So Im looking to possibly build an ar to service issued m16 specs to compete in cmp and highpower matches. Im sure I could build a complete rifle for under 700$ but I see alot ofguys touting the RRA NM guns and was wondering if that much $$ for a gun is worth it to a guy just starting out? I have a M1 Im learing to shoot now and would like to try both. Thoughts?

I also thought that I didn't need a high end rifle just starting out, but you'd be surprised how fast you can learn and improve.





I went from:


1st match: 72% aggregate


2nd match: 85% aggregate


3rd match: 90% aggregate





The rifle is not holding me back yet, but it may start to in the near future. I'm shooting a DPMS DCM/CMP upper and it holds right around 0.9-1.1 MOA.





Honestly, I think a WOA service rifle upper is the way to go. A WOA upper + geissele HS-SR trigger service rifle can be shot all the way to high master class (assuming the shooter is good of course).

Sir, since we're talking opinions here I'll offer mine for your consideration.  As for building a rifle much depends on the skill of the builder.  I personally would not hesitate to assemble all the necessary parts into a functioning AR-15 rifle and in fact enjoy tinkering with such things.  However there are certain issues I do not think I have all the requisite skill nor knowledge to accomplish as well as I would like.  Such things as gauges for headspace and chamber reaming I leave to my gunsmith.  Considering I know a gunsmith that will do such things for me for the asking may be a relevant factor.

Based on my observations the Rock River NM rifles are out of the box accurate and given the skill level of the shooter are quite capable of "High Master" scores provided they are properly fed.  Only you can judge how much money beyond what it would take to build a complete rifle you are willing to spend for the out of the box warranties provided by a known manufacturer.  As you know due to BATFE rules manufacturers that build complete rifles pay a considerable tax to our uncle for the privilege of building a rifle and selling it commercially.  How much are their efforts worth to you?.

Lastly, unless you have access to some discounts the rest of us are not privy to I question the accuracy of your comment that you are sure you could build a complete rifle for under $700.00.  Yes you can probably buy a stripped upper, lower, bolt and bolt carrier, and a barrel complete with barrel extension installed for under that amount but when you start adding the cost of turning a stripped part into a functional part the price of those parts adds up quickly.  Think about the price of the sights you want on your rifle, most of the rear sight assemblies I would want that are service rifle legal cost well over $100 and the pinned versions like those that White Oak do are considerably more considering the work they do to install the sight and pins.  Worth every penny in my book but again just how much all this is worth to you can really only be based on how well you can perform with a rifle that lacks these refinements and your having enough skill and experience to appreciate the difference.  7zero1 out.

I like White Oak, but here is another idea as well.

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/store/product.php?productid=889965&cat=592&page=1

Cheers.

would just buying an upper and then building the lower hurt any performance?

No. Accuracy rests with the barrel, the bullet, and the shooter. The only thing in the lower that might screw you up is if you install the FCG incorrectly or get a lousy trigger.

Agree with NightHawkIX and, ....
Building lowers isn't as intensive as building uppers.
If you can't build a lower, you would need even more skill before you would attempt an upper.
The bbl installation and headspacing process of the upper requires more skill than the basic assembly of the trigger group in the lower.
If you are going to venture into building, get the books and start with the basics before you attempt the more critical assemblies.

If you can get to the Nationals in August, RRA sells NM rifles new in the box for around $700. In sharp contrast to other national sporting events, the vendors at the Nationals do not rip off their customers. Example: a coke is $1, not $7, hot dogs are free, not $10, and a pound of powder is $19, etc.  It is the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

Roy

It's a little more now.  More like $900 or so, but still a great deal.  Armalite and a few other vendors run sales too.

O.k., so $700 for a built-by-joe-newb or $200 more for a ready to rock NM rifle with a decent trigger and everything. No brainer. They are great rifles. My bud regularly kicks my arse with one.

Roy

I think Im gonna just go with a pre built. Im sure I can build the lower as I have before,but I was prcing it out and I think its actually cheaper to just but it outright. Im going to continue investigating. My goal is to shoot in next years NM at camp perry!

You will not be happy or competetive with issue m16 specs rifle. You want CMP specs service rifle: free-floated, target sights, two-stage trigger and so on.

Sir, as has already been mentioned and since you are in Ohio already take a drive to Camp Perry and check out the vendors on commercial row.  Both Armalite and RRA as well as a few other dealers always have special prices on their rifles during the matches.  Also you can get a real good idea of how things are run and other equipment items you may want to facilitate your getting into the sport.  FWIW I'll be there beginning 31 July.  HTH, 7zero1.

Agreed.

The White Oak service rifle barrel is a great value.

Put one into an upper with a free float tube and NM sights and you're good to go.

RRA's 2 stage trigger is a bargain as well.

The first AR I built was my service rifle lower, all RRA parts. . I put a factory RRA NM upper on it and it shoots about 3/4 MOA with handloads.

For what it's worth, there have been a lot of shooters that earned their distinguished badges using the RRA NMA2.  The Navy Fleet Forces and All Navy matches have rifles owned by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane that are loaned out to military for those matches.  They are not handled delicately, but they still hit X's if the shooter knows how.  My buddy built his own match rifle and spent way more than I am going to spend on my RRA.  Having your own gear really helps, but practice is the only thing that makes a difference when you are on the line. If you can get the competitor discount, go RRA for sure.  I recommend the A2 vs the A4, a hooded rear aperture, and 1/4 x 1/4 MOA adjustment in the sights (.040 aperture).  I also recommend you get the weights and find the balance that works best for you.  Leather slings are nice, but if you go GI style I recommend the cotton over the nylon.