Ar-15

[ccrn]

I am in the process of looking at AR-15's and would like some opinions. Ive been reading AR15.com and other places but would like to see what you guys think.

The main use will be weekly trips to the range for much needed practice.

I just need a basic platform and for now plan to keep it simple ie iron sites with no gear attached etc. But I would like some flexibility to up grade so have been looking at things like detachable site handle so I could get an optic site later.

My main concern is whether to get a 16" or 20" barrel. The unit Im in uses 20" A2s, but other units I like shoot M4s. I am also aware that 20" is more powerful but I like the feel of the 16".

I like Colt, Bushmaster, and RR but have been seeing quite a bit of DPMS around as well as Olympia. Budget is an issue but so is a dependable platform. Id also lke to have a factory built weapon as opposed to mixed uppers an lowers etc-

Thanks in advance

[GackMan]

LMT was offering a discount to AD Military and LE. You might want to look into that. They make some NICE blasters!

Of the ones you listed, I'd say get a RRA "Entry Tactical" chrome lined, shit-can that goofy tactical carry handle and you will be good to go.

If you can have the coin, get a colt. The Bushmasters don't seem to last. That is from observing them in a LE environment and really... they are not abused that badly.


Since you are thinking of an entry lever gun, have you thought about building your own? Get a receiver and then purchase the parts? you can get exactly what you want for under $800.

[ccrn]

GackMan,

Yes I had thought of putting one together but read that factory assembled ARs did better at classes that involved heavy shooting over multiple days.

I had considered the detachable site handle because I could dx it later for an optic.

Right now I can get a slighty used Colt A2 20" HBar chromed with detachable site handle for $800.00. That is out of my price range but the guy would let me put it on lay away.

The thing is Im still a bit partial to 16" barrels-

Thanks for the input

[jatx]

ccrn,

I saw some NIB no-ban Bushmaster 16" A3's w/ the detachable handle and chromed barrel on Gunsamerica.com for $850 the other day. I believe they had threaded muzzles so that you could switch out the flash hiders easily if you so choose, and I also believe there were versions available with both carbine amd mid-length handguards. There is a dealer on the same site from Norcross, GA, that should be able to get you a similar setup from RRA for $750ish, can't remember his name though. Both might be worth checking out.

[GackMan]

Originally Posted by ccrn

Yes I had thought of putting one together but read that factory assembled ARs did better at classes that involved heavy shooting over multiple days.

I wouldn't put too much faith into that. I've used rifles that I built at some of the 'Disneyland' schools like Thunder Ranch and I abused the shit out of them and I never had to go to my vehicle for a spare... (JINX). I specifically used rifles that I knew only cose me $600-$700 to build in some classes because I wanted to see how they held up.

Given your budget, I'd say build your own and get what you want.

I've seen nice, quality built rifles from reputable manufactures blow-up and I've seen the several bolt keys come loose from bushmasters (for some reason it seems like it is a trend).

if you have $800 +/- to spend, get a rifle, build it with good parts that you do your self. You'll be in a better position to fix it if the need should arise and you'll have 100% QA/QC over what goes into it and how.

[Psywar1-0]

I would go with the 20 In upper, just so you can train with what you are issued. That being said I would also probably have a M4 upper and stock so that you can quickly change over if M4's come out of the woodwork during pre deployment training.

TR-
Do you have any recommendations for AR purchases in the Ft. bragg area? I've decided that I need one also, and was curious about where or how I should get one (i.e build it or buy it).

AP

[ktek01]

Originally Posted by ccrn

My main concern is whether to get a 16" or 20" barrel. The unit Im in uses 20" A2s, but other units I like shoot M4s. I am also aware that 20" is more powerful but I like the feel of the 16".

Thanks in advance

Go with what your unit has for training. If you go to another unit later with M4s you can always change it over, but I would train with what you may have to fight with now.

