I'm in the process of picking out my first ar. I have a question on the barrels. What is the difference between the heavy M-4 barrel and the plain heavy barrel? What are the advantages or disadvantages of both? They are both 16" and both have a 1-in-9 twist. Thanks for any info.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=14568#lastPost

Check out "Pros and Cons" in the Rifles, Uppers, Lowers, Barrels and More" forum.

Bud

[url]http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?id=14568#lastPost[/url]

Picking out first AR!  Perhaps this will help.
Copied info over from the Ltd Edition Group Purchase Forum.


[img]http://www.castle-arms.com/rifle/rifle.jpg[/img]

This is a flattop rifle with a fixed telestock, side sling adapter, star safety switch, oversized M4 handguard, contoured 16" 1/9 barrel with a "A2 look alike" birdcage flash supressor, reamed out and press fitted over the end, it's exactly 23mm & leagl. Also includes laser engraved Ltd Edition AR15.COM numbers, Hogue Pistol Grip and a 10-rnd mag.

The price is $660 Delivered To Your FFL - in 48 states (wherever legal).  This is open to all members of AR15.com and AR lovers anywhere, please sign up at www.ar15.com as a member if you haven't.  The order site is:  [URL]www.castle-arms.com[/URL] Orders will be taken until the end of April 2001 or until we reach 1000 whichever comes first. The rifles will always be marked - of 1000 even if we don't issue 1000. This allows next years edition to be able to go to 1000. The price for this Ltd Edition is ONLY for the duration of the group purchase and not afterwards. The price only exists because of the group.

Besides the rifle there are special prices on several accessories such as, Cavalry Arms lowers, OKO sights, ATN scopes, Beta mags, a tactical sling and 2 styles of carry handles. These accessories are only available at the special prices if you purchase the Ltd Edition rifle.

There are also spots to donate to help run & improve AR15.COM as well as a emergency assistance fund that is being setup to help members of AR15.COM and their families in times of need. Please consider these.

Grin&Barrett


Thanks to fight4yourrights for putting together the following:

[b]AR15.com Limited Edition Group Purchase Rifle[/b]

[i]Here's why you want one:[/i]
Rock Rivers Arms (formerly PWA) has been making some of the finest 1911 for years, and now offer AR-15 rifles.  They have contracts with Illinois State Police, the Navy and Marine Rifle Shooting Teams.  Rock River Arms was selected for this group purchase over three other manufacturers as the best overall rifle for the money.  Superior craftsmanship is reflected in the outstanding fit and finishes exhibited in RR rifles.  The tight upper and lower fit also shows this commitment.

[b]Distributor[/b]
Castle Arms
401 South Front Street
Quincy, Illinois 62301
217-223-5082
[URL]http://www.castle-arms.com[/URL]

[b]Manufacturer[/b]
Rock River Arms, Inc
101 Noble Street
Cleveland, IL 61241
(309) 792-5780
FAX (309) 792-5781
[URL]http://www.rockriverarms.com/[/URL]

[b]Rifle Specifications:[/b]

[b]Upper Receiver:[/b] Forged 7075T6, 'A3' flat-top configuration
[b]Lower Receiver:[/b] Forged 7075T6, Includes laser engraved Ltd Edition AR15.COM numbers
[b]Safety Switch:[/b] new Star Safety – cam action, smooth, fast, yet positive
[b]Takedown pins:[/b] milspec pushpins front and rear for easy, no tool takedown
[b]Front sight:[/b] Forged steel with optional side sling adapter
[b]Rear sight:[/b] Flat top upper receiver - use optics or detachable A3 handle
[b]barrel:[/b] Lightweight 4140 chromoly M4 profile barrel with BATF approved A2 Birdcage flash suppressor look-alike press fit onto 16" barrel.  Recessed and protected crown
[b]Rifling:[/b] Right hand twist, 1 turn in 9"
[b]Caliber:[/b] .223 Rem/5.56mm Nato
[b]Handguards:[/b] Oversized M4 profile, double heat shields
[b]Finish:[/b] Mil. spec. Manganese phosphate finish.  Non reflective mil. spec