem they're ok as long as you're comfortable with the RMA till you get one in spec process.

[@fsufan]

just bought a PSA saber had an ejection issue from the start. sent back to PSA, here is what they found During the inspection of the rifle, the gas block was found to have waled off the shoulder of the barrel and no longer providing gas to the action. The gas block was properly seated against the shoulder and aligned. The rifle was then test fired for function using 30 rounds of AAC 75gr otm without issue.

[@4244john]

Ridiculously long video

[@lyndonlonzanida]

@@weezemThey are not trash, I have mine for almost a year already and I only had one issue, I sent it for repair and after that, I had zero problems.

[@franzdetroit]

Just bought my first AR15, I went with the SIG M400 SNAKEBITE SE. I absolutely love it. put and eotech optic with a 3x magnifier, switched the grip and butt stock with Houge rubberized furniture, also added a SIG fore- grip with streamlight HXL pro light.

[@Maine307]

1st build ever was an Anderson Lower upper with a 20 inch barrel..very basic.. then it grew and grew and grew.. i also started the same time i became a member of your YT.. i was a newbe and enjoyed your real avid tool and install videos, they helped me out really good!

[@davidblair3371]

My first was a Radical, it's been solid and no complaints.

[@carterrk]

Mine was a spikes tactical M4 clone. Still have it today. Bought that one 13 years ago. $1000. Changed the furniture, replaced the A2 bird cage. Replaced the trigger and added an RCO. Made it the same as the rifle I had when I served.

[@thegreenman6216]

My first was a 16 inch psa, got it at the start of the pandemic. Ive put over 1000 r9unds through it at this point. Better than any rifle I was issued in the military.

[@rbking9296]

I bought an LWRC Ic Di I paid up for it at the time when l bought it they were offered an Gisslie trigger up grade absolutely love this AR got it in 2018 no regrets here it’s a tank runs flawlessly after several thousand rounds has never failed me can’t say enough good things about it it’s my most trusted AR

[@dhsu04]

Yes, that's my first AR as well. Cheers 🍻 👏 ✌️

[@PeasantKing-od5lg]

Can’t go wrong with LWRC

[@sonorkmf]

I have it in midnight bronze...great gun! BTW, I put the Blackout Defense hybrid muzzle break and the Triggertech Diamond on it. Butter!

[@alexandersantiago1437]

Thanks to this channel I got my first AR a few months ago and its a S&W M&P Sport III. So far 0 issues with it.

[@pizazz57]

Springfield Saint purchased in 2016, still have it, shoots great.

[@calvin4959]

Me too. Got the Saint Victor AR Pistol! 😎

[@franciscocumba2118]

Yuck

[@GenXMafia]

@@franciscocumba2118Says the person that can’t afford more than a $500 platform

[@chriskaras5193]

Same gun and buying the saint ar10 .308 for my hunting rifle

[@JJ-th1jc]

I have the SV as well. Over 6k rounds through it and only 1 FRF caused by bad reload. I have ARs that cost 2x, 3x, and 4x that of the SV, and not one has as good a track record of reliability in my experience. Will be purchasing one in a 308 configuration soon. Great gun.

[@FASmith-qd1yj]

I'm a 71-year-old retired mold maker and I have taken the Gunsmithing Crouse at Pine Tech in Pine City MN Crouse still offered. I made my boss give me the time off to do it, I'm a pretty good mold maker and was being payed less then I was worth. That was in the late 80s early 90s and there is a lot of new stuff, and I learned some things from this video and am going to go to your other site. I wish I knew how to upload pictures I would like to show you my ART 15. More commonly call by me, ART younger cousin to the Famous Tommy. I put a Thomson rear pistol grip on it and made a bracket for the Thomson front pistol grip. The libs should love him he's Bi...nary.

[@BrassAngels]

All my AR's are pieced together with my favorite 10 companies. •Barrels = Ballistic Advantage, Criterion, SOLGW, or Geissele. •Recievers = Aero Precision, 80%ers, Ballistic Advantage, & Unbranded AR. •BCG = SOLGW hard chrome (all calibers) is my #1; Sionics & Unbranded AR. •Handguards are dependent on other needs. • Triggers = Geissele, Rise, & 2-stage milspec. •BCM Uppers are stellar AZ well. Cheers & Love the channel! Grind On! 🇺🇸🤘

[@jpnw6577]

Sionics makes a great barrel. Only 12.5" I could find with a mid gas length and chrome lined barrel

[@BrassAngels]

@@jpnw6577 I haven't even begun to look at their barrels. I just liked their bcg's. I will have to check em out.

[@22TheJmans]

Just bought my first AR-15. It is a BLEM PA-15 from PSA. Very affordable and still haven't found a blemish on it. Got a red dot, magpul flip up sights and a foregrip. Ready to sight it in now!

