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Posted: 5/18/2011 9:07:57 AM EDT
| hey guys, got a question. i'm new here and figured i'd pick your brains. i'm looking at buying an ar-15. unfortunately, there's a million choices. i'm kinda zoned in on a Stag arms model2. what's everyones opinion on this weapon and what are some other suggestions. thanks for the help. |
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Read the FAQ tacked at the top of the page...
What's your budget? Intended use? Desired features? |
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1) Learn what what makes different brands and types of AR different. (e.g. materials, testing, etc).
2) Identify which features are important to you. 3) Pick the one (or ones) that have the features you want. 4) Find the best price on the on (or ones) that fulfill your needs. 5) Buy one. A lot of ARs are very similar so you will get a lot of different opinions on which one others think you should purchase. This can lead to confusion which is why I recommend figuring this out for yourself. As long as you take your time to learn about them you won't make an impulsive purchase you may regret. Remember, there is no "best" that is "best" for everyone. All that matters is what you think is the best. |
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Hey SpeedFreak,
I am pretty new to the world of ARs too, I just got mine first one just over a month ago. It is a little overwelming all the different options there are. With your budget you should be able to find something that you will really like. I was able to get a basic M4 style with a railed handgaurd for 940 and picked up a red dot for 200. So for 1140 I have what I think is a nice rifle to use at my local range. I ordered my rifle at the end of last year which seems to be the worst time due to Shot Show being at the begining of the year. It took a few months to come in but I feel i got a better value than had i gone to on of my local shops and paid 1200 to 1500 for a no frills AR. Like others have said try to think of what is important to you and what you will be using it for... then shop around. Good luck! |
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Check this out…
http://www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=493 and think about these specs… 1)Mil-spec’ed, 2)peen shot bolt, 3)HPT/MPI bolt and barrel, 4)black extractor spring. Most rifles has blue extractor springs you can switch out the blue spring for a black one, 5)properly staked gas key, 6)chrome line barrel, 7)1:7 twist barrel. 1:7 twist barrel isn’t too important because a 1:9 twist is also considered acceptable. Just depends on what you want to do with the rifle, 8)5.56 barrel, 9)M4 feed Ramps, 10)taper pin front sight based and 11).154” diameter fire control group As always if anyone sees something fuzzy about this explanation, please correct me so we can both learn from my mistakes. Thanks much! Good luck with the decision buddy!! 
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The brands that are heavily liked around here seem to be these (This is by no means an all inclusive list):
1) Bravo Company Manufacturing (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/) These are always sold out it seems, however. 2) Spikes Tactical (http://www.spikestactical.com/) 3) Of course, Colt... (!Expensive!) 4) Stag Arms has been mentioned lovingly at least a few times that I have seen. 5) DPMS has been mentioned also... 6) CMMG 7) Rock River Arms (http://www.rockriverarms.com/) These are also sold out alot. 8) Noveske (!EXPENSIVE!) Brands that have been on the hatred list that I have seen: 1) Bushmaster 2) Plum Crazy (I think they only make lowers, however) Different types seem to be these: 1) Carbine (M4gery or just a carbine length gas system usually with a 16" barrel) 2) Mid length gas system (usually 16" - 18" barrel) 3) Rifle length gas system (usually 20" + barrel) Any of these have endless customization options with rails etc... If you are going to want a front rail system, I'd try to buy one that already has one from the factory - save some bucks. |
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a 1500 dollar budget will get you pretty far. you really should at least buy the upper receiver and lower receiver separately (mix and match between 2 different companies if you want) to avoid the 11% excise tax. the upper and lower are connected by two pins and really couldn't be simpler to put together. Many people construct their own lower receivers (stripped lower receiver + lower parts kit + stock assembly) and buy completed uppers. it saves money, and allows you to customize your rifle.
Stag is definitely a respected brand.if you want to save yourself a whole lot of research just go ahead and buy one. other companies to consider are Rock River Arms and bravo company manufacturing. Companies like sabre defense, colt, noveske, lewis machine and tool are really for those who know exactly what they want (expensive) |
| You really can't go wrong w/ a Stag as your 1st AR. As I reside out west in Kalifornistan, my choices were limited and building my !st AR gave me a better understanding of the principles of operation and the design. If you build your rifle you will save money that could be used for optics, or accessories that you can add to your build to fit your own ideas of function and style. As you probably know by now, there are seemingly endless accessories available but take your time and get what you want, IT'S NOT A RACE. Don't be afraid to ask questions, the people on this site are very generous with their knowledge and experience. Above all, have fun! |
| The stag is a good choice, but i would go with Spikes, then you would have plenty of money to trick it out to your liking and still have money for ammo. Thats my two cents. But you can't go wrong with Stag, what does your local shops carry, I'm all about instant gratification too, and not waiting a few weeks. just don't buy what you see just to have one, you will regret it in the long run. |
hey fellas, its been a few weeks since i've been on due to work, surgery,etc. thanks so much for all of your input. its much appreciated! here's what i wound up doing. i called RRA and they had a 2-3 month wait. i called a local shop and they had ordered a Stag Arms model 2 for some guy and he backed out on them. i picked it up 2 days later. it's pretty nice. so far i have added a few extras. i added a Magpul UBR stock in od green, a hogue grip in od green, a quad rail( forget what brand though. having a major BrainFart), grippod vertical grip, Magpul od green rail guards and an EOtech halographic sight. been out twice so far and its an awesome gun. thanks again to everyone who responded! speedfreak69
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