My first AR, a little help...

[NuCentMAn]

Hey NES, need some help again, I'm looking to get my first black rifle soon and am tired of the non stop deliberation, I can't make up my mind. Some of the features I like are a free floated barrel, prefferably quad rail, flattop upper, 18 inch barrel first choice, then 16 or 20. Too ignorant to know how fast of a twist I want, just looking for target and plinking at first then maybe as I settle in to the platform some competition. And I guess just because I like the look better than a bull barrel, a MA compliant brake. 5.56/.223, and I guess I would prefer not to have the A frame front sight but rather the option to mount BUIS.

Here's what I've looked at, all of which do not hit all my preferences listed above but the closest things I could find based on what I know is available and MA compliant because local dealers stock some of it.

Stag, model 2t

Stag Model 8

LWRCI model anything

S&W M&P15T.

I'm too ignorant not to be obsessing over this because of the amount of $ involved. Also I've seen YHM's web site and their stuff is F-n ninja, but didn't know if a complete rifle could be ordered for a MA resident. I've seen some of the YHM stuff in the classifieds but didn't know if they had any dealers in MA.

any and all insight is appreciated

 

[Skald]

If your doing just target/plinking and nothing else, you will be fine with what you mentions. Personally, I'd go with the S&W15T just because if you want to take classes with it, its pretty much gtg. AR platforms are like anything else, you get what you pay for.

 

[ArmySGTPM]

I just picked up the Stag model 1. I love it. I like the detachable carrying handle because I wanted the options for rails but its good to fire right out of the box with no need for any extra cash spent on sights or optics. I wanted a 16in barrel as well i like the smaller m-4 frame as that's what I am used to after time spent overseas. I do want to upgrade the handrails but no need to right now, just a future wish list to build without needing to spend extra money right from purchase. I did like the SW 15T but it was on the high end cost wise for me... very happy with the money spent on my Stag

 

[Old Glory]

S&W is a great out of the box rifle. If you are going to use a scope get a quad rail and folding sights. I don't like the post visible in mt sight picture. Just my opinion.

Other options LaRue upper with LMT lower. Need to be ordered separately.
Bravo Company seems to be well regarded right now http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/


Tons of info here:
http://www.ar15.com/

Almost every manufacturer makes a compliant model and if they don't you can make them compliant.
To be compliant you need:
Fixed Stock
Non-Threaded barrel or Compensator/Brake pinned and welded to barrel
No Bayonet Lug

You can buy an upper and have it shipped to your house. The lower will have to be transferred in through a local FFL/Gun Shop.

It is very easy to have a local gunsmith weld on a compensator/brake. Being able to get different uppers and lowers gives you more choices.

BCM BFH 16" Mid Length Upper Receiver Group w/ LaRue Tactcial 12" Handguard
List Price: $1,091.00
Our Price: $875.00
Cold Hammer Forged Barreled Upper Receiver Group for your AR15, M16, M4, with LaRue Tactical" Rail Installed.

LMT Defender Lower with Fixed Stock and Standard Trigger
Defender Lower with Fixed Stock and Standard Trigger
Complete lower receiver which includes: Semi Auto Standard Trigger, Fixed Buttstock and Ergo Pistol Grip.
item # L7B2 MSRP: $330.00

You would need to switch out the flash suppressor but you would have an awesome rifle for around $1,300.

S&W Version: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766082_-1_757785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Model M&P15FT Rifle
The price is $1,928.00 *
*Suggested Retail, Dealer Sets Actual Pricing

* Model: M&P15
* Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO / .223
* Capacity: 10 Rounds - Detachable Magazine

 

[mac1911]

in a nut shell, what ever you decide it is easily changed. I bought a stag model 2 good rifle no issues, I then bought the the S&W M&Pt just not what I wanted after some range trips.
built 2. 1. had the freefloat quad rail BUIS, extend mag release, large charge handle.....really found no use for it all again sold it. 2nd build was a carbine with flat top for scope and optics, until I get a scope with a bit longer eye relief I have nothing to say about that. I also have a 22lr AR set up.
Great things about ARs----you can change parts out until you find what you want/like ect ect

 

[MassMark]

Not to throw your head into a tailspin, but I'd forget the Stag and go with the Smith & Wesson out if the choices you've mentioned. However, there's one make you have not considered and I'd buy this over all of them: www.bravocompanyusa.com Build a 16" mid-length and get one of these for the end: http://primaryweapons.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=9&idcategory=

What you'll wind up with is a rifle built to your specs that will outlast and out-shoot just about anything Stag could dream of...Stags are nice rifles - BCM's are a cut above and about the same dough....