Differences in Manufacturers for the AR

[blunt0trauma]

I know some people might scoff at this question and tell me to search through alllllll the posts cause Im sure its been discussed thoroughly.
Here it goes none the less.. ...

Im looking at buying and AR or two one a rifle and one a pistol.
I am boggled by all the choice of manufacturers.
So whats are the differences besides price.

Norinco has a very attractive price but is it garbage? From what I understand the Chinese military doesnt even use it. There might be a police Dept. here and there that uses it but isnt that a sign?

On the more expensive side Barret has going for much much more.

Who do I want to make my AR? I dont want to spend more than I have to for a reliable AR. HELP!!!! please!!

 

[Lojak]

Norinco has a very attractive price but is it garbage? From what I understand the Chinese military doesnt even use it. There might be a police Dept. here and there that uses it but isnt that a sign?

I believe Peru uses the military version as their primary service rifle.

That said, I won't support the Chinese arms industry.

ETA: To answer your question.. I built my first AR. It was a learning experience, but an expensive one. I probably paid a third more than I needed to, and I still had minor issues (related to the myriad of parts I used). If I were to do it again (and I will), I'll be calling Arms East and buying one of their Stag's. Quality, backed by a warranty.

-- L

 

[blunt0trauma]

Arms east, are they the only ones who carry stag? The prices are crazy compared to the STAG site prices. The 8L doesnt even have a price so you know its the price is gonna be through the roof. Like when you go to a restaurant and the dish or entree says seasonal you know that s#*t is gonna be through the roof.

 

[Gundoggy]

Get one of the really well priced LMT's from Questar. First rate AR manufacturer.

 

[hbean]

Arms east, are they the only ones who carry stag? The prices are crazy compared to the STAG site prices.

First thing when it comes to firearms is to stop looking at pricing on US websites, the differences in pricing will never change until either the US becomes the 12th Province or we becomes the 52nd State.

however compare the prices you see now vs what it was like 2-3 years ago, you will see huge different in pricing due to stronger Canadian dollar.

 

[blunt0trauma]

First thing when it comes to firearms is to stop looking at pricing on US websites, the differences in pricing will never change until either the US becomes the 12th Province or we becomes the 52nd State.

however compare the prices you see now vs what it was like 2-3 years ago, you will see huge different in pricing due to stronger Canadian dollar.

Yeah you have a point, thats why I ask about who else might sell stag in Canada. Ive been looking at getting a few other firearms and Ive seen 200-300$ price range differences in more than one model.

Depending on price differences I may very well go with the LMT.
So many frigin choices!

 

[hbean]

Go with the LMT from Questar the latest batch are the based on the Shotshow pricing, so they are as good as they come, not to mention they are in stock an ready to ship. just remember the model number ends with the "X" means they are the export model, so they come with non threaded barrel and fixed adjustable stock.

 

[blunt0trauma]

Would a piston driven AR be better than a regular one? If LMT makes one which one is it ?

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

Would a piston driven AR be better than a regular one? If LMT makes one which one is it ?

NO
Piston systems in ARs are more a fad than useful.
Should the maker of whatever piston system that is used in any AR build go out of business as happens all to frequently with gun parts makers, you are screwed for getting replacement parts as NONE of the current piston systems are using interchangeable parts.
Piston systems jack the prices up LOTS and it seems you have some concerns over costs which is understandable.
To have to change a $20.00 gas tube every several thousand rounds is not a big deal.
The AR as been around for 50 years and has worked just fine without a piston system, something many piston operated rifles of similar class can not claim.

 

[chrisward3]

Would a piston driven AR be better than a regular one? If LMT makes one which one is it ?

piston driven is a fad (if it really was that much better, then all militaries would be retrofitting their small arms with piston kits). Stick with the standard gas system and you wont have any troubles.

IIRC, even the early HK 416s (purpose-built piston gun) were having issues with the upper receivers cracking due to the increased forces and stresses being put on it.

Stick with what works (and is cheaper).

