I can pick up a gen 4( I think, no forward assist, but rounded pin) for about $1250. I have kind of wanted a AUG or an MSAR for awhile.

I don't think any rifle has more confusing info out there than the MSAR. I also realize that some folks got screwed and have a sour taste. I am concerned if the rifles are good, apparently the company wasn't.

My questions are...

1. Is the price good? it is in the box with 5 mags.
2. Are the MSAR mags worth a damn?
3. I can convert this with some minor effort (ratworks) to the E4 stck, right?
4. Would you do it?

I bought mine (a second gen with forward assist and rounded takedown pin) for $1200 in the box with 3 mags, so I'd say that is a good price.

As far as the mags go, I haven't had any trouble with them. They fit snugly into the stock and don't wiggle at all and hold the rounds very well.

I think you can buy just the E4 stock.

Sounds like a Gen3 (probably the best of the STG's), Gen4's have the E4-compatible stock.
1) That's a fair price for a NIB w/mags.
2) MSAR STG mags are generally gtg, their AR/E4 mags are questionable (some are great, some not so much).
3) I haven't had it done personally (I prefer STG's over the E4 but YMMV) but it's my understanding that, yes, Ratworx can do the conversion for you fairly cheaply (give 'em a call or drop them an email, they're very good at answering questions).
4) Yes. I just paid $1,250 for a NIB Gen3 STG for the wife, it should be here Monday.
HTH...
Tomac

If you by see if the MSAR mags work but if they don't Pmags run fine in an E4 if that is what it is.

This (and FIFY).
Tomac

It is definitely not an E4. I tried mags before I knew what else to look for.

it's a good price.  I think you might be able to get separate E4 stock since MSAR is still in operation.  

I actually liked the MSAR AUG mag more than AR mag.

If you have an genuine OEM AUG mag, you might to try it if it's local.  Some MSAR worked with both and some didn't.

Just told my buddy I would take it.

If nothing else, it is different.

Let us know if you have any more questions and keep us posted!...
Tomac

The Gen 4 era was at the height of the panic buying due to the presidential election. MSAR was selling alot of these rifles and the quality suffered. The rounded latch was a problem and caused a loose receiver to stock fit. This can be fixed with a conversion to the square latch . Most of the other quality problems are loose tolerance issues and most these will not affect the function of the rifle. There are a few problems that have popped up after the rifle has been fired that do affect the functioning of the rifle and these are due to both parts spec's  and heat treating issues. These include  improper spec's in bolt  carrier slot which can cause bolt lug peening. The gas regulator breaking during firing and i believe these are due to piston / piston rod clearances . Rough bore conditions. Poor heat treating of the piston rod end, bolt sleeves and bolts which result in parts breakage. Remember these issues were few in numbers as posted on a few forums and the full extent of rifles affected may never be known, it is for this reason i believe new buyers should be advised of potential problems .

So what is the one thing I can look for to know if it is a gen 4(not an e4) vs a gen 3? I guess I would like to know what I am buying.

What advantages do the STG's have over the E4's?



 

I greatly prefer the STG's proprietary AUG-style mags to AR mags (especially the 42rd mag; 40% more ammo before reloading and I find the extra length makes mag manipulation easier during reloads) and STG's have dual trigger bars (E4's only have one due to the use of AR mags) but I do prefer the E4's longer/lower optic rail (which can be retrofitted to any STG).
HTH...
Tomac

Gens1-3 have the rounded takedown latch, the Gen4 has the square takedown latch.
Tomac