What AR do I want? - Page 2

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-05-2012, 05:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by M&P15T

HEY OP!!!!

If you like the M16 look, check out these.
http://www.bravocompanymfg.com/rifles/index.php

They look cool. Do have one of them?

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-05-2012, 05:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by larson1122

Yep, the 6920 is good to go for both 5.56 and .223. If your rifle is chambered for 5.56, you can shoot both 5.56 and .223, but it is not recommended to shoot 5.56 in a rifle chambered for .223.

ETA: forgot to add another thumbs up vote for the Colt. Anything from Colt, BCM, DD, etc. would serve you quite well.

I've shot some 5.56 in my bolt .223. Don't know if I should have, but didn't notice any problems.

What rate of twist is best in an AR? Seems lots of people run heavy bullets, such as for deer. My bolt doesn't stabilize the heavies.

cooden · 10-05-2012, 16:04

If there is a Dicks Sporting Goods near you, go there and buy the Troy AR that Troy is making exclusively for Dicks. It's $1099.99 and if you bought every part separate and tried to build it, you would spend somewhere between $1300-$1400. Best part is that Dicks usually has $100 off $1000+ for rifles. Then sign up for the Dicks card and get 10% off (another $100). You can get it for $900 BEFORE tax!! I bought one yesterday to add to my collection, paid $972 with tax. This rifle is a steal at that price!

SCSU74 · 10-05-2012, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

So what should I expect from the average Colt 6920 for accuracy?

Do these interchange .223 and 5.56 no problem? My favorite .223 ammo for my bolt is Black hills blue box 55gr soft point. Will that run good through one of these AR's?

Shooting 55g you'd probably do best with 1/8 or 1/9 twist. The colt uses 1/7 and does better with heavier weights. My 6920 hates 55g past 50 yds

Sent from my iPhone... which probably auto-corrected something wrong

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-05-2012, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCSU74

Shooting 55g you'd probably do best with 1/8 or 1/9 twist. The colt uses 1/7 and does better with heavier weights. My 6920 hates 55g past 50 yds

Sent from my iPhone... which probably auto-corrected something wrong

Arggh!

Thanks for that info. I'd hate to have to use different ammo in both my .223's.

Are soft points ok in an AR? Do they cycle ok? Dirty the action up, or perhaps the barrel?

I suppose I could keep two different types of ammo, but that isn't something I want to do. I already have 16 different calibers/gauges

WoodenPlank · 10-05-2012, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

Arggh!

Thanks for that info. I'd hate to have to use different ammo in both my .223's.

Are soft points ok in an AR? Do they cycle ok? Dirty the action up, or perhaps the barrel?

I suppose I could keep two different types of ammo, but that isn't something I want to do. I already have 16 different calibers/gauges

They can leave lead fouling on the feed ramps, but that's easy to clean.

Meanwhile, I have had no less than TWO 14.5" Colt barrels (pinned/welded, of course) that grouped just fine with 55 grain ammo at 100 yards using an Aimpoint M2. Some guns will do fine, some will not.

larson1122 · 10-06-2012, 05:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

Arggh!

Thanks for that info. I'd hate to have to use different ammo in both my .223's.

Are soft points ok in an AR? Do they cycle ok? Dirty the action up, or perhaps the barrel?

I suppose I could keep two different types of ammo, but that isn't something I want to do. I already have 16 different calibers/gauges

You could also take a look at the Colt 6721. They are available with the 1/9 twist rate if that is what you would prefer for the lighter bullets. I own one and it has been great for me so far. The difference between a 6721 and the 6920 is the slightly heavier HBAR barrel on the 6721. Since you mention this would mainly be used as a range gun, a few extra ounces isn't a huge deal.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 10-06-2012, 06:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmurphy

a basic ar is a 3-4 moa rifle.

A good ar can easily be a minute gun or better with decent ammo and shooter.

The basic colt 6920 is an excellent starting point. A larue or noveske is even better but above your price point. Then again, you get what you pay for.

...........+1

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-06-2012, 06:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by larson1122

You could also take a look at the Colt 6721. They are available with the 1/9 twist rate if that is what you would prefer for the lighter bullets. I own one and it has been great for me so far. The difference between a 6721 and the 6920 is the slightly heavier HBAR barrel on the 6721. Since you mention this would mainly be used as a range gun, a few extra ounces isn't a huge deal.

What is the HBAR barrel?

As far as I can tell, with barrels in general, Colt seems to have the 16" as 1-7" and the 20" as 1-9". Wonder why that is.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 10-06-2012, 06:40

HBAR

Heavy barrel.........not needed or recommended in my opinion.

larson1122 · 10-06-2012, 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

What is the HBAR barrel?

As far as I can tell, with barrels in general, Colt seems to have the 16" as 1-7" and the 20" as 1-9". Wonder why that is.

There's a few pictures here that might help show the difference: http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=41436

Quote:

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

HBAR

Heavy barrel.........not needed or recommended in my opinion.

I agree, it is not a necessity, just thought I would throw another option out there to consider. The OP mentioned maybe adding a scope and the HBAR would give a slight increase in accuracy, even though that increase isn't exactly substantial.

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-06-2012, 10:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by larson1122

There's a few pictures here that might help show the difference: http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=41436

I agree, it is not a necessity, just thought I would throw another option out there to consider. The OP mentioned maybe adding a scope and the HBAR would give a slight increase in accuracy, even though that increase isn't exactly substantial.