[@EZ_Case]

Just ordered the same gun for my first AR.

[@jasonpounders8456]

How much was "very" affordable?

[@harmansmith84]

you can get an AR 15 from psa for as low as 400 to 500 bucks if you buy the upper and lower separately. I bought a 300 blackout for about 500 and it’s run flawlessly

[@22TheJmans]

@@jasonpounders8456 it was $479 before taxes

[@22TheJmans]

@EZ_Case very nice!

[@Krazeuh]

Anderson AM-15 complete. I just threw magpul all over it, threw a cheap optic on with backup flip irons, flash light. She works good. Less than 1k

[@major_mik3715]

I purchased one 2 months ago as my 1st AR. No issues thus far.

[@kevinwilson7104]

My first AR was a Colt 6920 with Magpul furniture. Might even say it's still my favorite. Not a single problem with it for over 10 years. Not to mention I think I paid like $600-$700 from a local Walmart...

[@mariopena7793]

My first AR was/is a 14.5in Geissele SD in OD Green, added an Exps3 and g33, hand stop, B5 grip, sling, swapped surefire fh for a huxwrks and right now working on suppressing it

[@danielmoore7525]

My first AR was a Sig M400 Tread been upgrading it for the last 3 years one of my favorite rifles still

[@WilhelmGutentag]

HK416 / MR223 for me. I was going down the rabbit hole and getting into analysis paralysis. I had DD, Geissele, and others on the list but then went for the reliable HK design. It's fantastic and upgraded with Geissele Parts for MLoc, Trigger, and German Break.

[@BigfootUnibrowMan]

Definitely not a bad choice, and I don't want to rain on your parade, but imo the 416 is overpriced for what it is. They are known to be overgassed, and the civilian version doesn't match the milspec version in several areas. The upper is also not parts compatible with any milspec AR parts (except the muzzle device). The stock is also not cross compatible, lower uses weird pins that I think also makes it non compatible with other ARs.

[@TacticalToolbox]

That's a solid choice man

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

I sold mine and bought 2 LMT’s. No regrets

[@jakem4579]

@@thundertmfnew MR556s no longer come with those super heavy barrels, they’re normal medium/light profile so they no longer weigh so much. The biggest downside imo is the barrels are not chrome lined or nitrided so you have to be way more on top of cleaning out your barrel and using copper solvent to remove copper deposits. Luckily one can easily get a chrome lined barrel for it through nefarious arms (MR556 barrels that are chrome lined and re-phosphated on the outside but are pricey at almost $900) or brownells brn4 barrels. Once you do this, the 416/MR556 absolutely rocks imo but it can get pricey.

[@eagleone5456]

Unless you're really doing some heavy training or planning on doing some operating you definitely don't need a 5k AR15

[@PeterRoos]

Good video, thanks. I am in California which has peculiar restrictions on ARs (in short, they have to be either featureless or have a fixed mag). Like you I didn't know anything about ARs so I bought one ready assembled by a manufacturer which specializes in CA compliant rifles (Dark Storm Industries based in NY), and went for a 5.56 NATO featureless rifle. Cost about $1,200, not including shipping and background check through a local FFL. I put on a red dot (Sig Sauer Romeo 5), 3x magnfier (Holosun), iron sights from magpul and a light. Put well over 1,000 rounds through it, zero problems. This is primarily for home defense (hello Oakland) in case the SHTF, and range practice about twice a month. Out to 100 yards I get 8 inch grouping which is plenty good enough for home defense.

[@tjboylan20]

Honestly that’s pretty great, but I can’t stand California gun laws, if it was me I would build my AR which is what I am just starting to do

[@andyhsong]

like many I started with an M&P Sport II. eventually I changed the barrel to a BA Hanson performance barrel in 14.5 with a microbest BCG and larue mbt trigger, along with furniture upgrades. so far so good

[@mikebrooks447]

Just bought my first AR-15 from a gunshow in a small town in NC and found your channel. Went in one day and looked at Diamondbacks for around $600 came back the next day and bought a custom built from dealer. DPMS receiver and BCA 16 SS for $550. Have no idea if I got a good deal but I had a feeling he put together a solid budget build for a starter.

[@mickey2123]

Think I bought virtually the same rifle from the same dealer. I really like mine

[@frankdardano3182]

Pp]pppppppppppp]p]p]]p]pp]😊the u⁸⁸7😊

[@joshuaclark3414]

First AR was a good ol PSA 10.5 inch. Was a decent gun never had issues. Still have PSAs but now I play with BCMs

[@joeg5414]

that's pretty much the route I took. First AR was PSA.... and 2nd 3rd. Plus an AK and some other stuff. They're great. Never a problem. Well maybe a couple, but easily fixed by myself. Now I'm buying BCM. Not that I won't buy anymore PSA stuff, but it's time to branch out lol

[@thedude5258]

PSA and Anderson are gateway guns😂

[@madmaxd1]

Great video for first timers. My 1st. AR - Bushmaster XM15-E2S Varminter (1/2 MOA) & 2nd. Aero U/L M4E1 build, 10.5 (miscellaneous internals). Both rifles have held up great for my purposes.

