AR-15 question

[SHARPPOINT]

I don't know much about AR's, but I am buying one soon.. Question, i'm looking at the M&P and the Stag Arms Model 1, the carry handle on the Stag is removeable, is there a rail under it?? I want to be able to put a scope on it if I choose. The gun shop says this Stag is Pre Ban with stuff the M&P does not offer, but the M&P is a flat top no handle?? Thanks for your help.

[Guest HCRoadie]

The Stag will have a rail under the carry handle. It is what the handle attaches to. Any upper, with a removable carry handle, will have the standard 1913 Picatinny Rail. I would go with the Stag.

[Guest Glknknox]

The Stag will have a rail under the carry handle. It is what the handle attaches to. Any upper, with a removable carry handle, will have the standard 1913 Picatinny Rail. I would go with the Stag.

Yep

[SHARPPOINT]

Thanks, seems like the Stag has a lot more to offer..

[poak]

Personally, I'd go w/ the M&P.

They're one of the best deals running in a quality off the shelf rifle at the moment, and S&W seems to get a lot of praise over their customer service.

Here's a chart of major AR brands put together by m4carbine.net member rob_s:

M4 CHART

Scroll down and you can directly compare features and production methods between the Stag and M&P.

[Guest TurboniumOxide]

Is the M&P threaded for a comp/hider?

I would (and did) go with the M&P15. It has been flawless.

[SHARPPOINT]

Thanks for the M4 chart, looked it over and not a big diff between the Stag and S&W. The Stag has a "Life Time" and the M&P "1 Year"?? Don't know what to do, like I said the Stag has all the "Pre Ban"?? Turbo, I think on both, the Bird Cage screws off?

Thank again, all this helps me.

[poak]

Take note that the BCG of the M&P is more throughly tested, and is shot peened. Although staking is an easy fix, the M&P will be properly staked out of the box.

Also, the S&W ships w/ the Troy rear sight, which will do you a lot more good than that carry handle if you're going to be running optics.

Also, consider what exactly a warranty is good for.

Personally, I'd rather have a superior BCG than a lifetime warranty on an inferior one.

I'm not knocking Stag at all. I've got an AR w/ CMT (they manufacture Stag) parts, and I haven't had any issues. I simply think the M&P is a better buy.

[SHARPPOINT]

Looked over the chart some more, and the S&W has more checks in the "Bolt" area. Does this amount too $80 more (diff in $ from the S&W and Stag)?

[poak]

Between what you gain in a reliable BCG and the Troy rear, $80 is completely reasonable.

Edited January 18, 2010 by poak
Clarity

[SHARPPOINT]

Poak, I do want to buy a scope, I was told at the gun shop that the handle comes off and a rail is underneath?? So the back sites would be a non-issue, right??

[Climber]

I simply think the M&P is a better buy.

+1. I recently purchased my second AR and spent WAY too much time researching. I wanted a top quality AR with a top-notch barrel and ended up going with a Noveske. I had a Bushmaster and it works great but was looking for a mid-length upper and I could not be happier with my decision. My second on the list was a colt and was closely followed by the Smith M&P. I have heard nothing but good things about the Smith and their customer service on this rifle is supposed to be great.

Reality check: In all likelihood, if you are not running your rifle hard, nearly any off the shelf mil-spec rifle will perform nicely. If price is a concern, you will probably be happy with either of your choices but I would opt for the Smith.

[SHARPPOINT]

Thanks

[poak]

Poak, I do want to buy a scope, I was told at the gun shop that the handle comes off and a rail is underneath?? So the back sites would be a non-issue, right??

The troy rear will mount behind your optic, so you can effectively have an iron sight, and an optic mounted at the same time. If the optic fails, your back up is already mounted and zeroed.

With the carry handle, you'll have to remove the optic, mount the handle, and hope it's zeroed.

ETA:

I had a Bushmaster and it works great but was looking for a mid-length upper and I could not be happier with my decision.

Gotta love a middy!

Edited January 18, 2010 by poak