Most reliable 5.56/223 under $1000

[RS3579]

I’m looking to get a semiautomatic rifle 5.56/223. This is my 1st one and I’m not familiar with all these brands. I know Ruger, S&W, and Colt and that’s about it. What’s the most reliable brand within the $600-$1000 range? I see Ruger at about $550 and Colt around $1050. I also see diamond and other unknown to me manufacturers. I’m also not against a 10”- 12” barrel length. Out to 200 yards is max range.

 

[Pilsner]

Bolt gun or AR?
BIIIIGGGGG difference.
HINT: Either way the answer is NOT S&W or Colt.

 

[RWT]

Daniel defense
Rock River arms
Seekins

The RRA are bottom of the mid tier IMO as they don’t use all mil spec parts TMK. They have proven to be accurate for an AR. It’s been years since I bought or modified a RRA so they may have updated to all mil spec.

 

[ckt3]

A complete PSA lower and complete BCM upper should keep you <$1000 or right near it, and you’d have an awesome rifle. I’d do that with a 16” barrel and mid length gas and call it a day. If you want shorter, 11.5” carbine gas.

 

[Whaledriver]

ARs can be a delicate subject for some. Two different brands can have the same parts manufacturer and cost $500 more because of the "brand". For reliability a carbine gas system will give you a slight edge. I personally run LMT, Colt and BCM. Never had a gun related stoppage with any of those. Whatever you buy, run 500-1000 rounds through it (with various mags) before blessing the reliability. Then maintain it and it should treat you right.

 

[KenLee]

I've have good service from Sig m400 treads. One 12" and one 16"

 

[North of 60]

My S&W M&P 15s have run just fine for 400-500 rounds...agree with @Whaledriver though about maintenance and reliability, whatever you get, it takes a little while to develop trust about reliability.

 

[Axlrod]

Bolt gun or AR?
BIIIIGGGGG difference.
HINT: Either way the answer is NOT S&W or Colt.

Seriously did you even read the first sentence??

 

[justinspicher]

I don’t think I’ve ever not had a reliable AR. I also don’t do a ton of maintenance on them either.

I’d suggest getting something you can afford, learn to use it and then figure out what you want to change and why. Too many folks get a $2500 AR and have $25 worth of skill and blame the gun.

 

[RS3579]

Bolt gun or AR?
BIIIIGGGGG difference.
HINT: Either way the answer is NOT S&W or Colt.

AR

 

[Shortschaf]

I have a sweet BCM that has a dust bunny on the front post by the bed because I never shoot it.

Having said that I do think BCM upper and cheap lower is a good value because of other reports and mine has handled a couple thousand rounds of dogwater ammo with ease.

But I also cant honestly claim a Ruger 556 wouldnt do the exact same thing. Biggest gripe with cheap ars is they are often over gassed

 

[Pilsner]

Seriously did you even read the first sentence??

Well, all evidence points to me missing it doesn't it big guy?
To be fair I only missed one word out of eight or so. That is an 87.5% success rate which ain't bad considering my tendency to be a moron. Have a great day and good catch.