[@masonreyes7432]

Just got the first part of my first AR. Going with a Aero/BCM build Aero Precision M4E1 Stripped lower (FDE) BCM BFH 16" Mid Length Complete Upper Receiver Group w/ MCMR-15 Handguard -w/BCM bolt carrier group -Ambi MK2 (Large) charging handle -Surefire Warcomp flash hider/suppresor adaptor Geissele SSA-E trigger Aero Precision Carbine Buffer Kit q/ H3 Buffer Magpul Gen2 MBUS backup sights Holosun 403B Red dot These are the parts I've decided on thus far

[@shaunn7778]

An m4e1 lower with a BCM upper will always be a solid build.

[@masonreyes7432]

@@shaunn7778 I’ve been hearing that a lot so that’s why I researched and went with it!

[@shaunn7778]

@@masonreyes7432 once you buy a non-m4e1 lower, you will see that the m4e1 lower really spiffs things up. However, don't overpay. They can be had around $80 if you are patient. Nothing wrong with a milspec lower, but the m4e1 is totally worth the upgrade. I'd also recommend that you grab a larue mbt2s flatty trigger.

[@masonreyes7432]

@@shaunn7778 noted. Yeah I got my lower at about $90 For sure I’ll give it a look! Thanks!

[@shaunn7778]

I need to get me one of those slash hiders, though... Lol

[@moremakita7274]

I know the BCA hate is common in the KZbin space, but my first AR was a side discharge BCA 5.56 and I’ve put 2-3k rounds through it over the years and it’s been extremely reliable and accurate. All I’ve done is upgrade the bolt to a Daniel defense bolt, but I have at least 500 rounds through the BCA bolt with no problems. I simply don’t understand the BCA hate, if u take care of your gun and become one with it, BCA is awesome for the money! I’d love for you to do a video on a side discharge BCA, it’d love to hear your honest opinion. Maybe even do a BCA PSA face off…

[@krypto826]

My first AR was a Radical and it's been a workhorse. 1000+ rounds with no issues and very happy.

[@meanman6992]

Well the one upper I bought of theirs after building several AR’s was a POS. 🤷‍♂️ 18” SS barrel with rifle gas length system… even after opening up the gas port to .102” it wouldn’t cycle reliably. Changing the bolts out with others didn’t help either. It just sits in the corner of the room now (that barrel). It came with a 0.092” gas port if memory serves (this wa alike 4 years ago.. Maybe 5 and wouldn’t even try to cycle until I opened the gas port way up)

[@JewTubeSux]

You were lucky. Their quality control is garbage. The lowest quality I will touch now, is AERO PRECISION...

[@LethalMayo]

They like really light buffer weights.

[@meanman6992]

@@LethalMayo🤔 could be, but if that’s the case I’d still not trust it. I had a standard weight rifle buffer and buffer tube with standard weight buffer spring in it… I can see his maybe a reduced weight buffer if lighter spring might have helped as it was 90% reliable in 5.56x45 but… i but it for more if a DMR… I ended up just getting a 24” bull barrel for bench work…. Alll the duration in the world lol 😅 and this way with .223Rem match ammo it still cycled fine

[@phavang8108]

LWRC was my first. Definitely my nicest AR. But my favorite is my PWS

[@PlantDaddy1991]

My first was a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport. The first variant. I absolutely loved not having an assist or a dust cover, and being as minimal as I could, while still having a rifle that could be used and accessorized the way similar rifles could.

[@bobdonegan3452]

My first AR was a Rock River Arms RRage LAR-15. I like it so much I installed a Franklin Armory binary trigger. I also got their AR15 Pistol 7in. Barrel added a Saker 556k suppressor and FA binary trigger. I legally convert it into an SBR. Also added a GDCH to the SBR.

[@sigspearthumb7993]

7 inches is a bit short for 5.56… you chrono that bad boy?

[@bobdonegan3452]

@@sigspearthumb7993 nope. Turned into an sbr. 7 in barrel with a 6 in suppressor

[@Phantompunisher]

Buy Wisconsin! Midwest Industries, BCM, ADM.

[@johnsotirid6806]

Love, ADM and Midwest industries

[@swedeshooter7540]

I bought my third DD in ten years. They may not be the most exiting ARs and maybe to hyped, but they always work. 10s of thousands rounds without a singel malfunction on none of them. And when it comes to function price is secondary. They are definitely my go to home and shf defense guns.

[@honda55x]

My first AR was a Rock River Arms Entry Tactical. Still have it and have put about 5,000 round through it. Never have I had an issue, proper maintenance and care keep it running like new.

