Best Factory New AR ? ? ?

[Jocko]

Would like some feedback on what the best factory new AR is.
I'm looking at Bushmaster, Armalite, DPMS, Rock River. Type I'm looking to purchase is one with a target barrel and fixings for shooting highpower, will be a flat top so I can shoot scope and iron sights.
Out of these four - how would they rate from top to bottom.

I know there are other high'er end rifles but they aren't in my price range.


Thanks

[Bill Hollinger]

DPMS, Bushmaster, Armalite and Rock River. DPMS and Bushmaster is a toss up for the number one slot. JMHO

[hobbs]

Jacko,
Scroll on down the page to 4-27-09 and there is a thread about just what you are asking (DCM Pros and Cons).
Hobbs

[goo]

Who makes the best AR15 ? (http://forum.pafoa.org/rifles-42/4029-who-makes-best-ar15.html)
...
What is the best AR-15 Regardless of Price - AR15.COM (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=426790)
...
Bushmaster - Welcome to Bushmaster Fireams International (http://www.bushmaster.com/index.asp)
...
Olympic Arms, Inc. - Home (http://www.olyarms.com/)
..
Stag Arms (http://www.stagarms.com/)
...
Colt Defense (http://www.colt.com/)
...
http://www.armalite.com/
...
Rock River Arms: (http://www.rockriverarms.com/)

[Bill Hollinger]

SGW (Olympic Arms) would have been first on my list but Jocko didn't list it as one he was considering.

[Mike Josephic]

Fulton Armoury builds some great AR's and you can get pretty much
whatever you want from their long list of options.

I have one -- I love it. It shoots under 1 MOA.

Mike

[medic2264]

Try Bravo Company Manufacturing. Bravo Company USA, Inc. AR-15, M16, M4 Tactical Gear, Parts, Accessories. (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/)

They make great uppers, but they sell out very fast. You will probable have to sign up and be notified by email when they are back in stock. They also sell Lewis machine and tool, and Noveski.

Many many options at their store as well. HTH

[bodiebill]

I have a Rock River 20" Varmint with a heavy Wilson ss barrel.
It is advirtized as 1/2 moa, and it does just that.
Be aware it is bbl heavy---not for Close Quarters Combat

[DaveHH]

I have an old billet machined SGW lower with A2 upper and it has always done well, These are not common lowers as I understand (Palmetto Arms).

[robert56]

I bought a Stag a complete rifle. Its a quality rifle it shoots better than I do, and it performs flawlessly :super:

[zertouche]

I have not fired many ARs on the above lists. I own an old SGW lower with a new Rock River A4 upper. The RR upper is very tight and very well assembled. Every part is perfect, works flawlessly and looks great. Headspace is spot on the mark, and it shoots far better than I can.

First trip to the range and I had to make a very little correction at 100 yds. I ran 52s through 73s downrange, and it didnt seem to care which one. Elevation changed slightly with different bullet weights, but it would throw them in a neat group if I did my share. Very pleased, I dont think you can go wrong with RR. *(I dont work for them and they dont work for me)

[Stevo]

LMT builds a very solid rifle as well. If I was purchasing another AR it would be a Stag or LMT.

[jmoore]

In your price range get the one that has the most features YOU require out the box. As these things are just about modular, you can fine tune as you wish down the road. Eventually, the spares tend to magically become another rifle!

[Fick_2141]

IMO there isn't a dimes worth of difference in any of them. But many like the triggers in some better than others. I have an Armalite, and a RRA. They both have RRA 2 stage triggers. I would encourage you to get a NM AR and participate in NM service rifle competition. It is the best reason to own an AR.
The AR is made for it. For NM service rifle it has to be a standard 20 inch with standard grip and A1/A2 stock. The sights should be 1/2 or 1/14 minute.
It should have a float tube, a 1 in 8 twist or faster barrel, and a 2 stage trigger that breaks at no less than 4.5 lbs. Many like the flash hider for authenticity, but it is not required. A new NM AR from Bushmaster, Armalite, or RRA is capable of master class scores with good ammo, straight from the box. Don't just get an AR because they are cool. Get one to win with, and join the competitive shooting community.

[milprileb]

There are differences in quality and thats why you see differences in prices. Buy the best AR you can afford.

Makers who are government contractors are : FN, Colt , LMT. These makers are MILSPEC in their products.

