[TN_Mike]

I am thinking of getting myself an AR. I have an AK, but I want the American EBR in the collection as well.:image035:

I have narrowed it down, for my own reasons, to either a Stag Arms or a S&W AR. I would like to see what you all think. Just curious as to what the members here think is the better AR between these two.

And if you want to pitch a different brand, go a head. I'll listen to what ever you want to tell me.

 

[KevinDooley]

I voted S&W.

According to the chart here, the S&W has a properly setup BCG which is HPT/MPI tested (Stags are only batch tested) and the S&W has M4 feedrams whereas the Stag doesn't.

Though for the money I'd rather have one of these rifles:

BCM 16" Mid-Length Complete Rifle at G&R Tactical

or

Daniel Defense XV M4 Carbine at G&R Tactical

Both of which are pretty much blue straight down on the above linked chart...

 

[Guns and more]

I learned more from this site than any other.

So you want to buy an AR-15, huh? - Police Forums & Law Enforcement Forums @ Officer.com

I bought a Colt, but many brands are discussed.

 

[TN_Mike]

I voted S&W.

According to the chart here, the S&W has a properly setup BCG which is HPT/MPI tested (Stags are only batch tested) and the S&W has M4 feedrams whereas the Stag doesn't.

Though for the money I'd rather have one of these rifles:

BCM 16" Mid-Length Complete Rifle at G&R Tactical

or

Daniel Defense XV M4 Carbine at G&R Tactical

Both of which are pretty much blue straight down on the above linked chart...

I REALLY like that AR featured in the second link! But, I am trying to stay in the $700 to $900 range.:frown:

 

[ccw9mm]

I don't know anything about the Smith unit. Had a Stag 15 3L, myself, and liked it well enough.

If I were to get into the AR-15 game, I would take a serious look at this unit: Noveske N4 Light Shorty, Basic. It's in the $1500 neighborhood, plus extras, whereas the Stag's about $500 less for a more-basic AR.

I think that my Stag, fully configured with lefty/ambi everything, sights, and a better grip, was under $1200, including a stack of 4-20rd and 6-30rd magazines.

Something about the shorter layout has grabbed me. I'm much more comfortable with the Marlin 1894 .44mag lever-action rifle w/ a 16" bbl, AR platform with 10-12" bbl, 12ga shotgun with 12-14" bbl. For me, at least, the balance and ability to deal with coming around corners is helped sufficiently to reduce my anger over the BATFE being involved in such a decision. Had to do the ATF two-step on the shorty Remington 870P, with the 14" bbl. My Stag AR-15 had the standard 16" carbine bbl, but the Noveske "shorty" comes with a 10.5", requiring the NFA mess. *sigh*

 

[cuban11182]

You may want to look a little further down the forum.

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbull...gun-discussion/80841-s-w-m-p-15-exploded.html

I've never owned a S&W Product and most likely never will based on the BS they seem to be putting this gentleman through.

 

[Skygod]

If your not looking for a gas piston gun, then I'd stay away from the S&W. Just my personal, and semi professional opinion.

Actually I'd rather go with BCM or LMT or maybe even Rock River before Stag or S&W.

If you look at Bravo Company USA, Inc. AR-15, M16, M4 Tactical Gear, Parts, Accessories. they have the BCM uppers and you purchase a lower from just about anybody and keep your rifle under $2000

As you can see in my recent thread I ponied up the LWRC M6A2 chambered in 6.8 SPC with a 14.7" bbl. and I couldn't be happier with my purchase, of course the LWRC is a short stroke gas piston, not a gas impingement operation, so the cost is probably out of the range that your looking for.

Go with BCM or LMT. That's just my humble opinion based on the quality of the uppers and lowers that I have owned and or shot. MPI tested, HPT tested, M4 feed ramps, M4 barrels extension and 4150 steel barrels with 1:7 twist.

Read more about the BCM uppers over @ Bravo Company USA, Inc. AR-15, M16, M4 Tactical Gear, Parts, Accessories.

 

[SIXTO]

In your price bracket, I'd go with the Rock River. Fit, finish, components and customer service blow the rest away in that bracket.

 

[cuban11182]

TN why not just build it. Not really all that difficult and might be cheaper that way.

 

[Sarge45]

Of the two choices go with Stag. They use CMT mfg. parts and CMT makes parts for the .mil guns.

If you can though, I would take the previously offered advice and go with a BCM upper and order a BCM lower to mate it to. Colt quality at a great price, for sure.

 

[paul45]

I own 2 stags (plus some others)- they have worked great - If you were going into battle, I would recommend something else. But for the 2-3000 rounds a year and with maintenance, they with be a dependable gun.

 

[chrise2004]

I vote S&W....but why not have any other options on this one to vote for?

Personally I would build it with mil-spec parts from spikestactical.com and other reputable sites.....but if it HAD to be b/w those two I would go with the S&W.

 

[adaman04]

I’d probably go Stag. Both fine guns. Stag makes a good product at a good price.

 

[ghost tracker]

I've had both. Sold the S&W, kept the Stag. But really...you're picking the fly crap out of the pepper. There's not enough quality/durability difference between 'em to make anything but a subjective choice. (IMHO, of course)

 

[Eagleks]

In your price bracket, I'd go with the Rock River. Fit, finish, components and customer service blow the rest away in that bracket.

I'm with you on this one.

 

[TN_Mike]

In your price bracket, I'd go with the Rock River. Fit, finish, components and customer service blow the rest away in that bracket.

As usual, SIXTO has chimed in and completely changed the equation:blink:. Now I am looking at the Rock River AR and REALLY REALLY liking what I'm seeing.

Leave it to SIXTO to blow away my already made up mind. Thanks for the suggestion buddy! I really do appreciate it.

 

[Sarge45]

Except that, Rock River isn't milspec. Other than that, I guess for a hobby AR it's ok.

M4 CHART

 

[JD]

Of the choices given, I would take the Stag for the lifetime warranty as opposed to S&W's limited warranty...as we've seen elsewhere on the forum, with the S&W you just might need a better warranty, I'm glad I didn't end up with the 15T I wanted.

 

[KevinDooley]

Except that, Rock River isn't milspec. Other than that, I guess for a hobby AR it's ok.

M4 CHART

Yup, normally I'd back Sixto - but RRA just doesn't match up when compared to a true TDP following mil-spec rifle. They have great fit and finish, but if this is a defensive rifle, it should at least meet the military's minimum requirement, right?

 

[Bark'n]

I would go with Rock River or DPMS. We have a couple of S&W horror story threads up and running right now with a couple of bad experiences which would keep me from ever getting a S&W AR rifle. Stag has a lefty version which makes it a draw to lefties but I have also heard a few negative things regarding their quality control as well.

But I'm definitely a No Go with the S&W.