16” factory AR, Uber dependable, accurate, ambi, what do you like?

[nakneker]

I was never really into ARs or semi autos growing up and for most of my adult life for that matter. However, about 5 years ago I started building my own. The first one was a bunch of Gucci components and works great, very accurate but the 6 others I’ve built since then have been on Aero ME41 receivers, both top and bottom with good components like BCM, Giselle and others. That being said I’m gonna try a couple of factory rifles and run them through their paces. I don’t know a lot about ARs. There’s so many it gets mind numbing, I have owned some heavy barrels and have a friend who joins me at times and has an assortment of heavy barrel in longer lengths but that’s not what I’m after.

I’m looking for something 16” in length which can include pinned barrel devices. I want ambi controls, quality and reliability are a must, accuracy preferred of course. Right now I’m considering the LWRC M6DI-CI, the AMG UCI Mod 2, DDV4 but that’s the reason for the thread, what do you like? Why do you like it? How many rounds have you actually shot in it and how many ARs have you experienced to form your opinion. I value honest opinions, it’s easy to say we like it after we spend hard earned money on an item but just as valuable to me is what you didn’t like, maybe even more so. All input appreciated, looking to hear from you AR dudes.

Someone asked what cartridge. 5.56 or 223 Wylde

 

[JBT47]

How much are you willing to spend? I’ve owned JP SCR 11 and DD DDM4 V11 (I believe DD discontinued this model). Very different platforms but liked both.

So many offerings it’s hard to choose. Look forward to reading others’ experiences and recommendations.

 

[nakneker]

How much are you willing to spend? I’ve owned JP SCR 11 and DD DDM4 V11 (I believe DD discontinued this model). Very different platforms but liked both.

So many offerings it’s hard to choose. Look forward to reading others’ experiences and recommendations.

I don’t mind spending if it’s worth it but the idea is to spend as little as possible and still get what I described, like you said, so many offerings it’s hard to choose. I’m gonna decide on two and run them hard, not abuse them but put them to the test.

 

[lawman29]

Geissele Super Duty

 

[Rank Amateur]

LMT MARS-L piston.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts...es/ar-15-vortex-arc-helix-flash-hider-22-cal/I won’t bore you about my Ruger MPR, but I’ve been really impressed with this Smith Enterprise flash hider that I put on it.

 

[Bc'z]

I don’t mind spending if it’s worth it but the idea is to spend as little as possible and still get what I described, like you said, so many offerings it’s hard to choose. I’m gonna decide on two and run them hard, not abuse them but put them to the test.

Shawn check out POF Patriot Ordnance Factory, including thier video of a POF16
on a non stop mag dump melt down
Piston operated = clean uppers & BCG , a little bit more $$ but a well built weapon with quality components and good accuracy.

 

[Rsadams]

Factory gun.... Colt , bcm , lmt and noveski... If you build with any decent stuff you will have a good gun.... The barrel and bolt carrier group are the heart of an AR.... I built a mid length with a palmetto lower and barrel but put good parts in it and it shoots and performs perfectly.... I initially started to just build a cheap range toy because I own many already.... I was shocked at how reliable it has been... The only way anymore I would buy a top dollar AR is if I was going to war... I have shot tons of different ones and found over the years that a gun with simply a good trigger something like timney etc , a very good bolt and a decent barrel will perform.... There's a lot of things on an AR that absolutely are low stress parts and don't need to be Gucci....

 

[brokeasajoke]

Shawn check out POF Patriot Ordnance Factory, including thier video of a POF16
on a non stop mag dump melt down
Piston operated = clean uppers & BCG , a little bit more $$ but a well built weapon with quality components and good accuracy.

This is where I would go. I've drooled over them for a while now but I've got 3 ARs that don't get the love they need.

 

[JB10]

3 years ago i called up wilson combat and had them build me a rifle. I have no complaints about it.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Factory gun.... Colt , bcm , lmt and noveski... If you build with any decent stuff you will have a good gun.... The barrel and bolt carrier group are the heart of an AR.... I built a mid length with a palmetto lower and barrel but put good parts in it and it shoots and performs perfectly.... I initially started to just build a cheap range toy because I own many already.... I was shocked at how reliable it has been... The only way anymore I would buy a top dollar AR is if I was going to war... I have shot tons of different ones and found over the years that a gun with simply a good trigger something like timney etc , a very good bolt and a decent barrel will perform.... There's a lot of things on an AR that absolutely are low stress parts and don't need to be Gucci....

You have pretty much nailed it on your suggestions. I’m new to these rifles too, and the three add ons that seem essential are (back up sights, sling, and a mounted light).

 

[drop_point]

If you want a basic AR, get a Colt 6920. If you want things like rails and upgraded furniture, buy a BCM complete lower and a BCM complete upper of choice.

My favorite configuration is a 14.5" barrel, 13" MCMR handguard, mid-length gas system, and a pinned/welded Surefire 3-prong.

 

[Bc'z]

This is where I would go. I've drooled over them for a while now but I've got 3 ARs that don't get the love they need.

I had a POF15 for a few years, a buddy wanted it a lil more than me at beginning of Covid.
1 of those I wish I never let go

 

[David Milisock]

You didn't mention what cartridge you wanted to chamber it for. Maybe I missed it.

 

[majohnson]

Another LMT fan, they make incredible shooting platform. They claim 1/2 moa or better on their factory rifles. Then look at all the countries that now use LMT as their service weapon of choice. Even Arvada PD is making the switch to LMT products.

Currently I have the AR10 with 308, 6.5, and a 26” HV 6 Creedmoor, that was built by Rocky Mountain Rifle (Mark Chanlynn). Mark shot service rifle, when you are at his shop look at all the stuff he has won.

 

[GotRDid]

POF and Wilson Combat in that order.
If you are going to suppress, the short/pinned flash hider may not be ideal unless it is compatible with your can.
Faxon barrels are worth close scrutiny if you’re going to build up from scratch.
As for optics, a Trijicon LPVO 1-6X24 is a solid option. Back up irons are nice, but may require a quick release mount for the optic, and even the 45 degree BUS’s can present snag issues. Perhaps if another reserve sighting system is desired, the same 45 degree base can host a small RDS in case of main aiming unit damage/failure.
+1 on a quality lamp for your rifle.

 

[Oso]

Come on... Say it with me... DANIEL DEFENSE

You are buying a superior rifle, and not paying a premium for their marketing, ego, or useless stylistic embellishments. I know it is a strong statement, but if you get a chance to run on for a day you will find yourself buying one and becoming a fanboy. If ever SHTF, the DD AR15 is the one that I will grab which means I am leaving a lot of premium rifles behind for someone else to use.

And if you want an AR10 that is built for action, not just for shooting off a bench!!!

Other contenders of note are Noveske, LaRue, Geissele, LMT.

 

[joshb]

I have a several different makes and they all work and shoot great. My Rock River is my favorite. I would like to try one of the “piston” versions but I don’t really need another one.

 

[Bc'z]

I have a several different makes and they all work and shoot great. My Rock River is my favorite. I would like to try one of the “piston” versions but I don’t really need another one.

Josh cleaning a piston gun over a DI is a breeze.
Break it open clean barrel/chamber wipe off BCG on a rag and your done.
No chasing all that powder residue in your upper.

 

[lb-ft]

CMMG might check most of your boxes.