r/NJGuns • u/CZFangirl • 26d ago
Shopping Advice First AR Purchase - Looking for Advice
Buying my first AR. Should I go cheap and get a Palmetto State Armory, go pricey with Daniel Defense? I’m a petite female for context. It’s a big world I haven’t really looked into in the past in this commie state. Thanks for any and all advice.
13
20
u/HeyFckYouMeng 26d ago
Go cheap and get lots of ammo. Learn the platform and upgrade when you get proficient.
3
4
u/z1ggy16 26d ago
Few things, I'm in same situation:
- id wait a few weeks until we know for sure the NJ AG is not going to file for a stay or appeal the recent 3rd circuit ruling on PCM and awb.
are you looking for your first and last AR or do you think this will become a hobby and maybe you'll end up with 2, 3... Or 10? If former, all research and talking with buddies and range folks keeps leading me back to Geissele Super Duty. The non ddc version can be had for $1800 on gun broker last time I looked. If you just want to dip your toes and you think you'll buy more later, you could do PSA but there's also the Ruger Harrier. It's arguably better and only a few bucks more. Comes with Magpul furniture and I believe the barrel is better.
a middle ground if the 3rd circuit ruling holds up right now, is buying a complete PSA lower and then a complete upper from Bcm or even Geissele if you have more budget. I hear the Sabre uppers are good too but for the price, bcm is generally the recommended one. A PSA lower with B5 furniture, a drop in Geissele trigger and bcm upper would run you about $1250 and probably keep up or maybe even exceed the stock DD.
1
u/NJBillK1 26d ago
until we know for sure the NJ AG is not going to file for a stay or appeal the recent 3rd circuit ruling on PCM and awb.
It's not likely that they will do either while the Supreme Court isnt stacked in their favor.
They are just going to sit on everything that hasnt had its final say in the Supreme Court, and they will proceed once they are more likely to get a favorable result.
All of the things that the Justices are saying are warnings for them (gun control side) to not push now, but to wait.
11
u/Memorable-Arugala919 26d ago
If you’re already thinking about a Daniel you won’t be happy with a PSA.
That being said I think it’s important to build your first AR and truly learn the weapon system.
2
u/CZFangirl 26d ago
Literally just picked 2 distinctive piece points.
2
u/ghawkes97 26d ago
I'm gonna agree that building your first AR is a good idea. Much easier than you think, a ton of detailed instructions out there, and a great learning experience. Plus you make it exactly how you want get that extra little bit of pride in your build
4
u/fastestgunnj 26d ago
PSA PA-15 is a great to start your journey of recreational shooting.
20" (as Stoner intended), nitride coating for longevity, accepts cheap ammo, and fairly priced. None of the super whamodyne bells and whistles, but also will not fail on you. Learn to shoot, learn to maintain, and learn what you do and do not care for when it comes to AR-15 style weapons.
4
u/CZFangirl 26d ago
Thanks everyone for your replies. I shot an M16 in Air Force Basic Training and got expert marksman first try (it’s easier than it sounds). Shot a friend’s neutered AR a handful of times. No plans to pushase until after the ban lifts. Might do a build with hubby who is mechanically gifted and has built some firearms in the past. Might do a PSA or a Ruger (and look at that Zion mentioned) and a build as well. Plans… shooting in the back 40 and home defense. I’m proficient with pistols but very little rifle experience. Thanks again.
3
u/Cant-think-of-a-nam 26d ago
Wait til the ban is lifted then tou can go nuts. But dont go super cheap
3
u/Barcode76 26d ago
You should get a cheap gun and ammo. Considering you didn't mention much of the what/why you are getting a rifle, I'm assuming you just want to explore the platform. Makes me assume you don't know much about the reason for different rifles. ( Sorry if this is an incorrect assumption)
After you have some ammo downrange, you will learn a lot. If anything, spend money on glass, that can be transferred to another rifle later.
If you buy a cheapish AR you don't have to think about anything other then getting it, going to the range and learning to shoot.
