AR questions

[dmg1969]

OK. I appreciate all of the input. Now another question. For general plinking/target, what would the best caliber be. I know that 5.56 and .223 are pretty much the big two. I know you can also get them in 9mm, which would probably be a lot cheaper to shoot. I think if I went with 9mm, I'd get an AR pistol. So, what caliber AR do you all have?

P.S. Thanks for the info Buckmark. I will check into that. Any manufacturer you'd recommend over another? I'm looking at Bushmaster and Olympia Arms.

Dave G.

[BUCKMARK]

Originally Posted by DeltaII5

There's an 11% tax on rifles???!?!!?!?!!?

I've only bought FTF or internet.

Yes there is a federal Excise Tax of 11% on all complete rifles purchased through any dealer in a store or over the net.

Example:

Let's take a popular out-the-door AR rifle .... the STAG ARMS M4 H2 with flip up rear sight.


If you go into a store and find one for $1,000 that rifle has the tax included into the price. You will also pay the Pa. state sales tax of 6%.

Price of the rifle = $1,060 plus transfer fee.

If you buy that same rifle over the net from an out of state dealer...you will pay $1,000 with no state tax. Add a transfer fee, and you might pay $1,025 for that same rifle.

Now then...

You can purchase a Stag Arms M4 COMPLETE LOWER for $250 shipped. You then buy the Stag Arms COMPLETE H2 UPPER for $500 shipped.

Price of that same rifle is now $750 plus a transfer fee bringing your total cost to $775.

You can pay $1085 for the rifle, or $775 for the SAME RIFLE.

Putting the two halves together requires pushing two pins in place.

You must order the two halves in separate orders....if not you bought a COMPLETE rifle and the 11% tax is now added again.

To save even more money, you can buy a Double Stag lower for $210 shipped and put the Stag upper on it. Cost = $710 plus transfer fee.

As I said.... NEVER buy a complete AR rifle unless you get a smoking deal on it. Putting one together from 2 halves is much cheaper, and very easy!

[BUCKMARK]

Originally Posted by dmg1969

OK. I appreciate all of the input. Now another question. For general plinking/target, what would the best caliber be. I know that 5.56 and .223 are pretty much the big two. I know you can also get them in 9mm, which would probably be a lot cheaper to shoot. I think if I went with 9mm, I'd get an AR pistol. So, what caliber AR do you all have?

P.S. Thanks for the info Buckmark. I will check into that. Any manufacturer you'd recommend over another? I'm looking at Bushmaster and Olympia Arms.

Dave G.

IMHO a Stag H2 flat top upper mounted on the Double Star lower is the best bang for the buck when dealing with a entry level M4 variant. $735 or so out the door.

Reason - Stag uppers give you all the options with a good price. Chrome lining is included in that price, and so is the ARMS #40 flip up rear sight. I would stay away from a carry handle on a M4 type rifle.

[luckyned7]

If you get tired of trying to get your FFL on track with your part suppliers and adding shipping and FFL dealer's additional charges don't ruin any savings and/or are just too darn impulsive(like me). Shydas in Lebanon can do a Bushmaster 16" Patrolmen for $910.00.

I looked into the 9mm too. 223 is expensive compared to my normal plinkers that shoot 7.62X39 but I knew I'd get bored plinking and the 223 and an AR make such an accurate combo. Either way..you can buy a different upper later but I hear it is easier to go 9mm and switch to 223 later. RockRiver has a nice website to view different setups and accessories. GoodLuck deciding.

[dmg1969]

Cool! Thanks for all the input guys. I'm still in the pondering and looking phase right now. I have looked at Bushmaster, Olympic and Rock River's websites. For the money and tax savings, I'll probably go with building my own using the complete upper and lower when the time comes. I'll probably be asking some more questions then. Thanks again.

I will also check out the Stag Arms as well.

Dave G.

[DeltaII5]

My AR is a Bushmaster XM15XX I dunno what the last two or 3 numbers/letters are without looking.

I've been very happy with Bushmaster. I loose something, I call, they send it right away. I bought the lower complete from a PA resident, somewhere on the eastern side of the state, can't remember.

Rock River I believe fills DEA contracts, as they market it as such. Never heard anything bad about them, but make sure if you choose them to get the flattop upper (not the one that is a flattop with a built in sight). I don't know anything about Olympic. As far as 9mm/.556 I can't really comment as I know nothing about 9mm. 9mm might be a bit cheaper to shoot depending on if you buy ammo in bulk or relaod. Magazines are quite easy to find now adays as more people have them. You'd be happy either way.

Remember Gunbroker is your friend I've basically purchased almost everything I own off there. Find what you want and just search it weekly until you find a price you like. I've never been in a hurry to buy anything so I don't mind the waiting and weekly search. And always remember to get as many "assault weapon" features as you can on your scary, evil, dangerous rifle

[Lycanthrope]

Originally Posted by BUCKMARK

As I said.... NEVER buy a complete AR rifle unless you get a smoking deal on it. Putting one together from 2 halves is much cheaper, and very easy!

Amen....................

[DrakinClaw]

the new Smith and wesson M&P is getting some good reviews and it looks great. Id stick with .223 though.
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_g...06/index1.html
Drakin

[BUCKMARK]

The S&W M&P15 is a CMT/STAG ARMS rifle with Smith's name stamped on it.

[DrakinClaw]

whatever it is its perrrty. similar to the flat top i have. I dig the folding sights, if you have a red dot, keep them down and have for a back-up. GREAT!
Drakin