For you AR15 people. A question.
- Thread starter 41Dude
- Start date
Mostly marketing and branding. Not sure what trigger the base model has but the expensive one might have a better trigger. It’s also a .223 Wylde which gives somewhat better accuracy to the 5.56 round when it’s used.
But I wouldn’t consider it 1000 bucks better from the same manufacturer.
Some ARs have decent triggers some have awful ones. But they can typically be upgraded inside a couple hundred bucks.
But I wouldn’t consider it 1000 bucks better from the same manufacturer.
Some ARs have decent triggers some have awful ones. But they can typically be upgraded inside a couple hundred bucks.
Here's what I see: Wylde chamber vs 5.56, 18" barrel with some sort of upscale muzzle brake vs 16" w/A2 flash hider, Kryptek 'wow look at this' camo vs plain black, MagPul PRS(?)buttstock vs MagPul standard.
It's possible the higher $$ would relate to a wee bit better performance but not $1100 better IMHO. All depends on the buyer's desire to be different than others.
Vehicles with pinstrips or fancy color schemes don't run better or faster than those w/o.
It's possible the higher $$ would relate to a wee bit better performance but not $1100 better IMHO. All depends on the buyer's desire to be different than others.
Vehicles with pinstrips or fancy color schemes don't run better or faster than those w/o.
From Talo:
Kryptek Highlander Camo Finish
Magpul FDE MOE K2 Grip
Magpul FDE PRS Lite Stock
Ruger Red Elite 452 Trigger
Red Safety Selector
PROOF® Research Carbon Fiber Wrapped Barrel
223 Wylde Chambering
Ruger Radial Port Design Muzzlebrake
Kryptek Highlander Camo Finish
Magpul FDE MOE K2 Grip
Magpul FDE PRS Lite Stock
Ruger Red Elite 452 Trigger
Red Safety Selector
PROOF® Research Carbon Fiber Wrapped Barrel
223 Wylde Chambering
Ruger Radial Port Design Muzzlebrake
^^^ The trigger and barrel upgrades are probably good but still not $1100 gooder. 
Must be the barrel then. Proof barrels are expensive. Not sure if they’re worth it; never shot one.
These can approach $900, so there you go. That and the trigger...and perhaps the sexy camo.
The PRS stock costs nearly $100 more than the other one.
Add it all up and it adds up, but none of that stuff makes it any more or less reliable
contender
Ruger Guru
One may be piston driven, and the other a gas system.
themousethatroared
Single-Sixer
The AR-556 has discontinued since early 2025 and if someone wanted a new one they would expect to pay extra for it.
Talo only sells tarted up, limited edition models at a premium price point, which is probably why it's still available.
The Harrier was introduced as a lower cost, entry level option when the AR-556 was discontinued.
The AR-556 might have been introduced as an affordable AR in 2014, but those apparently continued to get more and more affordable. People feel taken advantage of when the new widget model sells for less than what they paid a couple years ago. Introduce a widget with a different model name and it's starting from scratch.
But I'm just reading the literature and reviews because I know nothing about ARs.
Talo only sells tarted up, limited edition models at a premium price point, which is probably why it's still available.
The Harrier was introduced as a lower cost, entry level option when the AR-556 was discontinued.
The AR-556 might have been introduced as an affordable AR in 2014, but those apparently continued to get more and more affordable. People feel taken advantage of when the new widget model sells for less than what they paid a couple years ago. Introduce a widget with a different model name and it's starting from scratch.
But I'm just reading the literature and reviews because I know nothing about ARs.
DGW1949
Hawkeye
Looking at the photo's, the two have different stocks....maybe that has something to do with it?...
....Wouldn't really matter to me why though, because for almost $1700 +tax, I'd rather have a Wood-stocked Mini-14 (which BTW, has a Wilde chamber too), a couple of extra mags, and a 1000-Rd case of decent 5.56 ammo....Heck, I might even have enough left out of that $1700 to get me a double cheeze burger on the way home...or on the way to the range before I got it home because, unlike those two AR's in the ad which have no sights, my new Mini would be ready to shoot right out of the box...LOL......but that's just me. I don't buy guns that need worked on before they can be put into service....
