View Full Version : best bang for your buck
hey guys whats the best bang for ur buck under 1000 out there? im looking at bushmasters how are they. any other recomendations
switch625
08-28-2006, 13:29
Stag Arms and Rock River.
STAG lower, and spend the rest on a quality barreled upper. I assume the $1000 does not include optics?
These are the four items I would use no matter what.
LMT/CMT upper reciever
LMT bolt
Noveske barrel
Free float handguards
The rest is really up to you as far as sights, optics etc. Spend the money on your barrel.
jrs93accord
08-28-2006, 17:56
As far as "best bang for the buck", it depends on what configuration you want your AR in. What barrel length? Which barrel configuration?Carbine, Midlength, etc.? Free float rail or not? Which upper reciever (A1, A2, A3)? Fixed stock or telescopic stock? You get the idea. When one ask what is the "best bang for the buck", you should be specific about the model(s) in question. As far as overall value, I personally think that DPMS provides a superb AR for a very reasonable price. I am also a fan of building your own. I did that on my second AR. Before optics, I have a little over $1000 in it.
RRA stripped lower - $109
RRA lower parts kit - $60
Falcon Industries "ERGO GRIP" - $27
Yankee Hill Machine single point sling adapter - $12.50
VLTOR Carbine "Clubfoot" Modstock callapsible stock - $152
Magpul enhanced trigger guard - $19.00
STAG Model 2H flat-top 16" M4 upper (complete) w/ ARMS #40 A2 BUIS - $479 (delivered)
Troy Industries MRF-C FF Rail - $175 (delivered)
Phantom 5C2 Flash Suppressor - $29.95
PRI "Big Latch" for charging handle - $19.95
It all depends on what you are looking for as to what the "best bang for the buck" is.
DPMS makes great rifles for great prices.
Alaskapopo
08-28-2006, 23:45
Originally posted by Jay26
DPMS makes great rifles for great prices.
As an armorer and firearms instructor who has been stuck at departments issuing DPMS guns I could not disagree more. They have a very high lemon factor from what I have seen. So much that I will not trust them and I carry my own personally owned Colt.
Pat
jrs93accord
08-29-2006, 03:54
Originally posted by Alaskapopo
As an armorer and firearms instructor who has been stuck at departments issuing DPMS guns I could not disagree more. They have a very high lemon factor from what I have seen. So much that I will not trust them and I carry my own personally owned Colt.
Pat
You have to remember that some of the early DPMS ARs do/did have some defects. However, the ARs produced in the past couple of years have been of much better quality. Mine functions flawlessly and the fit and finish are above par. I would put it up next to an expensive brand AR any day. DPMS is one of the top three in AR sales. There must be a good reason for that.
Alaskapopo
08-29-2006, 03:57
Originally posted by jrs93accord
You have to remember that some of the early DPMS ARs do/did have some defects. However, the ARs produced in the past couple of years have been of much better quality. Mine functions flawlessly and the fit and finish are above par. I would put it up next to an expensive brand AR any day. DPMS is one of the top three in AR sales. There must be a good reason for that.
Its possible they have gotten better I can't say. But as for being in the top three for sales thats because their cheap. Less expensive guns will always sell.
Pat
3 different DPMS carbines, and satisfied with them all.
jrs93accord
08-29-2006, 16:51
Originally posted by Alaskapopo
Its possible they have gotten better I can't say. But as for being in the top three for sales thats because their cheap. Less expensive guns will always sell.
Pat
DPMS-Panther Arms ranks third in production amongst AR-15 rifle manufacturers according to the 2004 statistics released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. DPMS continues its march to the top of the list, climbing two spots from 2003.
Rifles Manufactured in 2004
Bushmaster: 44,348
Colt: 13,705
DPMS-Panther Arms: 11,889
Armalite: 10,013
Rock River Arms: 8,742
Kel Tec: 7,851
Olympic Arms: 6,554
Now let's see, the two most expensive brands are #1 and #2 followed by the next most expensive at #5, then #4. DPMS falls in at #3. I am sure if the numbers reflected the most rifles being sold were less expensive ones, then Colt, Bushmaster, RRA, and Armalite would be further down the list that where they are. There is always going to be an argument about DPMS and a few other less expensive brands being quality ARs. Let's face the fact that Colt, Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, and Armalite do not dominate the market like they use to. I would be curious to see the numbers for 2006 so far.