[Archangel]

Originally Posted by ccrn

I am also aware that 20" is more powerful but I like the feel of the 16".

I don't believe that the 20" has any more power than the 16" and if there is, it's negligible. However, the 20" will give you more accuracy for further distances. I would recommend that you go with a flat-top on either one. Bushmaster is my preference.

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by Archangel

I don't believe that the 20" has any more power than the 16" and if there is, it's negligible. However, the 20" will give you more accuracy for further distances. I would recommend that you go with a flat-top on either one. Bushmaster is my preference.

Archangel, you are incorrect.

The 20" barrel adds about 50 meters to the effective terminal ballistics range (2700 fps threshold) of either the M193 or M855 ammo. While that does not sound like much, it is actually about 25-35% difference, as it extends it 95 meters to 150 meters with the M855, and from 150 to 200 meters with the M193.

The barrel length is irrelevant to accuracy. The sight radius MIGHT be, if you are shooting irons. If you have a flattop, you should be shooting optics.

The only other effect of the 20" is that the increased velocity of the longer barrel will help it shoot flatter at longer ranges.

What is the basis for comparison to recommend the BM over anything else?

TR

[Archangel]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Archangel, you are incorrect.

The 20" barrel adds about 50 meters to the effective terminal ballistics range (2700 fps threshold) of either the M193 or M855 ammo. While that does not sound like much, it is actually about 25-35% difference, as it extends it 95 meters to 150 meters with the M855, and from 150 to 200 meters with the M193.

The barrel length is irrelevant to accuracy. The sight radius MIGHT be, if you are shooting irons. If you have a flattop, you should be shooting optics.

The only other effect of the 20" is that the increased velocity of the longer barrel will help it shoot flatter at longer ranges.

What is the basis for comparison to recommend the BM over anything else?

TR

Thank you for the correction sir. I've learned something new tonight.

As far as the BM, it is just my preference. I've built a dozen or so AR's for myself & my buddies. Unlike some of the other uppers that I've used, I've never had any double-feeding/extraction issues with any BM uppers (or Colt's).

[whit]

I have very good luck with the 16" heavy barrel flattop upper I got from
J&T Distributing's "M16 company", Doublestar Corp. Built the thing
about 3 yrs. ago for Dave Lauck's 3-gun match (I was Pistol/Carbine).
Did an A2 stock and an Accuracy Speaks (they're on the web) trigger.
The trigger takes a little professional fitting, and it is the hardest
thing I have ground in a long time. Beautiful now.
Topped it with the U.S. Optics SN-4. It did quite well in
the match, and stays on a torso-sized target to ranges
so stupid for a 16" gun I won't even post 'em here. Cost for
complete upper is only $390, an excellent deal IMHO.
I would recommend asking for the 1:8" twist barrel if you
decide to go this route. My barrel likes the 69-gr. Black Hills
Match moly over the 77-grainers, but try both. Barrels are like wimmen. ;^)

1/888-736-7725, I think the catalogues are free.
Regards,
whit

[KBAR_O4]

I've got a Colt 6920 that has worked well for me. I've also had very good luck with LMT products, which are on a par with Colt in my opinion. Personally, I would match whatever I was issued, with the possible exception of sights. I've got an ACOG I really like. Of course you could always buy two of them, one full length and one M4 type....

Good luck with your rifle, fortunately you can buy almost anything these days. My personal AR is a lot nicer than anything I had in AFG.

[ccrn]

The Colt with 20" Barrel has been working flawlessly without one jam. So much for working on immediate (POPS) and remedial actions.

I have been working on controlled pairs at 7ft, 21ft, and 25m lately.

After recently attending an Infantry course I find I like the M4 platform quite well and will save up for that over the next year. I'll go with colt-

Thanks for all input

ccrn

[Maytime]

Originally Posted by ccrn

So much for working on immediate (POPS) and remedial actions.

Isn't SPORTS for ar15? IIRC POPS was for M249.