I saw one on the rack at a local gunstore with a bunch of bushmasters that ranged from 899-1099.

It seemed to have the flash supressor and bayonet lug, as well as a collapsible stock.

Is this a good deal?  The guy at the gunstore said Armalite and Colt are basically the best AR's and Bushmasters come in close after.

That's a great deal for the guy selling it.

For you?

Not so good.

Yes, it’s a good deal for a gun store complete rifle.

But…

You can buy a lower receiver with internals and a stock for $250-$300 or so. The lower receiver is what’s actually considered the firearm and has to be delivered to you through a licensed firearms dealer. Gun stores will often do this for you for a $25.00 fee.

Then you can buy, through the mail, a complete upper receiver for perhaps $500-$550. Pin them together and you have a complete AR for about $800. Naturally the price will vary considerably depending on what options you want. But you can essentially design the rifle you want this way.

You won’t have a warranty. A sling ($15.00) or a magazine ($10.00) but these are very small costs compared to the roughly $200 premium you would be paying for the Armalite. Check out the Armalite website. You can get complete uppers for $500 and a complete lower (Eagle Arms) for $265.

i'd pass.....or offer $900 out the door, just b/c its an "Armalite"

but yea, you might be able to find em used for cheaper; was the one there NIB?

Armalite qulality is tops!

It was brand new.  

I'd rate Armalite as roughly equivalent in quality to Bushmaster, but I wouldn't pay more than $900 for a new one.  Especially if you have to pay sales tax on it (not sure if you have sales tax in TX).

I just built one for $760, that includes FFL fee and shipping.  Pretty much all STAG parts.

8.25% sales tax in TX

Quoted: That's a great deal for the guy selling it. For you? Not so good.

So true.

I coulda swore the assualt weapons ban had infact went away

NOT a good deal for you ..

Quoted: Is this a good deal?  The guy at the gunstore said Armalite and Colt are basically the best AR's and Bushmasters come in close after.

That right there should be your first clue he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Ok so 900 is the most i should pay for an Armalite.

What is the most I should pay for a Rock River Arms or Bushermaster?

Thanks for the comments.  You are making me a more informed buyer.  

Quoted: Ok so 900 is the most i should pay for an Armalite. What is the most I should pay for a Rock River Arms or Bushermaster? Thanks for the comments.  You are making me a more informed buyer.

RRAs are usually a little cheaper; you can pick up NIB A3w/ carry handle Bushy carbines for ~$875; around the same for RRAs--A2s are usually cheaper (~$50+)
some places will let you leave off the detachable CHs and deduct up to $100...

check out some of the dealers in the Industry forum and compare prices

Quoted: I just built one for $760, that includes FFL fee and shipping.  Pretty much all STAG parts.

+1

have a B.M. but the next will be built w/stag parts also.   save $$$ and its still a great AR.

Not so much, Should be about 8-900 out the door IMO