[Maccabeus]

Does anyone have any experience with this gun? It looks nice. I've only got one AR currently, and I'm trying to step up to a mid-tier AR. The BCM 16" RECCE (my first choice) is not in stock ANYWHERE I look; at least, not in the mlok versions that I want. Plenty of keymod though. So I found this FN and it looks good. My Windham Weaponry MPC can be a backup.

FN 15® TAC3 Duty | FN® Firearms

I'm seeing street prices around $1,500. I really like this thing, and I don't really want to build an AR....I'm dumb as hell when it comes to this platform. This would be for home defense and Security work, with lots of range time. And it looks like it's already set up the way I want it.

Or....should I just bite the bullet and build one? I really don't want to. But would it be cheaper as well?

Thoughts?

I'm also not much of an AR guy but was looking to pick something up.

The RECCE 16 and TAC3 have been at the top of my list for a balance of quality and price.

I've been leaning toward the FN but reviews and feedback are few and far between.

The Duty is the all black model with M-Lok and QD points. The regular TAC3s have color options, fewer M-Lok slots, and no QD points at a higher price point.

The two cerekoted models are running about $1500.

If you're fine with black and don't mind going with a random budget seller from gun.deals, you can get one for mid to high $1300s depending on which hand guard you prefer (standard Tac3 or Tac3 Duty).

And, OP, if you want to buy 2 and give one to me as a 4th of a July gift, FYI - I do accept gifts from strangers.

 

[Maccabeus]

It looks like just about every other AR ... I'm not seeing the allure when there are many other rifles for less money that do the same job.

Can you elaborate for the AR rookies in the crowd?

I get that in one sense any AR will do the job of sending 5.56 rounds down range. A $450 Anderson or PSA sale rifle will do that job.

But most of the parts and components are a lower grade, aren't they? Even FN has a lower tier in their Guardian model. $750 for a cheaper barrel, cheaper stock, no forward assist, etc. But you definitely get a more budget grade gun.

Can you recommend other rifles with the same quality components as the BCM RECCE or the FN Tac3 Duty and the same positive reputation as those companies that are noticably cheaper than $1350-1500 for an equivalent rifle?

 

[Maccabeus]

Decisions, decisions. But at least you have a decision you can make.

Kids in college & recent home repairs leave me with no options short of selling something I already have.

 

[Maccabeus]

I hear you. I just sold a Beretta 92FS this weekend, and I'm still trying to offload two more guns.

I've got several I haven't shot in years or don't really care about but the combination of "I might want that later" with the hassle of selling has me dragging my feet. If I could just decide on 2 or 3 to sell... hmmm... I'll have to give that more thought.

 

[Maccabeus]

I also saw this from last last year in the "related threads":

https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/fn-tac-3-tac-3-duty-or-noveske-chainsaw.1992112/

Not a lot of commentary there although @MarkCO mentioned that FN uses the weaker aluminum option for their receivers.

The FN website doesn't specify what they use beyond saying "MIL-SPEC".

 

[Maccabeus]

It seems that most ARs are either cheaper or more expensive than the $1400-1500 range of the TAC3.

I've seen several occasions where folks say, "Just get a [fill in the blank]" but don't mention that their recommended rifle costs $400-500 more.

The SIG M400 SDI X Series looks to be in a similar price point to the TAC3 but I don't know if the components are on par or what kind of aluminum they use either. (And the review at TFB, while positive, didn't impress in terms of accuracy).


Come on AR-gurus, what are the best $1400+/- options?

 

[Maccabeus]

Stag 15 | StagArms

Stag Arms has specialized in the development of AR15 rifles since it was first founded in 2003.

www.stagarms.com

Thanks for that. Watched a few reviews that share your recommendation.

So, just for clarity for those of us who are AR rookies, you'd rate the Stag rifles comparable to the TAC3s?

Because their price point is noticeably better than the FNs assuming equivalent components. The cerakoted TAC3 costs 50% more than the FDE Stag, for example.

 

[Maccabeus]

Yes.

Let's put it this way, most major parts, from most majors are so close as to be essentially the same. There is a much larger company that owns Stag (4 major brands) and I also know who makes the parts they don't.

Full rifle from Stag is lifetime warranty. That edges out many in the same class, and they use the better aluminum in the receivers. When I built my "forever" 308 pattern AR it was based on Stag. No question for me, if I was buying a new AR-15, it would be from Stag or JPRifles.

Thanks. Appreciate your insights!