That's a great short thread. Pictures of the barrels and the slight accuracy advantage of the given HBAR. Also mention of 1-9" not stabilizing the heavy bullets well.

hollowpoint40 · 10-08-2012, 16:49

Love my M&P

Sent from my iPhone

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-08-2012, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollowpoint40

Love my M&P

What kind of ammo does it like and what group sizes are you getting?

avenues165 · 10-08-2012, 22:29

This has not been thrown out yet and would be an option if you are looking for accuracy - a stainless steel barrel.

An SS barrel will not be as durable as a chrome-lined barrel, but they are generally more accurate. You could do a few things:

1. Buy a BCM lower and a BCM SS410 stainless upper. You could come in at the higher end of your budget with a very accurate and high quality rifle.

2. The Larue predatAR is an AR with a thinner profile SS barrel. It would run higher than your budget but it is a very fine rifle and should get you 1.5moa groups and smaller. Some report sub-moa groups if the barrel isn't allowed to heat up.

3. Buy a complete lower receiver and have Rainier arms build you an upper. They have a lot of high quality components and many, many folks say their customer service is second to none.

I would recommend that if you go with a SS barrel that you go either 1:7 or 1:8 with a Wylde chamber or comparable chamber. They will shoot both 5.56mm and .223 rem. A barrel with a 1:8 twist should give you the ability to shoot up to ~77 grains. It will also shoot 55 grain bullets just fine. In fact, a 1:7 barrel should shoot 55 grain bullets just fine, IMHO.

With the right SS barrel you wouldn't add a lot of weight and would have one heck of a shooter for an semi-automatic rifle. But, it is not optimal for mag dump sessions. A chrome-lined barrel will hold up longer.

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-09-2012, 06:03

Avenues, do you think most run of the mill 1 in 7" barrels will handle 55gr ok? Or just the particlar stainless ones you mention?

I don't want to be stuck on trying to match the load and accuracy my bolt shoots, but just thought it would be nice

avenues165 · 10-09-2012, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

Avenues, do you think most run of the mill 1 in 7" barrels will handle 55gr ok? Or just the particlar stainless ones you mention?

I don't want to be stuck on trying to match the load and accuracy my bolt shoots, but just thought it would be nice

In theory a 1:7 twist should be fine for 55gr bullets.

I suggest you do some research. In other forums there have been tests performed on 1:7 and 1:9 barrels side by side with 55gr loads. I think you would be fine with a 1:7 from a quality manufacturer to shoot 55gr bullets. But don't take it from me, check out some side by side testing to see what you think. There are resources that can tell you the optimum bullet weights with each twist. Some folks swear that 1:7 will not be optimal for 55gr bullets.

FWIW, I am going to be purchasing a 16" recon-style upper with an SS barrel once funds are available. I know I will be shooting from ~50grs to ~77grs through it. I will be using either a 1:7 or 1:8 twist.

WoodenPlank · 10-09-2012, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

Avenues, do you think most run of the mill 1 in 7" barrels will handle 55gr ok? Or just the particlar stainless ones you mention?

I don't want to be stuck on trying to match the load and accuracy my bolt shoots, but just thought it would be nice

In MY experience, every 1/7 barrel I have had has given between acceptable (2-3 MOA) and fantastic (1.5 or less MOA) accuracy from 16" or less barrels out to 100 yards. A lot of this, of course, depends on individual shooter and optic being used, as well as individual barrels. In most cases, you won't be sure of what YOUR barrel will do until you go out and try it.

**Hour13** · 10-09-2012, 20:45

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M...ifle-s/146.htm

HWA GLOCKER · 10-09-2012, 20:55

Rra!!!

TattooedGlock · 10-10-2012, 05:01

...none, now that I bought my POF 415!

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-10-2012, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by avenues165

I suggest you do some research.

I thought this thread was my research

Eventually, l'll get a couple guys I know to crack open their safes and let me dirty up their guns. After hunting season. So it will probably be a mid-winter test drive of what they've.

We'll see if my want of an AR lasts till then.

ithaca_deerslayer · 10-10-2012, 05:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hour13

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M...ifle-s/146.htm

You suppose that is a 20" barrel, fixed front sight, 1 in 9" twist? How much does it cost generally?

That configuration, old school, but with detachable handle, is catching my imagination.

**Hour13** · 10-10-2012, 06:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

You suppose that is a 20" barrel, fixed front sight, 1 in 9" twist? How much does it cost generally?

That configuration, old school, but with detachable handle, is catching my imagination.

I though you might like that.

That is a 20", in a 1/7 twist. It should run your lighter quality ammo just fine out to 200yds. For distances past that, load it up with some heavier BTHPs, and it aughta be a tack-driver.

Don't know what the price is, you'd have to contact BCM. But I'd imagine that set-up will probably fall in around $1,200.

..

arushus · 10-10-2012, 12:02

If your budget is to $1500, my choice would be Daniel defense M4. They have excellent QC. Completely mil-spec, and then some. Cold hammer forged barrels, and free float rails that are among the best available, IMO. Basically with the DD youre getting all the bells and whistles that you would have to buy aftermarket if you went with the Colt. Not dissing the Colt at all, it is an EXCELLENT weapon, but you're gonna want to put a rail on it, and other stuff. So I say just go with the DD and call it a day!