Which AR 15? - The Firearms Forum

lonewolf204 · 07-30-2011, 03:38 PM

If you were going to buy a new AR 15 in your honest opinion what brand is the best?

Juker · 07-30-2011, 03:56 PM

Having done so earlier this year, it's Stag, baby.

Having been at the range while shooters with tricked out Bushmasters, DPMS, Rock River, and Yukon Frank's homemade AR15 kits were spending more time futzing with their weapons than they were shooting, my opinion was staunchly reaffirmed.

Granted, I don't know those shooters, and they might use Welch's Grape Jelly and Gorilla Glue for gun lube. I'm just sayin' - over 2,000 rounds so far and not a single malfunction of any type.

Question for me is, would I trust the lives of my family to this weapon? Unequivocally yes.

http://www.stagarms.com/product_info...roducts_id=206

Includes hard case. And a STAG mousepad.

JLA · 07-30-2011, 04:07 PM

I am a fan of DPMS.

cpttango30 · 07-30-2011, 04:19 PM

BUILD IT.

a Drunk monkey with a tooth pick and a hammer could build an AR.

I am a huge RRA fan though. So if I were going to buy another it would be another RRA.

As long as you build with good part or buy from a good company your going to get a quality AR that will run like a race horse and be a very good gun.

Double D · 07-30-2011, 04:26 PM

I like the stags too. Dpms seem ok too. I ordered a guy a rock river 308 varment A4 and I was real impressed. I own a high standard. Hold them side by side to a bushmaster and put tape over the name, I would bet you cant tell the difference. Maybe some of you big time AR guys can but not me. If I didnt know any better, I would swear one manufacture makes the majority of them and stamps different names on them. I guess there is difference in accuracy, but all in all, the 700-900.00 range ARs are pretty comparable if you ask me.

jlloyd73 · 07-30-2011, 04:29 PM

STag and DPMS are great....but I say build it yourself. That way you can save a few bucks and come out with a better gun.

I am a fan of the Rock River stuff though.

Bobitis · 07-30-2011, 04:36 PM

I'm under the opinion that they're all pretty much the same.

How many upper and lower manufactureres are there?

JLA · 07-30-2011, 04:37 PM

I too am a fan of building.. Get a DPMS Lo Pro upper and a matching DPMS lower, put a Magpul PRS buttstock on it, Hogue grip, Timney trigger. DPMS TiNi bolt carrier and gas key. Shilen select match Bolt and barrel in any of the chamberings supported by the AR-15 platform and a DPMS float tube over the barrel. Guaratee youd drive tacks at 200..

lonewolf204 · 07-30-2011, 05:09 PM

Ive never thought about building one! I supose if build it the way I wanted it I'd be happy with it.

CampingJosh · 07-30-2011, 05:57 PM

Almost all of the commercial manufacturers put out products that will stand up just fine to the uses of the typical civilian shooter. Stag, DPMS, Rock River, Bushmaster, Armalite, Colt, and many others will function just fine.

I spent some time looking at many different manufacturers earlier this year, but I decided to build on my own. I should have it "complete" next weekend (only waiting on the red part).

Forged aluminum lower (mine is stamped R Guns; if they're mil-spec, they're identical)
Rock River lower parts kit with two-stage trigger
Hogue pistol grip
Tapco mil-spec T6 stock
5.56 A3 upper, 1/9 twist
EOTech 512 holographic sight

I say "complete" because I'll eventually add back up sights (can't decide between Magpul and Troy) and probably switch out the BCG to one nicer than CMMG's.

Building is really pretty simple. It's definitely the way to go.

jlloyd73 · 07-30-2011, 06:01 PM

You could solve this easily by buying one of each and then building one....LOL.

JLA · 07-30-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonewolf204

Ive never thought about building one! I supose if build it the way I wanted it I'd be happy with it.

Yes, and all it requires is a USMC M4 armorers tool..

50 bucks from brownells

6x6pinz · 07-30-2011, 09:05 PM

A build is nice but when I started into the AR world I am glad I bought my first one complete. Just a big tinker toy but it is good to have a base line.

Zane71464 · 07-31-2011, 01:41 AM

Stag Arms all the way here. Have had it for a couple of months and several hundred rounds through it and not one problem. Accuracy is there!

Zhurh · 07-31-2011, 02:51 AM

I have a preban Colt A2 that I bought in late 80's for $440, 2 stag carbines 556 one is a piston too, a stag 6.8spc, and an Armalite AR-10 that I have only had for a few months.

Luv the Stags for the price & quality; I believe just as good as the Colt for functionality. I'd buy the 6.8 hand down over 556 though. My 6.8 gets hunted hard, my 556's never leave the vault. I should sell the 556's and get a few more 6.8's; but I figure more 6.8's will come home with time. Bad luck selling guns in the first place, leave the 556's sit in vault.

Get the Stag Carbine with 16 inch barrel in 6.8 spc, you won't look back; no joke.

