User Panel
[#1]
Quoted:
I knew everyone said knights but im just not completely sold. Its a good rifle and all but the one thing that sours it is i feel theyve lived off thier military contract without paying any attention to the civilian side but now they need us soooo... Also im not sold on larue at all but thats just me. The radian really intrigues me but the rail is heavy The adm seems great but not as refined as the others The triarc has the best rifling but other than that its pretty standard (shit i meant this instead of giessle in the poll) Giessle would be sweet though too though not a fan of their handguard. Lmt is pretty much a knights for less ive been told The hk is ultra reliable and would go well with my hk family already but is overgassed, especially with a can. That is also a factor, i will be suppressing said rifle. View Quote |
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[#2]
Quoted:
Lots of votes for KAC. My take; I’ve had considerable end user experience with KAC guns in a World Wide Environment, they were sufficient for their intended purpose and performed well. I did not however feel like I was “missing” something when not carrying them, they were a tool. I felt just at home when carrying my non-KAC guns. My personal rifles are LMTs, Colts, and recently built the wife a rifle on a PSA lower and BCM blemished upper. Not counting the PSA I would go to war with any of my personal guns and again never feel like I was missing something. I have no experience with some of the brands you listed and a lot of experience with others...I would look strongly at LMT from that list. Numerous partner nation forces are turning to LMT, there is a reason. While they may never pull the large U.S. contracts for various reasons, don’t discount them... Just my 2 Cents from a guy that doesn’t post much...cheers and good luck with your choice. View Quote I personally have both high end AR's and cheaper built AR's. I trust all of them and all are equally reliable to take into battle. |
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[#3]
My next 14.5" will be another KAC.
I vote for KAC. If you're worried about an extractor breaking or something, grab a field repair kit for $100. If you're using a SOPMOD, it fits in the tube. There was a guy here awhile ago who had a bad cartridge which damaged the extractor. Thread link. The bolt held up really well, and could've kept running after changing out the extractor. |
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[#5]
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[#6]
I'll set this right here. It's a 16" cut down to 13.8" and then pinned with MAMs to 16.1" by Nefarious Arms (Marvin Pitts). He also ball dimpled the barrel.
Flattest shooting AR I own. It's unbelievable how fast I can run it. Unbelievable. I have Colt's, a Noveske, Daniel Defenses and LMTs. If I had to grab something I trust and know I can count on, it'd be the SR15. There is NOTHING else like it. IMG_20180710_125846 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152204522@N02/] |
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[#7]
Quoted:
I'll set this right here. It's a 16" cut down to 13.8" and then pinned with MAMs to 16.1" by Nefarious Arms (Marvin Pitts). He also ball dimpled the barrel. Flattest shooting AR I own. It's unbelievable how fast I can run it. Unbelievable. I have Colt's, a Noveske, Daniel Defenses and LMTs. If I had to grab something I trust and know I can count on, it'd be the SR15. There is NOTHING else like it. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1810/43329305171_f2c7fb4ed6_k.jpgIMG_20180710_125846 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152204522@N02/] View Quote |
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[#8]
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[#10]
Quoted:
I'll set this right here. It's a 16" cut down to 13.8" and then pinned with MAMs to 16.1" by Nefarious Arms (Marvin Pitts). He also ball dimpled the barrel. Flattest shooting AR I own. It's unbelievable how fast I can run it. Unbelievable. I have Colt's, a Noveske, Daniel Defenses and LMTs. If I had to grab something I trust and know I can count on, it'd be the SR15. There is NOTHING else like it. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1810/43329305171_f2c7fb4ed6_k.jpgIMG_20180710_125846 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152204522@N02/] View Quote Big difference between the FE and MAMS? |
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[#11]
Quoted:
The answer that you seek. KAC SR-15 MOD 1 Carbine https://farm1.staticflickr.com/968/40485887230_fa07559d45_b.jpg https://farm1.staticflickr.com/980/27422812717_66f78e07f3_b.jpg View Quote The upper is pure badassery, dough. |
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[#12]
I have to ask... what makes KAC so special that it's getting the majority of the vote? Zero sarcasm here. I really want to know.
