Robinson Arms M96

Does anyone have any experience with the Robinson Arms M96? If so, I would like to hear more about it. It seems to me like a pretty nifty rifle.

 

i,have limited experience w\a buddy's rifle.

welding schlage inside of mag well,made it almost
impossible to insert mag sent back to factory

seems ok now,but for a $1400 rifle,how did it escape the factory

IMHO,i'd spend my money on something else,not to mention availability of parts(thinking AR15 w\lottsa acc.)

just my $.02

clown

 

Mad Dog had some choice words for Robinsons build quality:

He started on this side of the fence:
12-06-2000
I looked at these very closely at the show this weekend.
To be blunt, brief, and to the point, I was wholly and totally impressed with the engineeering, overall quality, and attention to detail that this rifle embodied.
Fixed ejector too!!

They intimated that they are working on a .308 version that will use FAL mags, to be released in about a year.
I am going to get one of the .223 versions, and a couple of the .308s as soon as they hit.

Did I mention that I was impressed?

This is the first semiauto rifle I have seen that was not an FAL that really blew my skirts up. Big Time.
Order one, you will NOT be disappointed.


and ended here:

06-12-2002


Sorry, Alex...

but you and your company have really and truly turned a lot of people against you by the simple expedient of calling your customers liars.
Realize that most if not all of your M96 rifles suck.

 

Mine's pretty neat. I found a new rifle for $1000. It's just more interesting than an AR (anyone want to buy mine?) It shoots well and is built to last.

 

M96

Handled several at a local shop a few months ago. Good build quality, tough finish, well balanced. Especially the carbine version with the shortened forend, very pointable.

Robinson arms does have some; well, personnality issues lets call them.

Overall a nice design, I'd love to own one and give it a shake down-but at $1400 or so it's too rich for my blood for just a .223.

I bought a NIB DSA STG58 metric FAL for less than $1000. And it's in a real rifle caliber-.308.

-LeadPumper

 

Never handled one, but Alex Robinson needs to show a little humility re: his weapons, especially when comparing them to an AR. The latter is a proven battle rifle; the M96 is not.

 

The can be pricey, but if you want something other than an AR you don't have many .223 choices. On the low end, AR-180bs, AK variants and Minis. Otherwise spend $2000 or more on the HKs, Augs and FNCs.

The 96 is a metal rifle that costs the same as the plastic, low cap HK SL8. It doesn't feel, sound or function like an AR, uses common mags and should not wear out. There aren't many choices and it's a decent one.

I know people love to quote high when they complain about something, but no one needs to pay $1400. $1000 to $1200 will fetch a new or near new gun. That's the same price as a DSA FAL made with new parts.

If the 94 ban lifts, this rifle will easily take a muzzle brake and folding stock as well.

 

Try asking the folks at M96.org. Imho, you'd be better off with an AR15 or a Galil. With that said, I'm waiting for RobArm to make a belt fed version of the M96, prolly I'll buy one by then.

 

I checked out a couple Robinsons at the gunshow. They look like a Stoner 63 (IIRC) clone. Stamped and welded construction. One was set as a ~20" rifle, the other as a ~16" carbine. I would stick with my Colts from what I saw.

There are old AR180s also available that seem reasonably priced. The only down side is the proprietary mags.

 

Alex Robinson did not strike me as being a professional. Once he does, I might actually touch one of his rifles. Until then, my money is going to other companies.

 

I've heard things about Alex Robinson. He designed an excellent rifle, from all accounts, but he seems to be a little, er, rough around the edges.

If the AR-15 was made by one small company in Utah, it'd be a $1400 or so dollar rifle too. But it's made by like fifty companies, and was produced in huge quantities for decades.

Perhaps what I would do if I was in RobArm's place would be this: Sell the manufacturing rights of the rifle to a major manufacturer, and in the contract it'd be set up that I"d get a percentage of annual profits from the sale of my design. I'd also put a clause in there that my name has to be mentioned somewhere in the rifle's manual, description, etc. Sort of how directors put their name in films fifty times.

That way, the price would come down, sales would rise, and they'd really start to compete with AR-15s. And, I'd be raking in the cash.

But that's me. I care more about money than noteriety. That's why I'm going to law school!

 

Can't say I'm too impressed with the Robinson.

No rifle that costs that much money should have sharp, stamped-steel edges that wouldn't be tolerated on the most basic AK-clone.

Completely overshadows the design improvements which are considerable. A shame...but it's a work-in-progress at an extremely high price vs. its competition.

My impression is that this would be a fine rifle at a price in the $600-700 effective-retail range.

Otherwise...thanks, but no thanks.

 

Now, this brings up a good point...

not trying to be smart (wouldn't work anyway)

but I just wonder why "black" rifles always cost so much compared to really good hunting type rifles. Our local dealer has a Tikka .223 (new). Prolly capable of 1/2" accuracy, nice wood stock, extremely well made. $475

Black rifles made of stamped metal and plastic are twice that.

 

redneck2, you can mostly thank the government and its weird anti-gun laws, and, of course, the Mediahhh. The noise level over "assault rifles" and the perception that there is some need for serious preparedness for the day that the SHTF expanded the market. The black-gun folks have found out that they can charge ridiculous prices and folks will still buy them, so they charge ridiculous prices.

However, inflation plays a part. If you look at bolt-action rifles, those with the same quality of finish as those of thirty years back are now costing northwards of $600 to $800...

Art

 

I have spoken with Alex Robinson at length on a few occasions and I found him to be very courtious and knowledgeable, but I do understand how people could be turned off by him if he's in bad form. He'd be far better off hiring some smooth guy to handle PR, while he applies his abilities in making and improving guns. I don't know much about his rifle except that it's expensive and looks very evil but I've heard people say it's the best thing since sliced bread and others say it's worse than English dentistry.

I'd like to get my hands it as well as a Sig 550, HK G36, AN-94, AK 107 and a few others and have myself an Aberdeen/Glockler test trial to see what they're all capable of.

That being said, I'm going to chill out for a while before I get a M96, if I do get one at all. The high price, lack of parts and accessories, and the liability of having only one manufacturer make it too risky for me. I'll probably get a Bushmaster or Rock River AR in the mean time.