Snakedriver · 07-31-2011, 07:30 AM

Here's where I am with my build currently:

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Armalite stripped lower with Rock River parts.

For the upper I'm leaning toward Rock River, but Stag and Armalite are both seriously in the running. All three have great reputations and have what I want for around $500.

I must say that Palmetto State Armory (PSA) and Spikes Tactical are also very good AR suppliers.

There's a list going at one of the other sites that has over 140 different manufacturers that are currently putting out AR's. They really took the modular rifle concept to a whole new level.

218bee · 07-31-2011, 12:38 PM

Hi.....new to the board............
I like the Bushmasters. Mine has had several thousand rounds through it. (about 15 years old) If I counted the malfuntions, I could use one hand and have three fingers left over. I believe I will be buying another barrel before the year is out. (I never shoot it with a "hot" barrel) it has just had a lot of ammo run through it and the barrel throat has erroded. (not as accurate as it used to be for sure). Bushmaster makes a really good AR....Just my $.02

JLA · 07-31-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zane71464

Stag Arms all the way here. Have had it for a couple of months and several hundred rounds through it and not one problem. Accuracy is there!

Holy smokes Dale. Damn glad to see ya back here!

Snakedriver · 07-31-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

Holy smokes Dale. Damn glad to see ya back here!

I got an e-mail from him today and he says he's been fighting computer problems.

JLA · 07-31-2011, 04:08 PM

Thats been the story for some time. I hope he gets em ironed out. I miss that guy..

The Duke · 07-31-2011, 05:32 PM

Armalite, Rock River, DPMS, Smith&Wesson..IMHO

CampingJosh · 07-31-2011, 06:13 PM

One of TFF's sponsors, Infinite Arms, has this complete upper (with BCG and CH) for only $399!

They can't tell you who manufacturers them, but I think I've been able to deduce it.

Zane71464 · 08-01-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

Holy smokes Dale. Damn glad to see ya back here!

Good to be back Josh! Hope to be around a bit more as long
as the "old" pc hangs in there....

Juker · 08-01-2011, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonewolf204

If you were going to buy a new AR 15 in your honest opinion what brand is the best?

So wolfie - what's it gonna be? Made up your mind yet?

Zane71464 · 08-01-2011, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juker

So wolfie - what's it gonna be? Made up your mind yet?

I think he may be lean'in towards one of them there Stag Arms units,
Juker.....

07-30-2011, 03:38 PM	#1
lonewolf204 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oklahoma Contributor Posts: 789	Which AR 15? If you were going to buy a new AR 15 in your honest opinion what brand is the best? __________________ Fear is only a word in the mind of the weak! --> Last edited by lonewolf204; 07-30-2011 at 03:39 PM..

07-30-2011, 03:56 PM	#2
Juker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Land of Lincoln Contributor Posts: 2,872	Re: Which AR 15? Having done so earlier this year, it's Stag, baby. Having been at the range while shooters with tricked out Bushmasters, DPMS, Rock River, and Yukon Frank's homemade AR15 kits were spending more time futzing with their weapons than they were shooting, my opinion was staunchly reaffirmed. Granted, I don't know those shooters, and they might use Welch's Grape Jelly and Gorilla Glue for gun lube. I'm just sayin' - over 2,000 rounds so far and not a single malfunction of any type. Question for me is, would I trust the lives of my family to this weapon? Unequivocally yes. http://www.stagarms.com/product_info...roducts_id=206 Includes hard case. And a STAG mousepad. __________________ SHOOT FIRST. SHOOT SECOND. MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE THE MAN WHO'S SHOOTING LAST.

07-30-2011, 04:07 PM	#3
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: Which AR 15? I am a fan of DPMS. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

07-30-2011, 04:19 PM	#4
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: Which AR 15? BUILD IT. a Drunk monkey with a tooth pick and a hammer could build an AR. I am a huge RRA fan though. So if I were going to buy another it would be another RRA. As long as you build with good part or buy from a good company your going to get a quality AR that will run like a race horse and be a very good gun.

07-30-2011, 04:26 PM	#5
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,060	Re: Which AR 15? I like the stags too. Dpms seem ok too. I ordered a guy a rock river 308 varment A4 and I was real impressed. I own a high standard. Hold them side by side to a bushmaster and put tape over the name, I would bet you cant tell the difference. Maybe some of you big time AR guys can but not me. If I didnt know any better, I would swear one manufacture makes the majority of them and stamps different names on them. I guess there is difference in accuracy, but all in all, the 700-900.00 range ARs are pretty comparable if you ask me. __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.

07-30-2011, 04:29 PM	#6
jlloyd73 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Contributor Posts: 1,931	Re: Which AR 15? STag and DPMS are great....but I say build it yourself. That way you can save a few bucks and come out with a better gun. I am a fan of the Rock River stuff though.