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[#13]
Quoted:
I have to ask... what makes KAC so special that it's getting the majority of the vote? Zero sarcasm here. I really want to know. View Quote Fully ambi lower Intermediate gas system (between mid and rifle). Makes it shoot ultra smooth. Cold-hammer forged lightweight barrel. Likely made by FN, but turned by them. The best sights in the industry E3 bolt system. Rounded lugs, dual clamshell extractor, smaller cam pin hole. Sopmod stock Great 2 stage trigger. Lightweight. ' Due to the bolt upgrades, they have have some of the longest running guns in the game...even supressed. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. |
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[#14]
Quoted:
Colt M4 SOCOM View Quote Takes a RDIAS, takes a binary trigger, takes an M203, takes a KAC Masterkey, takes bayonets, is a Colt, is fucking sweet, not overly expensive. Already has a P&W so no SBR bullshit. That'd be my go-to for a do everything 14.5" AR. In a heartbeat. Only thing I'd think about swapping out is swapping the lower to an SR-15 lower for ambi controls. |
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[#15]
Quoted:
Colt M4 SOCOM View Quote The reality is only the Knights and LMT (enhanced) guns have bolts that will last significantly longer. All of the other parts will wear about the same. You're going to need a new barrel at about the same point for all those guns, including the Colt. When you actually look at it the Colt isn't even that expensive, comparatively. If the FSB is an issue for you then shave it and install a rail over top. |
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[#16]
Quoted: Here we go: Fully ambi lower Intermediate gas system (between mid and rifle). Makes it shoot ultra smooth. Cold-hammer forged lightweight barrel. Likely made by FN, but turned by them. The best sights in the industry E3 bolt system. Rounded lugs, dual clamshell extractor, smaller cam pin hole. Sopmod stock Great 2 stage trigger. Lightweight. ' Due to the bolt upgrades, they have have some of the longest running guns in the game...even supressed. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. View Quote |
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[#17]
In the 14.5" variety, my vote goes to.
1. KAC 2. URG-I 3. Colt Socom Shorter than that, you're honestly better off building your own. |
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[#18]
Quoted: Here we go: Fully ambi lower Intermediate gas system (between mid and rifle). Makes it shoot ultra smooth. Cold-hammer forged lightweight barrel. Likely made by FN, but turned by them. The best sights in the industry E3 bolt system. Rounded lugs, dual clamshell extractor, smaller cam pin hole. Sopmod stock Great 2 stage trigger. Lightweight. ' Due to the bolt upgrades, they have have some of the longest running guns in the game...even supressed. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. View Quote KevinB mentioned in another thread about whether KAC uses Colt Canada CHF barrel blanks, that KAC stopped using the CC blanks and started using their own CHF barrel in the Mod1 rifles fairly early on. Here is the thread about it: https://www.ar15.com/forums/industry/Does_SR15_Mod1_have_Colt_Canada_barrel_/381-248229/? |
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[#19]
No other reason than for Me Personally, I haven’t had enough time on the gun, the PSA/BCM that built is a sample size of one with those brands.
So far I’ve had zero issues and with more time I believe it will prove to be a fine rifle... ETA- this post was responding to a question asked above ... |
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[#20]
Quoted:
It was stated before by KevinB at KAC that they've been using their own in house hammer forge machine to make the barrels. KevinB mentioned in another thread about whether KAC uses Colt Canada CHF barrel blanks, that KAC stopped using the CC blanks and started using their own CHF barrel in the Mod1 rifles fairly early on. Here is the thread about it: https://www.ar15.com/forums/industry/Does_SR15_Mod1_have_Colt_Canada_barrel_/381-248229/? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Here we go: Fully ambi lower Intermediate gas system (between mid and rifle). Makes it shoot ultra smooth. Cold-hammer forged lightweight barrel. Likely made by FN, but turned by them. The best sights in the industry E3 bolt system. Rounded lugs, dual clamshell extractor, smaller cam pin hole. Sopmod stock Great 2 stage trigger. Lightweight. ' Due to the bolt upgrades, they have have some of the longest running guns in the game...even supressed. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. KevinB mentioned in another thread about whether KAC uses Colt Canada CHF barrel blanks, that KAC stopped using the CC blanks and started using their own CHF barrel in the Mod1 rifles fairly early on. Here is the thread about it: https://www.ar15.com/forums/industry/Does_SR15_Mod1_have_Colt_Canada_barrel_/381-248229/? They've used Krieger before as well. They do this on purpose because they don't want to be bound by availability of a specific bbl manufacturer they claim. |
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[#21]
Knights closely followed by LMT, they are kissing cousins of sorts as it is. KAC over everything else for the reasons you stated.
