One of the few .223 AR clones that isn't restricted up here is the Robinson Expidition .223. Near as I can tell, it is a complete clone of the AR-15, same controls, AR mags etc. Anyone familiar with this model. Very serious about it, but at $2400.00 CDN. I don't want to get a POS.
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Robinson Expedition AR Clone
- Thread starter Cain R
- Start date
It's not an AR clone. It's a completely new design. I've never fired one, but have looked at one very closely, and it looks and feels very high quality.
Robinson Armament Company
Robinson Armament Company
Yup, Stoner clone is a much better description than AR clone. They do look and handle great, but has anybody owned one or shot it? I'm thinking long term durability/reliability etc. And $2400.00 is in Canadian dollars so when you figure out exchange rate its a bargin. Now, how do you sneak this one by the wife and downstairs, afterall the Visa bill comes eventually.
Milarm in Edmonton has them for 2377$ CDN.
Considering an exchange rate of 0.63/1.00, that would approximate 1500$ USD.
Can't comment on quality, I have zero experience with them, but the price tag prevents me of wanting one too bad.
Have you downloaded the FREE (thanks, Rich!) issue of SWAT? There's a great article on the M96...
Considering an exchange rate of 0.63/1.00, that would approximate 1500$ USD.
Can't comment on quality, I have zero experience with them, but the price tag prevents me of wanting one too bad.
Have you downloaded the FREE (thanks, Rich!) issue of SWAT? There's a great article on the M96...
I live near Robinson Armament, and am over there fairly frequently, talking to the engineers and to Alex Robinson, the owner. I am therefore perhaps more aware than some others of the details of design and construction quality, having seen some of their operations first-hand.
I own an M96, in Rifle, Carbine and Recon configurations (all interchangeable), and it's nothing much like an AR, nor is it really a copy of the Stoner 63A, though it resembles the latter in its external appearance, and in its modularity and interchangeability between "Bren" (top feed) and standard setups. A belt-fed mod is also in the works, for those who like such things. (Not being a fan of full-auto in any rifle or caliber, I can't see the use, especially since the M96 doesn't come in a select fire edition. I prefer AIMED fire!)
It incorporates admirable features from the AR, the AK, and the FAL
It's a very well designed and well made rifle, probably the best battle rifle in .223 (actually, chamber spec is 5.56 NATO), IMNSHO.
It's very robust, quite accurate for its intended role (1-3" at 100 yards) and while heavier than an AR, is also MUCH sturdier.
Prices in standard rifle configuration can be found varying from (USD) $1199 to $1550.
There's quite a bit of info on the 'net for those interested, such as
http://www.robarm.com/
http://www.biggerhammer.net/m96/wwwboard/
http://www.m96.org/
and if you download the free (Oct 2001) issue of SWAT magazine from TFL, courtesy of Rich Lucibella at the front page of this BB, there's even a review article on the M96. Best.
I own an M96, in Rifle, Carbine and Recon configurations (all interchangeable), and it's nothing much like an AR, nor is it really a copy of the Stoner 63A, though it resembles the latter in its external appearance, and in its modularity and interchangeability between "Bren" (top feed) and standard setups. A belt-fed mod is also in the works, for those who like such things. (Not being a fan of full-auto in any rifle or caliber, I can't see the use, especially since the M96 doesn't come in a select fire edition. I prefer AIMED fire!)
It incorporates admirable features from the AR, the AK, and the FAL
It's a very well designed and well made rifle, probably the best battle rifle in .223 (actually, chamber spec is 5.56 NATO), IMNSHO.
It's very robust, quite accurate for its intended role (1-3" at 100 yards) and while heavier than an AR, is also MUCH sturdier.
Prices in standard rifle configuration can be found varying from (USD) $1199 to $1550.
There's quite a bit of info on the 'net for those interested, such as
http://www.robarm.com/
http://www.biggerhammer.net/m96/wwwboard/
http://www.m96.org/
and if you download the free (Oct 2001) issue of SWAT magazine from TFL, courtesy of Rich Lucibella at the front page of this BB, there's even a review article on the M96. Best.
hksigwalther
New member
So SAWBONES,
Will they make a .308WIN/7.62X51NATO version? One that will accept FAL mags?
Will they make a .308WIN/7.62X51NATO version? One that will accept FAL mags?
AR 15's do not require an adjustable gas system as they are self-regulating thanks to the moving carrier key and pressure relief holes in the carrier.
Cleaning after 1000 rounds? I will report after my second 500. Yes, that's over 500 rounds in my AR with no gas system cleaning or lubrication.
Quality ammo is a key to reliability. Stoner didn't design the AR to work with blackpowder.
Cleaning after 1000 rounds? I will report after my second 500. Yes, that's over 500 rounds in my AR with no gas system cleaning or lubrication.
Quality ammo is a key to reliability. Stoner didn't design the AR to work with blackpowder.
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
No - No .308 version. But there may be one coming out in 7.62.39.
There is very little about the M96 that can compair to the Stoner rifle... except general appearances.
Personally I think anyone who designed the AR-15 to be a complete idiot... Alex took the Stoner rifle and made it what it should have been. I would really like to see what he could do to the AR. Imagine an AR with a fix ejector and an operating rod! It would be WONDERFUL! SAWBONES - Next time you talk to Alex - tell him to make the AR right.
