Did I pay too much for my AR-15 lower?

Question

I just bought a STAG ARMS 5.56 Striped Lower Receiver from a local shop for my first AR build. At the shop they sell for $174, but after taxes, background check, etc, it came to $201

I looked online and found that you can order the same lower for $120 or so.

Considering that if I bought the lower online and had it send here I'd have to pay for shipping as well as the transfer fee, did I pay too much for my lower by getting it at a local shop, or did I just about break even?

If I broke even (or even just overpaid by like $10 or something) I have no problem with it (if it means supporting a local shop), but I really think I may have paid too much and would like the opinion of someone more experienced with this sort of thing.

Answer 1

Little high, but like you said it went to a local shop so you did a good deed. :)  

Answer 2

Maybe - Maybe not.... I wouldnt pay that for a stripped lower. I bought 4 DoubleStar AR15 lowers at a gun show for $400 ($100 each)... Now that was a deal -- Thing is I wanted a Doublestar lower and when he said he had 4 I worked a lot deal with him......  Now if you really wanted that STAG brand and not a Rock River, Bushmaster, DPMS, etc then I guess you did ok. If your not real picky about the brand and watch for deals at gun shows, Shotgun News, etc then if your patient a deal will show up -- After all this is America and I firmly believe if you want something and keep your ears and eyes open a deal will show up.......

Answer 3

I think by the time you got done with shipping and the transfer you'd be close to 200$ anyway.

I wouldn't sweat it, set your sights on building your rifle :)

Answer 4

I have to agree with the other answers, If you purchase online you get it for in the low &100's, but after the shipping, and the FFA fees you are still getting close to $200.  I agree that it is good to support local shops as it is getting increasingly difficult to not jump on the Online bandwagon.....times are tough.  Good luck, I too am in the market to build an AR and am curious as to why you chose the Stag piece.  I live in CT and was considering the Stag just because they are built locally.  As far as other receivers that you looked at what drove you to purchase the Stag.

Thanks,

Jason  

Answer 5

I buy mine for $105 +tax & NICS from a builder

If you had to have it shipped and transferred it would be about $50 more