So how easy and cheap is it to buy an AR-15 now?

[thelurkinghorror]

@Crotalus

Yes, dammit!

Snake shot is still available. But then you’d prefer that people don’t know about that, huh?

@Stealth_Potato

I still don’t understand how this is a thing. It’s been years since the .22 pinch started, and yet somehow you still can’t find it at a reasonable price or in substantial quantity. Are there still that many insane survivalists who won’t stop buying until they have a million rounds in their closet?

Normal people, really. I’d say that I wouldn’t buy 10 boxes if I saw them for sale so that the next guy gets some, but really I would clean them out.

[jz78817]

@the_diego

How many Americans, like me, believe the AK-47 (or a reliable clone) gives you far more “assault” rifle for your money?

Given the build quality varies between “approximate” and “LOL,” I’d say the AR wins. The last time I took an AK-pattern rifle to the range, the groupings at 100 yards resembled a shotgun pattern.

@Stealth_Potato

I still don’t understand how this is a thing. It’s been years since the .22 pinch started, and yet somehow you still can’t find it at a reasonable price or in substantial quantity. Are there still that many insane survivalists who won’t stop buying until they have a million rounds in their closet?

Yes. Just some asshole preppers who believe we’ll be using ammo as currency once the end times arrive.

[JustinC]

I clicked on this thinking it was in regard to buying illegal weapons and their transportation across country borders. I’ve used an AR-15 in a shooting range and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but I couldn’t imagine buying one on the way to my local supermarket or getting one on the internet.

The discussions on availability of better prices, equipment and ammunition really are foreign to me, and I’ve lived in six countries. I’m not wanting to derail the thread, I’m just expressing my surprise that these discussions aren’t being held on a portal for gun enthusiasts.

I’ve also fired lots of handguns, rifles and shotguns in shooting ranges and get a real kick (pun intended) using them. Given the chance I’d try them ‘in the wild’ but the point I’m making is that these lethal killing machines are available to the general public! They serve little purpose apart from stopping another man’s heart, the person who uses it could be mentally-deranged and the heart that stops could belong to a scientist who is about to discover a cure for cancer.

[drachillix]

@Richox

As an ignorant to firearms, may I ask why you have this opinion? The way I read it, these companies want the law enforcement only armed to the *same *level as the civilian population. Is that it?

Also, the general population of a state will buy way more copies than law enforcement, couple thousand units to police vs. 10,000-20,000 to the general population.

[River_Hippie]

I was just at Gander Mountain. Lots of AR style rifles on display, 600 bucks and up. I didn’t count but I’d guess they had 25-30 in the racks. The place was packed, you had to take a number to get waited on at the gun counter.

[Johnny_L.A]

I have a Bushmaster XM-15 A2 (A2 sights, heavy barrel – just like military, but not Class 3). It’s a pre-ban rifle (not that that matters now) with not a great number of rounds through it, a Tasco rubber-armored scope, a few excellent-condition 20-rd. magazines, and a case. I wouldn’t sell it for less than $1,500. I’m waiting for the next panic.

[Colibri]

@JustinC

I clicked on this thinking it was in regard to buying illegal weapons and their transportation across country borders. I’ve used an AR-15 in a shooting range and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but I couldn’t imagine buying one on the way to my local supermarket or getting one on the internet.

The discussions on availability of better prices, equipment and ammunition really are foreign to me, and I’ve lived in six countries. I’m not wanting to derail the thread, I’m just expressing my surprise that these discussions aren’t being held on a portal for gun enthusiasts.

I’ve also fired lots of handguns, rifles and shotguns in shooting ranges and get a real kick (pun intended) using them. Given the chance I’d try them ‘in the wild’ but the point I’m making is that these lethal killing machines are available to the general public! They serve little purpose apart from stopping another man’s heart, the person who uses it could be mentally-deranged and the heart that stops could belong to a scientist who is about to discover a cure for cancer.

Moderator Note

JustinC, this post is entirely irrelevant to the question in the OP. If you wish to express your personal opinions about gun availability in the US, do it in IMHO or another forum, not GQ.

This goes for everyone. Let’s stick strictly to the question in the OP. We don’t need asides about “insane preppers” or other such remarks.

Posts which serve to hijack this thread may be subject to a warning.

Colibri
General Questions Moderator

[mrmilom1990]

@Mdcastle

I keep putting off a purchase, but I’m assuming due to recent events prices have skyrocketed again and availability has tumbled.

Say I want an AR-15 clone, something similar to the original military version with iron sights and nothing special. How much would it cost and how long would it take to get one? I’ve also heard of some companies that refuse to sell to law enforcement in states where civilians are not allowed to have them, and I’d prefer to purchase from on of those companies.

A lot of options to choose if you’re willing to buy an AR-15. Of course, it must be in a legal way.

You can check out here: 15 Best AR-15 Rifles in 2024 (with Pictures and Prices) - Gun News Daily. I love reading this article because it showcases how useful to have an AR-15 and a detailed guide for you to decide.

I got this reference too: Reddit - Dive into anything

Let me know what you think. I hope it helps.

[Ashtura]

@mrmilom1990

Let me know what you think. I hope it helps.

Help who, the guy that posted this in 2015?

[bump]

FYI, you can get the AR-15 lower receiver (THE “gun” as far as the law is concerned) for around $40 these days (polymer ones are cheap). You’ll have to get that from a licensed firearms dealer and go through the background check, etc…

Once you have that, you can mail order all the other parts without restriction, and either put it together yourself, or pay a gunsmith to do it for you.

[ZonexandScout]

@the_diego

How many Americans, like me, believe the AK-47 (or a reliable clone) gives you far more “assault” rifle for your money?

I know this is a zombie (how appropriate!), but I’ve owned several AKs, as well as ARs, so I’ll add my two cents.

AKs have a lot of myths surrounding them. In general, you can get a much better quality AR for your money than any AK. When you add the reliability, accuracy, customizability, and ease of use of the AR (yes, they are now very, very reliable), it’s barely worth looking at an AK. I hardly ever see them at the range. People usally ask to try mine when I bring one, even if it’s a single-column Romanian version. It (AK-47) DOES use a nominally heavier and more powerful round, as well as working better with cheaper steel-cased ammo, but there are many trade-offs. (Notice I did not say “more effective” round.)

[Dewey_Finn]

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