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Posted: 10/18/2006 12:32:55 PM EDT
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I am trying to get together a list of all of the parts that i want and need for my first build. I am looking to build a varmint/benchrest rifle but i dont want it to be extremely heavy. The following is what i have already decided upon based on other posts and just general research. LaRue Tactical Upper Reciever Krieger Match Barrel 24" Magpul Stock LaRue Piccanty Forend Giessele Trigger. I know i need a lower reciever i just havent figured out which one i want. What else do i need? |
For a bench/varmint gun, you don't need a LaRue forend. The Badger flat-bottom model would be a MUCH better setup to ride a bag with. Here is a fluted Krieger barrel in a Badger handguard that I did a couple years ago. 
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Flat bottomed Badger Stabilizer runs $160. That perticular one in the picture has the angled slots on the side, but the regular models will have horizontal slots. I'm not convinced that the LaRue upper will help accuracy as much as spending an extra $125 towards a better barrel or scope would. |
| I have been reading around and have heard a little bit about fulton armory uppers. I went to their website and they have an upper assembly for around 489. But it also says expect 1/2 MOA which is what i am looking for. Are Fulton Armory Barrels good or should I pay the extra for a Krieger? |
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My philosophy is that the bolt and the barrel are the heart of the gun. They deserve the most research and consideration. Build the rest of the gun around them. $0.02 from a relative newbie FWIW. IMO, the lower is one of the less important considerations as long as it's in spec. A year or two ago, I would have said as long as it is forged and in spec, but does anyone make cast lowers anymore? Stag/CMT, Mega, Essential Arms and others make "good enough" lowers around the $100 price point ($80 to $130). I don't see a real good reason to spend more, unless you order a matched upper and lower. Les Baer sells a set like that. They are held together in a special clamp while the take-down and pivot pin holed are drilled for a percect upper-to-lower fit. |
Do you reload your own ammo? If you are using factory ammo, the Krieger might not help much as the ammo will likely be the accuracy-limiting factor. If you are developing a load for the barrel, then go for the Krieger. Of course this assumes you are capable of shooting 1/2 MOA with your other rifles. |
Don't mention it. As to Fulton, I bought my first AR from them and have done business with them since. I've never had any trouble with them. That said, do you want to build or buy? If you just want the cheapest .5 MOA upper you can find, there are several options. If you just want a .5 MOA and price isn't a big factor, then look at Krieger, White Oak, www.ar15barrels.com and others. They can build you exactly what you want. For example, if you buy your barrel from Krieger, for another $190 ($170 if you use one of their free flaot forearms) Krieger will assemble your upper for you from your components. I like building ARs because you get exactly what you want. However, IMO, it's not necessarily cheaper. Assembling ARs isn't that labor intensive, and commercial builders get their components at wholesale prices. A .5 MOA upper may not be the best choice for a first build. There are a number of tricks to building the most accurate AR. There are several good books on the subject: Black Magic by Feamster The Complete Guide to AR15 Accuracy by Derrick Martin of Accuracy Speaks The Competitive AR15: The Mouse That Roared by Zedeker I think I have one more, but the title and author elude me at the moment. |
| Yes I shoot Bolt Rifles and with those I am capable of shooting 1/2 MOA. I was at the range and saw a guy with an AR that was target style and whatnot. I had been brought up to believe that bolt-action is more accurate than semi. I still do believe that but not by such a huge margin. It just kind of intrigued me and I started reading about them and such and I liked how you can assemble one exactly how you want. Its just and area of shooting that I have yet to explore. I also shoot clay's competitively. I am trying to decide between buying a complete factory rifle and then modifying it, or building one that i like. |
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