Which AR brand?

[MrBill120]

I'm on the fence looking to buy an M4 style AR.

I'm looking at Stag Arms model 2 (Plus package), Spikes Tactical ST-15 M4 LE, and Bushmaster Patrolman A3. I want the upgraded parts M16 bolt carrier, and heavier buffer, MPI & HPT that's in the Stag and Spikes.
I can order a Bushmaster tomorrow in stock at a distributor.
The Stag is a 2 week wait from the factory, and Spikes said they are at an 8-12 week back log from the factory!!!

Are the upgraded parts, MPI, HPT, 1/7 twist of the Stag and Spikes really worth it? I want to buy is once, buy it right!

Thanks!

 

[Cesiumsponge]

If you want peace of mind, it's worth it. A few weeks of delay versus questioning yourself every time you pick up the rifle that wasn't your first choice simply because you could have it in your hands tomorrow?

It took me over a year to complete one of my AR's because it took half a year for the suppressor to clear the Form 4 and it took a year for the scope to be delivered because it was custom built and I delayed the build until an upcoming reticle design in the company was tested, approved, and finally released. It was worth every single day of wait.

 

[Aiko492]

If you are open to another suggestion (just a suggestion ) take a look at the Daniel Defense lineup.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2546 (in stock)

 

[proven]

i'll second what cesiumsponge had to say. i've bought just to have in hand faster before, and always kicked myself until i got what i had originally wanted,

it'll be worth it.

 

[MrBill120]

As of right now I'm leaning towards the flat top Stag model 2. I just want to run the decision through the High Road before I go drop the cash on it. The sales person on the phone from Stag was quite helpful though.

 

[tomrkba]

None.

Bravo Company Manufacturing makes a far better rifle. You can get the Midlength Mod 0 for around $1050. If you prefer Colt, then look at a 6920.

You're not saving money if you have to buy a bunch of parts and install them.

 

[ACP]

I've had a Bushmaster Patrolman carbine (fixed stock and sights, 16" barrel) for almost 10 years; it has never failed to feed, fire or eject a round. And it is incredibly accurate. I vote Bushmaster.

 

[Bigkrackers]

None.

Bravo Company Manufacturing makes a far better rifle. You can get the Midlength Mod 0 for around $1050. If you prefer Colt, then look at a 6920.

You're not saving money if you have to buy a bunch of parts and install them.

+1
The OP said it, buy it once , buy it right.

If its just going to be a range toy and you don't plan on making it an HD gun then I would just get a Bushy, Oly or Stag without all the extra stuff they claim makes it mil-spec. Who cares?

But if you ever plan to make it an HD gun then I wouldn't go the cheap route. You'll end up spending more money in the long run either buying parts to make it reliable or selling it for less than what you bought it for only to end up getting a better class of AR.

 

[The War Wagon]

Colt 6920.

As cheap as $950 these days, there's no reason to settle for third tier question marks.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

I tried avoiding brand suggestions outside of the OP's three listed models. I tried listing brands in another AR thread here and it derailed into a brawl.

If the OP could give us more information on the role of the rifle, it would yield more useful information. Is it for doing carbine training where you'll be firing a thousand rounds over a few days of dirt and grit? Competition? Home defense? Plinking for fun? Are you more interested in accuracy or longevity? Are you going to "trick it out" in the future or run it bone stock as purchased?

FYI the Stag Model 2 with the + package is $1040 on their website. That basically opens the door to other companies like several of the ones mentioned above.

 

[G.barnes]

A colt 6920 or a base model Daniel defense or bcm is right in line of that stag with the plus package and are all better choices. The spikes is the only one on the list I would even think about getting the others are overpriced. What's saving 100 dollars if it means that certain tests aren't going to be done. If that's the case get a s&w sport. Great gun with all the same things as the stag and bushy ( other than melonite barrel instead of cl and still great for longlife). The forward assist really shouldn't be used unless there is no other option and it's do or die and the dust cover is open when your shooting. Go top tier full mil spec no corners cut and price is not even a thought or get the sport and spend the difference on optics and ammo. I bought a dpms then a stag before being smart enough to just buy the damn Daniel defense and be done with it. I find that top tier rifles are very available still as all the cheap stuff was bought up by the people who are coming down with election fever and buying something just to have it. They don't spend 1000 dollars cause the 700 is the same and an ar is an ar.

 

[joeq]

I've had no problems with Bushmaster and wouldn't hesitate to buy another. I have zero experience with the other two manufacturers so I can't comment on them.

 

[browningguy]

I'll have to disagree with everyone claiming you need to spend a bunch of money to make a gun milspec for it to be reliable. My DPMS/Alexander Arms/Rock River AR's have been completely reliable, and shoot far better than a true mil spec gun.

The .50 Beowulf in an AR will really tell you how well a rifle is built in a hurry. Rock River sells a lot of guns to LE agencies and I doubt they would buy them if they weren't pretty decent.

 

[Mamertine]

I have a different model Stag. It's a very nice rifle.

