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3/6/2010 7:08:24 PM EDT
Im getting $2000 soon and Id really like to get a new gun. All I have now is a 10/22 and Im looking for a center fire rifle now. I almost got a AK74 last December, but decided to wait until I had more money.

Right now, I am trying to decide between:

Building an AR15.
MSAR E4
Springfield M1A
RA XCR

Building a Bravo Company AR would be cheaper that buying an E4 or M1A, but the AUG and M14 are my favorite guns so Id really like to get one of those.

A few of the deciding factors.

I want something reliable, easy to maintain and relatively cheap to shoot(ammo). Those are the main things.

So with that being said, what do you think would be the best choice?
What on average costs more? .223/5.56 or 7.62? I tried searching for info on this but didn't come up with much.
Besides the BCM AR parts, where would be a good place to get either the E4 or the M1A?

Edit: Are there any other newer guns in that price range? Ive heard about the ACR and XCR and a few others, would those be a good choice as well?


Thanks, I look forward to seeing what you guys have to say.


3/6/2010 8:27:15 PM EDT
[#1]
I have an MSAR e-4 and absolutely love it!  In fact,  I can't see myself ever going back to AR15's    But if I had $2000 laying around i"d get a Robinson XCR.   It seems to have everything.
3/6/2010 10:49:37 PM EDT
[#2]
I have the E4, AR-15, AK-47, and FNAR.

Another factor to consider is a WROL situation.  In that scenario I think the AR-15 will the largest abundance of replacement parts, gunsmithing knowledge, mags etc...

Check out the ADS AR-15, you should get at least 10 mags too.
3/7/2010 12:41:06 AM EDT
[#3]
Yeah, I think its down the the E4 or the XCR.

Im looking into the costs of 5.56 ammo and Im just wondering what a good brand was?

Any other opinions?
3/7/2010 12:49:20 AM EDT
[#4]
One of the best firearm deals I've gotten was a brand new XCR with folding/collapsing stock for $1350.  I'd highly recommend it.  IMO it combines all the best features of the AR, AK, and FAL with some notable improvements over any of them.  If I lived in a NFA friendly state I'd get the mini or micro.  



All that said, I want a MSAR E4, and it'll be my next firearm purchase.  If I didn't already have an XCR I'd get it first though.
3/7/2010 1:03:05 AM EDT
[#5]
If it's $2K including optics, just grab an AR variant––B Co makes good shit––and then grab a used ACOG or a new CCO(M2/3/4), or a T/H 1 and mount from Larue.  You should come in below your budget and you'll get a nice shooter with good working optics as well.



3/7/2010 1:17:50 AM EDT
[#6]
Im not really worried about optics at the moment. I like BUIS and I can wait to get an ACOG or Aimpoint later this year.

Im really thinking about the XCR, it seems to be a very well rounded rifle with lots of good qualities. And I like the fact that its a newer gun. Im just wondering where is the best place to get them from. I wont have the $2000 for a few months so hopefully they'll be more available then.

Whats the average cost for a good 5.56 ammo x 1000?

Thanks for the opinions guys, I really appreciate it.

Oh also I just noticed that Robinson Arms is located near me. Not sure if that really means anything but maybe some local places have them.
3/7/2010 1:21:35 AM EDT
[#7]





Quoted:



Im not really worried about optics at the moment. I like BUIS and I can wait to get an ACOG or Aimpoint later this year.





Im really thinking about the XCR, it seems to be a very well rounded rifle with lots of good qualities. And I like the fact that its a newer gun. Im just wondering where is the best place to get them from. I wont have the $2000 for a few months so hopefully they'll be more available then.





Whats the average cost for a good 5.56 ammo x 1000?





Thanks for the opinions guys, I really appreciate it.





Oh also I just noticed that Robinson Arms is located near me. Not sure if that really means anything but maybe some local places have them.





Robarms is from your state, I'm pretty sure you have a better local selection than most of us.  Hit up the local gun stores around you.  I don't know if Robarms does sales from their factory or if they have a retail storefront, but I'd hit them up via email and take a little roadtrip if you can.  I lived very close to an AR manufacturer in WA and it was great to go to the factory, get a tour, and be able to buy parts right there.  



You can get an XCR in 7.62X39 as well as 5.56 if you want a cheaper ammo alternative.  5.56 is currently 20 cents a round or more:



http://gun-deals.com/ammo.php?caliber=.223





 
3/7/2010 2:59:59 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
If it's $2K including optics, just grab an AR variant––B Co makes good shit––and then grab a used ACOG or a new CCO(M2/3/4), or a T/H 1 and mount from Larue.  You should come in below your budget and you'll get a nice shooter with good working optics as well.





