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Posted: 5/26/2005 9:26:03 PM EDT
[#1]
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Posted: 5/26/2005 9:29:42 PM EDT
[#2]
"Best"? Accuracy? Reliability? Fit and finish? Customer service?
Everyone prioritizes differently. If you want them all with no compromises, you gotta pay for it. But I did and so I did. JP makes the best AR IMHO. |
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Posted: 5/26/2005 9:43:42 PM EDT
[#3]
Who really cares which is THE best?
To me, what's USEFUL is to know which are the quality manufacturers, and which to avoid. Among the quality manufactures are CLEARLY: Colt, Bushmaster, Armalite, RRA, CMMG, LMT (and no doubt others). The only ones I know to avoid are Vulcan/Hesse, and early cast Oympic. EVERY manufacturer can have something slip through quality control. When I bought my first Bushmaster, a colleague of mine bought an identical Colt. He had to send his back to the factory, because it jammed on every third round, and they replaced the upper. My Bushmaster ran fine (expect if I used USA mags  ). What does that mean? NOTHING - Colt has outstanding quality, and Bushmaster had a bunch or rifles around that time with canted FSB's, IIRC. Everyone can have stuff slip though QC once in a while. I'd agree that Colt overall may have a slight edge in product consistency. but I think it is very slight.Anyhoo - once you know which are the quality manufacturers - then people can decide for themselves - based on their own preferences/fetishes what manufacturer to get. Personally, I'd recommend Bushmaster or RRA to people. I think Colt and Armalite are exactly as good, but I jsut don't want to pay a premium for a brand name that makes no difference in functionality. (I understand the difference between the Colt QC barrel testing and other manufacturers, but I honestly don't see how it makes a difference, personally). For the record, I currently own Bushmaster, Armalite, CMMG and RRA products - and have shot plenty of Colts. It's all good. |
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Posted: 5/26/2005 11:16:38 PM EDT
[#4]
Coltrivermasterlite.
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Posted: 5/26/2005 11:33:54 PM EDT
[#5]
This could go on forever!
Bushmaster is the most popular.... Colt is the most famious. CMMG is very good! Rock River is good as well. LMT is good. Its all about the craftsmanship. and like assholes everyone has an opinion. |
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Posted: 5/26/2005 11:54:45 PM EDT
[#6]
I've got a Colt and a franken gun. If I had to part with one it would be the franken gun but I'd still be upset about it.
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Posted: 5/27/2005 1:36:42 AM EDT
[#7]
Vulcan.
I heard DeltaRangerSEAL-Megaforce uses them.    |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 1:55:02 AM EDT
[#8]
Oh yes.
Colt ROXORZ! |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 2:07:08 AM EDT
[#9]
American Spirit Arms ArmaLite/Eagle ARms Barrett Bushmaster Cavalry Arms CMMG Inc. (now makes complete rifles) CMS FAB 10 (now makes complete rifles) Colt DPMS DS Arms (now makes a complete rifle) Fulton Armory (now makes complete rifles) Knight's Manufacturing Leitner-Wise Les Baer Lewis Machine & Tool LRB Olympic Arms P.O.F (now makes a complete rifle) Sabre Defense SNS Industries Stag Arms Wilson Combat BTW, excuse me if I'm wrong but in general terms, do all of these "manufacturers" make AR recievers and every single, solitary part from scratch? Most of these companies are getting their parts from a few common sources, correct? In receiver terms, most of them get 80% receivers and finish them off, right? Or do they all make their individual recievers all from a blank forging? I think not. It is very misleading to say these companies "MAKE" AR15's. They just finish off the 80%'ers and stamp their logo on. If they make complete rifles, they buy the parts from a common MANUFACTURER, throw the parts into a parts bin and put them together in an assembly line type operation. |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 5:19:52 AM EDT
[#10]
Which is the best manufacture?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ 80 ] Colt [ 38.65% ] [ 62 ] Bushmaster [ 29.95% ] [ 11 ] Armalite [ 5.31% ] [ 41 ] Rock River [ 19.81% ] [ 41 ] CMMG [ 19.81% ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Isn't that 113.53%????? |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 5:27:59 AM EDT
[#11]
How about "All of them"
I had a few different brands and never had a problem with any of them. |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 5:42:54 AM EDT
[#12]
Based on experience or from user feedback among arfcommers? I know Vulcan has had the stigma of their previous namesake (Hesse) as a maker of crap, but I'm curious if they've improved the quality of their products at all in the last few years. Have they at least climbed up a peg to being as good a Olympic?
Oh... and let not forget...
I know someone posted a picture of a busted Vulcan Carbon upper a while back to maintain the "fact" that ulcan makes crap. Frankly I'm always skeptical about carbon uppers/lowers in general. Just doesn't seem like it would be as durable as aluminum to me... but I'm not metalurgist. |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 5:53:40 AM EDT
[#13]
Those that know me know that I own just about every manufacture except Hesse so I don't feel I'm biased towards any one brand. That said I think the answer to the best manufacture question at this point in time is RRA for their quality and cost.
