What is the best type of ar?

Which do you think is best?

  • Colt

    Votes: 20 21.1%
  • Dpms

    Votes: 1 1.1%
  • Bushmaster

    Votes: 7 7.4%
  • Stag

    Votes: 4 4.2%
  • Rock river arms

    Votes: 12 12.6%
  • Armalite

    Votes: 2 2.1%
  • Build your own

    Votes: 23 24.2%
  • Other

    Votes: 26 27.4%

  • Total voters
    95
  • Poll closed .
I think the true solution to your problem is that you need to get a Sig pistol so you can get their new "disguise my pistol to look like a rifle" things. Sure, you lose the ability to put the pistol into any known holster, but hey, it's not really a pistol any more. Or is it...

While you're setting all that up, you need some Zombie Max ammo.
 
The general rules of AR is that all lower receivers are about the same and don't really affect accuracy or reliability. It is merely a container to house the action-barrel connection which is where your accuracy, reliability lies.

All AR stripped lower receiver parts are produced from from only half a dozen aluminum manufactoring companies that brand the various trademarks on the gun i.e. S&W, Bushmaster, Stag Arms, etc. To me, the trademark was irrelevant so I found the cheapest trademark lower that I though looked good to my eyes "Palmetto State Armory".

If you shop around you can find a 2 stage Rock River trigger (5lb trigger pull weight) for less than $100. Its a drop in you can add to any lower receiver. Its a quality trigger for the money.

The upper receiver assembly is where you get the highest return on your dollars invested. Choose 1:7 twist if you plan on shooting bullets heavy in weight like the 77 grain variety. 1:9 twist is fine for the standard 55-62 grain fodder.

16 inch Midlength gas tubes have a softer recoil impulse than 16 inch carbine gas tube guns.

Cold hammer forged barrels like DD have a longer longevity than standard chrome lined barrels but really barrels are cheap compared to the cost of burning through the tens of thousands of rounds for ammo to see the difference between CHF vs standard barrels. Stainless barrels should be inherently more accurate the chrome-line or chrome moly barrels since the crome lining adds less uniformity to the barrel.

Certain companies are known for reliability and durability such as DD, Colt, BCM, LMT but you will pay a small premium for that added reliability.

I dont think RR is in the same league as those mentioned above.
 
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Both of mine are White Oak uppers on Rock River bottoms w/ the RR match trigger.

Both have A2 stocks. One is flat top w/24" barrel and the other is a 20" A2. I like 'em and they have never shown any reliability issues.

But probably not what you're looking for...
 
Here's the deal. People say all this stuff about mil spec being important. But mil spec requirements are 3-4 moa at 100 yards. There is higher quality then is required for the military. On rra's page for their operator ar's, it says it shoots 1 moa. Also, I've read mostly good reviews from them. So why does everyone say go mil spec? What is it that I am missing?
 
Every brand listed above BCM, LMT, DD, Colt, Noveske, etc. will shoot 1 MOA. Mil spec is being built and assembled to military specifications to run in harsh environments, tolerances taken to ensure reliability of the weapon even in strenuous situations. Little things here and there go along away to improve reliability and durability. I've never seen Mil spec accuracy rating at 3-4 MOA either. Maybe 2 but never 3 or 4.

Picking the brand is up to you but if you want to really compare look up reviews of the brands mentioned in the paragraph above. IIRC you stated you wanted a reliable AR in your budget i'm not saying other's aren't but as i've said for the third time (i think) there is a reason those names listed above come up when people ask what to buy for the most reliable AR in their budget. Mil-spec is part of reliable then there are those that have further modifications and specifications such the KAC SR-15.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...eiver-light-weight-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw bfh.htm

BCM said:
Professional Grade Weaponry, by BCM®

Made by Bravo Company MFG, Inc. (BCM™) These Barreled Upper Receiver Groups are designed for shooting professionals with the Mil-Spec features for the demands of their duty. They are fully assembled, headspaced, and test fired. These do not include bolt carrier groups, charging handles or handguards.

As a note: BCM™ barrel components are parkerized separately before assembly. Prior to shipping, all BCM™ upper receiver groups are test fired for function, laser bore sighted with a Milspec carry handle for sight alignment within Mil-Specs, and then batch samples are test fired for accuracy. As such, the upper receiver group will show handling marks consistant with these quality control procedures.

Cold Hammer Forged Barrels
This process of manufacturing barrels has been used for European small arms for generations, and it is gaining popularity in the United States because of the increased barrel life and outstanding accuracy of a hammer forged barrel. The BCM BFH™ series of barrels are made right here in the USA! (Just like all the BCM products.)

M4 Feed Ramp Barrel Extension
M4 Feed Ramp Flat Top Receiver
In developing the USGI M4 carbine as one of the primary weapons for today’s infantry, some modifications were performed to the original M16 platform to enhance the reliability of the shorter barreled carbines. With the shorter carbine gas system and the increased gas port pressure, the carbine cycled faster, and at times the cycle rate could be faster than the magazine would feed ammunition. One of the modifications done to increase reliable feeding included enhancing the angle and the length of the feed ramps. This USGI modification was done to both the barrel extension and the upper receiver, creating a longer and steeper feed ramp. These Mil-Spec M4 feed ramps are part of the original CNC manufacturing process. As a result, the factory machined M4 feed ramps on the receiver are hard coat anodized which adds significant strength to the aluminum. This feature is offered on all BCM uppers and all BCM barrels.