07-30-2011, 04:36 PM	#7
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: Which AR 15? I'm under the opinion that they're all pretty much the same. How many upper and lower manufactureres are there? __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all

07-30-2011, 04:37 PM	#8
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: Which AR 15? I too am a fan of building.. Get a DPMS Lo Pro upper and a matching DPMS lower, put a Magpul PRS buttstock on it, Hogue grip, Timney trigger. DPMS TiNi bolt carrier and gas key. Shilen select match Bolt and barrel in any of the chamberings supported by the AR-15 platform and a DPMS float tube over the barrel. Guaratee youd drive tacks at 200.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

07-30-2011, 05:09 PM	#9
lonewolf204 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oklahoma Contributor Posts: 789	Re: Which AR 15? Ive never thought about building one! I supose if build it the way I wanted it I'd be happy with it. __________________ Fear is only a word in the mind of the weak!

07-30-2011, 05:57 PM	#10
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,787	Re: Which AR 15? Almost all of the commercial manufacturers put out products that will stand up just fine to the uses of the typical civilian shooter. Stag, DPMS, Rock River, Bushmaster, Armalite, Colt, and many others will function just fine. I spent some time looking at many different manufacturers earlier this year, but I decided to build on my own. I should have it "complete" next weekend (only waiting on the red part). Forged aluminum lower (mine is stamped R Guns; if they're mil-spec, they're identical) Rock River lower parts kit with two-stage trigger Hogue pistol grip Tapco mil-spec T6 stock 5.56 A3 upper, 1/9 twist EOTech 512 holographic sight I say "complete" because I'll eventually add back up sights (can't decide between Magpul and Troy) and probably switch out the BCG to one nicer than CMMG's. Building is really pretty simple. It's definitely the way to go. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do. Last edited by CampingJosh; 08-03-2011 at 10:15 PM..

07-30-2011, 06:01 PM	#11
jlloyd73 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Contributor Posts: 1,931	Re: Which AR 15? You could solve this easily by buying one of each and then building one....LOL.

07-30-2011, 09:05 PM	#13
6x6pinz V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 382	Re: Which AR 15? A build is nice but when I started into the AR world I am glad I bought my first one complete. Just a big tinker toy but it is good to have a base line. __________________ friends don't let friends carry glocks

07-31-2011, 01:41 AM	#14
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,350	Re: Which AR 15? Stag Arms all the way here. Have had it for a couple of months and several hundred rounds through it and not one problem. Accuracy is there! Attached Images __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"! Last edited by Zane71464; 07-31-2011 at 01:43 AM..

07-31-2011, 02:51 AM	#15
Zhurh Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Upper Yukon, Alaska Posts: 1,810	Re: Which AR 15? I have a preban Colt A2 that I bought in late 80's for $440, 2 stag carbines 556 one is a piston too, a stag 6.8spc, and an Armalite AR-10 that I have only had for a few months. Luv the Stags for the price & quality; I believe just as good as the Colt for functionality. I'd buy the 6.8 hand down over 556 though. My 6.8 gets hunted hard, my 556's never leave the vault. I should sell the 556's and get a few more 6.8's; but I figure more 6.8's will come home with time. Bad luck selling guns in the first place, leave the 556's sit in vault. Get the Stag Carbine with 16 inch barrel in 6.8 spc, you won't look back; no joke.

07-31-2011, 07:30 AM	#16
Snakedriver Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SW. Florida Posts: 1,219	Re: Which AR 15? Here's where I am with my build currently: Armalite stripped lower with Rock River parts. For the upper I'm leaning toward Rock River, but Stag and Armalite are both seriously in the running. All three have great reputations and have what I want for around $500. I must say that Palmetto State Armory (PSA) and Spikes Tactical are also very good AR suppliers. There's a list going at one of the other sites that has over 140 different manufacturers that are currently putting out AR's. They really took the modular rifle concept to a whole new level. __________________ Fear is a reaction..........Courage is a decision Last edited by Snakedriver; 07-31-2011 at 07:49 AM..

07-31-2011, 12:38 PM	#17
218bee V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SC Posts: 93	Re: Which AR 15? Hi.....new to the board............ I like the Bushmasters. Mine has had several thousand rounds through it. (about 15 years old) If I counted the malfuntions, I could use one hand and have three fingers left over. I believe I will be buying another barrel before the year is out. (I never shoot it with a "hot" barrel) it has just had a lot of ammo run through it and the barrel throat has erroded. (not as accurate as it used to be for sure). Bushmaster makes a really good AR....Just my $.02

07-31-2011, 04:08 PM	#20
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: Which AR 15? Thats been the story for some time. I hope he gets em ironed out. I miss that guy.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

07-31-2011, 05:32 PM	#21
The Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Louisiana Posts: 813	Re: Which AR 15? Armalite, Rock River, DPMS, Smith&Wesson..IMHO

07-31-2011, 06:13 PM	#22
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,787	Re: Which AR 15? One of TFF's sponsors, Infinite Arms, has this complete upper (with BCG and CH) for only $399! They can't tell you who manufacturers them, but I think I've been able to deduce it. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.