[Shade]

Originally Posted by purehavoc

Might I ask why you need to have the carry handle ?
I understand you already made your decision and I never really saw this thread . Here would have been the route I would have went in your shoes and saved some $$$$ for ammo

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/rifles/palmetto-state-armory/psa-16-mid-premium-patrol-rifle-package.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/rifles/palmetto-state-armory/psa-16-m4-strikefire-premium-carbine.html

I am a prepper.

I have no need for a 16" barrel, longer barrel better range better accuracy.
I do not want to get that debate going here, but a carbine is not my choice
of weapon. Rear sight in the handle, does not need batts and if very
rugged, and is tough to break, it is the final back up when red-dots fail and
they will; and passive optics break, and they will.

Good preppers know the rule of 3.

Ammo I am pretty good on...

Also quality and reliability was key in the decision. Colt and Stag gave me
the warmest and fuzziest feeling after researching and talking to a lot of
shooters, RRA, DPMS, Bushmaster (and I own a Bushmaster too) all were
near the top of the list. Could I have gotten them cheaper yes, but price was
only part of the criteria.

[Quentin]

The usual configuration is to have an optic and a fixed or flip up rear sight mounted at the same time instead of a carry handle that you have to pull out of a sack when your RDS dies. Even a cut carry handle will give you this option

[locutus]

Originally Posted by Quentin

The usual configuration is to have an optic and a fixed or flip up rear sight mounted at the same time instead of a carry handle that you have to pull out of a sack when your RDS dies. Even a cut carry handle will give you this option

I have a Bushmaster. In my experience, it's about as good as a cheap AR gets. I'd suggest spending $200-$250 more and getting a Colt.

Why not acquire them one piece at a time, as you are able to afford them, and get top quality?? What's your life worth?? What's a family member's life worth??

And BTW, you're not going to get a decent RDS for $200. Sorry, but a decent RDS will set you back $400+

[fsted2a]

Originally Posted by dog2000tj

I built my first AR based on a STAG receiver set, fit and finish are excellent and the rifle has performed beyond expectations. $840 for a RRA AR is pretty good considering the political climate plus you'd be hard pressed to build an AR for that price. But if the final price for each is $1200 I would look at STAG as well - http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_22&products_id=208 $995 with Plus package

Dog, looking at your avatar, you have waaaaaaayyyyy too much time on your hands.

[Shade]

Kind of a final follow up in this thread.

First thanks to everyone for all the input.

The first two Stag Model 4's showed up yesterday, very nice quality, seem
just like the M16A1 and M16A2 I got to play with in the service. A step up
from my Bushmaster (that I do not have any complaints with). Hopefully
we will get some nicer weather and I can get out and shoot them.

I was looking over some Colts at the gun show this past weekend, and
other than the stamping on the Lower, you would be hard pressed to tell
a difference between them.

Also going to hold off on optics at this point, so the top handles are needed.

[dog2000tj]

..........

[danf_fl]

I think the appropriate answer to the question should be:

Any that you can find. There could be a shortage coming.

[flglocks]

I would get Rock river arms. If you want to stay in budget, then bushmaster may be the choice to go with.

[Shade]

By your request Dog.....

[dog2000tj]

Originally Posted by Shade

By your request Dog.....

OMG ... somebody call the Feds ... Shade is way too young to own those AR's