Ruger MPR vs Springfield Saint Victor vs PSA flavor of the week vs ???

[PisgahPlinker]

I have my eye out for my first AR. Surprisingly despite my rather diverse collection I have yet to get my hands on one. I am looking for an all purpose rifle under 1000. The two that are strongest contenders in my research are the 16" Ruger MPR with B5 furniture (Model 8542), or the 16" Saint Victor (STV916556B).

I know PSA makes tons of options in this price point, but it's tough to decipher all of the intricacies and differences between their models. And reviews seem to be hit or miss with them (although a common theme of impressive warranty service if issues arrive).

I would love to hear your real world experiences between these models, or any other recommendations you feel strongly about in this price range. Or should I save up a bit more and spend like $1400 on a LWRC DI gun? Thanks in advance

 

[Walkabout Dan]

I have my eye out for my first AR. Surprisingly despite my rather diverse collection I have yet to get my hands on one. I am looking for an all purpose rifle under 1000. The two that are strongest contenders in my research are the 16" Ruger MPR with B5 furniture (Model 8542), or the 16" Saint Victor (STV916556B).

I know PSA makes tons of options in this price point, but it's tough to decipher all of the intricacies and differences between their models. And reviews seem to be hit or miss with them (although a common theme of impressive warranty service if issues arrive).

I would love to hear your real world experiences between these models, or any other recommendations you feel strongly about in this price range. Or should I save up a bit more and spend like $1400 on a LWRC DI gun? Thanks in advance

Buy one as cheep as possible and have fun going up from there.

 

[Jerzsubbie]

If you’re not picky about the brand, you’re not going to war, and don’t know exactly what you want in an AR, I think it’s tough to go wrong with a sub-$600 PSA like @Me. posted.

I have/had everything from $400 ARs up to $2500+. PSA puts out a great product at an excellent value making getting into ARs very accessible. Figure out what you do and don’t like with the PSA, then buy/build another whenever you want.

 

[Pinky787]

I've built 3 psa uppers, 2 with Anderson lowers and 1 with a psa lower all worked well. Start cheap, figure out what you like/want and what you don't. then build a 2nd with what you've learned and what you like whether it's ambi safety, ambi ch, better trigger etc.

 

[Cole_McD]

Personally, I'd go with an Aero precision in this price range. It may be a touch more than these (or not) but in my experience the QA/qc is a little bit better.

 

[Mathieu18]

In the same boat, follow up question…

Everyone saying build cheap to start. Any value in starting with an M&P, Diamondback, etc? Or just get the complete kit from PSA? I can see the fun in building, but I can also see a box of parts realistically sitting around for a while.

 

[Tim]

In the same boat, follow up question…

Everyone saying build cheap to start. Any value in starting with an M&P, Diamondback, etc? Or just get the complete kit from PSA? I can see the fun in building, but I can also see a box of parts realistically sitting around for a while.

Normally I say that all of the entry level brands are interchangeable. However, I'll say to avoid the Diamondback at all costs. POS.

 

[PisgahPlinker]

In the same boat, follow up question…

Everyone saying build cheap to start. Any value in starting with an M&P, Diamondback, etc? Or just get the complete kit from PSA? I can see the fun in building, but I can also see a box of parts realistically sitting around for a while.

I ended up going with a Complete PSA Lower w/ Enhanced Trigger, coupled with a Larue Match Grade Upper. I have not shot it yet, but for $900 I feel like it offers a good combination of relative affordability while not feeling the need to run and upgrade everything right away.

 

[USMC6094]

Id say your best beginner options are a Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II, or a first generation Saint.

Both are (or were) sub 1000 dollar rifles, and are good solid performers.

 

[Mathieu18]

Almost bought a Saint. Really what I want is a Mini-14, I’m not opposed to ARs by any stretch, just don’t care either and like the “not scary” Gun.

 

[TY101]

Happy I found this thread. Had the same debate with myself today. Looks like I’ll be starting with a Psa. Thanks everyone

 

[Chihuahua Floyd]

Bought my first AR. DPMS for $400 a few years ago.
Second is a PSA upper on a built PSA lower.
No complaints except triggers needed work.

 

[Supermatch]

IWI Zion 15 - honestly, the nicest I've seen in the under $1000 category, and is my current go-to. Great hardware (B5 sopmod), nice finishes (no easy marring from mlok accessories, etc.), take up pin in the lower - you could buy this and not change a thing on it other than adding your choice of optic and accessories.

Sig M400 Tread - a close runner up to the Zion. Great fit and finish, stainless barrel and gas block (mid length gas system), three prong flash hider that I like better than the birdcage, decent furniture, ambi controls. Honestly, my only gripe with the M400 is the handguard and proprietary barrel nut (Samson handguards will fit and use the same nut, though).

PSA - My AR platform PSA's just flat run. 0 malfunctions to date. The hardware is not as nice and the fit and finish is not as good as the two mentioned above, but I'd stake my life on them going bang every time. My AR pistol from PSA also had the nicest mil spec trigger I've ever felt out of the box, but that's likely luck of the draw.