I've also been impressed with the Stag/CMT stuff lately. Colt always seems to be the most consistant. Bushmaster and LMT have seem to have some QA issues but I've been very happy with all the LMT stuff I've purchased lately and I've always liked everything I've bought from CMMG. All of my Eagle/Armalite stuff is great and believe it or not I've also had good luck with LAR and Olympic stuff as well...maybe I'm just lucky that way  But for the money I don't think you can beat RRA right now as long as you purchase from a true RRA dealer like ADCO or Legal Transfers. A lot of assclowns are pushing parts that they claim to be RRA when they are really cheap Chinese crap. Buyer beware. RRA has also taken measure to ensure that when you purchase their parts and rifles you know you are getting RRA parts and rifles. Kudos to them for taking these steps! |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 6:12:02 AM EDT
[#14]
So you are, in a sense, Noah of the M4arc? Get it? Noah? Arc? That's pretty funny, right? Again on the Hesse/Vulcan though. have you ever owned of used them to steer clear, or do you pretty much take people's word that their ARs are junk? I'm not trying to push Vulcan on anyone... I just like to know if people are simply influenced by hearsay or by legimate user feedback, rangereports, etc. |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 6:31:00 AM EDT
[#15]
You are excused. They all get some parts from subs. All of them. Even Colt. Even Bushmaster. Even RRA. Even Olympic It's how they test the parts for quality and reject away the substandard parts, and how they are put together and tested that makes the difference. That's why Colt is on top. No one else has their level of QC and proofiing. That's why a Colt bolt marked MPC is worth it's weight in gold. Colt does not manufacture all their own parts, but they make sure they meet their stringent standards before they put their mark on it. This is a measurable value that has been discussed ad nauseum and not a subjective postulation. Even those manufacturers like Olympic, who make most of their own parts, still use some subcontractor parts. But any company, even if they put together a complete rifle from all subcontract parts, and warranty it, give it a name, then market it, then yes they do "MAKE' the rifle. Now if they sell only a parts kit or a receiver, like JT and Doublestar or Model1, then no, they do not "make a rifle" by the BATFEs description. All of the listed above sell a complete rifle and warranty it as such. They have passed the rifle through their own level of quality control, whatever that may be. As far as the industry and the BATFE are concerned they "made" the rifle. As to whether or not they physically manufactured the sum of the parts? That is not important here. |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 6:37:26 AM EDT
[#16]
colt 
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Posted: 5/27/2005 11:46:21 AM EDT
[#17]
Thanks for the replies guys.h-Commando
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Posted: 5/27/2005 12:18:34 PM EDT
[#18]
Best balance of service and quality product = Bushmaster.
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Posted: 5/27/2005 1:45:24 PM EDT
[#19]
New ARs that I own and shoot regularly:
Colt [2] Bushmaster [1] LMT [2] RRA [1] The only rifles to experience malfunctions within their first 500 rounds were Colt [1] and RRA [1]. I break-in all rifles with SS109/M855 ammo. I must state, for the record, that Colt had been my favorite manufacturer for 15+ years. However, I have given other brands a try and I am completely satisfied with all of them. My favorite, aside from Colts, would be one of my LMTs. an excellent rifle, fit and finish flawless. The RRA which experienced the malf., has yet to disappoint me since. With 1000+ Rounds fired [mixed ammo], and no other problems. The malf. was a fluke, in my humble opinion. And the Colt which experienced the malf., has had 500+ rounds [mixed] through it with no further problems. I will add that I hope Colts competitors increase their QC, and invest in better manufacturing techniques and equipment. Colt needs to be taught a valuable lesson, that consumers count. And Colt’s lack of respect for the civilian market, and customer relations, needs serious modification/re-invention. If Colt’s Military contract is ever to expire, or reduced, they will beg, borrow, and plead for our business. That's just a little review for any/all interested. myitinaw |
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Posted: 5/27/2005 5:34:26 PM EDT
[#20]
btt
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Posted: 6/2/2005 7:08:16 PM EDT
[#21]
btt
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Posted: 6/2/2005 7:40:41 PM EDT
[#22]
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Posted: 6/2/2005 8:46:28 PM EDT
[#23]
I wondering why you would keep BTT such a BS thread.
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Posted: 6/2/2005 9:20:09 PM EDT
[#24]
LMT=1 IN MY BOOK.
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Posted: 6/2/2005 11:24:31 PM EDT
[#25]
I have to agree with "Wildcat 78" ....Vulcan B-A-B-Y!!!
If it's good enough for the members of the elite "U.S. F-Troop, 3rd Marine Ranger Brigade of the 82nd Special Forces Division (ABN)", it good enough for me!!!
