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Posted: 10/11/2013 3:56:33 AM EDT
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Hello
Rather than turning up here and saying, "I want to buy an AR, what do you recommend?", I've spent a massive amount of time trawling every similar thread on the internet. I can't say exactly how many hours that's taken, but if I don't finally buy one and rejoin the wife on the sofa for at least one evening a week, I may suddenly find I've got a lot more freedom in life 
Secondly I'm in Finland, and the choices are relatively limited (no Colt, DD, BCM or Noveske, etc). These are the only options I have: (€1 = $1.36) From Bushmaster: Bushmaster A3 16" 223Rem 1 790 € Bushmaster MOE Dissipator 16" 223rem 1 850 € Bushmaster Optics Ready Carbine 223Rem 1 690 € Bushmaster Patrolmans Carbine 223Rem 1 895 € From DPMS: DPMS Carbine 16" 223Rem 1 950 € DPMS Classic Rifle 16" 223Rem INcludes 2 x 30ptr lipas 1 490 € DPMS LO-PRO Classic 223Rem Bull Barrel, A2 Stock 1 295 € DPMS Oracle 16" 223rem 1 150 € From Stag: Stag Arms Model 2 223 rem 223 Rem 1570 € Stag Arms Model 2T 223 rem223 Rem 1950 € The BM and DPMS are both from a local dealer. The Stag is a coupla hours away. (Am thinking of potential problems that might need a return, etc). I've had some really helpful advice from some local guys, e.g. I've ruled out Hera Arms as it's a 223 chamber (not 5.56). There is one company which claims to import the M&P15 international version (with the fixed stock), but they don't have any available at the moment. I want the rifle for casual range use and hope to start practical rifle with it. I *think* I want a 16" barrel and I know I want an adjustable stock (the Magpul CTR would be nice eventually). I wouldn't mind a free-floated barrel but could live without it if needed. Chrome lined barrels and chamber would be great. I'm very active at the range and will be shooting most weeks. I'm really looking for opinions, especially from people who have bought recently (e.g. all the old BM customers seem thrilled, but some of the recent offerings seem to have dissappointed). Some people say that DPMS is just fine, others say they're bordering on the unsafe. Each and every firearm here in Finland needs to be bought with a separate acquisition permit (72€) and a bundle of paperwork and 3 visits to the police station. For that reason, I would rather buy once, cry once and hope I've made the right decision. And that's where I need the help of you guys. 
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Welcome to the forum!!!
Although I only have one Stag, and it's a 6.8spc, I'd definitely go with the Stag option. Given your circumstances, it's the best of a limited field of choices. I'll be interested to hear more from other members of the forum. Good luck, and stay warm!! George |
| Stag, even though being the priciest on here is also going to be the best. During the panic here in the US a lot of companies really compromised their quality control. Stag didn't. They even went out of their way to filter orders into states that were about to ban them, and start immediately developing rifles that would circumvent the bans. They are a great company, that makes awesome rifles, and will always stand by their products. |
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You will get a decent rifle at a modest price choosing any of those listed. I would suggest the Stag simply because they are a subsidary of CMT (Continental Machine Tool) a major maker of AR parts in the USA and a supplier for the entire industry. You'll be getting known quality parts. Buy the rifle with a 1/7 twist barrel and you'll be good to go.
For me, if I could only own or afford one rifle, it would be a Noveske, White Oak Armamnet, Lewis Machine Tool, Colt, or Knight's Armament. Fortunately, I am not limited to one and therefore have many:)! Good Luck and Good Shooting. |
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With your only limited choice I myself would pick the Stag and I will get their Plus package which includes mil-spec material and tested 1/7 twist barrel also high pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected bolt, I would also get their M16 auto bolt carrier option.
Here's a FAQ article buying advice except disregard Sabre Defence and Charles Daly these companies no longer making firearms. FAQ # 1 - So You Want to Buy an AR-15 - Features to Consider - FAQ tacked thread link |
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The only AR I own is the DPMS Oracle, so I can only speak on my experience with it. Got it a year ago for 600 US dollars. Since then I've changed out parts (barrel, trigger, buffer tube, etc...) and got parts that I wanted from brands I chose and didnt lose a lot of money in the process. Basically, bought a complete rifle, stripped out what I didnt like, and put in what I wanted to. It's been a great and accurate rifle through 3000 rounds. The DPMS bolt has seen all of those rounds with no sign of wear. Zero malfunctions with the rifle to date.
Stag has a very good rep around here. Cant go wrong with them. |
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