T-Marked Upper Receiver
The contemporary M16/M4 rifle is built around the concept of modularity. All of the BCM flat top uppers feature a USGI type laser etched T-marks to provide addressing for the remounting of tactical accessories such as optics, laser sights, etc. This enables the weapon platform to be easily configured and then accurately reconfigured for each specific mission.

USGI 1/7 Twist Rate
The USGI 1/7 twist rate of all of the BCM barrels is the preferred twist rate by most professional infantryman. This twist rate has proven very versatile and can effectively run the new heavier 5.56 ammo that is hugely popular with military and private security personal for its’ superior ballistics.

Mil-Spec Barrel Steel (Certified Mil-B-11595E)
BCM barrel steel is Mil-Spec per MIL-B-11595E, and is independently certified. This grade (CMV) of steel is a Mil-Spec steel used in the USGI M16 family of rifles; it is stronger and will last longer than the typical barrels offered in the commercial market. This Mil-Spec grade steel gets its’ additional strength and rigidity from an increase in carbon and/or vanadium in the alloy. This will offer increased barrel life and performance through use in all types of extreme environments and temperatures.

Chrome Bore and Chamber
One of the first modifications that were made to the original M16 in the mid 1960’s was the addition of the chrome lined bore and chamber. It is now a world wide standard in the industry for a battle rifle. The chrome bore and chamber is harder than the barrel steel and on the USGI M16/M4 rifles will aid in chambering, extraction, and reliability. It increases velocity, and also resist against fouling and corrosion from extended use in the field. This gives the end user a longer barrel life with less required time in maintenance and cleaning.

Manganese Phosphate Barrel Finish
Barrels are parkerized with the manganese phosphate finish (Mil-Spec A-A-59267). Military specifications also state that the entire barrel surface is phosphate finished to create a porous surface to absorb oil as to resist against corrosion from the elements. BCM barrels are phosphated before installation of front sights. This is a much more extensive assembly operation, but insures that the entire barrel is finished and protected . . .even under the front sight base.

5.56 NATO Chambers
The USGI 5.56 NATO chamber is the best choice for effective deployment, reliability, and compatibility, of higher chamber pressures of military ammo.

Mil-Spec F-Marked Forged Front Sight Bases
Mil-Spec for rifles issued to the troops require taller front sight bases on all flat top AR rifles. Many commercial offerings use M16A2 height front sight bases on all of their barrels regardless of what type of upper it is installed on. As a result, owners of rifles and carbines with the flat top receiver configuration can have problems getting a proper 'zero' for elevation with Mil-Spec back up iron sights. As all of the BCM uppers are built for flat top uppers, all have the proper Mil-Spec F marked front sight base to insure the correct height for iron sight zeroing when using military iron sights. Mil-Spec taper pins secure the forged front sight base with the sling swivel secured by tubular rivets.

Government Barrel Profiles
Duty rifles are built to be carried - day in and day out. The USGI barrel profiles (often referred to as the Government Profile) enable the operator to carry their weapon for longer periods of time and deploy them faster than the heavier commercial H-Barrel counterparts. The government profile barrel is also compatible with the current M203 mounting systems.

HPT / MP Inspected Barrels
Military specifications require that barrels undergo a HPT (High-Pressure Test) load as a part of quality assurance procedures. Commonly referred to as a proof load, the M197 HPT is rated for 70,000 psi. BCM barrels are proof loaded and then MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) to detect any possible flaws in the barrels surface. The barrels are MP inspected with both circular and longitudinal magnetic fields per ASTME1444-01 (current Mil-Spec) to assure a high quality finished product. All BCM barrels are marked HP MP as our proof load marking.
 
So why does everyone say go mil spec?

When people say "go milspec", they aren't necessarily talking about accuracy. They're more than likely referring to the action, trigger, furniture, and iron sights, and is more for weapon parts interchangeability than anything else.

Accuracy has more to do with consistency than with anything else. As long as you combine good shooting technique with a decent barrel that has rifling appropriate for the match-grade ammo you're shooting, and a reasonably good scope that's properly adjusted, the bullets will go to the same spot every time.

There are things you can do to improve accuracy in certain situations, such as floating the hand guard if you're using a sling for support, and improving the trigger mechanics, but for the most part, it comes down to achieving the same cheek weld every time, and pulling the trigger the same way every time, and that's all outside the actual ability of the rifle.

The military's 3-4 MOA requirement is due to their findings that most infantry engagements occur within 75 yards, and 4 MOA is accurate enough to make a reasonably accurate kill shot at the expected distance.

If you're talking about the actual hardware, you really need to buy match-grade ammo in order to get a more guaranteed consistency (there's that word again) in terms of bullet weight and powder charge, and the bullet must be weighted to make the most efficient use of the length of and rifling in the barrel.

The general rule of thumb is the heavier the bullet, the more accurate it is at longer ranges. With a 1:9 barrel, you can probably go up to about 75-grain bullets. With a 1:7 barrel, you can go upwards of 90-grain. At the same time, the faster the rifling (1:7), the less effective lighter bullets will be. I think 1:8 is a good rifling compromise because you can make more effective use of standard 55-grain cartridges, than you can with a 1:7 barrel.

I personally think the best all-around barrel on a AR is quality 16-inch with 1:8 rifling. Match that up with a decent trigger and scope, and the right ammo, and you have yourself a tack driver. The rifle's ergonomics should be tailored to the shooter, who then must do his/her part to deliver the ammunition to the target. You might want to consider using a fixed stock as opposed to an adjustable one.

I'm not a shooting expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
 
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