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Posted: 6/7/2009 8:30:19 PM EDT
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My dad and I decided to invest in an AR as a 'bonding' type thing. I'm primarily interested in using the rifle to hunt varmint (groundhogs). We've been looking at three brands pretty much; Colt, Armalite, and S&W. The Colt LE 6940 peeked both of our ears because of the free float barrel. I'm still not sure if there's a free float system on the S&W M&P15. We also looked at an Armalite with a bull barrel. I'm fairly certain most of you would say go with an AR with a bull barrel to hunt varmint, but those guns are way too heavy, in my opinion
I'm gonna be trekking across 80 acres of farm I want a lighter gun. We're gonna throw a nice Leupold, maybe something a bit more expensive on it. I'd like to say I'm a decent shooter so with a good scope, good ammo, and good composure would it be likely to keep the 6940 into a 1.0 - 1.5 MOA range? Any other suggestions? My dad is pretty set on Armalite/Colt/S&W he's devoting the bulk of the funds so unless I get some good logic behind another company that's probably where it's gonna stick. My maximum shot will probably be 200 yards, and I'll say that shot would be fairly uncommon. My property sits on the highest point in the area so lack of backdrops is a problem. Thanks |
| If those are the brands that your are looking at I personally would go with the Armalite. They have better m4 feed cuts, I believe the hammer is beefer than the S&W (not sure about the Colt) and personally I like the Armalite trigger a lot better than most factory triggers. And not to mention that Armalite is made in America where Colt sold out. But that is just my 2 cents worth. |
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Hello Dryice,
Welcome aboard 
Any of the three on your list should suit you well. Of the three I prefer the Armalite but that's just me. Not to worry others will be along to share their opinions too. Regardless of which one you guys get I highly recommend testing various ammo to determine which shoots best in your rifle. May you both enjoy your range time together. |
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Quoted:
Any input on my MOA comment? Of the three brands mentioned I'm most familiar with the Colt and Smith. All three should meet your accuracy requirements handily-if you do your part and use ammunition that is consistent and performs well in the rifle you end up choosing. The monolithic freefloat upper in the 6940 is nicely done. That said, don't let the lack of factory freefloat discourage you if you are leaning toward one of the others. High quality freefloat rail systems like the Daniel Defense Omega can be installed in minutes without cutting or drilling into the upper receiver. ETA: My maximum shot will probably be 200 yards, and I'll say that shot would be fairly uncommon.
Given your modest maximum range, a heavy bull barrel is not needed for blasting groundhogs. It would be overkill-and heavy to lug around as you suggested. |
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Welcome
Generally all of your choices are fine for your 200 yd woodchucks. I very much agree with the previous guy who advised you do some range time and try out different ammo. With any particular barrel and twist rate one ammo might shoot 2 1/2" at 100yd (about 5" at your 200 max range) and another could easily shoot 7/8" which even at 200 will still get you a headshot. Big difference in your results. A free float will help some but I have felt that unless one is getting all wrapped up in a heavy competition sling (thereby putting lots of pressure in the barrel) the results are not huge. Most any stock gun will be improved in the accuracy department by a improved trigger. A Rock River National Match ($100 +/-) is the starting point and you can spend on up to $300 or so. |
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Just ordered an Armalite M15A4 SPR w/ 2-stage. So how does one go about free-floating a system like that? I'm a novice so talk to me like I'm a baby lol.
http://www.redstradingpost.com/auction_images/Auction_Arms/?img=./Armalite_M15A4_Special_Purpose_Rifle_223_rem_15A4B/16.jpg&w=600&h= |
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