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[#22]
KAC, LMT, and then ADM would get my vote.
Having several SR-15s, MRPs, and an ADM UIC lower that is easily the best fully ambidextrous lower I own, I think those 3 would be great for you. |
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[#23]
Quoted:
Okay so if you buy a whole rifle from them that's some added benefits. I like the idea of an intermediate gas system. Never tried that. Other than that, I think I can still build a better rifle when I get to select each individual part. I appreciate the response. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Here we go: Fully ambi lower Intermediate gas system (between mid and rifle). Makes it shoot ultra smooth. Cold-hammer forged lightweight barrel. Likely made by FN, but turned by them. The best sights in the industry E3 bolt system. Rounded lugs, dual clamshell extractor, smaller cam pin hole. Sopmod stock Great 2 stage trigger. Lightweight. ' Due to the bolt upgrades, they have have some of the longest running guns in the game...even supressed. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. Closest you'd get to replicating those upgrades is the LMT Enhanced Bolt and that isn't cheap and it still isn't "as good" as the KAC setup. |
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[#24]
Quoted:I think I can still build a better rifle when I get to select each individual part. View Quote Like most other KAC owners, I made my way into KAC rifles via trying lots of lesser factory and built rifles. Overall I find the SR-15/16 to be the best out of the box factory rifle on the market, period! Now I am not saying that it's the only rifle worth owning, I have others and I enjoy and trust my LMT sticks just as much, but if forced to pick just one it would certainly be the SR-15. The OP asked about high end "do-it-all" factory rifles and it's clear what the overwhelming majority of voters have chosen. This reputation isn't because it's the flavor of the month or what's Gucci at the moment, that reputation was earned over the years through reliability, consistency, and durability and it continues to hold true as the best factory DI rifle on the market. I would still consider/suggest LMT, DD, BCM, PWS (piston), Hodge, and Colt. It really boils down to whether or not he wants easy/affordable customization to the platform and what the OP's initial budget is. |
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[#25]
Quoted:
KAC guarantees quality of barrels, not a specific manufacturer. They've used Krieger before as well. They do this on purpose because they don't want to be bound by availability of a specific bbl manufacturer they claim. View Quote Economies of scale would also dictate that they would make SR25 barrels utilizing the Cold-hammer forged process..which they do not advertise. I don't care what Kevin said in a particular thread. They do not operate on the scale that Reid would authorize the purchase of a such machinery. |
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[#28]
I asked myself the same a few months ago. Ended up with KAC 14.5” Mod 2. Not disappointed.
