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Posted: 11/14/2006 6:32:41 AM EDT
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Currently I have one AR, a Bushmaster M4 style, and I'm thinking of going 18" or 20" precision rifle with my next one, something that would be the AR equivalent of my .308 PSS. Two caught my eye: Predator Persuit Rifle, 1 MOA accuracy, 8.1 pounds http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/rpredp.gif Varmint A4, 3/4 MOA accuracy, 9.2 pounds http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/06va4.gif These two appear identical except for barrel contour. But then, I got to thinking, what would be the accuracy difference between a heavy barrel and a lighter weight barrel of equal quality? What if I were to build one with a lighter barrel, maybe a WOA barrel contoured more like this: http://www.adcofirearms.com/test/rifles/ar10_617.jpg Granted, the lighter barrel would heat up and cool down faster, but what else would it change? If you've had either, what kind of accuracy have you experienced with a RRA Varmint A4 or a lighter build? How many rounds does it take with each before groups start opening up because of barrel heat? Would one do better with a suppressor than another? Just looking for opinions and experiences on heavy vs midweight precision AR's. |
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I have the Predator Pursuit. Haven't done enough testing to say how accurate it is yet. One thing I noticed is that the barrel gets really hot (much hotter than my chrome lined 16in A4 upper) after shooting 200 rounds. So hot that I need to wear a glove to hold the forend. This could be due to several issues, not sure which - either the 1 in 8 twist instead of 1 in 9, the barrel may be really tight (a good thing for accuracy) or the aluminum free float forend just absorbs the barrel heat like a sponge. I'm thinking of replacing it with a Dave Lauck foreend for better air circulation, but besides the heat problem, I really like the forend. It's very solid. I didn't like the Varmit bull barrel. That thing is freaking heavy. Would be good for a full auto M-16 on a bipod, but besides that, I don't see the point of it. BTW, I really like the PP config from RRA. |
| You might want to check out the SPR type rifles. Mine is a 18in mid contour WOA 1/7. A nice compromise between weight and function. The HBAR and super HBAR varmit type set ups are quite accurite. But weight is a factor. (to darn heavy). I have found that over the years that HBAR take a little longer to heat up till point of aim moves signifectly. But a lot longer to cool down. Not sure If that helps. With the right ammo I can get approx 3/4 in. groups of the bench with my SPR at 100 yards. (P.S. I am not that great of a marksman.) Also what kind of applications do you want your rifle for. Bench,Varmeit or tatical? Allways trade offs. I personaly think that with a good barrel Its tha ammo that makes the biggest diffence. |
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Thanks, that's exactly the kind of responses I was looking for. The main thrust of the build would be tactical. Beginning next February a guy is starting a mid-range tactical match that I plan on attending regularly, nothing over 400-500 yards. I plan to use the PSS to start with, but would like to try an AR as well. I spend more time in the dirt than on a bench, and may occasionally use it for varmints as well. If you can get 3/4 MOA accuracy with yours, that may be worth looking into. That's around the accuracy I was looking for. Decisions, decisions. Guess I need to buy both! Would a heavier barrel be preferrable if I were going to use a suppressor? |
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Thanks for the info on the Predator Persuit rifle. That one is looking good, too. I wish I could handle one to see how it feels, but I don't know of anywhere around here that has one. Anybody played with one enough to know what kind of accuracy I could expect? With good handloads, will it be at the 1 MOA specified, or could I do better with good ammo? Also, what are the diminsions of the barrel? Looks to be around .820 out front- how heavy is it under the handguard? |
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Heavy barrels on any rifle are more consistent. I have always been told it was because they are stiffer. This comes from match rifle armorers. I do know that more metal takes longer to heat up and cool down. It will also have more mass so the "whip" of the barrel when it fires will be more consistent. Consistency = Accuracy For a AR accuracy will come from the quality of the barrel and the bolt to barrel fit. Then minimize the contact of the barrel to any other part of the rifle (ff tube). You will then have the most accurate rifle possible with the materials you have chosen. |
| Don't know if this helps, be I had a RRA National Match that came with a 20" Wilson Stainless barrel. I got a .75" group with handloads and iron sights at 100 yards. I'm not a great shooter. I don't think you'd have a problem getting sub MOA with one of these rifles, a scope, and a skilled shooter. |
My rack grade Bushmaster A1 20HBAR can shoot ragged holes at 100 yards useing 69grbthp and a 10x scope Ive been thinking about a RRA MATCH upper Flat Top with my on RAIL pick Thats as Heavy I will ever go |
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Thanks for the replies. From what I understand, the heavier barrel will provide better accuracy, but I should still be sub-moa with a medium weight barrel. Anybody know which barrel would do better with a suppressor? POI change, etc? I'm thinking the heavier, since it's stiffer, but I don't know if you'd be putting too much stress on the barrel nut with the heavier barrel plus the can. |
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