New to ARs and need selection advice

[trick pony]

Im basicly looking for an M4 type setup. I like the shorter length and retractable stock. I need some advice however on the most cost effective way to get this gun (cheep as possible). Im thinking i should buy a stag arms complete lower, then buy an upper and just go that route. I think the stag arms lowers are like $205. Im pretty sure i can get a less expensive upper for maybe around $300.

Do you pretty much just snap the upper and lower together and your good to go or will i need parts if i go this route?

[sarge]

If you but a complete lower and a complete upper, all you do is push 2 pins in and they are together.

[biggl35]

STAG makes great lowers and uppers. I would go with a STAG lower. But you say you can get a $300 upper. What brand and config are you looking at, for $300?

The upper is IMHO, the part you do not want to go cheap with.

[keepontruckin]

I'm in the exact same position. I have cordoned off a good chunk of my bonus for my first rifle, but I am a cheap bastard and will rarely get a chance to shoot it anyway.

[tpsh]

Originally posted by keepontruckin
I'm in the exact same position. I have cordoned off a good chunk of my bonus for my first rifle, but I am a cheap bastard and will rarely get a chance to shoot it anyway.

Cheap doesn't mean it will wear out quicker but it does mean it may not function properly. My first upper was a cheap (Model 1 Sales) one and it did not work right out of the box. First round =first jam with that upper and it continued from there.

IMO cheap will save you money but not your sanity when it jams consistantly on the range.

Spend the extra $100 or so and buy quality (preferably STAG :) )

[Sajer]

For a cheap build I used a J&T kit along with a Bushy lower I had gotten in a trade some years ago. The kit went together very well and the rifle has been 100%.

If you want to go cheap try the stripped Stag or Superior lower. You can then pick up a kit for around $500 and you will have a nice AR for 400 or so. You could also just pick up parts as you go and build for cheaper.

Taking the complete Stag lower and the complete Stag upper will have you in the $700 range easy.

Good luck.

[Matt`G]

I read a review of a Stag AR15 in American Rifleman a few months ago... they complained about the trigger. None of you recommending Stag have mentioned anything about the trigger -- were they off base?

[biggl35]

Originally posted by Matt`G
I read a review of a Stag AR15 in American Rifleman a few months ago... they complained about the trigger. None of you recommending Stag have mentioned anything about the trigger -- were they off base? No problem with the three that I have.

[goblue]

I haven't run the math, but I think it would be very difficult to get a quality new build for under $650.

The lower you speak of- does that come with a stock? Also, the upper you speak of- does that come with a BCG, sights?

[Pyzik]

I was thinking of getting his guy... http://atlanticfirearms.com/programming/expand.asp?Prodid=22
or just same my money and get a bushy or DPMS or something like that?

[trick pony]

Go to Oly arms website...the plinker plus would be a better buy i think

[AR15Armory Neil]

Originally posted by trick pony
Go to Oly arms website...the plinker plus would be a better buy i think

Stay away from the Oly Plinker, check this out.
Oly Arms Rifle (http://www.ar15armory.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7102)