Help with Choosing a First AR

bigfutz · Mar 21, 2012

I have a friend who is on the verge of purchasing his first AR. I would like to get your vote and feedback on any or all of these potentials. I have been doing some searches online, but if I'm after opinions (which I am) I would much rather get them from a group I have come to know and trust. Just a note: due to the presence of a gift card in the equation, his selection is somewhat limited, so please limit your advice to the models presented. Of course there's always the question of what would be the primary purpose of the rifle: nothing in particular... he just wants one! Can you blame him for that? I'm guessing a bit of weekend plinking, maybe some attempt at grouping some holes on paper, home defense warm fuzzy, and of course for SHTF. So...

#1 Surplus Ammo (Spikes) lower receiver, CMMG lower kit, adjustable stock of some sort, CMMG upper maybe something along these lines:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Z6IO2C/?tag=palmettoshooters-20

#2 Stag Arms Model 3 with aluminum versarail "Diamondhead"
http://www.tactical-life.com/online/guns-and-weapons/stag-arms-model-3-556mm/

#3 Smith & Wesson M&P-15OR "Optics Ready" (not the unlined barrel "Sport" model)
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

bigfutz · Mar 22, 2012

Or, if someone has an upper, he will trade gift cards for it. He can convert about $600 into whatever split you want for Amazon, Cabela's, Dick's, Jay's, and a bunch of other non-shooting related places. Any takers, PM me what you have. He has a stripped lower and is hoping to finish it out.

thebrasilian · Mar 22, 2012

I would check out Palmetto State Armory's ARs. They usually have them in stock even though the website might say otherwise. Their barrels are made by FN.
Check this one out: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.ph ... ckage.html

bigfutz · Mar 22, 2012

I know, I know. PSA has great AR deals. What you may have missed in my lengthy post was that he's restricted to places where he can redeem his gift card. Unless you want to trade something for his gift card... If so, PM me.

Torontogosh · Mar 22, 2012

I don't know, I've read some forums on the internet and if the gun isn't 100% BCM/LaRue/Colt and costs at least $1300.00 you might as well throw rocks. And that's just for a spare once a year shooter...

Seriously though, If I had to vote, I think a complete gun from a trusted name with good customer support would win. The Smith would get my nod, simply for the overall quality they generally produce.

In all disclosure, my AR's are all frankenguns built from Del-ton, PSA, ESS, and DPMS.

qwikshot · Mar 22, 2012

I do not have either of those choices but, my brother had the S&W. No problems with it.
I think the Stag has the cool looks. Like the nicer fore arm and cool looking flip up sights.
Either model is a good start. Get him into one of them so the poison can take effect. He'll be customizing and building a couple per year after that.

Free American

Shrapnel762 · Mar 22, 2012

I have a stag and m&p lower. I prefer the stag as it fits tight on all my uppers (m-a parts, bcm, model one sales).

Clicker · Mar 22, 2012

Of these three the complete Stag rifle gets my vote.

fordnut · Mar 22, 2012

I have a factory Palmetto Armory lower and a Stag lower. The Stag is kind of a no-brainer because it has the Timney trigger system in it...

I think the Stag is better made....but....they all will shoot....

You have to remember what we are talking about here. How many rounds is going thru the rifle per year???? How many years is he going to defend his life with the gun????

I believe we all over buy. Most of our rifles may get how many rounds thru it in a year.....1000...2000...Remember...we pay for our own ammo...we don't get it from the Army or Government...so...how much of an ammo budget do we have every year....

I would be lucky to send 1000 rounds a year thru one of my AR's...at that rate...anything will last 25 years....

But,,,after all my speel....I would go with the Stag...it s pretty...

Steve

bigfutz · Mar 22, 2012

Thanks for all the replies. Kinda reinforces what I felt already. I think I'm going to advise him to take Tom Gresham's (Gun Talk Radio) advice. To paraphrase, almost all guns today are made well; pick the one that feels best in your hands. (I personally like that sweet Diamondhead fore end on the Stag!) I'll let you know how it turns out.

I didn't hear much mention of the CMMG option still on the table. I thought I remembered seeing some at Fall Shootzenfest, but there was so much to soak in it all got mixed together. Anyone know of a satisfied or dissatisfied CMMG owner?

fordnut · Mar 22, 2012

I have had 2 CMMG's. Both were Mid-length gas system rifles...They were good shooters...I would buy another one.

I just never had either one long enough to do any damage to them...

Steve