AR Sponsor
Posted: 4/9/2007 10:21:44 AM EDT
|
Hello all. I’m a newbie to rifle shooting and AR’s, and I’m trying to pick out the right options so I can buy one to meet my needs. * Intended use is fun/informal target shooting but I’d like the rifle to be capable of 1 MOA or better. * I’m intending to buy either a Bushmaster or RRA, because the local gunsmith sells and services both and is willing to teach me how to clean/maintain/operate. Here are my questions, please give your advice. Let me know if I’m off-base on any of this: * I would prefer a 16” chrome-lined barrel for the weight, handling, and durability but I don’t know if I can get the 1 MOA accuracy I want from that vs. a longer and/or stainless match barrel. Looks like I can get a mid-length 18” barrel from RRA but not Bushmaster. Any thoughts? * I have a Bushnell scope I want to mount— RRA has the “EOP” upper – is that better for mounting a scope and if so why? * No sights at first but I want the option of adding flip-up sights later. I think if these are flipped down, they are totally out of the way of the scope, is that correct? I think the RRA rifles come with a front sight rail on the gas-block but I can’t tell if the Bushmaster does. Comments? * How much weight does a fluted barrel save? Is that option worth it or does it eliminate the benefits of having a heavy barrel? * I’m 5’5” and I’ve read that I should get an A1 stock rather than the A2 since that might fit me better. Thoughts? * The Bushmaster V Match Carbine has a chrome-lined 16” heavy barrel claiming “exceptional accuracy for its length”, but they don’t say how the accuracy compares to other barrels. Anyone have one of these and can comment? * What else should I be considering? Here are the ones I’m thinking about so far. Which of these do you think will best meet my needs and are there others I should consider? * Bushmaster XM15 E2S V Match 20” rifle * Bushmaster V Match Carbine (16” heavy chrome-lined ‘match’ barrel, I’m leaning towards this one) * RRA Varmint Rifle A4 (stainless match 16” or 18”) * RRA Varmint EOP rifle A4 (stainless match 16” or 18”) Thanks for your help. |
|
I think that if you are new to the weapon, you should master the iron sights first and then progress to an optic. i personally do not like flip up sights. But since you are not going to use this weapon in an operational environment, suit yourself. good luck and enjoy. |
A big +1 Purchase a carbine with a removable carry handle, so at a later date you can add flip-up sights. Master the irons first so you can then master different set-ups, then when they fail you go back to what you learned first. |
|
The way I see it, 2 of the most important decisions are answered. You have decided to get an AR and you are doing some research. Good work. Really you have to ask yourself what you are going to be doing with this rifle. You said target shooting but target shooting can be done a lot of different ways at a vast range of yardage and sights. Remember, lots of options have two sides. Long heavy barrels are great for accuracy and benchresting, but make the gun heavy and imbalanced when it comes to free hand shooting and general manuverability. The solid stocks are good for a solid platform you can't go wrong with, but the collapsibles got the cool look factor and make the gun more compact. The carry handle is the classic look but the flat top makes the rifle much more flexible in terms of sights or optics. The long range models are accuracy minded but often don't come with any type of rails for accesories. Any way, you get my point. As for the 16, 18, or 20 in. barrel length, I think any of these in a quality heavy barrel has plenty of potential. Don't go crazy with the guns accuracy if you don't have the skill or scope to match it. Well, enough said, good luck on your AR. |
AR Sponsor