[awdxtc]

Ok, so I decided that my next gun is going to be a rifle. I was thinking about making it an AR. I know there are a ton of top companies out there, daniel defense, noveske, dpms etc. How do I pick? 223, 6.8 spc, 300 aac blackout? Blackout sure sounds cool but what is the advantage? I am looking for a top level weapon and will spend the money, I just need direction. Thanks

 

[Javelin]

First AR? You need to tell us what you plan to do with it.

Do you plan on suppressing it? If so then the Blackout 51T mount will serve you well as you can get an AAC suppressor. If you plan on getting another suppressor then look at their proprietary mount. If you are serious about suppressing it then I suggest a Noveske CQB-style firearm with their Switchblock.

Do you plan on shooting getting an SBR? 10.5" 5.56 are nice. As are 8" 300 Blackout. If you are not then consider a 14.5" w/ pinned flash hider (Blackout, Vortex, etc).

If you just want a solid basic rifle then I recommend a Colt 6920. If you have some serious coin and want to buy one of the best then I would suggest a Noveske Recce w/ Vltor upper & either Noveske Rails or TRX rails or look at a LaRue shop build. Lighter is better so take that into consideration. DD is a good choice as they offer a solid platform as well. At the end of the day the rifle will not be the most expensive part of the purchase but only 1/2 the price of the total platform after you add optics, tac-light, accessories, etc.

:wavey:

 

[awdxtc]

I don't plan a sbr but would like to someday add a suppressor. It looks like the 300 blackout is really better for short barrels, as according to what I have been reading it outperforms the 6.8spc in short barrels but not longer barrels.

 

[Javelin]

I don't plan a sbr but would like to someday add a suppressor. It looks like the 300 blackout is really better for short barrels, as according to what I have been reading it outperforms the 6.8spc in short barrels but not longer barrels.

From what Joel at Noveske has determined the 300 Blackout reaches it's best at 14" w/ accuracy and velocity in lighter bullets. Of course you can shoot it with an 8" upper without a lot of loss in ballistic effect and that is the sex appeal of the platform.

Ammo availability is now becoming a thing of reality for the 300 Blackout and you can use standard mags, bolt, etc in shooting it so that makes it very attractive for serious shooters.

 

[awdxtc]

The 300 blackout seems to have better ballistics vs 6.8spc from a 8" barrel than it does from a 16in barrel. That's according to the 300 blackout website.

 

[WoodenPlank]

Personally, I'd stay away from pinned 14.5" barrels, due to the difficulty in changing out the muzzle device.

I'd suggest a 16" midlength upper in 5.56 from a quality company, standard lower with a good LPK (nothing match grade, but a solid milspec trigger), full auto bolt carrier, handguards and stock of your choice, and ammo. Add either a detachable carry handle or rear BUIS and a quality optic of your choice, and shoot the crap out of it.

For a first AR, though, I'd suggest learning on iron sights, and adding the optic later on. Reduces up front cost, lets you learn the fundamentals (what good is that red dot if it fails and you don't know how to shoot for dick with irons), and you can use the money saved for ammo and training.

Palmetto State seems to be the best bang for the buck right now. You can get a complete DIY rifle for under $600, or a complete rifle with Aimpoint PRO and Magpul rear BUIS for $1,000.

 

[awdxtc]

Thanks for the advice.