recommendations for first time AR shopper

Glockman85 · Jan 8, 2014

I'm in the market for an Ar 15. What can you tell me to help when shopping for one? I've done research online but there are so many different options it can be a little overwhelming. Not necessarily competition specific but would like to be able to if I ever find the time. Not interested in putting one together as I don't want to mess with chasing parts etc. Any help is appreciated! Thanks

Dustin Cantrell · Jan 8, 2014

The general consensus is that for off the shelf general purpose AR it's hard to beat a Colt 6920 in that price range (~$1100). I'd pick one of those up and if you decide you need a competition geared AR build one later.

Burk Cornelius · Jan 8, 2014

Stag Arms Model 3 is a pretty decent of the shelf gun. Usually under $1000

hunter_dmw12 · Jan 8, 2014

I second the stag model 3. i have two and love them. just add a trigger and go have fun with one of the best guns on the market.

02Fatboy · Jan 8, 2014

Rock River

Bob Sanders · Jan 8, 2014

Another Stag vote. I love mine, great quality and shoots sub MOA with my loads.

RigPig · Jan 8, 2014

There are some Stag 3Gs on GunBroker right now for $1299. By the time you got a decent AR and a good trigger you'd be into it for almost that. The 3G is about the best bang for the buck right now.

jtischauser · Jan 8, 2014

Stag model 3 on the entry level. If you want a good AR that can do anything from kill deer to shoot 3 gun I'd go with the Stag model 3G. $1299 is a steal!

Glockman85 · Jan 8, 2014

Never purchased from gunbroker is it pretty safe?

RigPig · Jan 8, 2014

Tom Koch said:
Never purchased from gunbroker is it pretty safe?

Yes, it's like eBay, you'll want to buy from a seller with good feedback. A known FFL dealer that you can call is better yet. The transaction will be like any other online firearm purchase, it'll have to be sent to your FFL and a 4473 done there.

jtischauser · Jan 8, 2014

Most sellers on there are actually quite big if you're buying new. I buy and sell a lot on gun broker.

Matt1911 · Jan 8, 2014

Stag 3g is tits

Squid · Jan 9, 2014

Riflegear.com has left handed stag 3 G's in Stock if you or anyone else here is a lefty. I think they are 1400? Probably not the absolute best price but it's there and I have had ok experiences with them as a company

nikatkimber · Jan 9, 2014

My first three handguns were all bought used off GunsAmerica.com (before gunbroker became big). I had no issues.

Signal22 · Jan 9, 2014

The best thing about the AR platform is they are completely modular, buy a nice affordable base gun then have fun snapping on new parts as you find them. To make a specialty gun all you have to do is make a new upper or lower (like a competition upper) then plug and play. Adapting AR's can be a lot of fun and can get addictive.

Glockman85 · Jan 9, 2014

Man I like the stag3g looks pretty sweet! Trying to decide between it and the model 3. 1300$ as opposed to 800$ from buds guns. Have to figure in optics and maybe a case of ammo to get started. Dammit what to do???

RigPig · Jan 9, 2014

Tom Koch said:
Man I like the stag3g looks pretty sweet! Trying to decide between it and the model 3. 1300$ as opposed to 800$ from buds guns. Have to figure in optics and maybe a case of ammo to get started. Dammit what to do???

The barrel and the trigger are worth more than the $500 difference. Add in the rail, brake and buttstock and it's a damn good deal.

scubor2 · Jan 9, 2014

But if you bought the model 3 and shoot it and decide to up grade it you will have a left over barrel, trigger. rail and buttstock to put on the next upper and lower you will buy. In fact it gives you a damn good excuse to have another ar.

drmitchgibson · Jan 9, 2014

scubor2 said:
But if you bought the model 3 and shoot it and decide to up grade it you will have a left over barrel, trigger. rail and buttstock to put on the next upper and lower you will buy. In fact it gives you a damn good excuse to have another ar.

This is an excellent point.