1st Post.  Be gentle please[:I].  I'm replacing guns I sold a decade or so ago when my kids were small.  I'm ready to replace my 5.56 weapon.

I need help on which manufacturers to consider: Armalite, Bushmaster, custom shops, etc.

My Sporter was a rather "finicky" gun.  Failures to fire and extract were common if I didn't feed it exactly what it liked most.

So...who's got the most reliable guns now across a wide choice of ammo from 55 to 62 grain; and I guess 1:9 twist is the best choice overall, vs. the 1:7 of my old Colt?

Thanks all.

CS[8P]

I have a Bushmaster which feeds anything. I'm not sure that you can by one out of the box now that will not be a reliable weapon. I chose the Bushmaster because it was readily available in my area and it is priced better than the Colt.

You must have had the proverbial lemon.

My Sporter Match HBAR has eaten everything I've feed it.

The 1:9 twist is more popular now, and with good reason. It is a more versatile rate.

Nick 1950,

Are new Colt's still available to the general public?

I would seriously consider bushmaster!

Armalite - Best Gun
Bushmaster - Best Buy
Colt - Best Resale Value