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Posted: 5/4/2008 2:09:51 AM EDT
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I've read the forums for a while, but just recently registered. I have enjoyed the knowledge I have gained here. I am fairly a newbie, but am not totally unfamiliar with the AR-15. Just like anything else, I know you get what you pay for. I currently own a BM lower with a J&T parts upper/lower, AKA Frankengun. It has not been shot a whole lot, but has had a few minor problems. I am looking to add a more reliable wepon to my daily arsenal. I have a couple FFL's that are available, but as far as local dealers, I am very limited. Being fairly "stupid" when it comes to new guns, I like to have a dealer at my disposal for advice, problems, and repairs. My local dealer stocks Colt and LMT. From what I have read, RRA are good too, but he does not favor them. I am looking at an AR for LE purposes and will be getting it gradually as I can afford it. I plan on the ultimate SBR patrol rifle with can when I am finished. I know my starting point is the lower. I do not have much at my disposal to comapre and know that everyone's preferences are just that, like a Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge thing, but would like some more input. Our dept uses Hornandy TAP LE 55gr. 1. Complete warranty w/ complete gun or non-existant when assembled? (does this really matter?) 2. Stripped lower vs. complete lower? 3. RRA Lower with a wait vs. more $ and get LMT now? (start saving for next step) 4. RRA 1:9 vs. LMT 1:7 or different barrel? (or worry about that when that time comes?) 5. Is the SOPMOD stock worth the extra $? For fun: your ultimate LEO set up w/ 55gr Thanks |
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A lot of our local agencies use Bushmaster guns. They are typically car guns, meaning that they are left in the car all the time, and go with the car, not the officer. They are dead stock, and they are usually sighted in by the department range guys, not necessarily the guy who drives the car and gets the gun. In that role they do fine. Remember that your job should dictate what you use, not this forum. Some things to ask yourself. 1) Does your department specify what brand of AR you can use? 2) Does your department specify the configuration of the rifle? (Barrel length, upper receiver type, stock type, handguard type, and or limit the optic choices?) 3) How will the gun be carried in the car? Does it use a gun rack / lock in the passenger compartment, or trunk? Or is it carried in a case somepleace in the car? This may dictate things like barrel length, handguard type, and limit choices for optics and other things. Once you know what you can do, and what you must do to make it all work, then you can start thinking about brand names and other things. Factory guns are the norm in most departments. Some are more liberal then others. Most will want a complete factory lower at a minimum. This is due to the liability involved when people play around with triggers and other internal components that may affect reliability and safety. "Frankenguns" as you call them are not necessarily bad, but may not be the best choice for a working gun. You need to take your rifle as seriously as you do your duty handgun. You need to invest in it and practice with your rifle as much, if not more then your pistol. So find out what you will be allowed to do by policy or regulation. Then find out what you have to do to make the gun work with your car and or required method of carry. Then you can start making choices as to what to buy. Any rifle is better then no rifle. But choose wisely. A good stock Colt 6920 is a great place to start. When you build on a good foundation you're off to a good start. And there is nothing wrong with a stock gun, no lights, no lasers, no phasers, no optics. Get a good gun, practice with it, and then let your mission dictate what to do next. |
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I have a Factory LMT Defender 2000 M4 14.5 1/7 twist Also have a Home Built M4 Bushmaster lower / VLTOR LMT M4 upper 14.5 1/7 twist Home built is just as good as my Defender 2000 A 1/7 TWIST can shoot bullets from 45gr to 77gr + My LMT like WIN USA 45gr HP LMT are Very accurate as well My Favorite loads are the 77gr SMK & 75gr TAP LMT & NOVESKE are the best Get the 14.5 barrel then add a Phantom SUB MOA IF I shoot 3 or 5rd groups BTW I LOVE MY SOPMOD The Newer VLTOR would be worth looking into they are the two better telestocks |
Without knowing your department regs, its hard to tell on some of your questions. If your departments allows any make, then there are several that would be outstanding. Stripped vs complete is a cost issue. If you are working OT to buy this, you may want to buy the lower first, then the other pieces are the OT becomes available. In RRA vs LMT, I would go with the LMT without hesitation. I would also take a hard look at Noveske, and of course Colt makes a good weapon as well. With barrel twists, you can't go wrong with a 1:7, though 1:9 will work just as well for 55 grain. The SOPMOD stock feels great, but different stocks feel good to different people, try one out if you can. My guess is that you will like it, but I run a Magpul CTR on my duty pig instead of my SOPMOD Stock. For my work as a city cop, here is my duty pig. The sling is a Gear Sector GS-2P, and isn't shown.  |
| Pretty much what Stick's got is perfect, except that it's too long. Since you indicated SBR, I'd go with 11.5" for general LE use. If you expected to to do any entries or house clearing shorter is better; Something like a Noveske Diplomat or DPMS Kitty Kat. The increased velocity gained from a couple more inches of barrel doesn't really matter much until you reach out past typical LE distances. |
| as for the FFL's in the area, if you're making a LE purchase that shouldn't matter. if you order through your dept they'll send it right to your PD. i did this w/ my RRA, ordered direct from the company through the LE rep and they sent the complete rifle to my PD. |
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1. Whats the reason your dealer doesn't like RRA? He says they are not to mil spec as Colt and LMT are and he always has to work on those that come in. he 2. Does your department specify what brand of AR you can use? NO, and not specific to caiber either. Some carry from a mini14 to a HK416 and EVRYTHING in between at different lengths. Get this: The HK416 was purchsed BY the officer, but obviously owned by the dept. 3. Does your department specify the configuration of the rifle? Not really, only restriction "he" gives is no magnifying optic. Like said above, all kind of weapons are carried. They are bought and owned by the officer. I'm just not sure what to start investing in to have that GREAT rifle. 4. How will the gun be carried in the car? Carried in a soft case in the car. 5. Choices for optics and other things. On waiting list for EOTech 512.A65 when it arrives at dealer. I work nights, but have no NV to up to different model. 6. A good stock Colt 6920 is a great place to start. Compared to building one of any "specific" kind? 7. Is there a complete warranty w/ complete gun or a non-existant one when built? (does this really matter?) 8. If you are working OT to buy this, you may want to buy the lower first, then the other pieces are the OT becomes available. Yes, this is the case. Enough to go either way now, but not quite enough yet for a comlplete gun. Will wait if this is the better option. |
Whats your budget? If you cant afford much Id go with an LMT (LMT upper and lower) setup and have a flash hider perm attached. Just because you are LEO doesnt mean you dont have to do the NFA paperwork. If you can swing it Id go with a Colt 6921 (14.5" M4 setup- same as military M4) on an LMT lower with the same perm attach flash hider on the barrel. The uppers range in price from 700-1k depending on use and who you buy from. I bought mine with 100rds down the tube for 750 but NIB uppers can go for 1k. I got lucky.... Colt is the best choice for an M4 contour upper. Another good choice is the Noveske N4....Cant go wrong with them and they have excellent LEO discounts. RRA and Bushmaster put out decent guns but the above 3 are all better.... Since you are using this on duty: 1. Get yourself a white light. Surefire M951 or X300 are awesome. 2. Train with your weapon and be confident with it. 3. Dont skimp on stuff. You and your fellow officers lives are on the line.... |
Like I said, he is a small dealer and that is what he sells.
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