I really like this advice. This is just about what I was going to say.
3/7/2010 3:53:47 AM EDT
[#9]
How about a Steyr AUG A3?  Since you don't have a ton of AR parts, why not?

If not, I'd parrot the advice about a quality AR and quality optics.  The AR is not perfect, but it's closer than most to being so.  The possibilities are almost limitless.
3/7/2010 4:44:44 AM EDT
[#10]
Where do you live in UT?  There are a few shops I can think of (2 in SLC and 1 in Murray) who "always" have a good selection of XCR's in stock.

MadDog
3/7/2010 4:47:13 AM EDT
[#11]
I'd go with the xcr or the msar.  Both are very nice choices.  Both will take ar mags, both are easy to clean/disassemble/caliber conversions (msar caliber conversions in the future).  XCR you can run all the cheap russian steel case ammo out of it you want without hurting it.  I think I'd go with the xcr first, then pick up a used older gen msar for lmuch ess than $1000 at a later date.  Ratworks just had a sale on the older msars for around $900ish, so if those prices keep up, you should be able to pick one up in that range or cheaper down the road.  

I have both the xcr and a steyr aug for reference.  Augs are way cool as well.  Just depends what floats your boat and what you have planned for the future as far as caliber conversions, mag compatability, type of ammo you plan to shoot, training.
3/7/2010 4:57:06 AM EDT
[#12]
Or,

You could get a bcm/colt 6920 ar15 (or older gen MSAR) for $1000, buy $50 mags, case of wolf ammo $300, primary arms aimpoint t-1 copy red dot $100 and still have enough for a decent pistol such as:
FNP series, 1911, glock, xd, etc....
Since you don't have a pistol (that you mentioned), I'd skip going for broke on one gun when you can pick up 2 guns that you NEED.  It's always good to have at least one pistol for the collection.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=43&t=307689 –––– CDNN MSAR for $1000 gen 4.
3/7/2010 5:51:54 AM EDT
[#13]
I'm biased....I'd say get the XCR. :)

Sean
3/7/2010 6:03:37 AM EDT
[#14]
Find the MSAR on sale, pick one up AND get an AR.

2 rifles. 1 standard and 1 bullpup. Whats not to like?
3/7/2010 7:18:13 AM EDT
[#15]
Another vote for XCR. I picked mine up used for $1200, and it's great.
3/7/2010 7:20:57 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Find the MSAR on sale, pick one up AND get an AR.

2 rifles. 1 standard and 1 bullpup. Whats not to like?

Good idea, but Im not sure I need 2 at the moment. I for sure plan on building an AR in the future though

Quoted:
Or,

You could get a bcm/colt 6920 ar15 (or older gen MSAR) for $1000, buy $50 mags, case of wolf ammo $300, primary arms aimpoint t-1 copy red dot $100 and still have enough for a decent pistol such as:
FNP series, 1911, glock, xd, etc....
Since you don't have a pistol (that you mentioned), I'd skip going for broke on one gun when you can pick up 2 guns that you NEED.  It's always good to have at least one pistol for the collection.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=43&t=307689 –––– CDNN MSAR for $1000 gen 4.

I really like the sound of that, but Im only 19 so I cant get a pistol just yet. I almost got one of those Primary Arms reddots when I almost got an aAK74. Are they a decent optic? It would be cheaper to get one of them (or a similar reddot) instead of getting iron sights.

Quoted:
I'd go with the xcr or the msar.  Both are very nice choices.  Both will take ar mags, both are easy to clean/disassemble/caliber conversions (msar caliber conversions in the future).  XCR you can run all the cheap russian steel case ammo out of it you want without hurting it.  I think I'd go with the xcr first, then pick up a used older gen msar for lmuch ess than $1000 at a later date.  Ratworks just had a sale on the older msars for around $900ish, so if those prices keep up, you should be able to pick one up in that range or cheaper down the road.  

I have both the xcr and a steyr aug for reference.  Augs are way cool as well.  Just depends what floats your boat and what you have planned for the future as far as caliber conversions, mag compatability, type of ammo you plan to shoot, training.

Thanks for the input. I think its swaying a little towards the XCR as long as I an find it cheaper than suggested retail in my area.

Quoted:
Where do you live in UT?  There are a few shops I can think of (2 in SLC and 1 in Murray) who "always" have a good selection of XCR's in stock.

MadDog

Im just outside SLC. Im going to call some places this week and see who can give me the best deal on a standard XCR.

Quoted:
How about a Steyr AUG A3?  Since you don't have a ton of AR parts, why not?