Do you need milspec? No, not always: Civilan grade AR is probably all most shooters need.

There are bottom feeder category of AR weapons. I will offer this, the following are not Bottom Feeders: Novesk, Danial Defense, Rock River, Armalite, Stag, DPMS, Smith & Wesson. THey may not be all milspec parts but they are sound investments and good reliable AR. Some of these are better than others.

Buyer beware!!!

[jmoore]

As this will be a dedicated highpower competition rifle really your main concerns will center around the barrel and fire control parts. Spend your money on those bits! No life and death issues here!

[JBS]

Like most things high power after about two seasons you will be able to go to your parts boxes and reassemble your originally purchased rifle because you have changed out just about every part ! A lot of people that stay with high power start with an AR service rifle they can afford at the time and finish with a spacegun that has a price that is an absolute secret from the wife.

[Jocko]

Well - I ended up with a RRA flat top 24" stainless bull barrel. Kinda nose heavy even after adding lead shot to the butt stock. After shooting a few matches this summer I wish I just got a DCM type instead. Oh well, live and learn. I'll hang on to it and use it with a scope in a few years when my eyes are gone. Maybe I'll get a DCM upper for it this year.
Really love that RRA match trigger pull, excellent.

[Randy A]

What little research I did before getting one, revealed that the Rock River had a little softer trigger material and deemed replacement earlier than others, other than that, comparable to Armalite. I settled on the Armalite M15A4NM (black) with the NM E20220 carry handle/ sight assy. (1/2 moa elev. and 1/4 moa windage). They are correct when they say Master score capabilities. One recommendation, get it w/ the adjustable (windage) front sight, with the removable handle most of them will have the rear sight to one side a bit, when zero'd, limiting your windage capability in that direction. With the adjustable front you can index your rear sight.
I shoot NRA High Power on our states Guard High Power and Combat Rifle/ Pistol team, in NRA I've cleaned target many times with issue m193 (55gr) and M855 (green tip 62gr) at 200 and 300 yd ranges. I love that rifle, but you'll need to load your own for the 600yd.

[zertouche]

Rock River is the best in my book. Not a flaw, evertyhing tight and spec'd out to perfection, and I am very, very picky about where I spend my money. I have an old SGW lower that I bought years ago, that was first class, so I can't eval what they are currently making.

My RR rifle arrived about two months ago after an eight month wait, but it was worth every second. First class all the way. Do your homework and order what you are sure you want. They will not hold your hand and let you switch at the last second.

ARs are so hot right now, weasel companies are sprouting out of the woodwork to make them. China is pumping them out like there is no tomorrow, and stamping them as being made by US companies. "Cheaper than dog doo-doo" will soon have their own upper and lowers shipped with an Air Soft ACOG at no extra charge.

Seriously, Rock River is the best I have seen lately. I dont work for them, and they dont work for me. An honest evaluation.

[Seattlefungus]

Service rifle is the best introduction to rifle match. You can get into it without breaking the bank. What you need to be competitive is a good starter match grade rifle. For the cost, the AR is the best value. Going to an A3 Flat top allows the changing of uppers with a slight drop in cost. The carry handle really should me a NM grade sight system. It will be 1/4 or 1/2 MOA adjustment for each click. The rear sight aperture is hooded.(These come in various diameter.) The RRA NM two stage trigger is a great value for the dollar at 120 retail, say versus the Geissele at 280. A good sling, say a Turner Creedmore or Tam is a must for serious shooter. You can start though with a cotton M1 sling. These last only a single season before stretching and wearing out. A good spotting scope and stand, Konus is a good value starter (A real multi position shooting stand, not the little tripod that comes with must scopes), A shooting pad for prone and a very important shooting jacket. The rest, (Stool, hat, wind gage, SLED are for later..) A turn key rifle system. (National Match Service rifle type) is around 1200. A barrel with at least 1/8 is needed. When shooting the 600, most use an 80g bullet. The 1/8 is the least you need to keep a stable bullet flight for that bullet weight. Many prefer the 1/7 or 1/6.5. To keep cost reasonable, reloading is a must. The course of fire is the 200y, 300 and 600 in a standard match. There are other match service types too. But the standard service match is a good intro.

[stickhauler]

The L-1 (left-handed carbine). I liked the fact that they list their rifles as chambered in 5.56 instead of .223. It's shot better than I'm capable of right out of the box, I've never had a moment of regret in my choice.