Just thinkin' out loud.
DGW
....Wouldn't really matter to me why though, because for almost $1700 +tax, I'd rather have a Wood-stocked Mini-14 (which BTW, has a Wilde chamber too), a couple of extra mags, and a 1000-Rd case of decent 5.56 ammo....Heck, I might even have enough left out of that $1700 to get me a double cheeze burger on the way home...or on the way to the range before I got it home because, unlike those two AR's in the ad which have no sights, my new Mini would be ready to shoot right out of the box...LOL......but that's just me. I don't buy guns that need worked on before they can be put into service....
Just thinkin' out loud.
DGW
I’d get a Daniel defense instead. Have one. It’s an excellent gun with sub MOA barrel.
Easy, "TALO marketing", a camo hydro job, a primo butt stock with a cheek piece, and a skinny barrel in a free float handguard, gas piston action and 20 rounds less capacity in a "full length" magazine. All B.S. I've been shooting AR-15s since 1969 only failure has been an extractor on a Les Baer Match rifle (the most expensive one I own). I have worn out two barrels in Service Rifle Competition (groups opened up) most folks would never notice. Still shooting the original cam pin and firing pin. I am on my 2nd bolt (face had divots from leaking primers).
I am saying barrel and trigger. Retail prices on a GI spec trigger used to be under 20, a good aftermarket trigger nearing 100. And there are some much more costly.
Proof Research barrels: 1st 1 I handled was about 12 years ago, 308 cal retailed at just under 1000 bucks before installed.
Are those needed, no. Are they nice to have, yes. It's your money. It's want vs need.
Proof Research barrels: 1st 1 I handled was about 12 years ago, 308 cal retailed at just under 1000 bucks before installed.
Are those needed, no. Are they nice to have, yes. It's your money. It's want vs need.
One simple truth, the AR-15 is the Barbie Doll of guns... in fact, I think it probably tops Barbie in all the accessories and different 'clothes' one can buy for one... would be an interesting question for A.I.
I really don't think the anti gun folks even have a clue as to how many ARs are out there... I suspect the government can't even keep count... Heck, right at this moment I'd have to check my data base to get my number... but I think that is the meds I'm currently and temporarily on...
I really don't think the anti gun folks even have a clue as to how many ARs are out there... I suspect the government can't even keep count... Heck, right at this moment I'd have to check my data base to get my number... but I think that is the meds I'm currently and temporarily on...
Neon Vernon
Single-Sixer
I think if you were so inclined you cosmetically could duplicate the higher dollar one for less than an additional $200. Magpul stock, a cool muzzle device and some Krylon Camo.
I've also got to believe that Ruger's 5.56 chamber is a sort of hybrid since most people are going to indiscriminately feed the thing whatever's cheapest.
I've also got to believe that Ruger's 5.56 chamber is a sort of hybrid since most people are going to indiscriminately feed the thing whatever's cheapest.
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I used to build a lot of AR’s. It’s pretty easy to get north of $1000 without trying. I’ve done ones that were $2500 without optics. My current 2 keepers are built on Aero Precision upper and lowers- I think I have over $1000 in each of them…
I agree. You can even buy an off-the-shelf rifle for under $400 currently.It is equally as easy to get south of $600, without trying very hard
But…
The top gun has an Aero upper/lower, many Aero internals, POF trigger, Adams Arms mid piston system, Voodoo pencil 14.5 barrel, Wilson flash hider, Magpul grip and sights, MFT stock, Vortex optic, Ranier handguard and many other goodies.
The bottom one has Aero’s 7075 matched upper and lower, slim handguard, 18” fluted Wilde barrel, bolt, carrier, DI rifle gas system with adjustable gas block, buffer and tube. The rest of the goodies are POF trigger, Magpul MIAD grip and UBR stock ( a beast), B.A.D. Controls, KNS pins, PA optic, VooDoo muzzle break, and other goodies.
