I need help picking an AR15. S&W ORC or Stag Arms #3???

[Cuz]

So I've decided I "need" an AR15 to mount my Eotech site on. The best value seems to be either the S&W ORC or the Stag Arms #3 which both cost $800 at Four Seasons. I think they also sell the DPMS Panther Arms AP4 Carbine for about the same price when it's in stock. How do I go about deciding which one is the better buy? I have no real knowledge of AR15's so I am not comfortable comparing features and picking one.

Can you guys help me decide which one to get? Which one is the best deal for the money? S&W is a big stable local company, and I don't know anything about Stag Arms, are they reputable? I'm looking for an Optics Ready Carbine in this price range, should I consider any other models? I do like that the Stag model has a muzzel brake while the S&W doesn't, but that's not a deal breaker. Any opinions or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
-Cuz.

 

[Zarathustra11]

I can't speak for the Stag model, though I've heard good things, I went with the S&W ORC and have been very happy with my choice. If you already have the optics why not go for it, the price it's currently at is a great value.

 

[Rmccar4318]

Why not Stag model 8?

 

[Bob P]

S&W is the better of the 2. And I own a Stag.

 

[Cuz]

Why not Stag model 8?

For a few reasons:
1) I don't know anything about the "Piston" type AR.
2) It's not yet a "standard" type AR.
3) It's more than I want to spend on a rifle I'll rarely if ever shoot.

 

[Bob P]

Get the Smith. Stag QC is spotty. I got lucky with my rifle, but knowing what I do now I would have gone S&W. Actually I'd go LMT but that's another price point higher that what you're looking at.

 

[atmay]

Of the two, Smith.

Otherwise, Spikes.

 

[Chris.Cal]

I bought a stag model 1 at FS last weekend. It's my first AR so I have nothing else to compare it to. It seems like a solid rifle, shoots great

 

[tnmt_donkey]

I just got the stag new 3 a month ago. pretty good so far, loving it.
but you will have to spend extra dollars for sights or optics.

 

[Supermoto]

S&W,
what are you plans for the rifle?

 

[Admin]

Of the two S&W hands down. Stags are shit rifles.

 

[atmay]

Of the two S&W hands down. Stags are shit rifles.

Tell us how you really feel boss

 

[Cuz]

S&W,
what are you plans for the rifle?

If I knew that it would be easier to decide. All I really know is that I have an EOTech that needs a home and I thought an entry level flat top AR would be perfect. I would probably use it at an occasional USPSA rifle match like New Bedford will have in a couple of months.

 

[Cuz]

Actually, now that I think of it, is there any reason I shouldn't also consider a Bushmaster or DPMS rifle? Basically I'm looking for the best flat top I can get for around $800.

Thanks,
-Cuz.

 

[atmay]

Spikes and LMT have basic carbine upper that, when paired with a home-assembled lower, will put you in the 8-900 mark.


That'd be your best bet.