A few weeks ago I wrote about Remington‘s entry into the AR-15 market. In that post I asked the question, “Who is going to market a cheaper AR-15?” I still don’t have an answer at this point, but I know that the market is ready for a value priced AR.
Recent entries into the 1911 market may support this. Rock Island Armory has mastered this with a gun that is getting good reviews right now. Along with Rock Island, TAURUS has started making a 1911 with all the bells and whistles. Both of these guns allow shooters to get a fine introduction to 1911 pistols without putting their shooting on hold because of cash flow problems.
Before you start telling me how cheap and inferior these guns are, let me say a few things. Yes they may be inferior to the $800-$1,000 gun that you own or have seen advertised by the gun writers. But, let’s once again ask ourselves, “Who really needs that type of gun?” This question is very similar to the accuracy question that we looked at earlier. Do most shooters really need that type of gun? No. Most shooters are content with a gun that will shoot straight a few times a year.
Hence my argument for the cheaper AR. What many people fail to realize is that the cheaper gun that introduces a shooter to a genre may actually lead to other purchases down the road. My first 1911 was a Sistema Colt. To most people total junk, but I still have that gun today. It actually led me to some of the higher end guns I own, but at the time I couldn’t shell out $1,000, and nobody was offering anything like Rock Island or TAURUS. By offering a cheaper AR, a company will find that they will receive more business in the long run.
I couldn’t agree more. In fact the quality of both the Rock Island Armory and the Taurus PT 1911,especially the stainless I feel is just as good as most other 1911’s costing many hundreds of dollars more. The Taurus certainly made a believer out of me with the features that are stock on all of them as well as the accuracy I’ve experienced on both the RIA and Taurus.
We are very much in need of a reasonable priced AR15. As ammo prices for 223 continue to increase that need is even more desirable.
The price of all AR15’s have gone up in the last year as well. The Olympic arms A1 model is about the least expensive at $650 to just under $700. Most are around $1000 with any features most of us desire. That puts it out of reach of many people. I know there has to be a way to make a quality AR15 for the masses that won’t break the bank. Some company just needs to step up to the plate and do it!
Phil
Great point. If you think about it, now is the time to 223 if you can get your hands on it. It will not come back down anytime soon. What my customers keep complaining about is that they can’t find it very easily. With that in mind it might be a good idea for shooters to start considering reloading on an automated press like the Hornady Lock and Load or a Dillon. We have used the Hornady in our shop and it is a good press for the money. Until someone helps out in ammo and cheaper guns, that may be the only option.
I would recommend Rock Island 1911’s because of their exemplory service and knowledge of weapons. I had a very pleasurable time with the factory guys which resulted in me getting a brand new 1911. I had a Taurus and it was a good 1911 but I prefer the Rock Island because of the service. Thank you
Thanks for the comment. I personally don’t have any experience with the Rock Island, but Gunner says they are a first rate gun. It is awesome to hear that they have such good service.
If any one is interested one way to achieve this is to build you own. I bought 3 DoubleStar stripped lower for $120.00 a piece from my local gun store. You can buy complete kits online at akpartskits.com (this includes every thing from upper already assembled, stock,trigger, grip, every thing for $400.00.
You can build your own ar-15 for about $520.00
Good thought for our readers. A few things to consider when you go about this: Try to buy good parts from one manufacturer. You would not believe the tolerance differences that are out there. You also want to be mindful that the reason you have saved so much money is b/c you did not pay excise tax to the government. This can be a point of contention if you build a few of these b/c legally you have entered the realm of manufacturing and truthfully you would need to disclose that to anyone you sold the gun to otherwise. All that aside, it is a fun project to do if you have the right tools and a little know how. Just make sure you check for headspace. They don’t always do that before your barrel ships out. Several friends have had to have chambers lengthened to get the gun right.