Stag Arms & Other AR-15 Mfgs.

308Gunner · October 6, 2011, 09:43 PM

I've been snooping around several sites lately, getting ready to order my first couple parts for building an AR-15. I'm starting with the barrel, then working my way down through the upper, then lower, and finally all the accessories and whatnot.

I'm getting ready to commit to one manufacturer over another. Initially, I was going to go with a Rock River barrel and upper and a Bushmaster lower. However, when I was recently at a local gunshow, a couple of the gentlemen there mentioned a co. called Stag Arms, and that they were on par with Bushmaster, etc. I checked around their website, and they are a good deal cheaper than Rock River for the upper and lower. I am curious if anyone has experience with this co., good or bad.

I also stumbled into mention of a co. called Spike's Tactical, and also never heard of them before. Same as Stag, curious how their parts and reputation hold up. Their uppers/lowers are also rather more affordable.

Thanks for any input!

Coach Z · October 6, 2011, 11:06 PM

You may also want to have a look at palmetto state armory, they're gaining a great reputation as an up and comer. I just purchased a Rock River complete rifle and couldn't be happier with the quality.

308Gunner · October 6, 2011, 11:40 PM

I'll be sure to check 'em out. I've heard RRA is great, but just wherever I can save money

7jinxed7 · October 7, 2011, 06:36 AM

Stag and Spike's both have a good reputation. Spike's takes it a few steps further compared to some of the other AR manufacture's. This chart gives you idea of who puts more detail in their rifles. Spike's isn't listed in the charts but they do put alot of detail in their rifles. Personally I think Spike's or maybe a stock M&P15 would be my choice. Not to say that the rest are not good.
http://www.google.com/search?q=ar-15...ed=0CEUQsAQ4Cg

ozarkrecluse · October 7, 2011, 07:10 PM

I just did a build with an upper from Palmetto State Armory. I'm very pleased with it.

Charlie98 · October 7, 2011, 10:08 PM

Bushmaster is now owned by Cerebrus, parent company of DPMS, Remington, and, more recently, Marlin, among others. Marlin quality went down the toilet according to most since they have moved production from the old Marlin plant. I don't really know anything about Bushmaster's manufacturing, if it was moved or if QC suffered since it's aquisition, but I would probably pick another manufacturer based on what they have done to Marlin.

I have heard good things about Stag Arms and Spikes; if the price is right, I'm sure those would be fine. I bought a RRA completed upper and like it very much.

Also, if you are trying to save some loot, look in the classified at ARF.com or other places... I would look for new or like new take-off components that people have switched out.

X_shooter · October 12, 2011, 08:31 PM

I love my stag 3L. I bought it complete. A few hundred rounds through it so far and no problems and I don't expect any. It met all of my needs along with being a lefty. My FFL found a deal far below MSRP and much better than the best retail.

October 6, 2011, 09:43 PM	#1
308Gunner Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Location: NY Posts: 199	Stag Arms & Other AR-15 Mfgs. I've been snooping around several sites lately, getting ready to order my first couple parts for building an AR-15. I'm starting with the barrel, then working my way down through the upper, then lower, and finally all the accessories and whatnot. I'm getting ready to commit to one manufacturer over another. Initially, I was going to go with a Rock River barrel and upper and a Bushmaster lower. However, when I was recently at a local gunshow, a couple of the gentlemen there mentioned a co. called Stag Arms, and that they were on par with Bushmaster, etc. I checked around their website, and they are a good deal cheaper than Rock River for the upper and lower. I am curious if anyone has experience with this co., good or bad. I also stumbled into mention of a co. called Spike's Tactical, and also never heard of them before. Same as Stag, curious how their parts and reputation hold up. Their uppers/lowers are also rather more affordable. Thanks for any input! __________________ ‘‘To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.’’ — George Mason

October 6, 2011, 11:06 PM	#2
Coach Z Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2011 Location: RI Posts: 795	You may also want to have a look at palmetto state armory, they're gaining a great reputation as an up and comer. I just purchased a Rock River complete rifle and couldn't be happier with the quality. __________________ Love my guns

October 6, 2011, 11:40 PM	#3
308Gunner Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Location: NY Posts: 199	I'll be sure to check 'em out. I've heard RRA is great, but just wherever I can save money __________________ ‘‘To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.’’ — George Mason

October 7, 2011, 06:36 AM	#4
7jinxed7 Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2009 Location: no where Posts: 352	Stag and Spike's both have a good reputation. Spike's takes it a few steps further compared to some of the other AR manufacture's. This chart gives you idea of who puts more detail in their rifles. Spike's isn't listed in the charts but they do put alot of detail in their rifles. Personally I think Spike's or maybe a stock M&P15 would be my choice. Not to say that the rest are not good. http://www.google.com/search?q=ar-15...ed=0CEUQsAQ4Cg Last edited by 7jinxed7; October 7, 2011 at 06:41 AM.

October 12, 2011, 08:31 PM	#7
X_shooter Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 274	I love my stag 3L. I bought it complete. A few hundred rounds through it so far and no problems and I don't expect any. It met all of my needs along with being a lefty. My FFL found a deal far below MSRP and much better than the best retail. __________________ X_shooter

October 7, 2011, 07:10 PM	#5
ozarkrecluse Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2010 Location: In the hills near Ozark, AR Posts: 151	I just did a build with an upper from Palmetto State Armory. I'm very pleased with it.

October 7, 2011, 10:08 PM	#6
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	Bushmaster is now owned by Cerebrus, parent company of DPMS, Remington, and, more recently, Marlin, among others. Marlin quality went down the toilet according to most since they have moved production from the old Marlin plant. I don't really know anything about Bushmaster's manufacturing, if it was moved or if QC suffered since it's aquisition, but I would probably pick another manufacturer based on what they have done to Marlin. I have heard good things about Stag Arms and Spikes; if the price is right, I'm sure those would be fine. I bought a RRA completed upper and like it very much. Also, if you are trying to save some loot, look in the classified at ARF.com or other places... I would look for new or like new take-off components that people have switched out.

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