[Guest]

I'd like to get an AR at some point in the near future (the old "when finances allow" song), and I'm starting to collect info on which makers people prefer. I'd like to go with a flattop upper to accomodate some optics and a longish 24" bull varminting barrel--I'm more into accuracy than running around playing wargames, so the weight isn't an issue. An adjustable M4-style stock would be nice too. Any personal favorites?

 

[Guest]

I'd like to get an AR at some point in the near future (the old "when finances allow" song), and I'm starting to collect info on which makers people prefer. I'd like to go with a flattop upper to accomodate some optics and a longish 24" bull varminting barrel--I'm more into accuracy than running around playing wargames, so the weight isn't an issue. An adjustable M4-style stock would be nice too. Any personal favorites?

I'm sure others will ask - but what is the intended purpose of the rifle? I only say that because most of your initial review appears to be a long distance, varmint rifle. Yet, you then state that you want an M4-style stock. I'm not being critical - just trying to set the starting point for me & others to help.

 

[Guest]

Gotcha. I was mainly attracted to the M4 stock for its adjustability rather than its size. If there's one that is adjustable that's a better fit for an accuracy rifle (what I'm interested in) than the carbine, let me know. I just threw it out there because it's the one I know.

 

[Guest]

Don't throw a retractable stock on a varmit gun, as retractable stocks move around and effect your sight picture. This means that trying to repeat shots and get smaller groupings will be more difficult.

I play "wargames" and "run around" though and have a retract stock M4gery.

The company Magpul makes a great adjustable stock for AR-15's designed for accuracy.

 

[Guest]

Okay....ignore the stock for now. Do you have favorite uppers/lowers/barrels that you recommend for what I'm thinking about?


Edit: oops...didn't see your Magpul bit at the bottom. Thanks for the company.

 

[Guest]

What bullet weights are you planning on throwing around, and at what distance?

 

[Guest]

What bullet weights are you planning on throwing around, and at what distance?

That is an excellent question. The more I think about the issues you folks are raising, the more I think I need to outline a build plan with more specifics (in other words, I need to research more and see what exactly I wanna do). Probably mostly target shooting, and I'm going to wager between 100-300 yards at the most. As for the weights, that's another thing I'm going to need to research. I'm brand new in the realm of the black rifle, and this is all stuff I'm unfamiliar with.

 

[Guest]

I agree. I've been working on a plan for mine for quite some time. My first AR that I built was a CQB M4'rgery. My next project is a high precision long distance rifle.

For the barrel, I'm looking at barrels from WOA. Here's a link for you:
http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/barrels.htm

I like their 1:7 twist and they seem to have good reviews.

For the grip, I want one of these or something like it (i.e., a resting grip) -
http://www.veriforcetactical.com/tactical_accessories/184/?PHPSESSID=b0df0b70af39b8917b5c925736fac075

For a stock, I'd like something like this one -
http://www.mapartsinc.com/productsDetail.asp?id=1229

For glass, not sure yet.

 

[Guest]

^^Thanks for the links. The more I think I've decided on something, the more I realize how many options there are with these things.

 

[Guest]

Check out J&T Distributing and/or Star Arms. J&T sells the barreled uppers and kits. I used their M4 kit to build mine on a Eagle Arms (Made by Armalite) lower.

Last I checked, their website was not rebuilt, but they have a good catalog I am sure they would send out.

I think building one is truly the way to go...if you are even remotely handy. I carried one in the Army for six years and never really knew what made it do what it does inside.

 

[Guest]

I think building one is truly the way to go...if you are even remotely handy. I carried one in the Army for six years and never really knew what made it do what it does inside.

I agree. I'm pretty handy, and I like to know "which lever moves this which hits that" and so on. I also live in probably the greatest city on the planet for building custom AR's. There's at least a half-dozen companies I can think of locally that do this stuff, but I like to get opinions from outside Da Valley of the Sun for comparison purposes.

 

[Guest]

Yep, I made a trip to one of the companies (I can't recall the name...near a Costco in Scottsdale) a few years ago.

You'll enjoy building one...lots of fun!

That same company was for sale a couple years ago for a mere couple million...I WANTED to own that company...but did not have access to more than about $50,000.

 

[Guest]

I agree. I'm pretty handy, and I like to know "which lever moves this which hits that" and so on. I also live in probably the greatest city on the planet for building custom AR's. There's at least a half-dozen companies I can think of locally that do this stuff, but I like to get opinions from outside Da Valley of the Sun for comparison purposes.

Well, unless you have the right tools you will want to buy a complete upper (fully assembled). Without the right tools, its easy to screw stuff up, very easy and can be very expensive in the long run. The lower though takes no skill at all to build.

 

[Guest]

Magpul makes an adjustable stock that is just as solid as my A2 stock. I love it. I am changing out most of my other AR stocks with the Magpul CTR.

For lowers, just about any forged lower will do. Some have better finishes than others, but if you are using it as a tool, it won't matter much. Get a Stag, or similar. I love using a local shops lowers, Spike's Tactical (manufactured by LAR). $100 stripped. Have built 3 AR's using them.

Best of luck surviving the BRD.

 

[Guest]

^^Yeah, nightraider recommended Magpul too. I'm leaning toward a nice accuracy/varmint rifle to fulfill some sniper fantasies, so this Magpul caught my eye:

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. This is a while off, but window-shopping is fun.

 

[Guest]

I have a Rock River Arms AR on order, the waiting is killing me. I have sight, magazines (with magpul extras), cleaning stuff, and a stack of ammo waiting for it. I will being using it primarily for 3-gun matches and some coyote and groundhog hunting on the side.


Click on photo for more on the rifle

Should only be two more weeks but dang if those ain't going to be a long two weeks.

mcb

 

[Guest]

^^Yeah, nightraider recommended Magpul too. I'm leaning toward a nice accuracy/varmint rifle to fulfill some sniper fantasies, so this Magpul caught my eye:

Thanks for all the replies, everyone. This is a while off, but window-shopping is fun.

Yup thats the one I was talking about. I've read a lot of very good reviews about it.

 

[Guest]

i have been told to stick with the ABC's
Arma lite
Bushmaster
Colt
but i have seen alot of other good manufs out there

 

[Guest]

I have a rock river arms and love it. GO to there sight ar www.rockriverarms.com and check out the different models. You'll find one for u.
Have fun, I LOVE my AR
DaFUnk'

 

[Guest]

Just read an excellent review in "On Target" regarding the Smith and Wesson
M&P AR...they couldn't praise it enough!!