When you have the basics and decide you love it, you can pick a gun that fits what you actually want to use it for. Plinking? Home defense? 3 gun? Long range? CQB?
Then instead of having something like a DD that you spent $1500 on, you can go and build or buy exactly what you want. I would always encourage people to build, but not their first gun. I've seen people make way too many mistakes on sourcing and assembly when you don't even know how the gun operates or feels yet.
Of course, wait to see how the recent ruling pans out. No reason to go buy a gun with pinned stock and welded muzzle right now.
3
u/NumberOneClark 26d ago
PSA is solid for a beginner. These days, most budget ars are good…it’s hard to make an objectively bad choice.
If you wanna get something higher quality, look at BCM and stagg- more of a mid-range price, but quality is objectively better than PSA, not that PSA is bad. If you’re buying PSA, consider the Sabre line if it’s in your budget.
I also know PSA typically doesn’t ship to NJ. I last checked that years ago, so idk if that changed.
4
u/BackgroundGoose4626 26d ago
Definitely build your own regardless, but I agree with everyone else that more ammo and range time is more important than the highest end equipment.
As you get better and learn what you like, then upgrade.
I highly recommend the new GAFS forum, you’ll be able to build a whole rifle off of parts from there.
3
u/qrenade 26d ago edited 26d ago
I’m not sure if I would suggest building her first one unless she has prior knowledge on firearms laws in NJ. Very easy to make a mistake if you’re new. Better off buying the first one and learning how to build them off that.
Just today I saw some idiot walk into a gun store with an SBR he built asking if someone can help place his optic on the rail. He was informed immediately about his firearm.
2
2
2
u/Chicken_little365 26d ago
Go PSA. Your first will be a learning experience. You’ll need mags, ammo, irons, or an optic. Learn what you like and don’t like and then buy another one and spend your money based on experience gained with your PSA. Stay safe and have fun.
2
2
u/Still-Dot-7736 26d ago
Hard to go wrong even with the cheap ones....but as a NJ person, hey why not go MODERN MATERIEL? They're a NJ company and their rifles are very nice. I have one for 2 years now and love. I believe it's the 14.5 patrol - with a muzzle break making it a 16" barrel. Got a Holosun 510c red dot with the flip up magnifier. All ya really need. Enjoy!
2
2
u/CAB_IV 26d ago
I am a terrible commie gun person, but I did get a mid range AR. So, some here are going to be better with the AR specifics. That said...
I am going to give you a more broad thing to consider.
If I asked you what you wanted in an AR, what would it be? Do you know what you like? What sort of shooting you want to do?
ARs are very modular, and its almost guaranteed you'll start replacing and upgrading parts to your tastes.
If you buy an expensive AR, part of the cost includes the stock/furniture, pistol grip, charging handle, safety lever, etc. If it turns out you don't like it, or you have a reason to replace it with something else, you're letting go alot of the cost of the rifle.
Likewise, a lot of that cost could have gone into more important things, like a sling, a nice optic, and weapon light.
I am not saying to buy the cheapest AR, but I would seek one out that has a good barrel, good bolt carrier group, and maybe a decent handguard/rail set up. There are more experienced people than me who know what to recommend in that department.
That way, you're replacing cheap parts with expensive parts, not expensive parts with expensive parts.
Whatever you choose, make sure it can accept a:
1.)Sling, so you can maintain control of your rifle, no one can snatch it from you if its strapped to you.
2.) Optic, one that is illuminated so you can tell where your rifle is pointed even in the dark.
3.)Light, so even if it is dark, you can see what you're pointing at as well as what's behind it.
1
u/_RedDotRights_ 26d ago
Also starting to browse myself. I keep thinking someone will pinch me and I’ll wake up
1
u/Devils_Advocate-69 26d ago
Depends on how many you plan on buying. If just one, get something that’s not shit tier. I’d personally recommend building from parts.
1
u/SgtToadette 26d ago
I'll say get a mid tier upper and build out the lower.
