Alright feller's take it easy on me but I'm new to AR platform and need some suggestions. I'm looking at picking up an AR preferrably 223 unless suggested otherwise for predator and maybe an occassional hog. I've researched a little bit and there seems to be an endless variety. I'd like one for myself and one for my son (11 yrs). I'd like to top it off with some good optics so a flat top is what I would be looking for. Any suggestions on brands, etc.? Also, what is the advantage of putting one together? Is it just for personal taste or is there another advantage like price or performance?

I bought a rock river that was slightly used cause it was the right price. I had ordered another ar, but it was going to take to long to come in when i stumbled upon the one i have now. I got mine primaraly for yotes and varmit hunting. As time went on pigs came into the equation so i used it on them as well. It is a 16" bull barrel. Love the two stage trigger that comes on the rock rivers. I shoot the monarch 55 grain full metal jacket, cause they work really well in my rifle and they are cheap. I have never had a single problem with my rifle or the ammo. The rifle is extremly accurate, if i miss something it is because of me not the rifle. I would give the rock river two thumbs up. There are other great ars out there, this is just the one have the most experince with. I would have to get a boat load of money to sell mine. I like it that much. Hope you find one you feel the same about.

I have AR's in 4 different calibers and each has it's place. You should seriously consider bumping it up a notch from the .223/5.56 to the 6.8spc. I know the .223 is a popular varmint cartridge, but the 6.8 gives you a bit more ummpfff when it comes to taking hogs.

Having said that I've taken a number of hogs with the 5.56, so I'll leave that whole arguement to the guys that love to hash that out.

As for your question about the manufacturer, that's another area of AR's that you'll get endless differing opinions on. My only suggestion would be to stay away from anything with a polymer lower.

Rock River Arms (I have 2), Bushmaster (got 1), Spikes, Stag, S&W and a few others are all affordable, especially if you are buying two of them. You can also mix and match uppers and lowers (depending on your final caliber choice) and build your own to suit. You can often do this cheaper than buying a factory rifle.

One caution though. It's addicting. They are like legos. The combinations/configurations are nearly endless.

Good luck and post up pics of what you finally buy.

I have three and like SATX says, proceed with caution. They are highly addictive.

My Ruger was the first and I have busted a few hogs with it. I have since bought a 7.62 upper, I can't recall the brand, to use on hogs cause I hate tracking in the dark. A .223 will do the job, but you gotta be dead on with a good bullet.

As for yotes and such, Andrew at Stone Chimney builds a great heavy barrel .223 and it's a shooter. Barks over here and bites way over yonder with off the shelf ammo.

Good luck and keep us posted.

thanks guys. now.....can a 6.8 and 223 upper go on the same lower?

Yup.

Yes, the 6.8 SPC will work with the standard AR lower. Different barrel, bolt and magazine.

I currently have a Spike's Tactical, that I picked up from sig226fan. And I've been extremely happy with it. And my daughter took her first deer with it, using BVAC 75 gr bthp ammo. Deer dropped in it's tracks. She put the shot right where we told her. And she turned it's heart to jello. Only one problem, I'm now in the process of getting one in 6.8SPC, because my daughter has pretty much taken over my 5.56. So, I need something for myself.

Not sure if I'll get the 6.8 in a Spike's because of the wait times. I'm in no real hurry so I'm shopping around to see if I can put one together myself or just purchase a complete rifle. As other's have mentioned I would stay away from the polymer lowers. Just not sure of there longevity.

6.8spc has its own forum if you do the search you will find it. When you do look for ARP and buy your upper there. Extraordinary accuracy out of the box. 6.8SPC is a great compliment to an AR collection. I started with 5.56/.223 and added a 6.8- great caliber and a good reason to reload if you shoot a ton.

I'm with SATX. 6.8 if you want close to mid range, or go AR-10 and get a 308. 6.8 will work long, but I'm building a grendel 6.5 for that. Here's where I'm getting my upper:

http://kb-mfg.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2&zenid=83560f4620d64b1fe72a6cd409366f7b

Any brands I should steer clear from?

just steer towards ARP upper and you will have no worries. PM me for details. I have one of their 16" uppers and will be building a 12.5" SBR when I get my NFA stamp permitting me to do so. Once you have your first AR, others will gather.

I've heard they like company