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Posted: 6/2/2005 11:28:10 PM EDT
[#26]
monday thru friday i get play with armilite's, bushmaster's and colt's...and occassionally les baer's and knights.....to be honest...of the ABC's the a's have the nicest curb appeal followed b's and c's....the armilite's come out of the box usually looking the best...I love the expression on the persons face when they have read every brochure, magazine article, and every thead on this site and know more than eugene stoner about ar's.....that the best ar is one that WORKS...and i don't see any !!! of the above coming in more than the other with broken parts...but when a bushmaster A2 20"er sells for about $800....the same armilite for $50 to$100 more and the same colt for $75 to $100 more than that...picture this...the average workin' stiiff walks in to buy a rifle he can't afford to buy..he's managed to steal from his family OOPS! I mean skim money off the top OOPS! I mean hide money from his wife....Maybe take his private well deserved allowance that would cause a divorce if she found out about.....and you know how long it takes to skarf a grand in cash!! ....first he see's that the armi finish isn't worth the $100 more...then after seeing that potato pealer finish on the forward assist portion of the colt receiver this blue collar inellectual says to himself .....self i could pay $200 more for a horse on the side of my gun.....and as a courtesy i lug out a token used olympic...at which point he says it's taken me to long to skarf this cash to buy THAT thing...........i'm by no means saying bushmasters are the best but at this point in time they're possibly the best value......i know rra's seem to be the latest rage...but i'm not familiar with them...i only hope they pass the test of time!!!
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Posted: 6/3/2005 9:54:27 AM EDT
[#27]
Yeah, I took your advise, bought one, got a deal on it too! It was just a little over a grand! Finish wasn't very good, but hey, if it's good enough for our troops, it's good enough for me! Lets hope this Vulcan is as good as you said it was at the range today! ETA:Was $1,200 a good price on a new vulcan? Couch-Commando 
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Posted: 6/3/2005 9:57:08 AM EDT
[#28]
I think this has already been covered once or twice this year already
But its Colt followed by ArmaLite |
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Posted: 6/4/2005 1:09:40 PM EDT
[#29]
Could someone give me some imput on how good a deal this was? Thanks in advanced, Couch-Commando
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Posted: 6/4/2005 1:26:34 PM EDT
[#30]
I would say the best manufacturer depends on how much of a companys AR line is made in house closest to the spec.All companys listed are in my opinion are assemblers/dealers as I dont assemble any differently than they except for I get to choose each high quality part I want in a build.I use parts from Colt,RRA,Bushmaster with the edge to Bushmaster for its barrels and prices for them although I wish you could get 1/7 barrels faster or more frequently.So I would ask this question wich company sub-contracts out the least making them more of a manufacturer?
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:01:10 PM EDT
[#31]
BTT
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:08:24 PM EDT
[#32]
I would pay twice that if the special forces really use a Vulcan!!! |
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:15:20 PM EDT
[#33]
Sadly not... 
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:17:15 PM EDT
[#34]
I refuse to vote!
Yummy. My cool-aid tastes unusually good today.
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:47:48 PM EDT
[#35]
Please be serious. 
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:51:24 PM EDT
[#36]
Sigh.....
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:54:06 PM EDT
[#37]
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Posted: 6/14/2005 1:58:35 PM EDT
[#38]
I know. I know. Just trying to lighten the mood.  ETA: I think Colt is the best. There. Happy now? |
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Posted: 6/15/2005 6:15:13 PM EDT
[#39]
BTT
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Posted: 6/15/2005 6:21:46 PM EDT
[#40]
BM
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Posted: 6/15/2005 6:30:01 PM EDT
[#41]
I guess that's why I don't make a living as a psycic WIZZO BTW, I think everyone that wants to see this thread has seen it already
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Posted: 6/16/2005 8:16:35 AM EDT
[#42]
You never know....
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Posted: 6/17/2005 10:58:31 AM EDT
[#43]
BTT
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Posted: 6/17/2005 11:09:00 AM EDT
[#44]
For one thing, they have that cool Thundercat logo. |
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Posted: 6/17/2005 11:10:55 AM EDT
[#45]
Quoted so you can't change your mind & edit this out...
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Posted: 6/17/2005 11:21:59 AM EDT
[#46]
What are you talking about! You guys just added this to what I said! |
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Posted: 6/17/2005 11:28:04 AM EDT
[#47]
Wow. Now that the Bushy vs. Colt BS has died down, I'm surprised Colt's winning. I still voted Rock River.
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Posted: 7/15/2005 3:51:32 PM EDT
[#48]
Lets see if this can't hit the 5 page mark!
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Posted: 7/15/2005 5:16:08 PM EDT
[#49]
You too huh. Let the others kill each other off so RRA can conquer the world 
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Posted: 7/15/2005 5:30:33 PM EDT
[#50]
You think? You don't know it is? I think your Kool-aid is getting weak. 
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I'll think of a better reason after i do some research