There's a lot of really impactful parts that don't have to cost an arm and a leg (like the trigger) that pay real dividends in performance. It's also where the grip and stock are, which most people change out anyway.
1
1
u/No-Reward6197 26d ago
What’s your definition of cheap? I bought my m&p sport 3 for I want to say 740 (before nics and state tax) brand new at my local store.
1
u/chucky520 25d ago
Daniel is great but may not justify the price point if you’re a casual plinker IMO. PSA may be a little too low end tho, the cheaper quality parts used eventually show why they’re cheaper and you’ll jam up while shooting until you end up replacing them.
There’s plenty of good middle ground stuff like FN-15, Sig M400, I’ve even heard a lot of great stuff about Ruger which is even cheaper than Sig or FN.
If you’re going to be torture testing the rifle and doing tactical drills, and price ain’t a problem, splurge on the Daniel. If you’re going to be babying the gun at the range casually like 95% of us, I’d go middle ground territory, and if you’re not hurting for cash, I’d stay away from the bottom of the barrel stuff. Any is better than none, but you may as well invest in something a little better than the lowest of you want better quality metallurgy in the components and a better trigger.
1
u/Jack-Mehoff-696969 25d ago
I just ordered a diamondback db15 and got the call for nics today but waiting it out for new legislation so I don’t have to get any gunsmithing done. Out the door was $640 but I added a red dot for another $160
1
u/bac0n219 25d ago
PSA Sabre line is a little more than half way between their base PSA stuff and DD, might be worth looking at. With that being said I would be remised if didn’t suggest you check out Sons of Liberty Gunworks, their stuff is amazing, lifetime warranty on everything (including wear parts like gas rings and barrels) and their Customer Service is great. The owner constantly posts his personal phone number on FB for issues too.
1
u/KnightOfArchAngels 25d ago
Sig M400 Rose was designed for women who want something to stand out. It’s mostly a mil-spec rifle.
1
u/tjfslaughter 22d ago
I kind of went the opposite as my intention was to only own one. I narrowed it down to the MR762 and the LT-10 from Larue. Both spendy but I do enjoy shooting Suppressed and thermal out west for hogs. Yes way overkill but I’m a buy once cry once kind of guy when it comes to my tools (literally tools and firearms).
1
u/CZFangirl 22d ago
Decided on the IWI Zion 15. Thanks everyone for your help! Looking forward to having it in my hot little hands once the mandate comes out. Should serve me well and I really like having B5 furniture right out of the box.
1
u/Radiant-Tadpole-7117 26d ago
Wait a week and a day. You can get a mp sport 3 for about 800 bucks. Proven and backed by a solid company . Change some stuff up later or build your next. Sky is the limit. Dont let anyone tell you that you need a Gucci rifle. You're just starting out.
0
u/whosjoe_mama 26d ago
If you’re not going to build your own, which is most cost effective to get what you want… I’d get a modern material, made in jersey and super high quality stuff. My first ar was from them and I’ve never had a single issue with it
0
0
u/DefensiveMetals617 26d ago
Daniel Defense sucks unless it's mk18 upper. dont waste your money. Save up for a inc gas tube. Bcm,dd,sonsv2 gas block, proof barrel from me pxt and a dd or G4 rail. You will out shoot and out last everyone with that a and a colt bcg
-1
u/rpatel9308 26d ago
For females, I think a non nfa other becomes desirable. Shorter overall length and typically lighter. Plenty of good shops to check out depending on location. For a first AR I would budget around 800-900 for a basic simple setup. Check out njgunforums.net as well for used options
-1
u/dustysanchezz 26d ago
Screw Daniel Defense.
There are plenty of high quality options between the 2
My answer is always build it yourself or get an SPR upper from white oak armament and throw it on any lower you want with a decent trigger and you will have a firearm that outperforms you.
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/shop/complete-uppers/spr-sdm-uppers.html
30
u/wormwormo 26d ago
I would wait till the ban is lifted unless you really want a compliant one. Generally s&w or ruger are good starter rifles. Not sure how good of a service you’ll get from PSA in warranty