If not, I'd parrot the advice about a quality AR and quality optics.  The AR is not perfect, but it's closer than most to being so.  The possibilities are almost limitless.


Yeah I thought about the authentic Steyr, but those lookes a little pricier than the MSAR.



Thanks guys. Im going to keep researching.
3/7/2010 9:23:45 AM EDT
[#17]
$1000 for an AR, $1000 for a good suppressor :)
3/7/2010 9:50:06 AM EDT
[#18]
MSAR.

SBR length without stamp would be pretty sweet IMO.
3/7/2010 11:24:39 AM EDT
[#19]
MSAR.

Other folks above give great reasons. I'll add this that it is fun to be an MSAR owner and AR15.com member. The MSAR guys are really active at this website and they actually listen to their customers. A lot of the features you see on the E4 came from suggestions by guys right here on how to improve upon the already great STG556.  Another real cool thing is all the "grass roots" support that's been coming up with guys going and doing various mods and customizations along with new companies doing various accessories...it's pretty exciting if you're a gun nut.

I mean the bullpup community is still basically a tiny fanatical cult by comparison to the AR15 community, but we're growing and there are a lot of reasons why we're growing.

3/7/2010 11:24:47 AM EDT
[#20]
Hmm. I really want the XCR, but unless I can find it for $1500 locally here in UT, Ill probably go with the M1A. Its my favorite gun and Id really like to have one. And I could get that and a bunch of ammo for $2000
3/7/2010 12:22:49 PM EDT
[#21]
Get an AR-15.

It should be cheaper overall, and there are plenty of parts to go around.

If you're new to guns, you can easily find someone to help you as well if need help with it for whatever reason.

Then when you get more money, get one of the other guns, or sell the AR-15 (should sell quick).

I wish MSARs were cheap in CA. Would love to give that a try. One of my local gun stores has ones, might check it out, but at the $2,000 or so it will be, I'll pass.
3/7/2010 12:29:46 PM EDT
[#22]
I am having issues with my XCR so "it could work out but" I could not recommend the Robinson,  but the MSAR STG556/E4 is top flight! Hard to go wrong with an AR15 as well.
3/7/2010 12:37:22 PM EDT
[#23]



Quoted:


I am having issues with my XCR so "it could work out but" I could not recommend the Robinson,  but the MSAR STG556/E4 is top flight!
Hard to go wrong with an AR15 as well.


What issues are you having, and how many rounds through it?  Mine wouldn't feed reliably until it was broken in for a few hundred rounds.  I also lubed the crap out of it with tetra grease and it has run 100% ever since.  



 
3/7/2010 1:55:20 PM EDT
[#24]

While if I only had a 10/22 and was looking for one new rifle, I'd buy an M1A Scout in a second, it's not the cheapest to shoot. It's an incredible shooting rifle with some of the best irons ever, built the way the just don't make em anymore, the others are cheaper to shoot overall and setup. Some things are worth it though.


3/7/2010 2:15:02 PM EDT
[#25]
I would get the XCR.  Try and find a 6.8 for $1500.00.  Than you can get the 5.56 conversion kit from Robinson arms for $500.00.

3/7/2010 2:17:29 PM EDT
[#26]
build an AR for between 700-800 and then buy mags and 1k of ammo.
3/7/2010 2:25:27 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
I would get the XCR.  Try and find a 6.8 for $1500.00.  Than you can get the 5.56 conversion kit from Robinson arms for $500.00.

http://www.robarm.com/images/Customer%20Images/XCR-S-1.gif


Why do that? Can I not get the 5.56 for less than that?
Quoted:

While if I only had a 10/22 and was looking for one new rifle, I'd buy an M1A Scout in a second, it's not the cheapest to shoot. It's an incredible shooting rifle with some of the best irons ever, built the way the just don't make em anymore, the others are cheaper to shoot overall and setup. Some things are worth it though.



Yeah, Im really wanting the M1A. One of the main factors is the cost to fire it. Say I get a scout M1A for $1500, then get some ammo and some reloading equipment, That would be a good choice Im assuming?

Quoted:

Quoted:
I am having issues with my XCR so "it could work out but" I could not recommend the Robinson,  but the MSAR STG556/E4 is top flight! Hard to go wrong with an AR15 as well.

What issues are you having, and how many rounds through it?  Mine wouldn't feed reliably until it was broken in for a few hundred rounds.  I also lubed the crap out of it with tetra grease and it has run 100% ever since.  
 



Does yours function properly after the break in?
3/7/2010 3:40:04 PM EDT
[#28]



Quoted:





Does yours function properly after the break in?
Yes it does.  It took it close to 500 rounds to break in completely, but now it runs like a top, zero issues.