More $ than sense- maybe. But boy, do they shoot great and run flawlessly. And look cool
reuben_j_cogburn
Buckeye
putting a grand into any rifle is no big thing these days... I'd buy basic and build it up as you go... most AR15 stuff is milspec so it's gonna work.. just like every 1911 clone out there.... just add what you want as you go, and get more familiarized....
GrumpyOldMan
Guns? What guns?
As referenced earlier, the Proof Research carbon fiber barrels are expensive. They retail for up to $1K, or more, all by themselves. More expensive stock, more expensive trigger, and I dunno what else. Also, realize that those prices are MSRP; street prices will be somewhat lower. Is it worth it? That's up to the buyer.
Armybrat
Hunter
From what I understand, one big difference between most high & low end ARs is the quality of various parts (bolt carriers, triggers, & barrels) that can determine durability and accuracy.
In the past few years I went low end with some PSA ARs that shoot just fine for me, my kids & grandkids. Even the Radical pistol meets expectations.
No complaints, but none of us really shoot them that much.
In the past few years I went low end with some PSA ARs that shoot just fine for me, my kids & grandkids. Even the Radical pistol meets expectations.
No complaints, but none of us really shoot them that much.
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Really, the main components necessary for accuracy are barrel/bcg/trigger. The reason I include bolt carrier group is because a cranky or poor quality BCG can cause all sorts of issues.
The majority of AR owners don't use their rifles in ways that actually challenge the accuracy capabilities of even the budget level guns.
The majority of AR owners don't use their rifles in ways that actually challenge the accuracy capabilities of even the budget level guns.
I think you are right Mobuck... my first AR was just slightly more accurate than my mini-14.
the latest one which is a Sig upper and barrel and trigger group I'm looking forward to trying out one of these days... that is the one I paid a thousand dollars for, total I think is in the $1,500 range so I could get free shipping on a Yeti mug with the Sig logo on it.
But you know we are discussing "Evil Black Assault Rifles". which is fun....
Oh and I am against 30 round magazines.... only because I really like 20 rounders better, I think they look better on the rifle. If I was running for office that would be something I would say and promote....
the latest one which is a Sig upper and barrel and trigger group I'm looking forward to trying out one of these days... that is the one I paid a thousand dollars for, total I think is in the $1,500 range so I could get free shipping on a Yeti mug with the Sig logo on it.
But you know we are discussing "Evil Black Assault Rifles". which is fun....
Oh and I am against 30 round magazines.... only because I really like 20 rounders better, I think they look better on the rifle. If I was running for office that would be something I would say and promote....
Gwitness
Single-Sixer
I don't think I have that much into my 7mm-08 AR10, including a custom McGowen Barrel, LaRue flat face single stage trigger and Leupold optic and mount.
I have a Stag Model 6 24" heavy bbl. I paid 600.00 New for it when I had my Gun Shop. Stag guarantied 1" groups at 100 yds. I put a Timney trigger in it. went to the range with 50 rounds of my hand loads. 10 rounds with different weights of powder. Every 10 shot group was way less then 1". I could cover a couple of the groups with a dime. Loaded a few 100 rounds and went woodchuck hunting every afternoon. Moved from NY to Fl. 10 yrs .ago this Sept. and have not fired a round out of it since. (only woodchucks here only have 2 legs)
If you need to go to grocery store, a '72 Impala and a Ferrari will both get you there and back. 95% of people are satisfied with $400 AR. They go bang, cycle and are dependable. But do not confuse thise with LMT's, HK MR's, KAC's, LWRC, DD, Larue's. There is a difference but it takes the discriminating 1% to pay and appreciate the difference. If I were not a TiteAss, I would hav matching Pr HK MR in 5.57 and 7.62. But my Rock River's suit Me
