I'm thinking of getting my first AR

r106

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I'm thinking of taking the plunge on a AR. My problem is I know sweet F-all about them. I've been doing some reading trying to get caught up. I'm looking @ the Stag Arms 2T-R CDN LE Tactical Carbine.

http://www.armseast.com/store/right_hand_rifles/stag_arms_2t_r_1/7_cdn_le/

I was also thinking of the M&P 15 as it would compliment my M&P 9 nicely. But I don't hear much about them here, is there a reason to avoid them?

and lastly I was looking at a Core 15

http://www.oneshottactical.com/Merc...&Product_Code=FM-CO15MP100&Category_Code=CORE

Out of those three what would you choose and why?

Is it worth paying the extra and looking at piston or is it over rated and gas is fine?
With the front sight post is it removable? Or do I need to figure out if and what I want for optics before and will it interfere?

lastly were else is a good place to look at purchasing an AR other than the 2 above

Thanks for the help guy's. Threads like this are probably like a " what gun to use as bear defense " in the hunting forum LOL

I should add the Armalite M15A4 Carbine in the mix
 
I have the Core15 basic DI model ($1099) it works perfectly.
I rather buy the TAC model from Core15 if your going to buy the Stag Arms. For almost $200 cheaper, you can get the same gun.
TAC model:
http://www.oneshottactical.com/Merc...&Product_Code=FM-CO15MP100&Category_Code=CORE

I heard M&P 15 had decent reviews down in the US, but i am not sure about in Canada.

Piston is better than Di because it runs cooler and cleaner. But piston is also more expensive and the replacement parts are hard to find and expensive.
Either way, you need to clean your piston AR15....just need to spend less time on it than a DI(gas) AR15.
Most optics/red dots will co-witness with the A2 sights. And yes you can remove most A2 sights...just need some tools.
 
r106, how much money do you want to spend?

Direct impingement AR's are typically cheaper than a piston-driven one, and since we can only use our AR's at the range, with 10 round mags at the max, there's really no advantage to a piston-driven AR EXCEPT for the ease of cleaning the bolt, bolt carrier, and the upper receiver.

North Eastern Arms makes AR's in Canada, and another option for you might be a Norinco AR. Again, it depends on how much money you want to spend.

An AR is a great rifle and you can have a lot of fun with it. Welcome to the AR club!!!

An AR is easy to clean anyway, all you have to do is read the manual.
 
What do you intend to use it for?

Different configurations/features are better suited for different applications.

My first AR was a Stag from Arms East. It has been rock solid from day one and has functioned perfectly even though at one point I didn't really clean it for a couple thousand rounds.
Can't go wrong with one.

But you need to try and narrow down the possible uses (just messing around at the range, competing in 3 gun matches, service rifle matches, posing in the mirror dressed up like Rambo....) and make a list of features you think you would like the rifle to have.
Then find the one that best fits your needs.

And my opinion of piston is its not worth it.
AR's weren't designed to be piston driven.
puts stress loads on the bolt carrier and upper received that they were not designed for.
Others may have a different opinion but discussions I've had with my gunsmith have convinced me of this.
 
r106, how much money do you want to spend?

Direct impingement AR's are typically cheaper than a piston-driven one, and since we can only use our AR's at the range, with 10 round mags at the max, there's really no advantage to a piston-driven AR EXCEPT for the ease of cleaning the bolt, bolt carrier, and the upper receiver.

North Eastern Arms makes AR's in Canada, and another option for you might be a Norinco AR. Again, it depends on how much money you want to spend.

An AR is a great rifle and you can have a lot of fun with it. Welcome to the AR club!!!

An AR is easy to clean anyway, all you have to do is read the manual.

I'm thinking of trying to stay around the $1500 mark.

What do you intend to use it for?

Different configurations/features are better suited for different applications.

My first AR was a Stag from Arms East. It has been rock solid from day one and has functioned perfectly even though at one point I didn't really clean it for a couple thousand rounds.
Can't go wrong with one.

But you need to try and narrow down the possible uses (just messing around at the range, competing in 3 gun matches, service rifle matches, posing in the mirror dressed up like Rambo....) and make a list of features you think you would like the rifle to have.
Then find the one that best fits your needs.

And my opinion of piston is its not worth it.
AR's weren't designed to be piston driven.
puts stress loads on the bolt carrier and upper received that they were not designed for.
Others may have a different opinion but discussions I've had with my gunsmith have convinced me of this.

My only intended use for it now is fun at the range. The only thing I intend to add is some optics. But would like irons to start off with
 
For around 1500 you could also look at LMT AR's.

