Getting back into ARs

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Rocketmedic

Rocketmedic

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Jun 30, 2025
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San Marcos, TX
So, I’ve got quite a bit of familiarity with the M4, but I’ve been out of the AR15 world for a long time (wife doesn’t like the vibes, I find them boring). However, 2026, and we’ve decided to get an intermediate-caliber semiautomatic rifle with easy ergonomics- so an AR. I’ve considered a Mini and like them, but they’re not super-adaptable and I’m better with an AR platform in terms of accessibility and accessories. Rifle needs to be adaptable to my spouse too- so adjustable stock, rails, red dot, light, sling.

It’ll be supplanting a .30-30 lever-action in this role.

Looking for recommendations on a budget- like I said, I’ve been out of the world for a while now. Thanks!
 
ARs are way more user-friendly now. A basic BCM, PSA, or S&W M&P15 with adjustable stock, red dot, and light fits that role well
 
I have a 300 Ham’r that I built a few years ago, zeroed the scope and it has sat in my safe ever since. I built two more alike for friends who pig hunt a lot and they love them. I also have about 500 rounds of Wilson ammo. If you’re not familiar with the cartridge, 30 caliber that uses standard AR mags and bolt, mine is 18” built on Aero Precision Enhanced M4E1 upper and lower, Rock River match varmint trigger. Let me know if you’re interested. 135 grain at 2500
 
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For general purpose, not “high round count training”, your choices are endless.

My opinion is that the Mini 14 is quite possibly one of the worst guns made. Good choice staying away from them. I have had two and sold both after promising to never buy another. The cheapest AR shoots better than most any Mini 14.

I’m an AR fan. Seems like im always building one. This last month I built 3. Two 6.5 Grendel’s (my top choice for an AR hunting round) and a 6mm ARC. Both Great choices.

If you are on a strict budget, You can get a cheap lower and pop a decent trigger in it, and you have a high end lower! I wouldn’t stress over the lower. I’m not a fan of polymer lowers. Just keep it aluminum. They are all pretty much the same.

Cheap lowers have horrible triggers, in general. You can even get a JP trigger spring kit for $20 or so that improves that milspec trigger.

LaRue has a good trigger for not much $. I have a couple of those. Geissele triggers are good, just read the description. They all have specific uses and not all are suited for a hunting rifle. The Geissele SSA-E is a solid choice.

You can buy that trigger now or in the future.

Plenty of Uppers out there for not much money. Look at Ballistic Advantage or Primary Arms.

You can find a good deal on both and have a pretty decent quality AR. Guys that build quite a few of these often have pretty good quality triggers laying around you could get for cheap.
 
I looked but they have very little in stock, a great sale doesn't mean much if they don't have much. Nut that being said, they may have just what someone is looking for. Never hurts to look
 
BrotherHubb said:
I looked but they have very little in stock, a great sale doesn't mean much if they don't have much. Nut that being said, they may have just what someone is looking for. Never hurts to look
Click to expand...
Yeah, they always seem to have stuff on sale. It comes back into stock regularly.

Looking through there for suggestions for the OP … I bought a 16” 6mm ARC upper!
 

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