AR-15 opinions please

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Hey all, I'm doing some research into AR-15's, I'd like to purchase one in a few months, as soon as I can get the money saved up. I'm looking at bushmaster, panther arms, and rock river arms. Based on the website, rock river seems to offer the most features for the dollar, their rifles are about $950. The bushmaster runs about $1100-1200 and the panther is pretty close to that range. Anything negative about the rock river guns? I'm looking at the standard model with the mid-length handguard and the chrome lined barrel. I'd like to get the "best bang for the buck", if you know what I mean.:D
 
I've got a Bushy and an RRA and there's nothing wrong with either. I bought the Bushy first and I've shot it the most of the 2 but after having an RRA I wouldn't have spent the extra $ for a Bushy if I knew what I know now.

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave
 
I'd get a RRA or a S&W model, personally. Before I bought my PS90, I almost bought the S&W tactical model.
 
I'd look at a Stag Arms rifle. They have quality comparable to or better than the other companies mentioned at a better price as well.
 
My only experience with AR's is with my RRA CAR 15, and my buddies Bushy M4...Basically the same rifle, and I prefer my RRA. Quite a bit cheaper, and a bit better quality, IMO. If you got either, you'd be pleased, but pleased at different prices. Also, just from this website(no personal experience) I've heard nothing but great things about STAG. Also a great AR, and at a nice price.
 
I bought a RRA middy a few months ago and I've shot 600 problem free rounds through it so far...GREAT firearm! :cool: I'm building a Stag Arms currently but from all accounts, she should be just as nice ;)
 
The store I was at today had a Bushmaster for $939. Don't know the model specifics though :-(
 
Was just snooping around the Stag Arms web pages, didn't see any information as far as expected MOA. Did I miss something or is 1 to 1.5 MOA pretty much the standard for the AR's? (unless specified otherwise)
 
I have a RRA Tactical Entry. The one I bought has a Yankee Hill’s rail system & chrome lined barrel. It is an M4-gery 16” rifle with a flat top upper.

I shot John Farnam’s rifle course with it last September & it ran fine. Over 1,000 rounds in two days. Lot’s of sand & rough handling.

I am pleased with my rifle & would buy another in a second.

I don’t think you would be disappointed with any of the models that have been mentioned. Stag, Bushmaster & RRA are all good systems.
 
don't go with the prices off the web site they are usually the msrp and not what they can actually be had for. they would all serve you well. the dpms would probally be the best value because they are the lowest in price that i have seen at the shops and various places i have seen them for sale. they are great guns and in my experience are the least expensive of the three you named. there has been alot of new rra ar owners as of late and there are lots of great reviews. i can say that there replacement triggers are sweet as can be and no matter what ar you end up with it needs a rra trigger! i have a bushmaster, so does my dad, between the two of us we have owned 5 and they have all been great to us so i can really only report on them, but i have no issues, with them, they shoot godd and they are reliable. i am very happy with my ar the way it is set up and my dad's as well even though they are different in many ways. i know all the above companies make fine firearms with what little experience i have with them, but i can say without a doubt that the bushmasters are good to go and i know for sure that they will serve you well. i have fired all tyoes of ammo through them from winchester 5.56, lake city m855, wolf 55gr fmj, 62gr hp's, umc 55gr, barnaul and they have all functioned and performed well.
 
I would worry more about the dealer than the brand. Buy from an FFL who stands behind what he sells and you won't have to worry about the product.
 
Was just snooping around the Stag Arms web pages, didn't see any information as far as expected MOA. Did I miss something or is 1 to 1.5 MOA pretty much the standard for the AR's? (unless specified otherwise)

If your AR is not capable of 2MOA at 100 yards or better, there is something wrong with your weapon.
 
Why spent $1000+ on a brand? as long is it functions well then who cares?

Actually, the tac S&W model is not a bad deal. Someone on AR15 priced out all the stuff seperately, and it wasn't that far off of the prices U can find the rifle for if U look hard enough. The S&W customer service made up for the last few dollars. I think their Ars are a good deal. Haven't read any negatives about them yet.
 
$950 for an RRA?

If you shop around, you can find complete RRA lowers (including stock) for $229, and chrome-lined mid-length uppers for $450. That's $680, then you just need to add a detach carrying handle, optics, or BUIS.

Should be able to come out under $799 easily even after shipping and FFL fees. Mooney's Firearms and Eagle Arms (if they ever update their inventory) are good places to price-check for RRA gear.

Don't pay MSRP, and realize that you'll pay at least $100 in excise tax if you buy a complete rifle, so buy the two halves and take three seconds to snap them together.

-MV
 
You get what you pay for.

The most accurate Ar 15 type rifle I've ever shot out of the box came from Les Baer.. it was one heck of a good shooting rifle and the most accurate auto loading .223 I've shot, that hadn't been "worked on".... or had a match barrel or trick stuff, etc etc etc.. it was a standard grade 15...

If you're not looking for that kind of accuracy.. then there's a lot of fine rifles out there including the 15 from Fulton Armory... I've known Clint for many years and he's known for building a fine rifle. Don't forget to check out:

Fulton armory...

And I've built many MANY M1As, tuned even more and wokred on many M14's and M21s (yes I had a class III)... when I get around to getting another tuned M1A, I'm going to let him build this one..
 
AR 15s

You get what you pay for.

I've shot a lot of mouse guns (.223s) and the finest most accurate out of the box stock type AR 15 I've ever shot was one made by Les Baer.. they're incredible, but you PAY for them!

But there's also a lot of alternatives to just the Bushmaster (tho they make a fine weapon). You also have people like Fulton Armory..

My forte was the .30 rifle, I've built, tuned more M1As and M14/M21s then I'll ever talk about.... and yes I had a class III. The photo on my desktop is me with the 249 I had for years..

If I get another M1A, I'll let Clint at Fulton build it for me... he was outbuilding Springfield many years ago... and once he speced their reciever (Springfield was not always reliable with the receivers they made).. fine rifles. He's now making AR 15s and M1As...

So check into all your options before buying.
 
Redneck,

I recently purchased two (2) RRA .223 rifles. One for goofing around with my kids, and the other I use to target shoot at 250 yards.

Let me tell you, I am very impressed with my target AR. Using factory Federal 80gr Sierra HPBT Match Bullets, I am able to put ten consecutive rounds into 1.5 inches at 250 yards. Not bad for a totally stock factory rifle.

I have a Leupold VXIII-8.5x25x40mm on this.

The "Play" rifle is a CAR type with lots of extras......

They are seen here: SAFE PIC

Nice, well made rifles for the money with lots of options......I am happy and that is what matters:D
 
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