Really debating on buying an AR for coyote hunting and plinking but not really sure where to start. I have nice bolt actions that shoots amazing but they wear big target scopes and heavy laminate stocks. I am currently looking at an M&P sport, optics ready and a Ruger AR556. If it wont shoot a quality bullet MOA or better I don't want it. I will admit up until about 3 months ago I had never shot an AR so don't know anything about them. I figure it would be better than a cheap bolt gun.

Barrel quality and shooting technique are keys to AR accuracy.

I can keep it MOA or better out to 300yards with some of my bolt actions. How do I tell if these two rifles have good barrel quality? I shot the AR with flip up sights and a red dot at something like 40yards free hand and was able to keep them in a baseball/softball group with cheap ammo. I believe this rifle was a higher end model though.

Spend a little more and buy a Rock River. It will be worth it in the end.

Honestly not sure if there will be much difference in accuracy when you compare some of the entry level ARs.... I would stay away from Bear Creek... but lowest I would consider likely a DPMS, my next pick would be something from Palmetto State Armory, then S&W M&P Sport, then a Ruger, and as already mentioned Rock River Arms tops my list of affordable ARs.

My recommendation, get something that has a free-float handguard (most these days come like this, with M-lok), 18", and a .223WYLDE chamber. The next biggest thing you can get is a trigger upgrade! Any number of drop ins available. On my hunting rig I personally have a RRA national match 2 stage trigger with JP yellow lightweight springs and it's pretty awesome.

I am assuming I want an optics ready rifle without the front sight? Is a forward assist and dust cover needed? I figure I would change the stock, trigger and handguard. From what i read the Ruger comes with a match trigger and M lock handguard so that's why it was on my list.

What about getting a complete lower and adding a trigger, grip, etc and buying an upper separate? Doesn't seem to be much around as far as uppers.

All options, the world is your oyster as you open your wallet. I would say, a complete gun from one manufacture likely has higher resale value versus something you pieced together.

Forward assist and dust cover most definitely not needed.

"Best bang for your buck" is buying a stripped lower, buying one good trigger, put whatever buttstock you want on it, then but a complete upper from someone (PSA has some great deals on optics ready hunting uppers)

Your initial investment, basically the rifle, then stock, trigger and hand guard,that you said you'd probably replace,now you've already spent what a RRA comes with stock. I don't think, short of a custom rifle,that you'll get one that shoots any better than a Rock River rifle. JMO

right now PSA has a 18in 223 wylde with 2stage precision trigger and a vortex 1-8 strike eagle with mount for $749.99 and all you need is a stripped lower to complete the rifle and with some hand tools put the lower together and you are into it for under $900.00 and i have built a couple for beater guns and they shoot good. Not as good as my rocks or the ones that I built with early BA barrels but for truck guns they are acceptable.

I forget not everyone builds/assembles their AR's. Rock River for a full rifle purchase, if one of the models suits your needs. The accuracy(sub moa should be there).

I've had really good results with Seekins AR's. Seekins may not be the most economical but they've been good for me so far.

I bought this Ruger MPR, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I were in the market.

https://www.ruger.com/products/ar556MPR/specSheets/8514.html

Personally I'd put my money into a dedicated bolt action calling rifle. ARs are way over rated as hunting weapons. The only shot that counts is the first one.

I do own a very good AR with both 223 and 20P uppers and have killed coyotes with it but it is pretty much the last rifle I would take out. A well set up bolt can have quite fast repeat shots if you spend some time practicing with it. See if you can find a video of a British mad minute drill.

A nice light weight rifle that fits well with a decent scop with at least 40 feet of FOV on the bottom end will work well for called coyotes. 223 will work best for saving furs, it will be easier to find a load that works. 22 250 or larger if you feel the need to reach out there farther and pelts aren't important.

Different strokes for different folks...

the only advantage over a bolt they have is they hold lots of cartridges and shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger. They are awkward, complicated, noisy, hard to shoot off a bench, not great triggers, not very handy off shooting sticks and not great for fast target acquisition. Lots of minuses for the one plus.

comments from experience