Hi guys, I am in the market for a “tactical” rifle for personal enjoyment, protection, shooting sports etc…
I don’t have a big budget so I can really only get one tactical style rifle. I was planning to get a Rock River, Bushmaster, DPMS, or other AR15 but from the research I did here I decided against those.
I have narrowed my choices down to an ADS M4 with a carry handle from Grant, or the MagPul Masada.
Since I can really only do this once what would you suggest?
Thanks.
Geoffrey.
Depends on when you want to get the rifle. If you want the rifle and now and do not want to wait for the Masada to be released I would just go with the AR platform. I know a lot of us must sound like broken records, but if you are limiting yourself to one, do it all rifle, I would recommend you get the Colt 6920.
It has the quality and reliability you would want in a defense rifle and can also be a fun gun. If it were up to only one rifle that is the route I would go. You rarely if never head anyone go to a forum and ask “how can I fix…” or “how can I make my” Colt 6920.
It’d be worth the investment.
ADS.
The Masada is currently vaporware. I have faith in MagPul, but it is simply unavailable right now. The ADS is available and Grant gives it the once over to make sure certain key features are good to go.
The money you save (and the wait time) on your AR can go towards ammunition and training - you can always buy a Masada in the future if you so desire.
Get the AR from Grant. You won’t be disappointed with the weapon nor the service. 
Thanks guys.
I am thinking about getting Grant to build me a rifle.
Basic M4 style with MagPul Miad Grip and CTR stock.
The benefits I see in the Masada are the charging handle setup, the gas system, and the flat top upper.
What do you see as pro/cons of a Masada over an AR?
The con on the Masada is it is not available and who knows how much over retail they will sell for? They will probably be very hard to get.
Another choice would be the SR15 IAR which Grant is providing as well.
the Masada would be hard to beat, if you can wait for one?
Any links or info on the SR15 IAR, i tried a search but came up empty.
Thanks.
Could it be the SLR15 rifle you are looking for? If so, here is a link.
The AR15 series of rifles has been refined for 40+ years. It is reliable, accurate and parts are readily available.
The Masada is brand new and has lots of proprietary parts. (or will be when it’s released) I’d give the Masada some time to get through it’s inevitable teething problems and get established. It looks like it should be a hell of a rifle but time will tell.
The AR (from a quality source) is already proven.
You can have an AR right now…in your hands…on the range in a matter of days…
if not hours…
When can you have Masada?
Bird in the hand being worth two in the bush…
After the production models of Masada are in civilian hands and proved…if you
still want one…sell what you have and buy one then…
Personally I’d rather be shooting mine rifle in hours or days rather than ?
imo
I know I’m just drinking the kool-aid but by the time the Masada is widely available it could be banned. I’d make a purchase sooner rather than later.
+1
While I know that Magpul will not release a weapon before they get it running, and I will want one WHEN it is out –> the LE6920 is here and works.
Given the potential outcome of 2008 - I would run dont walk to a store to get one (or better yet two)
If I was only going to get one weapon, I would take a hard look at the Novekse N4. If needed, you could buy a lower now, then save up and buy a complete Noveske upper when you had a little more cash.
One other question on my mind:
With the charging handle setup on an AR-15 how difficult is it to work the charging handle when you have a scope mounted back over the handle?
This will not be my setup, but I may add a variable power scope from time to time so I am wondering about the loading of the rifle.
Thanks.
When a scope is mounted correctly, the eye piece of the scope should be even or forward of the charging handle. This makes it no problem.
Go for the Colt 6920 or a very close second in quality, the LMT for $100.00 less. You won’t be disappointed in either. I think Grant just raised the price on his Colts by $100.00 to $1400.00. I bought mine from adco for $1250.00 in Sept, and they completely installed all additional bells and whistles (DD7.0 lite rail, vortex flash suppressor, Tango Down vertical forearm grip) for free. I just did a google search for the Colt and LMT. Found several still at $1250, $1275 for stock colts and $1100 to $1200 for LMT’s. The mystical MASADA is a pipe dream for now, just like there UBR stocks. 
Buy what you can have today.
All this salivating over the Masada befuddles me.
Agreed, though I have set aside funds to buy one.
I think the facination comes from the marketing hype from H&K for the 416, the instant piston facination so many people are experiencing, and the SOCOM adoption of the FN Mk-16. The Masada seems to be the superior of the SCAR, especially in the looks/ergonomics department.
However, it seems entirely possiible that an AWB will fall out of the sky on us and the Masada will become moot.
ARs are with us right now, and the “benefits” of these piston systems and the Mk-16 will never be realized by civilian shooters.
Buy an AR now, and if you really want to- save up for a Masada, it’s not like it’s going to complete it’s teething before your funds are ready anyway.