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10/19/2006 6:31:53 AM EDT
Alright, i'm looking for a HQ target upper and i have heard of WOA's excellent build quality and accuracy.  However, like most people i don't want to fork over an arm and a leg for it.  WOA has a match upper for target use which is $672 and they have a varmint upper that is $590.  I guess my question is, is it worth it to spend the extra for the match model?  I'm not really sure what the difference is between the two.
10/19/2006 10:04:35 AM EDT
[#1]
John over at WOA is top notch, and I agree that he makes some damn accurate rifles.  I had him profile two barrel blanks for me, and his attention to detail surrounding chambering and tolerancing is second to none.

To answer your question, the difference between the match and varmint uppers is the following;

Match

26" barrel w/ XL gas port
Forearm has provisions for competition handstop

Varmint

20" barrel
Forearm has provisions for bipod.


Other than that, the two uppers are of the exact same high quality.  You're simply paying for different options with the Match version.

Personally, I'd choose the varmint upper and throw in the extra $20 for a longer barrel.  
Or if you really want to scape things together at the lowest cost, try purchasing just the heart and soul of WOA, the barrel.  
Then shop around for an inexpensive FF tube and flattop upper.

$255 for 20" WOA varmint barrel and gas block
$99 for CMT upper
$140 CMT BCG and handle
$100 for aluminum FF tube.

$605 total

Hey, look at that!  It's still cheaper to buy John's complete varmint upper.  Go for it!

Good luck
10/19/2006 11:33:23 AM EDT
[#2]
Cool, Thats what i was thinking about doing, but i wasn't sure if there was anything else special about the match upper other than the xl gas port (how much would that help anyhow?).

Considering this will be my first AR build, i don't have the tools to build my own upper, so a complete one would be to my advantage.  It was either an AR build or remington700/savage110 build.  

Thank you for your help
10/19/2006 11:40:56 AM EDT
[#3]
i bought a WOA 18" SPR barrel from ADCO and it is by far the most accurate stainless barrel i have ever had.

just as an asdie, i also bought 11.5" wilson barrel from ADCO that is also a tack driver, at least out to 100yds so far.
10/19/2006 11:56:57 AM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
i bought a WOA 18" SPR barrel from ADCO and it is by far the most accurate stainless barrel i have ever had.


Agree completely
10/19/2006 12:11:34 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
(how much would that help anyhow?).



According to WOA, an extended gas block position gives the bullet more time to leave the barrel before the bolt group unlocks which of course helps eliminate an accuracy robbing variable.
10/19/2006 12:20:07 PM EDT
[#6]
gotcha
10/19/2006 12:40:06 PM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:

Quoted:
(how much would that help anyhow?).



According to WOA, an extended gas block position gives the bullet more time to leave the barrel before the bolt group unlocks which of course helps eliminate an accuracy robbing variable.


i was under the impression that no matter were the gas port is located, the bullet always clears the barrel before the action unlocks. was i mislead on this?
10/19/2006 12:49:09 PM EDT
[#8]
I'm only going by what WOA told me.

If you think about it though, gas starts to enter the gas tube as soon as the bullet base clears the gas port.

That this point it is simply a "race" between the bullet leaving, and the gas traveling back toward the bolt group.  It seems reasonable that if the gas "wins" this race the bolt will unlock before the bullet leaves the barrel.

If the barrel keeps getting longer and the gas port stays in the same position, eventually the gas will "win".
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