 
3/7/2010 6:06:44 PM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
Yeah, Im really wanting the M1A. One of the main factors is the cost to fire it. Say I get a scout M1A for $1500, then get some ammo and some reloading equipment, That would be a good choice Im assuming?

 



Reloading is going to bring your ammo costs down. To save some money on the rifle though, you can always keep a lookout for a nice used one in the Equipment Exchange and other places. There are deals to be found.

3/7/2010 6:22:14 PM EDT
[#30]

The reasons to get an XCR:

To get a really modern piston driven gun with monolithic rail.  The XCR manual or arms is so simple.  It has many features that are downright awesome.  The bolt hold open/release is ingenius.  You think FAL when you see it but the operation is effortless with your index finger.  The non-reciprocating left side charging handle with forward assist function, quick change barrels and calibers, extremely robust design.
3/8/2010 9:38:32 AM EDT
[#31]
Hmm, I think its down to either a BCM AR15 for about $1200, M1A Scout for $1500 or an XCR once I call some local UT places.

This is really tough.

The AR would be least expensive so I could maybe even get an optic and some more ammo.

I really like the M1A though, but I think it would be the most expensive to shoot, but I love the looks and history of this rifle.

Then the XCR. The most expensive but Im hoping I can find a good deal on them here in Utah. I like the fact that its a new rifle and it seems to be designed very well and be an overall well rounded gun.

Decisions decisions!
3/8/2010 10:04:53 AM EDT
[#32]
Quoted:
Hmm, I think its down to either a BCM AR15 for about $1200, M1A Scout for $1500 or an XCR once I call some local UT places.

This is really tough.

The AR would be least expensive so I could maybe even get an optic and some more ammo.

I really like the M1A though, but I think it would be the most expensive to shoot, but I love the looks and history of this rifle.

Then the XCR. The most expensive but Im hoping I can find a good deal on them here in Utah. I like the fact that its a new rifle and it seems to be designed very well and be an overall well rounded gun.

Decisions decisions!


Kermit Zahm at Wild Thangs Farms in ID has XCRs for $1628 (maybe a little less/more depending on shipping).  His email: [email protected]

HTH,
Sean
3/8/2010 12:15:29 PM EDT
[#33]
I say build a good quality AR and get an optic. Heck, I built a really nice AR with a ML3 and Larue mount for 1500$. That would leave you money for a case of ammo and 15 pmags. That is what I would recommend....
3/8/2010 1:42:55 PM EDT
[#34]
If you're interested in an XCR... I just completed a deal on March's GOTM (gun of the month). It's a little something I do for the forum guys every month. If you want dibs - and it appears to be in the price range you seek - just let me know and I'll take it off the market.

GOTM
3/8/2010 2:53:49 PM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Hmm, I think its down to either a BCM AR15 for about $1200, M1A Scout for $1500 or an XCR once I call some local UT places.

This is really tough.

The AR would be least expensive so I could maybe even get an optic and some more ammo.

I really like the M1A though, but I think it would be the most expensive to shoot, but I love the looks and history of this rifle.

Then the XCR. The most expensive but Im hoping I can find a good deal on them here in Utah. I like the fact that its a new rifle and it seems to be designed very well and be an overall well rounded gun.

Decisions decisions!


Kermit Zahm at Wild Thangs Farms in ID has XCRs for $1628 (maybe a little less/more depending on shipping).  His email: [email protected]

HTH,
Sean


Awesome, thanks. Ill shoot him an email.

Quoted:
I say build a good quality AR and get an optic. Heck, I built a really nice AR with a ML3 and Larue mount for 1500$. That would leave you money for a case of ammo and 15 pmags. That is what I would recommend....


Yeah, thats a really good idea. This is proving to be a tough choice.

Quoted:
If you're interested in an XCR... I just completed a deal on March's GOTM (gun of the month). It's a little something I do for the forum guys every month. If you want dibs - and it appears to be in the price range you seek - just let me know and I'll take it off the market.

GOTM


Ooh, awesome. I bit out of my range, but thats awesome youre doing that.

Im definitely going to sign up on that forum right now though and ask some questions there seeing as the XCR is the gun I want most.
3/8/2010 6:32:19 PM EDT
[#36]
Okay guys. I just added a poll.

Its down to those guns.

After you vote please post here and tell me why you voted what you did.

Thanks, I appreciate it.
3/8/2010 7:46:07 PM EDT
[#37]
I like my XCR so far.  I am still waiting on a flashlight mount.  It is getting kinda heavy.  I leave most rifles bare besides optics.

