What would you buy?

[Lefty5280]

Hey Gents! Im looking for my first AR. I?m looking for some advice. What are thoughts on this build for 750$. 100 rounds through it. I?m also looking at rifle from PSA. The link is posted below. What would I be better off with? I want to plink at the range and have something for home defense and when the SHTF. I’m open to all advice. I’m hoping to spend around 700$ or less. I’m in Northern CO. If you’ve got something for sale please let me know.

Aero 13.9? Midlength gas 5.56, M4E1 upper
Aero M4E1 freedom lower
SBA3 brace
Precision defense BCG
CMC 2.5lb trigger
VG6 Comp
BFG Vickers sling
Strike Industries enhanced LPK
Strike Industries charging handle
Strike Industries angled grip



https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...rifle-odg.html

[kidicarus13]

That'd work just fine for what you're looking to do with it.

[Lefty5280]

Better off with the PSA and save 200$ or the Aero Precision?

[theGinsue]

PSA is the low (often the lowest) cost option for AR builds/purchases. There are a lot of folks who have nothing good to say about them but I've built several AR's for family members (even guided a friend build 2 this year) from PSA parts (uppers, lowers, LPK's...). Never had a single issue we their function. These were made for the same intended uses that you mentioned. Just know that you won't be getting the highest quality or accuracy from these carbines/rifles, so consistently hitting 1000 yard targets shouldn't be expected. For that you'd need to shell out double what you're looking to spend.

So, yeah, in my opinion, a PSA would be sufficient for personal defense and SHTF. Save a bit up front and when you know more and want to upgrade (AR's are an addiction - you'll eventually want more and to upgrade), you won't feel the noose from the money you've already spent.

ETA: Given you've posted this in the "Long Guns/Precision Rifles" forum, I need to re-emphasize that PSA builds/rifles are not your best choice for a precision firearm.

[Lefty5280]

So I just found out I can purchase an IWI Zion 15 for 776$ with my firefighter discount. That seems like the route I should go. Thoughts?

[theGinsue]

I did a little research on these as I'm not really familiar with them. I do know IWI makes good products (the Tavor is an example).

It looks like a good firearm to me but know you'll need to get some sort of sights or optic for it to use it as the models the IWI site showed didn't come with any sighting system.

Unless you want to go the route of a Form 4 for additional cost and wait time, you'll want to get the 16" or 18" version of that carbine/rifle. Anything shorter than 16" for a carbine/rifle is considered an SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) and requires an ATF Tax Stamp. The 1 exception is the 12.5" pistol version that has a "brace" vs a "stock". Currently the braces are once again legal, but ATF has been trying to get them banned since before the first Trump presidency. Know that if you "shoulder" a brace (like you would a stock), law enforcement can claim you're using it as a rifle and give you grief (possible arrest).