Originally posted by jrs93accord
DPMS-Panther Arms ranks third in production amongst AR-15 rifle manufacturers according to the 2004 statistics released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. DPMS continues its march to the top of the list, climbing two spots from 2003.
Rifles Manufactured in 2004
Bushmaster: 44,348
Colt: 13,705
DPMS-Panther Arms: 11,889
Armalite: 10,013
Rock River Arms: 8,742
Kel Tec: 7,851
Olympic Arms: 6,554
Now let's see, the two most expensive brands are #1 and #2 followed by the next most expensive at #5, then #4. DPMS falls in at #3. I am sure if the numbers reflected the most rifles being sold were less expensive ones, then Colt, Bushmaster, RRA, and Armalite would be further down the list that where they are. There is always going to be an argument about DPMS and a few other less expensive brands being quality ARs. Let's face the fact that Colt, Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, and Armalite do not dominate the market like they use to. I would be curious to see the numbers for 2006 so far.
Just because your company produces a lot doesn't mean it's a quality product.
I vote Stag. great quality, without premium prices.
ColoradoGlocker
08-29-2006, 19:06
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ColoradoGlocker
08-29-2006, 19:07
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TylerDurden
08-29-2006, 19:47
I would say a Stag M4 type, heck if you just put the upper and lower together yourself you can have an extra couple hundred dollars for extra mags and ammo.
RMTactical
08-29-2006, 22:33
Stag, Stag, and Stag.
Sapperstang
09-02-2006, 08:31
Stag
John Bennett
09-12-2006, 10:15
Medmike, check this for value:
Stag Arms stipped lower: $90
J&T M4gery kit: $460
Realistically, you need to add the $10 fee your local dealer charges to transfer the lower, and $15 J&T charges for shipping. Many people are including shipping in the $90 for Stag lowers.
Total: $575
My goal is to have an AR for all 4 of my family members, with 4 magazines for each rifle.
Only after I achieve that goal will I start spending money on optics and ninja gear. I believe it's more important to have the core rifles in my possession than to accessorize.
If the political winds change to make these rifles difficult to aquire, I can accessorize then.
I have acheived 25% of my goal. I have one AR, 5 magazines, and 500 rounds of ammo. This month I'm selling an SKS locally and some guitars and stuff on Ebay to finance the next one.
Its gotta be a Colt. Would you guys pay $3000 for a fake rolex when you could buy the real deal for 4k? :animlol:
jrs93accord
09-12-2006, 16:38
Originally posted by Fear762
Its gotta be a Colt. Would you guys pay $3000 for a fake rolex when you could buy the real deal for 4k? :animlol:
Here we go again with the "fake" thing. The only "fake" AR15s I have seen are the plastic ones you buy that shoot plastic pellets. I do believe that my two ARs (DPMS and a STAG/RRA) are as real as they can get. Let me ask you this, who would pay $1200-$1500 for an AR when they can get as good a quality AR, if not better, for less? Answer: The ones who had more money than common sense. :supergrin:
You can't go wrong with RRA. Another choice, local to AZ, is AMEETEC.
Complete M4 lower $200 & Complete 16" upper for $400, order them seperately to save 20% Fed Excise tax :thumbsup:
Skintop911
09-12-2006, 19:18
Originally posted by ColoradoGlocker
You get the idea. Sit down and decide exactly what configuration you want and how much (if any) you want to assemble. Once you've got that, then you can ask your question here again and you'll have a decent chance of an answer that is of some use.
Good advice. Novel concept sometimes.
Minuteman
09-14-2006, 01:48
Originally posted by Fear762
Its gotta be a Colt. Would you guys pay $3000 for a fake rolex when you could buy the real deal for 4k? :animlol:
Does colt sell AR's to Citizens?
Answer = No.