[@ld1238]

My first AR was the Bushmaster Patrolman from Walmart for $800. I bought this in like 2009 and it was from Maine. Since then I have only ever built them. The first build was a DPMS LR 308 in 2012, and the most recent was a Aero with criterion barrel, BCM BG, SLR HANDGUARD, BCM MK2 extension and all the gucci parts.

[@SirArcticPB]

My first one was a DB 15. And to this day is one of the smoothest running ars. My buddy has a dd 15 $1800, and he loves how smooth my db15 shoots. the db was $650 in 2018 now its around $1200.. crazy

[@treygilbert2929]

I love my db 15 its also my shtf gun aswell smooth and sexy time too build one now

[@WREKLOC]

If you pay 1200 for a DB15, youre definately paying for the furniture or added brake, no DB15 is worth 1200. Thats S&W MP15 quality. It belongs in 500 or 700 with a cerakote job. Not a bad rifle at all. The 1200 doesnt necessarily go into a better barrel or better QC.

[@jaxsong2867]

Same here I love my db-15. I know a guy who has 10,000 rounds threw his with no problem

[@WillKrcelic]

I got my DB at $750, changed a couple pieces of furniture and added a rear sight and an optic. Great gun and I had lots left over for ammo. Inexpensive is not interchangeable with cheap.

[@sdot0691]

Is that the diamondback?

[@zacharyadams1046]

(Within 3 months)Pieced together a PSA upper and lower(came with upgraded BCG), and just bought a drop in trigger/radian charging handle. With sig red dot and cheap magnifier costs $970. Over 2000 round no issues. Just bought ANOTHER psa upper chambered in 9mm and some endo mag inserts, sig lpvo, and now I can shoot a bit cheaper. Great video!

[@alexancheta9562]

First one I purchased earlier this year (February 2024) was based off your advice on the best approach to buying your first AR-15 - which is to buy the recommended parts and put them together. Thank goodness for YT videos that demonstrated how to do things. The only thing I didn't do was install the buffer tube into the lower receiver - I had a gunsmith do it for me. So LSS, my upper is a BCM MK2 MCMR 14 with BCM BCG, BCM Mod 7 Comp, Magpul Gen2 MBUS backup sights, and BCM Vert Grip Mod 3. My lower is a Wilson Combat 7075-T6 forged aluminum, all W/C FDE furniture, Velocity Precision Trigger 3lb SS (your recco), Radian Talon Safety, Odin Works Ex Mag Release, Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard and finally a Magpul BAD lever. Also - I followed Lucas Botkin's advice - establish the purpose for the rifle. All my decisions then on what to purchase was guided by that purpose statement.

[@Allenmar73]

That parts list sounds like a top of the line assembly. How much do you have in it?

[@daveneal456]

My first was a Smith and Wesson sport first edition. It still runs like a champ almost ten years later. Only upgrade was a Toolcraft nickel boron bcg, wasn’t really necessary though.

[@TGunner23]

You talked me into the BCM Recce ar-15 last year. So I went out and bought one and love it

[@omerta____]

My first was a Springfield saint victor. Got nervous after I saw honest outlaws video on it after I purchased it..he got a lemon. Fortunately for me Iv put a couple hundred rounds down range and haven’t had a malfunction. I added a red dot bcm foregrip light and harness. Would love to learn how to break it down and add internals. That’ll be next.

[@mightygrom]

My first AR was bought as a stripped (spikes tactical) lower in 2013... I hadn't really been shopping for one before I got it, but my state (MD) was just about to put in place a ban on "assault rifles" and the stripped lower was what I could afford at the time... supply and the law drove prices through the roof. I ended up buying a LPC when I picked it up from the store (we also have a mandatory waiting period for "restricted firearms and pistols") and a month later, I got a budget upper from one of the web-stores, just so I could use it... later I built a new upper for it. It's nothing special, but it is reliable and fun at the range.

[@TheAdam2877]

Such a disgrace that Any state can make a law abiding citizen jump through hoops just to exercise their 2nd amendment rights. I believe a court ruled that as unconstitutional after a recent ruling. Hope it makes tyrannical states and their representatives.

[@danielwade7.62x51]

1st ever was an m&p 15 sport , the original with the 1/8 twist barrel, it was amazeing , still have it and its been upgraded with all kinda new stuff over the years and i still love it .

[@jklop7841]

Crazy that a Knights failed that bad. If I’m paying over $2,500 for an upper, I expect it to be flawless. But like you said a lot of companies, use their government contract as leverage to inflate the prices on their products.