I wanted to make it my general purpose rifle.  The green laser is really bright.  I just zero it for like 10 yds.  Inside a house it really stands out at all hours of the day.  
This one did feel a little cheap but not airsoft cheap.  It is a LaserLyte K-15 Kryptonite green laser.  It is made in the USA and it does the job really well for a $200 laser.



3/8/2010 8:07:11 PM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
I like my XCR so far.  I am still waiting on a flashlight mount.  It is getting kinda heavy.  I leave most rifles bare besides optics.

I wanted to make it my general purpose rifle.  The green laser is really bright.  I just zero it for like 10 yds.  Inside a house it really stands out at all hours of the day.  
This one did feel a little cheap but not airsoft cheap.  It is a LaserLyte K-15 Kryptonite green laser.  It is made in the USA and it does the job really well for a $200 laser.

http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii480/DrillNFill_09/018-2.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii480/DrillNFill_09/023.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii480/DrillNFill_09/025.jpg


Absolutely gorgeous! Im jealous!
3/8/2010 9:16:05 PM EDT
[#39]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I would get the XCR.  Try and find a 6.8 for $1500.00.  Than you can get the 5.56 conversion kit from Robinson arms for $500.00.

http://www.robarm.com/images/Customer%20Images/XCR-S-1.gif


Why do that? Can I not get the 5.56 for less than that?

I sure you can.  The 5.56 conversion cost less than the 6.8 conversion.

Just an idea.


3/8/2010 10:00:46 PM EDT
[#40]
Quoted:
I like my XCR so far.  I am still waiting on a flashlight mount.  It is getting kinda heavy.  I leave most rifles bare besides optics.

I wanted to make it my general purpose rifle.  The green laser is really bright.  I just zero it for like 10 yds.  Inside a house it really stands out at all hours of the day.  
This one did feel a little cheap but not airsoft cheap.  It is a LaserLyte K-15 Kryptonite green laser.  It is made in the USA and it does the job really well for a $200 laser.

http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii480/DrillNFill_09/018-2.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii480/DrillNFill_09/023.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii480/DrillNFill_09/025.jpg


Sharp looking gun. How much does that weigh all dressed up like that?
3/9/2010 5:08:05 PM EDT
[#41]
ds309
Take off that bipod to shed some weight.  You can alwas use what's around you in the field to support your weapon instead of using the bipod.  That'll save you some poundage.
3/9/2010 6:45:10 PM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
ds309
Take off that bipod to shed some weight.  You can alwas use what's around you in the field to support your weapon instead of using the bipod.  That'll save you some poundage.


It comes off easy.  I love it as it is.  My field includes includes a little 4X4 driving and shooting at whatever targets I find or set up in a safe and legal manner.  
I don't walk far from the truck if you know what I mean.  I like the A/C in the summer and the heat in the winter.  If I rwant I take it off and I do sometimes.  
I shoot it from the bench sometimes and prefer a front bipod with rear bag.  It does weigh alot but I like it anyways.  My LMT 10.5 is my KISS rifle.
3/10/2010 1:36:24 PM EDT
[#43]
I think Im going to get the XCR.

Thanks for help people!
3/10/2010 1:52:11 PM EDT
[#44]
of those listed i'd probably go with the AR. Sig would be second. M1A's are sexy as hell, but i've owned several over the years, but own none now. for various reasons............
3/10/2010 4:22:40 PM EDT
[#45]
MSAR for the win
3/10/2010 7:01:02 PM EDT
[#46]
Factory direct, you're not going to get an XCR for $1500 dead-on. For a 5.56 with a light 16" barrel and folding tube stock - which is fairly standard - you're looking at $1725.


Now, some dealers out there offer outstanding pricing, and you could very well get an XCR for $1500-$1600 from one of them.
3/10/2010 8:12:20 PM EDT
[#47]
Yeah, I figured that would be around the price. A little more than Id like to spend, but I think the awesomeness of both the XCR and RA is worth the extra money. :)

I think the XCR, BUIS and about 500xPMC will hopefully be right around my budget.
Worst case scenario I sell my 10/22 to afford the ammo.

Then later down the road I definitely want to get an Aimpoint or a Burris optic. And even later on, I want to get it Duracoated with some awesome German Flektarn or some custom colored digital camo.

So its about 90% that the XCR will be in my hands as soon as I sell my motorcycle!

3/10/2010 8:22:15 PM EDT
[#48]
I'd personally stay with a good quality AR. I am not totally sold on the XCR yet, but it does look like a great carbine.

I personally want a gun that offers reliability, light weight, accuracy, and easy to find parts. Until I start having problems with my BCM, RRA, or Spike's AR I don't see any reason to change them.
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