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Post by boxhead on Aug 14, 2012 9:11:51 GMT -5
I am looking to buy an AR style rifle in 223. I want light (</= 7#) reasonably accurate (1 1/2" or so) with detachable or fold down open sights and scope ready. I am thinking 1-7" twist but appreciate advice. I have browsed the various AR active forums and, frankly, I am left lost. I am looking for the good sense here to offer suggestions. Under $1200 or so. Also, no time to build or tweak short of a trigger, if needed. I really want one good to go. A play thing for the range, maybe a hog, coyote and the like at a buddy's ranch.
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robl
.375 Atomic
These were the good ole days!
Posts: 1,415
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Post by robl on Aug 14, 2012 9:23:12 GMT -5
Look at Legion, Rock River, Bravo Company, Spikes Tactical, DPMS . My next upper will be a Legion.
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Post by warhawk on Aug 14, 2012 14:21:39 GMT -5
The best shooting AR I've ever fired is a Palmetto State Armory upper on a bargain basement lower, it's all home built. The accuracy part of an AR is the barrel, and of course the trigger. I liked this one so well that I ordered an upper just like it, then a second one with a Troy free float rail. The barrel is a 16 incher, stainless steel 1 in 8 twist with a Wylde chamber. Both of mine shoot lights out and two buddies have bought this upper and theirs shoots great as well.
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Post by Markbo on Aug 14, 2012 15:47:33 GMT -5
There are so many quality AR manufacturers, it is hard to recommend one over the others any more. I can tell you that I have only 3 in .223, none with a custom barrel and every one a 1/2" shooter with tailored loads. Oly, Colt & Rock River Arms. Think carefully about what you are going to shoot and decide on bullet weight. A 1:7" twist will favor heavier bullets. I have 1:8, 1:9 & 1:10 and for some weird reason (goes against 'correct twist' thinking) they all shoot 55gr bullets well - again with tailored handloads. I don't have much use for heavier bullets since I have alternate calibers for that purpose, but if you want to shoot 69-72gr projectiles a 1:7 will fill the bill. I happen to be very fond of RRA guns and I would recommend a 20" fluted barrel for better velocity and weight savings. The 16" guns can shoot, but my longer barreled guns shoot a lot better at longer ranges. Save the shorty barrel on an M4 type. Here is a link to just one of many RRA options, the A4 Varmint: www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=228FWIW I never shoot milsurp so none of mine are 5.56 chambers though you may want to. The Wylde chamber is a good idea. Allows you to shoot .223 & 5.56 ammo, which are NOT the same. ETA: Do not dismiss the idea of a used rifle from AR15.com. They sell constantly and you may stumble into a very good deal |
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Post by agrizz on Aug 14, 2012 16:42:34 GMT -5
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Post by nolongcolt on Aug 14, 2012 20:32:38 GMT -5
I have owned Oly Arms, DPMS and ArmaLite. The Armalite is the most accurate. Just a rack grade A2 but it shoots 1/2MOA no problem. I did put a two stage match trigger on it as I dont like a single stage trigger on service type weapons. 1-9 twist and just loves 60 gr Hornady V-Max bullets ahead of Varget and Re15.
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Post by joemack41 on Aug 14, 2012 22:08:53 GMT -5
My first AR was a box stock RRA coyote. It shoots very well for its intended purpose which is varmints (especially coyotes). Then came a home built Grizzly lower with a RRA 2-stage match trigger. I put a RRA predator pursuit upper on this one. Sometimes, I stick my .450 Bushmaster upper on it also. My new anticipated build is a Mega lower with a RRA 2-stage match trigger. I'll hook a S&W upper in .300Whisper/.300AAC Blackout to this one.
Get a complete lower with a good trigger and a bargain basement upper. The upper can be changed and sold or kept as a spare when you get the upper you really want.
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Post by maxcactus on Aug 15, 2012 0:36:52 GMT -5
+1 on the Rock River Arms standard A2 or A4 if you want the flattop for fold down sights, etc. Have shot a handful and they all shot great and for very reasonable $$ (think sub $800). My next black tool will be a RRA NMA2 for Hi-power competition.
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Post by zeus on Aug 15, 2012 9:38:45 GMT -5
I'll second the Geiselle trigger. Have one in a Hi-Power rifle and its incredible, noticiably better than the Jewell I have in another. Rock River makes a good gun but so does Smith and a host of others. If you want rails, look for those in the original build if you don't have time to add later. The flip sights, you can buy easily and pop them right on. There are cheap MOE versions out now from Magpul and seem to do pretty well but there are much better options but just cost a little more. I'll do some looking and see what I'd buy if going from the shelf and get back with you. There are a TON of options out there, which is a great thing  You want a 16" or 20"? free floated barrel? |
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Post by boxhead on Aug 15, 2012 10:51:44 GMT -5
I want a 7# or rifle so it appears 16". I have been eyeballing the S&W Tactical Quad Rail.
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Post by stevemb on Aug 15, 2012 11:37:50 GMT -5
No advice to give. I bought an AK, it just works. stevemb
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robl
.375 Atomic
These were the good ole days!
Posts: 1,415
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Post by robl on Aug 15, 2012 11:45:33 GMT -5
I have several AKs and ARs. The ARs are smoother and quieter to use and have far better ergonomics.
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Post by agrizz on Aug 15, 2012 11:59:20 GMT -5
I want a 7# or rifle so it appears 16". I have been eyeballing the S&W Tactical Quad Rail. There are all kinds of AR rifles out there it seems like everyone jumped on the band wagon over the past few years. A few of the newer less expensive rifles have carbon fiber uppers and lowers. Good or bad I have no information on durability just something to watch for and check on. To me the quality and reliability of the gun are more important than anything else. I may have to rely on it more that presently obvious. The old saying, you get what you pay for, is inherent in your search just like anything else. |
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Post by stevemb on Aug 15, 2012 12:06:30 GMT -5
I do not understand the whole upper/lower thing, I bought a weapon. It works. Do you understand ? Stay safe. stevemb
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Post by stevemb on Aug 15, 2012 12:16:04 GMT -5
The whole Ar/AK thing. Its on you. Your decision. For me, one "assault weapon", courses taken, ammo bought, I'm done. If we move onto the I just want it, its a toy, then spend what ever amount of time money and ammo you can afford. The other consideration, maybe the best is, to know and be familiar with the prevalient arms system in place. This is why I bought a Glock. My next platform to get aquainted with will be 1911's. Sigh, life is short, stay safe. stevemb
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