I've been on the lookout for a long time for a cheap one for my first AR. I saw the two below on PSA today and was wondering if someone(s) could give a recommendation. I'm not too familiar with the PSA branded ARs so that's another reason for this post. The two I'm looking at are below. Same price - one's a Ruger, the other PSA.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-m4-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-moe-ept-freedom-rifle-with-rear-mbus-516446600.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/ruger-16-ar15-5-56-adjustable-rapid-deploy-rear-sight-rifle-8500.html?trk_msg=Q85UG4BMAEAKR8FRN6UQPOIVI8&trk_contact=RPE3Q73SMCJK99OLVQF641CCG8&trk_sid=MIDD9AJ1HO3RIB6MMGNUGLAQTS&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fpalmettostatearmory.com%2fruger-16-ar15-5-56-adjustable-rapid-deploy-rear-sight-rifle-8500.html&utm_campaign=Daily+Deal+Email&utm_content=5%3a00+Email

Palmetto state has been hit or miss for me. At that price point I'd go for the Ruger. Disclaimer - no experience w PSA ARs, but have shot a couple of Rugers.

I have a Ruger and I could not get the gun to cycle correctly with pmags when purchased. Ended up working after several hundred rounds and swapping bolt carriers from another rifle. I definitely would go with PSA. Also note I typically only purchase DPMS as they do what I need them to do.

Fwiw Academy has the m&p 15 on sale for $599 this week and you get a $100 gift card for purchasing it

http://www.academy.com/shop/store/WeeklyAd

BCStalk said:

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I have a Ruger and I could not get the gun to cycle correctly with pmags when purchased. Ended up working after several hundred rounds and swapping bolt carriers from another rifle. I definitely would go with PSA. Also note I typically only purchase DPMS as they do what I need them to do.

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Interesting. My Mini-14 will only work with Ruger Magazines

FIDO*98* said:

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Interesting. My Mini-14 will only work with Ruger Magazines

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Ruger makes ARs. He's probably not talking about the mini.

Yeah, I was thinking about that and am considering this one because of it.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-m4-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-lightweight-keymod-moe-ept-freedom-rifle-with-mbus-sight-set-516447093.html

And since pretty much all AR milspec triggers are atrocious...
Ruger MPR $560


Ruger's description:
Ruger 8514

GSS said:

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And since pretty much all AR milspec triggers are atrocious...

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Lol, I think that about most things that are "milspec"

You could call it J-Spec. You know, for "Jason Spec".

My cousin bought the Ruger on sale at Academy a few months ago. I was very impressed with the fit and finish. The trigger looks to be milspec but it has no creep and a light pull. For a ~500 gun it was the best trigger I have felt.

I have a PSA and spent some time with the Ruger. IMO the Ruger is far superior. If you do not mind the front sight post the Ruger hands down is the way to go.

BenderRodriguez said:

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FIDO*98* said:

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Interesting. My Mini-14 will only work with Ruger Magazines

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Ruger makes ARs. He's probably not talking about the mini.

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Yes, that was understood. Just thought it was interesting that both Ruger .223 semi-auto platforms don't properly function with aftermarket magazines. I assumed it was just the design of the Mini, but, now wondering if it's baked in by Ruger

We did not have an issue with any generation of PMag

I have that Ruger AR. Pretty sure it included a PMAG in the box.

It does. That's when I had issues right out of the box. Used A steel magazine and had no issues. All was well once the gun was broken in but I don't know if it was due to getting rounds through it or switching carriers. Never really thought to put the factory one back in so honestly I don't know. Other than that though it is a good grouping gun.

What generation PMAG came with it?

Cabelas has a plain jane Anderson on sale for $399 right now.

Gen2 I believe

I have a PSA AR and a EyeGuy/Texian AR and love both. The PSA is fun bc it is 5.56 and is cheaper to shoot as well as just out rounds down range without focusIng as much on accuracy.

The EyeGuy variant in 6.8 I am more protective of due to cost/ability to purchase rounds as well as the rifles ability to place rounds on target.

Notice that I stated the rifle's ability, not my ability. Accuracy at long distance is an elusive goal.

JP76 said:

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Fwiw Academy has the m&p 15 on sale for $599 this week and you get a $100 gift card for purchasing it

http://www.academy.com/shop/store/WeeklyAd

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I think you also get 10% off total purchase this weekend at academy? Love my m&p 15, great for the money.