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[#29]
Quoted: Better in what way though? Reliability, the KAC will still be king as it has the rounded bolt lugs and reduced size cam pin slot (Two most common bolt break points) and will have more reliable extraction. Closest you'd get to replicating those upgrades is the LMT Enhanced Bolt and that isn't cheap and it still isn't "as good" as the KAC setup. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Better in what way though? Reliability, the KAC will still be king as it has the rounded bolt lugs and reduced size cam pin slot (Two most common bolt break points) and will have more reliable extraction. Closest you'd get to replicating those upgrades is the LMT Enhanced Bolt and that isn't cheap and it still isn't "as good" as the KAC setup. Quoted: Better? Highly doubtful, at least not for the same money and then you have to sort out any gas/ammo issues and spring/buffer combo reliability/consistency issues you might run into and at the end of the day none of it is backed by a warranty and service as a whole. Like most other KAC owners, I made my way into KAC rifles via trying lots of lesser factory and built rifles. Overall I find the SR-15/16 to be the best out of the box factory rifle on the market, period! Now I am not saying that it's the only rifle worth owning, I have others and I enjoy and trust my LMT sticks just as much, but if forced to pick just one it would certainly be the SR-15. The OP asked about high end "do-it-all" factory rifles and it's clear what the overwhelming majority of voters have chosen. This reputation isn't because it's the flavor of the month or what's Gucci at the moment, that reputation was earned over the years through reliability, consistency, and durability and it continues to hold true as the best factory DI rifle on the market. I would still consider/suggest LMT, DD, BCM, PWS (piston), Hodge, and Colt. It really boils down to whether or not he wants easy/affordable customization to the platform and what the OP's initial budget is. |
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[#30]
Quoted:
I'm not saying their bolt isn't the best. I use SRC personally. That said, you can guy the bolt and still build your own gun. It's always best to build in my opinion. You don't have to sacrifice anywhere. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Better in what way though? Reliability, the KAC will still be king as it has the rounded bolt lugs and reduced size cam pin slot (Two most common bolt break points) and will have more reliable extraction. Closest you'd get to replicating those upgrades is the LMT Enhanced Bolt and that isn't cheap and it still isn't "as good" as the KAC setup. There really isn't anything in compromise though with the KAC. It has a high quality handguard, stock, sights and already has ambi controls. |
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[#32]
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[#33]
Quoted: The Sharps bolts have been known to have quality control issues and many have broken with minimal use. The SRC is no where near the quality or durability of the KAC and still lacks the smaller diameter hole for the cam pin, which is one of the weak areas and known for breaking under high round count. There really isn't anything in compromise though with the KAC. It has a high quality handguard, stock, sights and already has ambi controls. View Quote ETA - "The E3 Bolt is compatible with Knight's Armament E3 Barrel Extensions only." :thumbsdown: |
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[#34]
KAC all day, they hooked me up recently and their quality is unmatched. Innovative equipment and a proven track record. Why wouldn't you get one
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[#35]
Quoted:
Due to the bolt upgrades, they have have some of the longest running guns in the game...even supressed. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I have to ask... what makes KAC so special that it's getting the majority of the vote? Zero sarcasm here. I really want to know. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. |
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[#36]
Ian and Karl from InrangeTV did a series called "what would stoner do" if he was building the AR for the first time in the past couple years.
I look over at my sr15 and say "that....that is what he would do" |
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[#38]
Quoted:
Okay so if you buy a whole rifle from them that's some added benefits. I like the idea of an intermediate gas system. Never tried that. Other than that, I think I can still build a better rifle when I get to select each individual part. I appreciate the response. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: Here we go: Fully ambi lower Intermediate gas system (between mid and rifle). Makes it shoot ultra smooth. Cold-hammer forged lightweight barrel. Likely made by FN, but turned by them. The best sights in the industry E3 bolt system. Rounded lugs, dual clamshell extractor, smaller cam pin hole. Sopmod stock Great 2 stage trigger. Lightweight. ' Due to the bolt upgrades, they have have some of the longest running guns in the game...even supressed. They have made the absolute most advancements on the DI platform. Hands down. No one else even comes close. That said, the KAC rifle isn't for everybody (hell, I don't own one anymore, but probably will pick up a 14.5" upper soon). I just don't need some of the features. |
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[#39]
Quoted:
