Posted: 7/18/2007 6:49:28 PM EDT
|
I am thinking about putting together or buying a Precision AR for varmit shooting and some one hole paper punching. I would like something with a full stock, 24" barrel, free float front handguard and of course flat-top. I'll most likely be putting Zeiss glass on it with some nice rings (suggestions please). Where I am torn is whether to buy an already built setup like Colt's CR6724 or to piece it together from new parts. I am a newb to building ARs and truth be told I am a little intimidated with all of the options out there. Any and all imput is appreciated 
|
| I had a short fling with high power shooting and instead of building my own, I just bought the RRA NM with all the goodies. I was happy I did as I found high power shooting difficult to get into with the time I had to spend on it so I sold the rifle off. I got exactly what I paid for it. If I had put the rifle together myself and got rid of it I'm sure I'd taken a loss on it. I guess I'm saying I'd buy the Colt you mentioned for the same reason... but reasons may vary. |
Why 24"? Seems 18-20" is what most "precision" AR's use. I know there is some hate here towards LaRue, but I like the products especially the scope mounts. I had Wes at MSTN build me this. Its done many 0.5" 5 shot groups at 100 yards and I know I'm the weak link in getting the best out of it.     THE UPPER 5.56 LILJA SPR CONTOUR 18" 1X8" TWIST STAINLESS BARREL - COATED LARUE STEALTH RECEIVER AND A LARUE 13.2 FOREND LARUE GAS BLOCK MSTN QC BRAKE - COATED PRI GAS BUSTER CHARGING HANDLE YOUNG MFG HARD CHROMED NAT'L MATCH BOLT CARRIER GG&G BIPOD THE LOWER LMT LOWER WITH SOPMOD STOCK TRIGGER SINGLE STAGE TIMNEY ERGO GRIP GLASS NF 5.5-22X50 NXS WITH NP-R1 RETICLE LARUE MOUNT |
|
I built this one a few months back. Its all new parts ordered online and normal pricing and I'm a bit under $1100 including optics and everything seen, right down to the 20rd mag. If you're interested in the specs and where it all came from I am more than willing to share. I've also looked at the RRA Varminter and when Keith's runs his little sale on them they aren't much more money for similar rifle if you don't want to build.  Shots 7, 8, and 9 out of the rifle at 100 yards. 
|
Depends on the "precision" user.
Don't go overboard on barrel diameter. Forward of the gas manifold, a barrel larger than .812" (or even .760") typically adds weight very quickly. The extra stiffness from the larger diameter may not become apparent, because such a long barrel tends to be "whippy" anyways.
Good choices. If you're not hanging anything more than a bipod on the forearm, ignore the free float rails - they're heavy, expensive, and snag on stuff. One recommendation is the scope mount should position the ocular of the scope forward of the back end of the upper receiver. That way, if you shoot from the prone position (or a very low sitting one), you don't end up "turkey necking" on the stock to find enough eye relief. Civil's LaRue mount is one option. Armalite makes a one piece mount that does about the same thing, and even the B-Square model (aluminum) works well. Mounting scopes in this fashion also makes using the standard charging handle much easier. I think the Colt rifles are overpriced for what you're receiving. In highpower shooting circles (nobody else matters  ) Armalites, and RRAs are the most commonly encountered out-of-the-box rifles. Bushmaster isn't held in such high regard, mostly because their match trigger design doesn't hold settings well. Having said the above, most of the factory uppers are pretty good these days, even if the chambers tend to have longer throats. (NATO spec chambers are the worst in this regards.)AMMO I think the better factory ammo for what you have in mind (especially at distances of 300 yards and less) is anything loaded with a 50-53 grain hollowpoint. For accuracy work, most 55 grain FMJ stuff is garbage. Somewhere between 200-300 yards is where using the heavier bullets makes a difference - mostly in reduced wind drift. If you're planning on using heavy bullets, a 1/8" twist barrel gives you the most flexibility. Using one, you can fire 80 grain low drag bullets, and almost everything weighing less. I say "almost" because lightweight bullets (40-45 grains) are probably spun too fast by such a twist rate - @ 3600 FPS, they're turning at 288,000 RPM. If you're not shooting the heavyweights (or never planning on doing so), a 1/12" twist works fine. Hope this helps. |
|
If I were to put together a ubber precision AR for the reasons you mentioned I'd first figure out what weight of bullet I'd be shooting. Most varmint rounds are a bit lighter weight than military FMJ and the jackets are kinda thin. You'll be looking for a bit slower rate twist. I'd think nothing faster than 1in9 maybe a 1in10. Most match type barrels are chambered for the 223 cartridge and not the 5.56 NATO or the Wylde . You'll also probably be looking at a stainless barrel and not chrome lined. My specs I'd look at off the top of my head... Barrel: Oly SUM barrel, Douglas/Compass Lake or a White Oak 24" fluted heavy. Receivers: Matched Billet upper and lower Front Hand Guard: JP V-tac front hand guard (Really any free float would work, but I like these. Still recommend a vented one) Bolt: JP bolt and carrier Trigger: JP, RRA 2 stage tuned by WOA or a Timney single stage LPK: CMMG Stock: Magpul MPS stock or a A2 with one of these.... www.imageseek.com/karsten/gallery/forsale/Mvc_077s Bipod: Whatever works best for you......... Harris? I'll leave the optics to a different posting....... |