Buying A new rifle

[Dusty44]

Went to my usual shooting range on Monday (March 5,  2012).  Took the LR-308 and two 308 Win bolt guns.  Wanted to try out some reloads and do a comparison shoot of the three rifles with standardized comparable commercial ammo.  Range is under a court order:  no 30 caliber or bigger rifle shooting.  Can use the pistol range,  unrestricted;  small caliber rifles like my 10/22 on the rifle range.  Might do that later.

It kicked off my interest in an AR style 5.56x45.  Looking for a flattop DPMS with a 20 inch bull barrel or fluted bull barrel chambered for the NATO round.  Checked in at the McKinney CTD.  None in stock.  Checked the CTD catalogue:  Not in stock.  relatively high-priced rifles are there,  but nothing I am willing to pay the asking price for.

The question right now is:  How difficult are these to find/buy right now?  Any ideas?  When are they going to pop up everywhere for sale again?

[BLKSHEEP]

I don't see a 20" flattop listed in 556      http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/?cat=1889

This one would be nice <thumbsup> http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=4711&cat=1890

My bad they have them in 223...http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=4711&cat=1890

Note:All DPMS rifles chambered in .223 Remington (stamped on the base of the barrel) are designed for use with .223 ammunition only. Failure to use .223 ammunition may cause unsafe conditions and damage your rifle.

Here's one on GB http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=276860664

[Dusty44]

I am aware of the differences between 5.56 and 223.  That is why I stressed the NATO chambering.  I did find a 'kit' at the DPMS site for a rifle without a barrel and then a bull barrel by itself chambered for the NATO 5.56.  By the time I bought the parts and tool kit and other needed things,  I would be just as well off with an off-the-rack rifle.

[imschur]

I think part of what your seeing is pre election jitters. Guys are snatching up the cheap AR's just cuz. BTW not to push Armalite for the sake of promotion but they try to keep some rifles in stock. Might be worth the call if one meets your criteria and price.

[Dusty44]

I will check out Armalite.

[Retired JM]

You could get yourself a lower assembly and then focus on buying/building an upper assembly. That would give you a wider variety of makers and price points to choose from.

[Dusty44]

It is well into April as this is written.  Go to our small-caliber forum Tactical22.Net.  Find "Plunging In"  for the outcome of this.