That was in 2015 and an isolated event. They made it right. Can't hold it against them forever. I took a good look at the KAC bolt. Looks really nice. I'll give a go. Pricey but if it's better, it's worth it. ETA - "The E3 Bolt is compatible with Knight's Armament E3 Barrel Extensions only." :thumbsdown: View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: The Sharps bolts have been known to have quality control issues and many have broken with minimal use. The SRC is no where near the quality or durability of the KAC and still lacks the smaller diameter hole for the cam pin, which is one of the weak areas and known for breaking under high round count. There really isn't anything in compromise though with the KAC. It has a high quality handguard, stock, sights and already has ambi controls. ETA - "The E3 Bolt is compatible with Knight's Armament E3 Barrel Extensions only." :thumbsdown: |
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[#40]
Quoted:
Yes, the E3 bolt is proprietary. The closest you're going to find to it that'll work with a standard AR barrel extension is the LMT Enhanced bolt. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted: The Sharps bolts have been known to have quality control issues and many have broken with minimal use. The SRC is no where near the quality or durability of the KAC and still lacks the smaller diameter hole for the cam pin, which is one of the weak areas and known for breaking under high round count. There really isn't anything in compromise though with the KAC. It has a high quality handguard, stock, sights and already has ambi controls. ETA - "The E3 Bolt is compatible with Knight's Armament E3 Barrel Extensions only." :thumbsdown: Also the Relia bolt is untested and has already a rather large black mark on its record. The KAC bolt is a genuine evolution/improvement on the AR platform and the LMT is regarded as the best drop in bolt replacement for traditional AR15 barrel extensions. They have been vetted and proven. |
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[#41]
Quoted:
I have to ask... what makes KAC so special that it's getting the majority of the vote? Zero sarcasm here. I really want to know. View Quote KAC is what other AR companies want to be when they grow up. LMT can hold it's own and would be the next best choice on that list. |
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[#42]
@kiddsf
I apologize for my snide remark to you about Kevin. I've just seen them dance around the subject in their industry forum for years, and it's a little frustrating. Jack has alluded various times that they don't make the barrels in house, that they just "finish" them. That's what made me think there might have been some inaccuracies in the thread you linked to. That could have changed and they could have purchased the equipment to cold-hammer forge. On another note, please post the dirty pics of your SR15 that you didn't clean so people can see how hard and dirty someone can run these rigs. Quoted:
We were talking about non-stainless steel barrels, so the LPR models with the Kreiger(or other brands) barrels shouldn't be taken into account here. For their standard CHF CL 5.56mm barrel... I would rather take the information provided by a reputable KAC representative that they are using their own CHF barrels than just guessing where their barrels came from. Sure, you don't have to "care what Kevin said in a particular thread", but at least I figure he wouldn't just lie about stuff like that. Either way, all 3.5(one upper) of my Mod1 have been amazing, as well as the 3 Mod1 LPR I use to own. With 13k through one Mod1 and 18.2k through the other Mod1, they've been trouble free and still performing great with excellent accuracy (1MOA-1.5MOA 10rd at 300 yards). https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1723/27997528257_9a12dbf1a8_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4735/24407880907_07bbd35607_b.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4559/37978317285_df52108d5f_b.jpg View Quote |
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[#43]
Not mine but I followed Ballistic Radio's SR-15 test a couple years ago and was super impressed, I had one but my little brother has it currently for his home defense needs. If I had the spare change I would buy another!
Pictures from John's test, http://ballisticradio.com/endurance-tests/kac-sr-15-mod-2/ Attached File Attached File |
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[#44]
Quoted: It's not the rail. The weight is the god awful barrel that weighs a metric shit ton. View Quote The 8.7" Radian is very accurate, but I enjoy how light my KACs feel after shooting the Radian. I still plan on adding a 9.5" SR-30 upper, but availability and price were not there when I was ready to buy. I am not a small guy, so all of them are manageable, but the SR-15 w/red dot feels like I am waving a stick around. Extremely manageable, balanced and comfortable. |
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[#45]
Quoted:
Not mine but I followed Ballistic Radio's SR-15 test a couple years ago and was super impressed, I had one but my little brother has it currently for his home defense needs. If I had the spare change I would buy another! Pictures from John's test, http://ballisticradio.com/endurance-tests/kac-sr-15-mod-2/ https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/269204/KAC-dirty-brass-683727.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/269204/KAC-dirty-brass2-683728.JPG View Quote |
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[#49]
Shiiiit... PSA would probably do more than you would ever need. But I vote build your own and pick every component your heart desires. That's what I did, and its Grrrreat!
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[#50]
Quoted:
I can afford them just fine. Same reason I won’t ever own a hk long gun. Insanely overpriced for what they are. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: So fuck them because YOU cant afford them...ok. Also spec out a similarly equipped ar and see what the price is and then realize you still wont have the upgrades kac guns have. I have not, but I am looking at a complete 11.5, and am wondering how you came up with your opinion on the KAC line. |
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