[@PineyJustice]

While fun to watch, burning 600 rounds as fast as you can isn't something that's actually done. And that's with a full auto lower, without that it would be impossible to shoot enough rounds fast enough to blow a barrel OR a gas tube. You can make an absolute garbage stick go way more rounds using a bull barrel and a 70$ gas tube (vseven extreme environment) but it's going to be really heavy and bad for actual use. The DD upper has a thin profile barrel too for weight, I have one in my custom ultimate AR, it's a great barrel but it will pop around 600-700 rounds full auto. For high volume fire, ballistic advantage hanson profile is probably the best short of a socom/bull profile, thicker than milspec from chamber to gas block, thinner up front where it doesn't matter.

[@jackvandenberg4708]

@@PineyJustice Just like how people commonly complain about how some higher end AR's struggle running cheap steel case ammunition... And then automatically feel that the higher end AR is somehow "flawed" or "inferior." But in reality, when fed the proper ammunition and used as they're intended, in terms of longevity, accuracy, reliability etc. they are in fact superior (Though sometimes in a subtle way). And personally, I think the most important factor IS longevity, reliability and accuracy. We're talking very fine-tuned rifles, made for quality ammunition. KAC, LMT, DD are kings in semi auto imo.

[@zed332l]

Look on the Bright side I have on my list of spare Parts now Add Gas tubes Qty 4 each.

[@hillwilliam]

I assembled my first AR. I chose PSA 18” barrel chambered in .223 Wilde with a minimalist stock. I changed out the original trigger for a Rise Armament 3.5 pound curved trigger. I use Magpul grip and sling with a 1-8x24 Vortec scope. I have since assembled an AR pistol in 5.56 and rifles in .300 BO, 350Legend and 450 Bushmaster. Love them all.thanks for an informative video.

[@travisthompson4258]

My First AR was the Geissele Super Duty Mod 1. Absolutely love it!

[@FirearmJunkie]

What length did you go with? Im going to be purchasing my first AR and I’ve decided on the super duty mod 1 as well. Ill be placing my order this 4th of july!

[@travisthompson4258]

​@@FirearmJunkie I went with the 14.5. Perfect size for me. I've seen several sales lately, too. Anywhere from 1300 to 1700, so keep your eye out for those.

[@FirearmJunkie]

@@travisthompson4258 nice im thinking about the 14.5 too. Do you run yours suppressed? I know they come ready for a huxwrx so im planning to go that route.

[@travisthompson4258]

​@@FirearmJunkie no suppressor yet, but hopefully someday.

[@daniel45-70]

​@@FirearmJunkieamerica! 🦅

[@BeReal918]

I have several PSAs & they've all been reliable, so far. My go-to is a BCM 16" FSB upper with BCM mlok handguard on a Franklin Armory m4 lower w/ the bsf3. I also use PSA ept lowers with BCM grip & buttstock.

[@hawkhawkins5374]

My first was a Iwi Zion 15. Well over 1k rounds,zero issues. Around $800

[@martylucas8557]

I wanted that to be my first AR. However, I had a tough time trying to get my hands on one. I ended up getting a Diamondback. Seems to be a very well made rifle.

[@r3d3y3z]

Just got my first ar too. This zion does feel nice

[@nateshelton1052]

The zion feels and shoots like a higher quality firearm than most of the "budget" options. It's a great starter

[@OscarDad]

​@r3d3y3z I'm a total newbie,.. never shot or even held a a 556 .. circling my wagons.. analysis paralysis.. but the Zion is really topping my list.. versus a probably adequate ( cheaper ) PSA etc.

[@Allenmar73]

​@@OscarDad... Get the Zion. That's the one for a factory built in $800 category. You can go cheaper but there will be a difference in quality.

[@frankopanklaric]

Mine was plain jane M&P15 sport 2. Served me very well. In retrospect I wish it had an mlok handguard. Otherwise it was perfect. The only modification I made was quadrail drop in handguard. That made it too heavy.

[@johnkrstyen7351]

My first guns and Ar rifles were a Sig m400 Snakebite (non Se) and a Sig 716i.

[@Yuracirlce]

My first was the 704 tactical special, 99$psa lower with $189 BCA upper. It actually still runs fine after 800 rounds. Then Moved to DB. Now I just build them with parts that go on sale from primary arms. A lot of aero or faxon barrels with faxon bcgs, Anderson stripped lowers.

[@RobbieVanGone]

LWRC DI 5.56 was my first. Love it

[@thrashingeverydaylife]

Mine too!

[@thrashingeverydaylife]

Buy once cry once

[@squarebody8866]

I get a lot of hate but my first AR was the Springfield Saint Victor M Lok with the B5 furniture. Im right handed but shoot left handed but my rifle is set up for right handed

[@Allaboutthepewpew]

My first AR15 was a S&W sport two didn’t know nothing about guns but figured I couldn’t go wrong with a known brand and for decent price paid $700 for a bundle got the gun 5 mags the range bag and romeo red dot

[@daffidavit]

Same here.

[@300blackout9]

Same here too! Great minds!