There is very little about the M96 that can compair to the Stoner rifle... except general appearances.
Personally I think anyone who designed the AR-15 to be a complete idiot... Alex took the Stoner rifle and made it what it should have been. I would really like to see what he could do to the AR. Imagine an AR with a fix ejector and an operating rod! It would be WONDERFUL! SAWBONES - Next time you talk to Alex - tell him to make the AR right.
Actually, Alex IS apparently looking into a .308 version, but based on the Stoner 62, not the 63A, I believe.
He has an engineer devoted to that very task (he told me this last Summer), though it will be a couple years or more before we see any physical representation.
While pistol-caliber carbine conversion kits for the M96 are planned (in .40S&W and 9mm first, in .45ACP later), I believe all plans for a 7.62x39 version or conversion kit have been scrapped.
Meanwhile, the closest thing from Robinson Armament in .308 is a VEPR II (nice!) or Super VEPR (blech!). Best.
He has an engineer devoted to that very task (he told me this last Summer), though it will be a couple years or more before we see any physical representation.
While pistol-caliber carbine conversion kits for the M96 are planned (in .40S&W and 9mm first, in .45ACP later), I believe all plans for a 7.62x39 version or conversion kit have been scrapped.
Meanwhile, the closest thing from Robinson Armament in .308 is a VEPR II (nice!) or Super VEPR (blech!). Best.
Nightcrawler
New member
I ordered a VEPR II .308 on Sept. 24th, was told to wait four to six weeks. Today, RobArm told my dealer that it'd be another month, so my patience ran out and I ordered a DS Arms FAL via Federal Arms.
I will, probably, do business with Robinson in future if I'm in the market for an AK. It's a good company, they're just back ordered due to import problems.
I will, probably, do business with Robinson in future if I'm in the market for an AK. It's a good company, they're just back ordered due to import problems.
Thanks for the link and info guys. I just got my "one line christmas list" idea for this year. By the sound of it, I'll need to be happy with a small, delicately wrapped box with a purchase invoice in it LOL. Still, sounds like they have taken the AK platform to a new level, eh?
hksigwalther
New member
"Actually, Alex IS apparently looking into a .308 version..."
I'm there.
I'm there.
Bullwinkle
New member
Sawbones,
Why dont you talk to your buddy Alex about a mod to the 96 or on the new 308 that will give those of us too stupid to leave california a quality alternative to a mini-14/30 :barf:
I think there is quite a pent up market here.
Why dont you talk to your buddy Alex about a mod to the 96 or on the new 308 that will give those of us too stupid to leave california a quality alternative to a mini-14/30 :barf:
I think there is quite a pent up market here.
Hi Bullwinkle;
There IS a "California version" of the M96 in .223, with the EVIL pistol grip removed, everything else being the same. Alex showed it to me. I held it. It exists. They are "one offs" at this point, since it's not altogether clear that they meet CA requirements, the specifics of the CA laws being rather vague, though at least the M96 is NOT on the "banned" list yet.
Alex said they will try to keep providing them to CA FFL holders who order them (at customer request) unless and until the powers that be decide the M96 is too evil even with the pistol grip gone. Email Robinson Armament and ask 'em about it (maybe they can send you a picture), or see if your local FFL will order you one. Best.
There IS a "California version" of the M96 in .223, with the EVIL pistol grip removed, everything else being the same. Alex showed it to me. I held it. It exists. They are "one offs" at this point, since it's not altogether clear that they meet CA requirements, the specifics of the CA laws being rather vague, though at least the M96 is NOT on the "banned" list yet.
Alex said they will try to keep providing them to CA FFL holders who order them (at customer request) unless and until the powers that be decide the M96 is too evil even with the pistol grip gone. Email Robinson Armament and ask 'em about it (maybe they can send you a picture), or see if your local FFL will order you one. Best.
Bullwinkle
New member
Is there any conceviable way of accessing the trigger without the lower grip? Probably not since that is what our overlords are trying to accomplish anyway.
Bullwinkle
New member
BTW,
John Farnam had an M96 that he showed us at class I attended. His comment was (approximately) "This is a wonderful weapon, every home in America should have one of these".
John Farnam had an M96 that he showed us at class I attended. His comment was (approximately) "This is a wonderful weapon, every home in America should have one of these".
Yes, John Farnam (whose opinions I value) thinks highly of the M96, and with good reason. It's a robust battle rifle that works.
I'm the wrong guy to ask about the belt-fed version/kit, 'cause I don't care, and haven't asked, but I will ask Alex or Darren the next time I'm over there now.
The California version M96 has the pistol grip removed, and the stud (which retained the pistol grip, and remains on the rifle) shortened. Obviously, this makes it awkward to hold, and I'd guess some sort of "stud cover" should be figured out, to try to make the grip at least similar to, say, the M14. If you email Alex, ask him if he has any recommendations about this. Best.
I'm the wrong guy to ask about the belt-fed version/kit, 'cause I don't care, and haven't asked, but I will ask Alex or Darren the next time I'm over there now.
The California version M96 has the pistol grip removed, and the stud (which retained the pistol grip, and remains on the rifle) shortened. Obviously, this makes it awkward to hold, and I'd guess some sort of "stud cover" should be figured out, to try to make the grip at least similar to, say, the M14. If you email Alex, ask him if he has any recommendations about this. Best.