Help Me Decide!

[MerKWorK]

I just got a quote back on a custom AR build but am not sure what I want to get. The AR build features emod stock miad grip, Adams Arms mid lenght piston system, sabre defence barrel and upper, daniel defense light rail, and arms 40 l rear and samson flip up front. $ 2000 even. Here my issue. Have been looking at the Robinson arms xcr rifle, it has obvious advantages over the Ar and I can get it for roughly the same price with all the same features. The problem with the Robarms xcr is that everything is proprietary. Still takes Ar mags though. They are both great guns, I am so damn indecisive!!!!! give me pros and cons to help round out my decision Thanks

[GS Rider]

Get neither. AR15s are not worth 2000 bucks period. If you are set on getting a AR15 then get the best AR15 rifle you can get for 1000 bucks and add an ACOG sight. But if you want a gas piston rifle in 223 then get a SIG 556. They have many nice features and SIG as a company is strong and I believe they have some type of government contract for there rifles already.

For me when it comes to gas piston 223s I am a retro kind of a guy so I go with AR180s,Galils and Daewoos. All are military proven and you may find spare parts at a cheaper price as surplus. I have also been kicking around the idea that those new gas piston AR uppers are worth a try.

[MonsterMash]

I just bought a Stag Arms M4 flattop and topped it with an EOTech. I have $1100 in the gun and optics and it will do everything I need it to do. Lots cheaper than what you are planning, and I have the commonality of parts with other AR's instead of being restricted to propriatary parts and systems.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

To me it depends on what you want to use it for. If you want uber cool / tacti-cool rifle they both sound like good choices. I recently sold off my Bushy's and went to a Colt 6920 Because it's 99.9% of the GENUINE M4 from the same company.

Here's a comparison of different AR's by http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642

I like gas piston uppers but they do change the balance of the AR platform to a barrel heavy bias. The direct gas impingement system is not as bad as some folks make it out to be. I recently took a carbing class where the instructor had an AR that he hadn't cleaned in 5000+ rounds. He just took the bolt out, wiped it with a rag and dropped it back in.

The big advantage of D.I. gas system is that it saves alot of weight. Weight savings is one of the reasons that we like carbines! Even in actual fighting weapons are carried alot more than they're used for shooting.

If you have to have a piston upper then go for it! I also advise getting what you really want instead of settling for something else that you won't be happy with.

I also like the Robinson XCR but to me it doesn't have the 50 years of feild testing that the AR platform has. I hate to lay out a big wad of cash so I can be a "Beta tester". I learned that lesson with FN's FS2000. THe one I had was a POS. They may be better now but the one I bought was essentially a war club because it wouldn't fire!

I now also consider resale value in weapons that I buy. As a clerk in a gun shop once told me "if you buy a Century product , you better buy it with the outlook that you're going to keep it FOREVER or know that you're going to take it in the shorts when you sell it."

Buying a parts gun or an off brand gun, you're going to have a hard time selling it and take a big loss if/when you do.

My .02

7.62

[Andy the Aussie]

Building one up from parts (I did this out here in the early 90s) really does seem to be the way to do it, it can remain a work in progress (and be a functional rifle) and you end with EXACTLY what you want.

Andy

[MerKWorK]

Thanks for the help fellas. I decided to go with the custom ar build. I am going through Talon Arms out of Texas. If you ever need any gun related items, just give Robert a call 713-529-2910. He was a big help and prices are very good. Thanks again!

[MdlMkr 7.62]

Talon Arms has a good reputation. Out of the 2 choices I would pick the custom AR build vs the Rob Arms. Nothing against Robinson Arms, I just believe in the AR platform. I feel it's the most ergonomic out there. I'd suggest going with the M16 BC ala the Colt 6920.

7.62