 

[FlyinBryan]

ive had 2 bushmaster carbines for 8-9 years now, that have been flawless through a combined 24000 rounds. when i say flawless, i dont mean "except for this one time i used an inferior magazine", or "ya but i didnt clean it for 2 months so of course it's gonna misfeed".............

perfect through 24000 rounds.

the last 4000 rounds or so through each of them have been brutal by anyones standards.

 

[MrBill120]

Thank you everyone for your input so far!! Please, NO BRAWLING if someone suggests a brand that I had over looked. I WELCOME IT!!!

Now with that being said,

I am looking for a range gun. I hope to never to have to be in a HD situation!
I want the upgraded parts of the M4, to my knowledge the BM's use an AR15 enhanced bolt. I was origianlly looking at the Stag #1 w/ the removable carry handle, but I think the #2 with the BUIS might be better if/when I add an optic. As for Spikes, well I just don't want to wait 8-12 weeks!

I will look at the Daniel Defense as linked above by Aiko492.

The War Wagon said

Colt 6920. As cheap as $950 these days,

Where?? The cheapest I've seen was $989...out of stock of course!

 

[Mamertine]

Regarding the 1/7 twist. I have the model 6 stag. It has a 1/8 twist and shoots very tight groups with heavy bullets (65 grain and heavier), when I switch to 55 to 62 grain bullets the groups expand from 3/4 MOA to 1 1/2 MOA. If you plan on primarily shooting heavy bullets (65 grain and up) it may be worth you getting the 1/7 twist. However if you want to shoot bulk, NATO surplus or other bullets weighing less then 65 grains I'd recommend the standard 1/9 twist.

 

[dprice3844444]

check rat worx

 

[Natsmith77]

I'll second the MP15 Sport...it's a heck of a lot of rifle for $630 or so...can spend a little extra and configure it however you like, add optics, and buy ammo.

 

[Sky]

Let me chime in and say the word "potential" ...At last count I have 3 Bushy's, 4 CMMG's, and a Model 1. Have had all the above for a while..OOps forgot to include the Delton..

That is not being said to brag or drop names and I certainly do not feel inferior when out in the bush with my hunting Buds; some of which have the best equipment money can buy.

All my rifles have worked for me anytime I have asked them. I would grab any for home defense or 'hunting' which I do on a regular basis. I guess none of my rifles have ever been worked to their full 'potential' or the breaking point and unless it comes down to a "Lone Wolf Mc Quade" survival situation without some support none of them ever will.

There are deals to be had and as long as you get a good barrel that shoots straight any part that you might want to change on your weapon in the future is easily done. Oh I have not changed any parts on mine except the Delton which I did replace the trigger group. 10 minute job.

Are their better weapons theoretically available on paper, sure there are. Like one of the guys said just depends on what you plan on using the rifle for. Forward assist is not a big deal to me but a dust cover is very important (in my mind) on my weapons for what they are used for.

 

[Birddog1911]

I'll have to disagree with everyone claiming you need to spend a bunch of money to make a gun milspec for it to be reliable. My DPMS/Alexander Arms/Rock River AR's have been completely reliable, and shoot far better than a true mil spec gun.
...snip

Really, shoot better than any milspec gun? That's quite a statement, that I suggest you couldn't possibly prove. Not to mention, you can get all fo the "milspec" features in a rifle for less than any of the three that you have listed there. Frankly, I doubt that any of your rifles, while may be perfectly good, would ever make it through what Filthy 14 went through.

OP, I'd be with others and state that Colt, DD, or BCM are three superior companies that can be had for the same or near same cost. I'm partial to BCM, but that is because of the top notch customer service that I've received from them.

If your budget is too tight, then I'd go with Palmetto State Armory above all of your listed rifles. Cold hammer forged barrels from FN, HP/MPI tested parts, and customer service that will take care of any issue that might arise.

 

[NWCP]

I own a Stag piston rifle as well as an RRA LAR15 NM and like them both. I also have a Stag 6.8SPC upper that I can mate to my RRA lower for additional range, or for hunting.

 

[gotigers]

Out of those three, spikes. I would prefer a Bravo or PSA if i needed to save a little money.

 

[Fiv3r]

I have a stag model 2L that I really like. I haven't had any experience with the others. My stag has been flawless, feels robust in hand, and I have heard customer service is excellent (though I have never needed to call). Brass or steel, its fed, fired, and ejected everything I've run through it.
One thing you'll find out about the AR platform is that EVERYONE seems to have an opinion that they will absolutely defend to the internet death. From "an AR is an AR. Buying anything more expensive is stupid!" To "Well, unless you buy a top tier spec-ops grade professional battle rifle...you're going to be sorry!"

In short, buy whatever fits your needs the best If you're going to plink paper at the range and maybe grab it if you hear a bump in the middle of the night, a middle of the road AR will probably be fine. If you're running you gun through a shooting competition or earnestly think that you may be called into a Rambo situation, you may want to upgrade to the best you can get your hands on.

For me, I'm not married enough to the AR in order to justify a very expensive one. The Stag works great...but I don't think I'll ever go cheaper than that.

 

[jackpinesavages]

Colt or Armalite. My 2 cents.