Also, x2 on the LMTs, I have 2 myself (10.5" and 18"), and the fit, finish, and quality are top notch (on par with Noveske)

 

[blunt0trauma]

I kinda figured as much but to me piston out of the gate seems like a better idea than what's currently used in ARs. The rifle is as it sounds not designed for a piston. So I ask why would you design a rifle without a piston. Sks, ak, benellis r1 or what ever it's called lots of rifles that are piston driven. Why eliminate it in design ?

 

[Claven2]

The brands I would recommend, confining this to AR's easily available in Canada, include (in no particular order):

-LMT (known quanitity)
-Stag (known quantity, lifetime warranty to original purchaser)
-ATRS Custom AR
-Aero Precision upper and lower, assuming you build them up with decent parts
-S&W MP15, though it has some limitations such as unthreaded muzzle, no bayo lug, etc.

I should caveat this response as follows:

1) I prefer DI AR's so I didn't cover any piston offerings)
2) I haven't yet seen the forthcomming sub-$1000 NEA AR, which might prove to be an excellent choice.
3) Questar now offers a sub-$1000 US made AR15 besed on a vulcan lower. I have heard zero reviews, but on a budget, it's a possibly nice alternative to Chinese.
4) I didn't mention brands like KAC, Noveske, Colt, etc. since they are not readilay available and/or are astronomically pried in Canada for the return you get on paper at the range.

 

[Ar180shooter]

I kinda figured as much but to me piston out of the gate seems like a better idea than what's currently used in ARs. The rifle is as it sounds not designed for a piston. So I ask why would you design a rifle without a piston. Sks, ak, benellis r1 or what ever it's called lots of rifles that are piston driven. Why eliminate it in design ?

It's simpler, lighter, and more accurate.

 

[Farmboy]

Cadex lower with Daniel Defense Lower Parts Kits. We have a steady flow of both.

I didn't mention brands like KAC, Noveske, Colt, etc. since they are not readilay available and/or are astronomically pried in Canada for the return you get on paper at the range.

We have a steady stream of KAC SR-15 uppers coming in, and now a steady stream of SR-25EMC's. Pricing isn't that astronomical compared to the US.

 

[blunt0trauma]

Why didnt they design it with a piston ? Is there a problem with piston driven rifles ?

 

[Gundoggy]

LMT made a piston rifle for their CQB/MRP. None in stock at Questar right now. Advantage of the LMT is that if you don't like the piston, just get DI barrel and gas tube for the CQB/MRP.

 

[Agent Law]

Why didnt they design it with a piston ? Is there a problem with piston driven rifles ?

Do you mean why didn't they design the AR-15 with a piston? AFAIK, the answer is weight; Stoner was trying to create the lightest rifle possible.

He did create a piston rifle a few years later, the AR-18.

 

[blunt0trauma]

Ahhh so just for the weight interesting.
I did see the AR 180b but its rare since there was only limited production.
I was thinking about getting the AR180b before the AR15 but near impossible and not that great of an idea, I think.....

 

[Chizzy]

LMT made a piston rifle for their CQB/MRP. None in stock at Questar right now. Advantage of the LMT is that if you don't like the piston, just get DI barrel and gas tube for the CQB/MRP.

AR Newbie question here..... Is there any reason to avoid LMT's Monolithic Rail Platform with quick change barrel system? Are you tying yourself into a non-standardized proprietary system if you ever needed replacement parts? Thanks for your time.

Regards,

Chizzy

 

[enefgee]

Why didnt they design it with a piston ? Is there a problem with piston driven rifles ?

Less weight = easier to carry
Less Parts = less to break
Less moving parts = less perceived recoil, and recoil all follows the line of the stock, which is in line with the recoiling mass, makes it easier to control on full auto.
(Arguably) Better accuracy - the barrel isn't dealing with a great big piston tied to it that's slamming back and forward and screwing up it's harmonics.

(PS: ArmsEast is the importer of Stag Arms Rifles - if you call/email them they'll let you know if there's a dealer in your area - a dealer may sell for less than the importer's SRP - the importer, obviously, won't)