Question on Stag Build

[Vigilance]

I’m looking at getting my first AR and was kicking around the idea of building one instead of buying a complete rifle. I was looking at Stag, since they seem to make a quality product and are highly recommended. Plus they are located about 20 minutes from me, so my local stores stock their rifles and parts.

I’ve been checking prices both locally and online, and comparing the difference between purchasing a complete rifle, or just assembling a complete upper and lower.

This is the rifle I was looking at:

http://www.stagarms.com/cart/images/model-2tbig.gif


My local gun shop that carries these, sells them for $1125, which is the msrp.

If I decide to build it myself, I can get a complete upper here for $649

http://ar15sa.fatcow.com/store/page2.html

And a complete lower, with buttstock for $250.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=21&t=503742


Based on what I’ve read, assembling a complete upper and a complete lower is fairly simple. I can get both of those online for $899. I know I have to pay a transfer fee, but it still works out to be about a $200 savings.

Is there something I’m missing here? Any other parts that I haven't included?

[tuffcop07]

same rifle i built, best gun i have built to this date

[RMTactical]

Nope, you are on the right track!!

[Vigilance]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help. For a $200 savings, it doesn't make sense to buy the complete rifle.

[edrobert]

You can do better than that on the price if you look around. I ordered my Upper from Bravo Company ( www.bravocompanyusa.com ) & Lower from Donley's Gun Shop( www.gunrunner1000.com ) :

Lower: $230 from Donley's.....they also have Uppers for $500.

Upper: $385 Standard upper and you can add whatever quadrail set up you want. I went with Daniel Defense Omega.

[RMTactical]

Yeah, but doing your own rail CAN be a considerable amount of work... I can do it, but it's not for everybody...

[edrobert]

I went with the Omega Rail....5 minute install no tools.

[tuffcop07]

Get your slings and stuff from Rocky Mountain Tac. also they have the best product, prices and customer service of most places i shop.

[Vigilance]

You can do better than that on the price if you look around. I ordered my Upper from Bravo Company ( www.bravocompanyusa.com ) & Lower from Donley's Gun Shop( www.gunrunner1000.com ) :

Lower: $230 from Donley's.....they also have Uppers for $500.

Upper: $385 Standard upper and you can add whatever quadrail set up you want. I went with Daniel Defense Omega.


Thanks, I’ll check out that site as well, they seem to have good prices.

[Vigilance]

OK, I have 2 more questions.

First, how difficult is it to assemble a stripped lower and a parts kit? My local gun shop doesn’t carry complete lowers, but does have all the parts to assemble one. The price is a little less when you consider I don’t have to pay transfer fees, but I would have to assemble it myself. I have zero experience with AR’s and rifles in general, but I’m fairly handy and I've read through the instructions and it doesn't seem too complicated.

Second, what do you guys think about this particular rifle as my first AR? I was also looking at a Model 2 Stag, which is a flattop with the standard midlength handguards. I liked the quad rail because I figured it would be a little more versatile and allow me to customize it anyway I wanted in the future. Just not sure if it’s worth the extra $200.

Thanks again for all your help.

[BigFatDog]

Your first AR should really be as complete as possible. I think your first idea was best with a few changes.

A complete upper and a complete lower are the easiest way to go.

Buy the 2H upper without the rail. Take the money you would spend on the rail and buy a 22LR conversion kit. Right now you need trigger time more than you need a rail to hang stuff from. The 22LR conversion will get you cheap trigger time.

Rails are really easy installs once you are familiar with the platform. Drop-ins are easiest. The Daniel Defense Omega rail mentioned above is superb. The Troy rail, like in your picture, requires removal of the delta ring assembly. If you have a dremel, a towel, a pair of needle nose pliers and some tape, it's a piece of cake. Easier than assembling a lower (think roll pins).

Also don't forget about magazines.

[RMTactical]

Get your slings and stuff from Rocky Mountain Tac. also they have the best product, prices and customer service of most places i shop.

You are too nice. :)

[Vigilance]

Your first AR should really be as complete as possible. I think your first idea was best with a few changes.

A complete upper and a complete lower are the easiest way to go.

Buy the 2H upper without the rail. Take the money you would spend on the rail and buy a 22LR conversion kit. Right now you need trigger time more than you need a rail to hang stuff from. The 22LR conversion will get you cheap trigger time.

Rails are really easy installs once you are familiar with the platform. Drop-ins are easiest. The Daniel Defense Omega rail mentioned above is superb. The Troy rail, like in your picture, requires removal of the delta ring assembly. If you have a dremel, a towel, a pair of needle nose pliers and some tape, it's a piece of cake. Easier than assembling a lower (think roll pins).

Also don't forget about magazines.


Thanks BigFatDog. I'm starting the think that is my best bet as well. I can get the 2H upper and complete lower for under $750. Hard to beat that.

[cadrum]

I bought that same rifle from someone on here. It was purchased as a complete upper and lower which he assembled before shipping. I paid considerably less than your MSRP and got a Magpul CTR stock and two Magpul mags. Also bought a two point sling from Rocky Mtn. Tac. I am very happy with this rifle.

[Liberec]

Vigilance,

Putting together a lower is quit simple, with just basic tools! Someone on some forum said if you can eat without poking your eye out with a fork you can put together a lower.
There is also lots of info out there and a video if you search of a guy doing it and is really helpful for beginners!
The stag upper your looking at has a $250 Sampson rail and a ARMS #40L about a $115 buis which is one of my favorite sights. And your getting a dang good upper from a good company that stands behind their products. A lot of rifle for a good price.

Good luck and enjoy,
Liberec