The video opens with Ava starting what appears to be her own channel segment about top budget AR-15 pistols, only to be interrupted as Clint and Auburn walk onto the set, jokingly arguing over whose show it is and why everyone is there. They decide to team up and film together. Clint formally welcomes viewers back to Classic Firearms and introduces Ava, clarifying the spelling of her last name and joking about her upcoming flannel clothing line. Auburn from Stag Arms is also introduced, and he jokes about possibly doing a sweatshirt line instead. Clint explains that since they already planned a video on the top five budget AR pistols and Stag was in town, they decided to integrate everyone into one episode. He notes that one of Stag’s pistols made the list, warning Auburn he might not love its exact ranking. They clarify that the list is focused on budget-friendly AR pistols that still offer solid performance and features, and that the countdown will start at number five and work up to number one.
The hosts begin the countdown with number five: the Smith & Wesson M&P15 pistol. On the table they have a rifle version to represent the platform, and Clint explains that the pistol configuration is essentially this setup with a shorter barrel, a brace, and the M&P-style grip. Ava discloses that she is a sponsored Smith & Wesson ambassador, clarifying that she is not one of their competition shooters but does have extensive experience with the pistol. She describes it as a phenomenal option for the price, emphasizing that it has been reliable and easy to run in her experience. The M&P grip is highlighted as a major improvement over a standard A2 grip, with interchangeable palm swell inserts that can be swapped to fit smaller or larger hands, helping shooters get a more tailored feel. Clint and Ava agree that this makes it easier to get a comfortable, secure hold on the gun. They characterize the M&P15 pistol as a solid, dependable choice from a long-established manufacturer, offering good value in the budget AR pistol category, while Auburn jokingly reminds everyone that it is still not a Stag.
At number four, the hosts move on to the Springfield Saint series of AR pistols. They describe the Saint as one of the better out-of-the-box AR platforms in terms of build quality and features, but note that it lands lower on this particular list because its price can be higher than some of the other budget entries. The example on the table uses a very short 5.56 barrel, around 7.5 inches, which produces a sharp muzzle blast. To help manage this, the pistol is equipped with a blast deflector that directs concussion and flash forward and away from the shooter and those standing nearby. The M-LOK handguard has a cutout that allows a solid forward grip and good control, with both Picatinny and M-LOK attachment points where accessories are most useful. Controls include a 45-degree short-throw ambidextrous safety selector and a B5 grip that the hosts praise for its ergonomics and texture. The trigger is a flat-faced unit with a mil-spec style pull but reduced take-up and a short, crisp reset. An enlarged trigger guard provides extra room for gloved hands, and a Magpul brace offers a sturdy, adjustable setup with a comfortable cheek weld. Auburn acknowledges that the pistol looks and likely shoots very well, but frames it as a strong competitor in the same space as Stag’s offerings.
In the number three spot, the hosts highlight a compact AR pistol that uses a bufferless operating system, eliminating the need for a traditional buffer tube extending straight back from the receiver. This design allows the pistol to be configured in a very short overall length, making it well suited as a compact truck gun or backpack gun. Because there is no standard buffer tube, the rear of the firearm can be set up in different ways depending on the intended role and legal configuration. One of the standout features is the forward, side-mounted charging handle. At first glance it looks unconventional, but once the hosts run it a few times, they find it intuitive and easy to use. Ava points out that this style of charging handle can be easier for shooters who may not have as much upper-body strength, since it allows them to use different muscle groups and leverage compared to a traditional rear charging handle. The handle can be repositioned to different sides and orientations, making the platform adaptable for both left- and right-handed shooters. The upper has a monolithic-style appearance with a removable rail section, giving it a sleek, modern look while still allowing customization. The hosts describe this pistol as a reliable, innovative option at a strong price point, well suited for home defense or discreet carry, and they note that its trigger and safety controls feel similar to a good mil-spec setup with ambidextrous functionality.
At number two, the focus shifts to a Stag Arms AR pistol, and Auburn takes the lead in walking through its components and upgrades. He jokingly rates it five out of five stag heads and starts at the muzzle, where a VG6 Delta flash hider replaces the standard A2 birdcage. He explains that this not only looks cleaner but also adds performance and value by helping to control flash and recoil. The barrel is a Ballistic Advantage Hanson profile, chosen for its balance of weight and handling, keeping the front end from feeling too heavy while still maintaining accuracy and durability. Moving back, the pistol uses an ambidextrous charging handle, specifically an Aero Breach model that is co-branded with the Stag logo. The safety selector is fully ambidextrous and can be configured for either a 60-degree or 90-degree throw, though it ships set up as a 90-degree selector from the factory. Auburn and Clint emphasize that Stag has focused on refining small but meaningful details, such as upgraded barrel and muzzle device choices, ambidextrous controls, and subtle branding touches, to create a well-rounded AR pistol that feels a step above a basic entry-level build while still staying in a competitive price range. Auburn makes it clear that, in his personal ranking, this pistol sits at the very top of his own scale.
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