I got a 16" LMT defender from Scott at Questar as my first AR and so far I have been very happy with it.
 
Why a head scratcher? I'll admit I'm a Spikes fanboy...but only because I haven't found anything better about the other brands (except for HK...I drink that koolaid also but can't swing $4k yet on an AR) that warrants the massive price increase (over a Spikes). You might point out that they're used overseas by the military. Ok, valid point...but the Spikes rifles are used by LE quite a bit down south. Apples to oranges I know...but they're a range only gun here.

Now you might point out that the same can be said of a Norc...but I'm willing to pay more to get the fit/finish of a Spikes so that one is moot.

So really...what do you find wrong with the Spikes AR? Not trying to be a ####...just want to know...
 
Why a head scratcher? I'll admit I'm a Spikes fanboy...but only because I haven't found anything better about the other brands (except for HK...I drink that koolaid also but can't swing $4k yet on an AR) that warrants the massive price increase (over a Spikes). You might point out that they're used overseas by the military. Ok, valid point...but the Spikes rifles are used by LE quite a bit down south. Apples to oranges I know...but they're a range only gun here.

Now you might point out that the same can be said of a Norc...but I'm willing to pay more to get the fit/finish of a Spikes so that one is moot.

So really...what do you find wrong with the Spikes AR? Not trying to be a ####...just want to know...

I actually have a Spike's 300 Blk build on the go. So I don't have anything against them, they are just not in the same league as KAC,HK,LMT,DD.

The HK and KAC uppers and lowers are VERY different than your average AR upper and lower for the obvious reasons (ambi, piston in the HK upper, built in BUIS FSP and KAC length gas tubes in the KAC upper etc etc). LMT is very very good quality and rightfully Tier 1. DD is quickly proving themselves as well with their rail systems and optics mounts being top notch.

Spike's is just a standard mostly MIL-SPEC AR. There are a lot of companies like CORE-15 you could lump in with them. Very good AR's but not cream of the crop like HK,KAC,LMT,DD.Leibermuster said "go all out"!
 
lets keep this on topic here. I don't have a unlimited budget.

Is the stag not as popular here? why?

I'm really liking the look of the core 15 M4 tac what are peoples opinion on those.
 
1-4 are all good choices with HK and KAC being the clear front runners. But then Spikes....that's a head scratcher. :confused:

An ATRS build or a Colt if you can get it would be better suited for.

Colt is over priced up here in Canada, I just would not spend $2500 on there rifle, why bother just get an SR15.

As for spike's there quality of parts is impressing me for what they sell, mind you some of there good stuff is manufactured by others companies but they are proving themselves as a good company that does not take themselves to seriously all the time. Example there Zombie stuff, very civi friendly.

Oh yeah I forgot to mention Noveske, which I own as well.

1.HK
2.KAC
3.DD
4 Noveske
5. LMT
6. Spikes
7

A lot of this depends on the price and budget and off course availability to be considered as well.
 
lets keep this on topic here. I don't have a unlimited budget.

Is the stag not as popular here? why?

I'm really liking the look of the core 15 M4 tac what are peoples opinion on those.


How much money do you have to spend?
What type of rifle do you want?
Can you buy the whole rifle with all accessories over time?

More information required, and a dollar commitment on your part is paramount.
 
How much money do you have to spend?
What type of rifle do you want?
Can you buy the whole rifle with all accessories over time?

More information required, and a dollar commitment on your part is paramount.

As I said in post #5 I'm trying to stay at or bellow $1500 before tax

Intended use is just fun at the range. I like the look of the 16" barrels. Flat top with Irons as I will upgrade to optics in the future. I also prefer the look of the 7" hand guards or rail. Thats why I'm not a fan of the NEA AR's .

I will be the first to admit my knowledge of AR's is seriously lacking.
I don't want to dump a lot of money in to it but I don't want crap either. I bought a norinco for my first hand gun. and while it functions great, it doesn't have great quality. I don't want to do that with a AR. Looking for a good middle of the pack AR.
 
As I said in post #5 I'm trying to stay at or bellow $1500 before tax

Intended use is just fun at the range. I like the look of the 16" barrels. Flat top with Irons as I will upgrade to optics in the future. I also prefer the look of the 7" hand guards or rail. Thats why I'm not a fan of the NEA AR's .

I will be the first to admit my knowledge of AR's is seriously lacking.
I don't want to dump a lot of money in to it but I don't want crap either. I bought a norinco for my first hand gun. and while it functions great, it doesn't have great quality. I don't want to do that with a AR. Looking for a good middle of the pack AR.

Buy a Daniel Defence carbine off One Shot then and never look back.
 
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