View Full Version : New to the AR world but I got the bug and need some help!
I have always been a handgun guy, I've got a little variety from Glocks to Kimbers. I've dabbled in some shotguns too, but not I want an AR! The closest thing I have is a Beretta Storm 9mm carbine but I need a .223. I want to start out with something at a decent price and need a little help finding something. I have looked at Rock River Arms and they have a nice model that I like, the Tactical Entry. I'm looking for a shorter, tactical, "evil" looking gun. If anyone has some ideas for an AR n00b that would be awsome.
RMTactical
10-02-2005, 00:39
If you're just looking to get an AR similar to the Entry Tactical, but for less, you could look at Stag Arms. They make an excellent rifle for a great price.
You could get this rifle for about $705 or so...
http://www.stagarms.com/cart/images/stag_arms_model1.gif
You'd just need to buy the lower half ($215), and the upper half ($490) and mate the two halves.
from here.
http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm
The same place sells the entry tactical in the same configuration for $805. The upgrades for the Entry Tactical are hogue grip, one mag, 2-stage trigger, and star selector switch. The 2-stage being an $88 upgrade, but not truly necessary.
http://www.eaglefirearms.net/images/Entry_Tactical.jpg
http://www.eaglefirearms.net/Rock%20River%20Arms%20Rifles.htm
I recommend the Stag for a first rifle, although the RRA Entry Tactical is an excellent weapon and good value as well. Both guns will be identical in terms of quality, considering Stag is the house brand of CMT, who makes most of the parts for RRA.
Bushw@cker
10-02-2005, 00:57
I would also go the Stag route from Eagle firearms. They are great people and will treat you right. Piecing together the Stag lower and upper will produce a rifle as good or better than any Colt, Bushmaster, RRA, etc. for well under the price of any of those guns. If I could go back and do it all over again for my first AR, it's what I would do.
The main part I like about the Tactical Entry is the carrying handle. Can that be purchaed seperate and put on a Stag??
Bushw@cker
10-02-2005, 01:34
Originally posted by CDPMan
The main part I like about the Tactical Entry is the carrying handle. Can that be purchaed seperate and put on a Stag??
Actually, you have a number of options for what to put on the flat top when you buy the Stag M4 upper from Eagle, including the option of a standard detachable carry handle or the "tactical" carry handle pictured on the RRA.
http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm#Upper%20Receiver%20Assemblies
The upper is $490 with a standard carry handle and $519 with the tactical carry handle. I would strongly reccomend getting a standard carry handle.
RMTactical
10-02-2005, 02:49
Originally posted by Bushw@cker
Actually, you have a number of options for what to put on the flat top when you buy the Stag M4 upper from Eagle, including the option of a standard detachable carry handle or the "tactical" carry handle pictured on the RRA.
http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm#Upper%20Receiver%20Assemblies
The upper is $490 with a standard carry handle and $519 with the tactical carry handle.
+1 what he said.
Why should I get the standard carry handle? I think the tactical would be better and easier for mounting optics.
RMTactical
10-02-2005, 11:36
Originally posted by CDPMan
Why should I get the standard carry handle? I think the tactical would be better and easier for mounting optics.
Well, you can do it either way. The detachable "tactical" carry handle is more expensive, but there's nothing wrong with it. The point is, you can get both guns with either handle.
Go ahead and get the Stag and order it with a detachable tactical carry handle (if you want to). You'll get it for about $100 less than the RRA without sacrificing quality.
Get what you want.
Good luck.
Bushw@cker
10-02-2005, 13:20
Originally posted by CDPMan
Why should I get the standard carry handle? I think the tactical would be better and easier for mounting optics.
Yes and no. True, if you are going to mount an Aimpoint and that's all you ever plan to use on the gun, it will work fine. But that's pretty much all that will work with it. Can't put an EOtech on it, as it will sit way too high. And other optics such as traditional scopes and ACOGs are better suited being mounted directly to the flat top. Like Gorelicks said, just get what you want. You can always change it later, and that is the beauty of the AR system.
ElConquistador
10-02-2005, 13:26
Originally posted by CDPMan
Why should I get the standard carry handle? I think the tactical would be better and easier for mounting optics.
I think what they're saying is that you should get the flat-top with the detachable handle. That way you can take off the handle and optics or leave it on and use irons.
