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  1. #1
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    Best Factory Rifle for around $1500

    I have a bunch of custom builds that I have done, and I love them all in their own way. At this moment, however, I am in the market for a high quality factory built rifle. Its is a rifle that will be run hard and that I want to be a go to for SHTF duty as unlikely as that may be. My custom builds are great, but I want the piece of mind of a rifle manufactured from the ground up that has a factory warranty. I have always preferred 14.5" barrels with a pinned muzzle device and not going the NFA route. I don't need to hear that it makes swapping parts difficult in the future because I am buying a factory rifle as to not ever mess with it...I have my custom builds for that. I have been looking at a few different rifles and have thought of these.

    1. DD V11 SLW
    2. Spikes Crusader
    3. BCM KMR 14.5

    Of these 3 rifles I have only handled the DD V11 SLW and I really like it. I also have a home build that is similar to the BCM as it has a 14.5" barrel and 13" KMR. I have found some good deals on the Spikes on Gunbroker that would leave me with enough $ for a decent optic (Aimpoint PRO or Meprolight RDS) within my budget.

    Just looking for opinions on what I have listed and possibly get some more ideas on rifles I have not thought about yet. I am not totally opposed to a 16" barrel, but do prefer 14.5".

    Thanks.

  2. #2
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    No "Gold Stsndard"? Also, when TEOTWAWKI hits, who exactly will you contact for warranty service?
    There's no "Team" in F**K YOU!

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joelski View Post
    No "Gold Stsndard"? Also, when TEOTWAWKI hits, who exactly will you contact for warranty service?
    What kind of incoherent rambling is this? LOL

    I will have a warranty up until TEOTWAWKI hits. After that? I am just looking for a solid, durable rifle.

    What is your "gold standard?"

  4. #4
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    From your list, they are all good options. The BCM has improved with the KMR Alpha vs the original KMR. However, I don't like the fact BCM doesn't pin their gas blocks.

    If I had $1500 to spend on a quality factory rifle, I'd consider the following:

    Option #1

    Buy a Colt OEM 2, around $750. Buy the furniture you prefer, Rail of your choice, an Aimpoint PRO, a sling, and have enough cash left over for Mags and an Arisaka Light.

    Option #2

    Buy a used KAC SR-15. It's a buyers market right now, I've seen lightly used KAC Mod 0 and 1's for $1500-$1700 used. I bought one of mine with a Triple Tap for $1600. As far as I know, KAC has never had a broken commercial E3 bolt. Perfect for the dirt shooter most of us are.

    Option #3

    You don't need a factory rifle.

  5. #5
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    People yell "Buy a Colt!" like Biden yells "Buy a shotgun!"
    There's no "Team" in F**K YOU!

  6. #6
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    Concur with option #3.

    If you don't have pinned gb's or staked castle nuts get it done. Otherwise split the remainder evenly between boolits and training.
    There's no "Team" in F**K YOU!

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joelski View Post
    People yell "Buy a Colt!" like Biden yells "Buy a shotgun!"
    Only that buying a Colt is sound advice. Biden's just an idiot.

    Like it or not, Colt is still the gold standard. I've seen OEM1 and 2's for under $700. I'll take that over someone's bubba build or PSA special any day.

  8. #8
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    Like I said...

    I have one, and the t-shirt, so im not part of the "just as good as" crowd. I won't take it over my own stuff, either. I know what's in it and I had it nut & bolted by a pro. Good parts + do what the pictures say = G2G.
    There's no "Team" in F**K YOU!

  9. #9
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    It's not on your list but I would take a look at an Aero Precision M4E1 rifle. I have several of there uppers and they run like a champ. Customer service has been on point.

    http://aeroprecisionusa.com/m4e1-223...ete-rifle.html

    I have an M5E1 308 rifle from the factory that has been amazing. I also have 1 factory built upper. It's been very accurate and reliable. You could get one of the M4E1 rifles and optic for under $1500.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by UWone77 View Post
    However, I don't like the fact BCM doesn't pin their gas blocks.]
    I believe BCM use Hi-temp Loctite or something like that on their gas blocks. The only problems I have ever heard regarding BCM factory installed gas blocks is that they are extremely difficult to remove.

  11. #11
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    Personally, BCM is one of the few factory guns I'd buy when it comes to standard "DI". DD and LMT are also great factory rifles, I just don't care for the hand guards and furniture they come with. I don't have direct experience w/ Spikes, but my mental model doesn't put Spikes on the same list as BCM, DD, or LMT. I won't give Colt my business anymore. What I like about BCM is that you can tell the guns are built by guys who shoot and that drives them to innovate. Colt is a corporation trying to milk every penny out of their M4 relic.

    I'd be inclined to follow UWone's advice and pick up a used KAC, though, if I really wanted another factory gun.

  12. #12
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    Get a Colt or a KAC. Have you seen military KAC and Colt M4s/M16s? Most have been rode hard like a prom queen at a gang bang.

  13. #13
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    I'd probably go with this

    https://www.shopwideopenarmory.com/c...-5-56nato-14-5

    But I'm a fanboy.

    If I didn't like that option I'd get a Colt oem-2, centurion rail, BCM grip and B5 sopmod stock. That's probably a better gun and you'd have money left over.

  14. #14
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    Colt's usually don't come with the best finish (they are known to come a little dinged up due to getting tossed in a pile with other rifles) but if you buy a Pony rifle, you're getting a work horse. It's a tool and it looks like one. UWone has solid advice: a 6920 plus a red dot and other must-haves.

    If you want something that is perfect and shiny...maybe look elsewhere.

  15. #15
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    I agree 100% with the Colt direction if you must have a factory built rifle. I've lost count of how many AR's I have but my run for your life gear has two 6920's packed in it.

    DD makes a nice rifle also but when I get to spending that kind of coin I rather build it myself. One of the only weapons I've ever sold was a Knight's a few years back and it was a fantastic rifle but again I rather just build one.

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