:sad:
I think I'll buy a Stag.
:patriot:
Alaskapopo
09-14-2006, 02:04
Originally posted by Minuteman
Does colt sell AR's to Citizens?
Answer = No.
:sad:
I think I'll buy a Stag.
:patriot:
Yes they do but their is a war going on right now taking up to 99% of Colts manufacturing ability.
Pat
Minuteman
09-14-2006, 02:35
Oh, it was my understanding that officially colt only sells to leo, but you "can get them".
:patriot:
Originally posted by Alaskapopo
Its possible they have gotten better I can't say. But as for being in the top three for sales thats because their cheap. Less expensive guns will always sell.
Pat
So if DPMS is 3rd because only because their prices are lower wouldn't Olympic be giving them a run for their money?
Stag uppers are a great deal. They shoot great too. :banana:
Kentuckian
09-15-2006, 01:57
Originally posted by G17raider
Just because your company produces a lot doesn't mean it's a quality product.
Colt & Bushmaster must really suck then.
Alaskapopo
09-15-2006, 02:01
Originally posted by Jay26
So if DPMS is 3rd because only because their prices are lower wouldn't Olympic be giving them a run for their money?
No its because their not as well made at least from my experience. And I have had to maintain about 20 of them as an armorer.
Pat
Kentuckian
09-15-2006, 02:24
Originally posted by Alaskapopo
No its because their not as well made at least from my experience.
My DPMS is of the newer variety, and so far I've seen nothing to indicate that it isn't well-made.
What in particular isn't as well-made?
Alaskapopo
09-15-2006, 02:41
Originally posted by Kentuckian
My DPMS is of the newer variety, and so far I've seen nothing to indicate that it isn't well-made.
What in particular isn't as well-made?
Just had some quality control issues overall. One gun's j spring broke causing the weapon to go full auto when the safety was appliied. The other had the gas tube retaining pin fall out. Also had a two or three with head space issues.
Pat
Kentuckian
09-15-2006, 03:13
Originally posted by Alaskapopo
Just had some quality control issues overall. One gun's j spring broke causing the weapon to go full auto when the safety was appliied. The other had the gas tube retaining pin fall out. Also had a two or three with head space issues.
Pat
After putting almost 2000 rounds through mine, I've yet to have any problems with it.
FWIW.
Alaskapopo
09-15-2006, 03:16
Originally posted by Kentuckian
After putting almost 2000 rounds through mine, I've yet to have any problems with it.
FWIW.
That may well be the case. What you pay for with Colt and other top tier companies is more quality control testing. So fewer lemons get out. With a DPMS you may get a good gun but your chances of getting a lemon are higher than with top tier companies.
Pat
Kentuckian
09-15-2006, 05:20
Originally posted by Alaskapopo
That may well be the case. What you pay for with Colt and other top tier companies is more quality control testing. So fewer lemons get out. With a DPMS you may get a good gun but your chances of getting a lemon are higher than with top tier companies.
Pat
If I should happen to get a lemon, of anything, I send it back.
Chances of getting a lemon? I suspect the actual statistics between the companies you believe to be top tier, and DPMS, would be amazingly close.
Alaskapopo
09-15-2006, 05:25
Originally posted by Kentuckian
If I should happen to get a lemon, of anything, I send it back.
Chances of getting a lemon? I suspect the actual statistics between the companies you believe to be top tier, and DPMS, would be amazingly close.
I don't think so I have a lot of experience with Colts and they keep running with others don't and I have yet to see a lemon from them.
Pat
Kentuckian
09-15-2006, 05:38
Originally posted by Alaskapopo
I don't think so I have a lot of experience with Colts and they keep running with others don't and I have yet to see a lemon from them.
Pat
I'm reminded of folks who have a bad experience, and proclaim that everything produced by that company is crap. (Ford sucks, Chevy sucks, etc) Regardless of the fact that many, many others have never had any problems with their products.....and in reality....most folks have probably never had a problem with their products.
Anyway....I've had one good Colt product and one that would have been better melted down.
Never had a lemon from DPMS though. ;)
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