So looking to purchase my first AR, price range is <$1k.  I thought I found a Colt M4 Expanse but sadly it was already sold, so now my options are the M&P15, some Windham and Diamondback Rifles, and I found a Troy CQB SPCA3 for $800.  Anyone have any recommendations or know any stores which may have Colts in stock? 
Also still 18 so can't buy a stripped lower and do my own build.

Have you considered building your own? Buy a complete bcm upper and pick up a stripped lower and you will have a really solid ar for sub $1000. Takes a whole half hour or so to put together

 

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Have you considered building your own? Buy a complete bcm upper and pick up a stripped lower and you will have a really solid ar for sub $1000. Takes a whole half hour or so to put together

 

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Still 18 so I don't believe I can buy a stripped lower yet, if I was 21 I would just build my own.

Have you considered building your own? Buy a complete bcm upper and pick up a stripped lower and you will have a really solid ar for sub $1000. Takes a whole half hour or so to put together

 

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^ This.

Still 18 so I don't believe I can buy a stripped lower yet.

I bought one before I was 21. Another shop refused to sell me a second one a month later. Soooooo idk

 

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Also welcome to the forum. You should make an introduction post

 

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I bought one before I was 21. Another shop refused to sell me a second one a month later. Soooooo idk

 

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I don't wanna risk it, especially in NJ.

Welcome. I never heard that there is a problem under 18 but I have no clue. I'd buy a lower and upper from PSA. Get on their mailing list and you need to move fast when you see something you like. It's easy to have a very nice AR in the sub $700 range. Also check out mewe and the marketplace here and consider buying used. Lots of people buy AR's and for some reason don't shoot them much.

I have a Windham and I am very happy with it.

http://www.windhamweaponry.com/pdf/NewTechSeets/R16M4FTPT-MA-8-12-16%20MSRP.pdf

 

See also http://www.njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/82966-best-stock-ar-under-1000/

Welcome. I never heard that there is a problem under 18 but I have no clue. I'd buy a lower and upper from PSA. Get on their mailing list and you need to move fast when you see something you like. It's easy to have a very nice AR in the sub $700 range. Also check out mewe and the marketplace here and consider buying used. Lots of people buy AR's and for some reason don't shoot them much.

All the sites I've gone on have said ATF requires you to be 21+ to buy stripped lowers simply because you can make it into an AR pistol.  I might just go with a M&P15 since Hague's is gonna sell them for $600 over Blackfriday weekend.

If you have to buy a complete rifle, I'd get a colt 6920 or similar model. Under a grand and a solid AR, plus resale value is excellent if you ever decide to sell it in the future.

That Springfield Saint looks pretty sweet, mid length gas and a melonite barrel. 

One must be 21 to buy a receiver from a dealer. 18 is okay F2F.

 

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If you have to buy a complete rifle, I'd get a colt 6920 or similar model. Under a grand and a solid AR, plus resale value is excellent if you ever decide to sell it in the future.

I want to but can't really find any places here that have them or have them for a decent price.  Called Ottomanelli and their LE6920s are around $1200

Listen to PK90. Buy a stripped lower F2F and build your own.

You could try and wait for Black Friday. I went to the Heritage of Easton on Black Friday and picked up a S&W ar15 sport for under $600 about 2 years ago. Basic rifle but works like a champ. Never had any problems except normal human error.

Build it. Super easy and it will force you to learn every detail of your rifle. Welcome to the forum.

Stag Arms has a couple models under $1k.  Aluminum frame. I bought my Stag Arms Model 3 from Luciano's for $875 ($20 off the sticker price).

Well looking at my options right now
Find some to F2F for a lower
Buy a Colt M4 Expanse

Buy Colt OEM kit

That Springfield Saint looks pretty sweet, mid length gas and a melonite barrel. 

 

I was originally going to build, then saw the Saint. Waiting to see if Jersey legal ones will start popping up. 

I want to but can't really find any places here that have them or have them for a decent price.  Called Ottomanelli and their LE6920s are around $1200

If you really want one badly, I found an OEM 6920 for $800. All you gotta do is add a handguard and buttstock.

If you really want one badly, I found an OEM 6920 for $800. All you gotta do is add a handguard and buttstock.

Where at?

I've found a couple online for around $850ish

Arms Unlimited had them with no furniture for $800 delivered - they come in and out of stock often -

Where at?

I've found a couple online for around $850ish

 

Compliant?

DPMS Panther Oracle if you're going to build from there and add optics

 

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I have a barely used windham if you are interested

Rugers are $600

Andersons are $550

American Tacticals are $500

Purchasing a DelTon/PSA rifle from Golf Battery.
Thank you everyone for all the help.

Purchasing a DelTon/PSA rifle from Golf Battery.

Thank you everyone for all the help.

He's a great guy. You will be very happy dealing with him!

I have S&W M&P 15 Sport IIs and Windham MPC & SRCs in stock - all NJ compliant.