As noted, I'm new to ARs and I hear it is a buyer's market, so this may be my time to enter the AR universe.
1.) What is a decent-to-nice entry level AR? I'm not looking for a top of the line, tricked out, tacticool Scary Black Gun. I'm more interested in something solid, reliable, good shooter, at a value price.
2.) Where is good place to get such a gun? Prefer to buy local, and I know my go-to LGS, USDS, is a major AR player in the area...so USDS is high on my list. What other local (to Indianapolis) places are there?
2.5) How about online vendors?
Again, I'm looking for an entry-level model, not concerned so much about caliber but also wholly unfamiliar what my caliber options are. Don't want to break the bank but also have no idea what an entry level price is...$500? $600?? $700??? Also not against building my own from scratch, I'm fairly handy at that kind of thing so if kitting one out is a money saver I'm interested. With Christmas coming up, this may get pushed off to 2016 but if the value is there and the price is right, I'll make the plunge sooner rather than later.
Purpose of the gun is home defense and fun plinking at the range or family get togethers. My extended family gets together once or twice a year around Frankfort and shoots together on some farmland we own. Nieces and nephews up to grandparents. It's a great time!
1.) What is a decent-to-nice entry level AR? I'm not looking for a top of the line, tricked out, tacticool Scary Black Gun. I'm more interested in something solid, reliable, good shooter, at a value price.
2.) Where is good place to get such a gun? Prefer to buy local, and I know my go-to LGS, USDS, is a major AR player in the area...so USDS is high on my list. What other local (to Indianapolis) places are there?
2.5) How about online vendors?
Again, I'm looking for an entry-level model, not concerned so much about caliber but also wholly unfamiliar what my caliber options are. Don't want to break the bank but also have no idea what an entry level price is...$500? $600?? $700??? Also not against building my own from scratch, I'm fairly handy at that kind of thing so if kitting one out is a money saver I'm interested. With Christmas coming up, this may get pushed off to 2016 but if the value is there and the price is right, I'll make the plunge sooner rather than later.
Purpose of the gun is home defense and fun plinking at the range or family get togethers. My extended family gets together once or twice a year around Frankfort and shoots together on some farmland we own. Nieces and nephews up to grandparents. It's a great time!