[@alfredbrown3348]

Same here

[@frankyeilding2546]

Same here, they’re excellent rifles for the money.

[@curtiscline8597]

My first AR is the Springfield saint Victor b5 systems package

[@romanandrews1438]

Missed the vids man! One of my favorite channels.

[@TacticalToolbox]

Thank ya man, I'm working on getting more videos out

[@meowmixphd]

Recently bought my first AR-15. This video would have been a good resource back in January! In my case, I wanted something “do all” to help me determine what I “need” and whether I was really committed to this activity. I did watch a fair number of Guntubers with reviews and guides and talked with a buddy who’s active military. I knew I didn’t want to go entry level, preferring to spend a bit more for quality and reliability, but obviously didn’t want to drop a mortgage payment on gun. Decided to go towards the low end of mid-tier, per your definition. Found a Springfield Saint Victor on a decent sale that came with a handful of mags, bag, sling, and Crossfire II RDS. I know there is a bunch of controversy about Springfield, but this isn’t the venue for that discussion. Anyway, happy with the decision, so far. Will be upgrading the optic to a PA 5x prism and red dot when it shows up next week. Hopefully, that will help tame my astigmatism somewhat, along with prescription shooting glasses. This hobby can get real spendy real quick. Now I just need to find a nice outdoor range that is affordable and close by. Anyway, appreciate your continued quality content. Keep up the good work.

[@rcampbell4967]

The #1 most important feature of any firearm is that it fires reliably; every time you pull the trigger a bullet comes out of the barrel. #2 is the bullet reliably ends up where you want it to go. The AR-15 platform is one of the most reliable platforms ever made and rarely malfunctions. Eveyrhing after that is an upgrade. I've seen AR-15's assembled poorly from the factory, but if you go with a name brand, even the cheap models, they are generally assembled well. If you want an AR-15 don't be paralyzed by indecision, go buy a Colt or Sig. I also built my first AR and every other AR I own. I've built budget and premium builds, I've fired enough rounds to become pretty profient with the platform, and I've never had one fail catastrophically. It costs about $500-$700 to assemble the tools for a proper armory, but if you have the money, for me it's worth it just for the knowledge gained. My go to for parts is Anderson for the lower and upper and Faxon for the barrel. Triggers are important, but even the cheap ones can be easily ground and polished to perform smoothly. When I started, I leaned on Brownells for tutorials. Solid content. I buy Magpul accessories if available. Magpul is the Caterpiller of AR accessories; they might not make the best of anything but what they make is generally quality and a good value. There is nothing incorrect about the content of this video, however I focus on some different priorities. For instance, going back to #1 of my post, the handguard makes zero difference. My favorite handguard is circular with limited mounts. It was cheap but is comfortable and holds the accessories I wanted.

[@benthompson9834]

My first AR was a Frankenstein build I got from friend. 20” h-bar barrel. Pretty basic, A2 buttstock, flat top upper. I’m pretty sure almost no parts came from the same manufacturer. But it shot very well. It was a 223 rem chamber. I put a 3-9 Nikon monarch on it and it became my favorite varminter.

[@darrenrestad8325]

IWI. Only AR15 I own and only one I've ever shot. Seems good.

[@epeepee978]

My first AR is a LWRCI DI and I absolutely love it! I think it’s absolutely better then a Daniel defense and bcm and anything lower priced then those.

[@timothysullivan2473]

1st AR on order, Blackout Defense Quantum DTL, but bought a CMMG MK4 to practice with till December a week ago.

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Good grief that is a beauty to start with.

[@timothysullivan2473]

@@ThePerpetualStudent it was his fault, I barely got into 2a after being gone for years by stumbling onto TTB videos and that was a hole rabbit hole 😁. This year I've gone from 0 to p320m17,p365xm, mp FCP, CMMG MK4, and ordered my Xmas present BDqdtl. I might have an addiction.

[@SxCR4WR]

@@timothysullivan2473hey man how do you like your blackout defense? I literally about to pull the trigger and buy one. I’ve been shooting for a while and I finally have enough money to buy a Gucci gun that’s my do it all

[@timothysullivan2473]

@@SxCR4WR can't tell you bought it 5/13/24 so I'll get it maybe Xmas. 6-8mo lead time. But they added machines to the shop and day they will be able to pump out more and cut the lead time. They are currently shipping mid Dec 18th 2023 orders finally.

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

@@timothysullivan2473 Yeah, I had never heard of it until this channel. It is on my list.

[@truelegend_215]

Bought the S&W M&P 15 Sport III this past weekend

[@haywoodjablome44]

Always great Info.

[@RichardDButler]

My 1st AR was a Springfield Armory Saint 556 Nato. Easy to learn and still enjoy shooting it. My 2nd is a Lifetime Precision 15 223 Wylde it's a good long range but gets really dirty after a day at the range. Last buy was a Bear Creek for plinking not happy with it so now working on upgrades for it. Cheap is what I got.