The red dot I was planning on using is an Optima 2000. I have one on my Beretta Storm and I LOVE it. It's nice and compact and I can use my iron sights with it also. I was planning on buying another for my AR.
ElConquistador
10-02-2005, 14:51
Here's what your storm will look like next to it's new big brother... ...-the optima of course.
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL584/3219216/8439986/113686572.jpg
Bushw@cker
10-02-2005, 15:00
Originally posted by CDPMan
The red dot I was planning on using is an Optima 2000. I have one on my Beretta Storm and I LOVE it. It's nice and compact and I can use my iron sights with it also. I was planning on buying another for my AR.
Well, if you are planning on using the Optima, mounting directly to the flat top won't work, so like you previously thought, the tactical carry handle is probably a decent way to go. I have never used an Optima so I am not sure about front sight base interference on the AR but if it works, more power to you. The tactical carry handle isn't a bad piece and I am sure you would be happy with it.
Red Moose
10-03-2005, 07:54
Take a look at Item #38080034 on GunBroker.com . . . it is a nice package available in your price range, and ready to go.
DunedinDragon
10-03-2005, 09:15
Originally posted by ElConquistador
Here's what your storm will look like next to it's new big brother... ...-the optima of course.
http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL584/3219216/8439986/113686572.jpg
Be careful. Big brother might make little brother pee his pants!!!
Are there weaver or piccatiny mounts that go on top of the carry handle?
DunedinDragon
10-04-2005, 04:16
Originally posted by CDPMan
Are there weaver or piccatiny mounts that go on top of the carry handle?
Yes, but if you plan to mount a scope or other optics up there be aware that in order to use it you won't be able to maintain an appropriate cheek weld against the buttstock, and because of the distance away from the muzzle's line of fire you will have some deficiencies in MOA over long distances. It may not be enough for you to be concerned with, but it is a consideration.
As for myself, I have a 16" bbl A2 and I mount my EOtech on a top rail on my handgrip. That keeps it in my line of fire and allows me to co-sight with my iron sights. For long distances I intend to eventually get a different upper, probably a 20" Varmint type, without a carry handle and will mount that one with an appropriate scope.
Are DPMS or Bushmasters decent guns? The local shop has both for decent prices.
cant speak for DPMS, but bushmaster is as good as they get.
RMTactical
10-07-2005, 14:00
Originally posted by CDPMan
Are DPMS or Bushmasters decent guns? The local shop has both for decent prices.
Both are good.
dsg2003gt
10-07-2005, 14:15
i would go with the rock river, i just like the finish much better than the stag. the two stage trigger is like a nice 1911. worth $100 imho.
Luis Leon
10-08-2005, 23:32
GoreLicks,
you wrote
"If you're just looking to get an AR similar to the Entry Tactical, but for less, you could look at Stag Arms. They make an excellent rifle for a great price. You could get this rifle for about $705 or so...
You'd just need to buy the lower half ($215), and the upper half ($490) and mate the two halves. from here. http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm"
Your post here was what made finally take the plunge. I ordered a complete Stag lower with A2 stock and a Rock River Arms CAR4 with the normal detachable handle, and 4-30 round colt preban mag. I saved $200 dollars over what I was going to get and the difference bought me a case of ammo. Thanks for your advice, I know it wasn't geared towards me, but it was a great help.;c
regards,
Luis Leon
RMTactical
10-08-2005, 23:45
Originally posted by Luis Leon
GoreLicks,
you wrote
"If you're just looking to get an AR similar to the Entry Tactical, but for less, you could look at Stag Arms. They make an excellent rifle for a great price. You could get this rifle for about $705 or so...
You'd just need to buy the lower half ($215), and the upper half ($490) and mate the two halves. from here. http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm"
Your post here was what made finally take the plunge. I ordered a complete Stag lower with A2 stock and a Rock River Arms CAR4 with the normal detachable handle, and 4-30 round colt preban mag. I saved $200 dollars over what I was going to get and the difference bought me a case of ammo. Thanks for your advice, I know it wasn't geared towards me, but it was a great help.;c
regards,
Luis Leon
Glad to hear it. Welcome to the club, make sure you post up some pics for us when it gets in. You will be pleased.
vBulletin® v3.7.3, Copyright ©2000-2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