[@TacticalToolbox]

Not too shabby man!

[@AllAboutSurvival]

Thanks for the insightful advice!

[@daveperala4723]

My 1st AR was an M&P 15, stock. Shoots great but no frills. Standard bird cage M2 front sight with pop up rear. Put a red dot with 3X magnifier on it, no problems. My 2nd was a PSA 10.5" upper with a stripped lower. Built the lower using a standard parts kit, then swapped out the trigger for a drop in, can't remember the name of it but got it from Brownell's. Made a few more after these, all Frankenstein's. Anderson matched upper and lowers, Faxon and BCA heavy barrels, adj. blocks. mostly Magpull furniture. The 556 I saved up for and threw a ACOG on it, the 762 has a Red Dot, while the 6.5 has a ATN NVG 4X16. The 6.5 is my nighttime Hog Hunter. All 18" barrels. So far no problems after hundreds of rounds. I chose the heavy barrels because people I shoot with that have the pencil barrels heat up faster and get more flyers and missed shots. Whatever you choose, make sure it's right for you and what you intend to use it for.

[@robertmoody3338]

I'm a lefty and unfortunately, you won't find a lefty rifle of any kind in my area. Every thing I own is right hand. It's called, adapt and overcome.

[@dennisalexander4778]

My first ar is an American tactical mil sport. 300 blk out 16 inch barrel. $449.00. 1:8 twist. Bought magpul flip up sights with it. Got a magpul grip. magpul 2 point sling. Cheap red dot. Cheap light with touch pad. Magpul front angle grip. Got an extra 40 round mag. I've had 1 jam in about 1000 rounds. Considering a new trigger and steel pivot and break down pins. Steel safety and mag release but so far no issues. I love my cheapo special. I really like your channel as well. Great info thank you.

[@edsweeney6843]

OUTSTANDING VIDEO. My first AR was when I lived in Commiefukya - it was a S&W M&P 15 gen 1. I swapped out the handguard to a Magpul so I could attach a flashlight. I bought the PSA Sabre lower with a Sabre 14.5" upper, both fir $750) and put a Holosun AEMS green dot on it. I also bought a complete Sabre with 16" barrel in FDE, and put a Si 1-8 LPVO on it. I'm very happy with both Sabres. 😊

[@5.56Media]

First two were Colt (one for work). After that, three from RRA ... including one rare breed of the Government model.

[@mikerobins9751]

Rock River?

[@5.56Media]

@@mikerobins9751 Yes.

[@mikerobins9751]

​@@5.56MediaAmazing Rifled

[@chrisjosekuehl]

I love my Brn-180, 13.9” I pin and welded a nox muzzle device to run my keymo silencers and it also makes it 16.1” fixed length. It’s my main rifle now. Absolutely love it.

[@danielcoscia1108]

M&P Smith and Wesson

[@martyc1533]

Excellent Rifle and reliable at a Great Price!!!!

[@Shortcutz625]

My first was a BCM 14.5 MCMR ELW MK2 that i pieced together with blem sales. Radian CH and MBUS. Came in around $1k total, about a year ago. Watched a lot of videos, set notifications for sales, used discount offers.

[@Allenmar73]

How's that barrel for accuracy, especially after getting some heat up?

[@davidcarter5504]

M&P sport. It’s functional

[@calebshepherd8480]

Got the Sig M400-SDI X as my first a couple of months ago. Love it.

[@FierceMouse]

Colt LE6920

[@samswilly14]

My first AR was a diamondback db15. 16” barrel, mlok handguard. Love that thing. Got mine for like $550 awhile ago. Love it. Done a bunch of aftermarket to it

[@denniswerner1670]

PSA Sabre… Giant Killer.

[@rayparker9163]

Considering that one. Any issues to watch for? Considering a bsic14.5

[@edouble9894]

@@rayparker9163 I would recommend it. CHF FN barrel radian charge and safety. 2 stage triggers nice the only upgrade I would even consider would be a high end bcg….. but the toolcraft that comes with it is still a solid workhorse.

[@Holgrinator]

My first AR was an aero precision in 5.56 that I built. I’ve owned several ARs. 5.56, 300BLK, 458 SOCOM, and 7.62x39 and a 10 in 6.5 creedmoor. But I’ve never bought a prebuilt AR. I’ve built each from the ground up starting with a stripped lower. So much fun, always got exactly what I want with nothing to pull off and replace like a pre-built. Most lowers were Aero Precision but not all. Every one of them performed flawlessly without a single hiccup. I preferred building each to fit a specific use I wanted.

[@MrPincheRey]

I’m part of the buy once cry once. I did my homework and my first rifle was a bcm. Never once have I thought, “this was dumb I should’ve went cheaper” I have however taken apart bear creek uppers that were crazy out of spec. Now don’t get me wrong I’ve built psa rifle that have ran flawlessly. I’ve even had Anderson prove me wrong.

[@Allenmar73]

It's all about tier parts and QC assembly. And a company that stands behind their stuff. Anderson, Del-Ton, Spikes, and Diamondback can do it to run for much less with decent quality. But, each rifle will tell you if they did it right or not.

[@jamesindelicato5003]

My favorite AR rifle is the Colt HBAR Elite.. 24” stainless bull barrel, Nikon 223 BDC scope.. My AR pistol is the CMMG Dissent 10.5” barrel… sweet..

[@8BloodyKnuckles]

Pawn shop Armalite AR15. Had no clue what I was buying back then. Shortly after came the Bushmaster, Colt, and RRA rifles. Now… I just frankenbuild my stuff.

[@Gunhead6023]

So my choice was easy, I worked for an agency that used the SIG M400 platform for our duty rifles so I went through the process with the SIG Professional Program to order a copy of my duty rifle, that was my first bought AR/15. My second was a very inexpensive put together range oriented truck gun with the idea of being very small and quiet. PSA upper With a 7” barrel MLock hard BCM Bolt/ BCG Aero lower with parts kit Timney trigger that was on sale Polonium-30 suppressor. Mag pull furniture. •Hearing safe •super short Absolutely love it

[@LordRahl11]

Great video. My first AR was a Sig Tread it was a good gun. But I had to get rid of it for money reasons. But I'm looking into buying a new rifle. Haven't decided if I'm putting it together completely buying each part or buying an upper and lower. Now to decide what I am going to do. But this has given me a lot of good advise as always. Thank you.

[@stelkurtain_tm]

I bought my first AR the other day... I'm right handed, but left eye dominant, and had no idea that I would prefer to shoot a rifle left handed. Just something that took me by surprise and might be something people should consider regarding ambi controls

[@hardline5889]

First AR I got was a Colt,2nd was a Bravo company AR, 3rd was a 308 from Trojan Firearms, 4th through 8th were F1 firearms and 9th and 10th was Daniel Defense.

[@SVNiiTY]

I pieced out my first AR last year on Palmetto during their 4th of July Holiday sale. I've put almost 800 rounds and have loved it so far. Barrel is 16" 4150V Chrome Moly steel in a 1:7 chambered in 5.56 NATO with a Milspec Carpenter 158 steel bolt. Still piecing out attachments like a light/laser, want to get a suppressor at some point eventually. I already have a sling (want to upgrade its just a basic sling), a Magpul AFG M-Lok (want to change to a short vertical), and a red dot (it's just a crimson trace cts-25 definitely want to upgrade, plan on getting a LVPO). Lower has a B5 Bravo buttstock and a B5 P-Grip. Haven't had any malfunctions yet and not the fanciest or top of the line, but it's fun at the range and does a good job.

[@dylangonzalez8812]

My first AR15 was actually a custom build a friend of mine made for me with an Anderson lower. Only thing I've replaced since then was the Stock and the muzzle device. I think it still performs really great. My only complaint could be that it could weigh less, but it cost me less than $1200 so I'm overall happy with it still 12 years later.

[@edjohnson3685]

Ruger AR556 MPR Model 8514, installed Rise Iconic Independent Two Stage Trigger. Vortex 3x magnifier and StrikeFire II Red Dot, Olite Odin 2000 Light, Ambi Safety. BAD lever, Radian Raptor Aluminum Charging Handle, 20" cold hammer forged barrel

[@BruceForster-k9n]

My First AR was a Bushmaster I bought for $650.00. I put a 3 X 9 Scope on it, and purchased a few FORTY Round Mags. I took it to man whose Sone is a Gunsmith specializing in this platform. We Laser Zeroed the scope to 50 Yards. The ONLY Ammo I put through it are Federal & Winchester Match Grade 5.56. I taught my Pastor how to use it, and he is one 'Hell' of a good shot. I can hit spent Shotgun casings at 100 Yards Plus. It's a TACK DRIVER!

[@vincentsaladino9207]

I think it was around 2006, my first was a bushmaster 5.56 M4. I did add a picatinny rail with a 37mm launcher, laser, & scope but overall pretty generic. I recently built a .300 blackout with a folding stock for storage. It has an Aero precision 10.3"upper, BCM-bcg, shield arms lower, upgraded trigger springs, SBA3 pistol brace, primary arms front focal plane LVPO, ambi selector, strike industries angled foregrip, streamlight with pressure switch, & lancer magazines, magpul flip up back up sights, enhanced lower parts group, and a upgraded charging handle. Color scheme is FDE upper, black lower, FDE Brace, FDE 2 point sling. I think that pretty much covers it!

[@johndowling6131]

First one was a Rock River 5.56 about 18 years ago, still have it with lots of accessories..Still a great purchase!