A-list for AR uppers?

[Leo_B]

My current wild hare (technically they don't dig rabbit holes, I know) is prepping an AR for a 400 yard clinic. Given the expense, I want to pick a good upper. I've been looking at the RRA A4 NM 20" 1:8 twist .223 Wylde chamber upper. But given a hard limit of $1003, what uppers are suggested? I like what I see of 1:8 twist showing best for 62-80gr. bullets and I'm sure where I'll want to land for those clinics. But I'm open to and would love to hear why something else is a better idea (if there even is). Any and all input, hopefully sticking to this question, is welcome and appreciated.
ETA it will go on a Colt lower and needs to be a complete upper ready to pin in place and begin firing, other than needing a sighting system of course.

 

[Fuj]

I shoot RRA's (two). One is the EOP 20" full bull 8 twist with Wylde 223 chamber.
I shoot nothing but the IMI Mod 77 gr. (Sierra). i mainly use it as my bench steel
rifle. Has a Bushnell XRS scope on it......I will consistently clean five 3" plates at 300
yards in a 90 second per run match. Your biggest problem will be a trigger for that
Colt......RRA's shoot the 77 Sierras quite well in the Wyde chamber.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

If you clean and Break in the Bear Creek Upper, they shoot really well.
a side charging upper with a 18 or 20" barrel; would serve you well!

 

[Jon Leary]

Might as well get a 7 twist barrel. White oak has some good ones.

 

[lp6]

Shilen makes great barrels and putting an upper together is easy.

 

[jelenko]

RR has a good reputation.
As mentioned, I would look at WOA uppers before making a decision.

Key questions: How will the rifle be held/supported? Does the clinic have any rules about the about the upper? E.g., barrel length.

White Oak does have a varmint upper, wylde, 24", 1:8 for $675.

Unless you're going to exclusively shoot 80gr or heavier bullets, I would go with 1:8.

 

[slm9s]

I'm no expert, but I would check out:
WOA
Compass Lake
Rainier Ultramatch

And my most accurate upper has a Lilja barrel.

 

[Leo_B]

For the known distance at 400 yards it will be user supported with the aid of a GI sling. For the 100 yard enjoy time at the local range it will be some user support and some/most with the forend on a bag.

 

[Twdmar]

The rock river will work just fine but I would give an edge to the white oak Wilson barrel. The white oak with a shilen barrel will hammer and is in your budget. These are all NM with a2 handguards. Compass lake is, as far as I know, not making consumer uppers currently.
Pivot pin adapters are available for the large pin lower.

 

[Ranger188]

Have you thought of going with a different caliber?
This place makes a lot of great and accurate uppers, one in your price range.

6.5 Grendel Neptune EL V-I 6.5 Grendel Neptune EL V-I

6.5 Grendel Neptune EL V-I This Unit is our Entry Level Upper for those wanting Value. It's not a Neptune IV or V but it will still shoot under 1 MOA and is great for hunters! Barrel Options: Criterion Barrel Chambered in house by Precision Firearms Available in 16, 18, or 20 inch 1-8 Twist Bolt...

www.precisionfirearms.com

 

[Leo_B]

I thought about a different caliber for a while but I'll barely be able to afford to feed .223 and other calibers cost double or more to feed. Outside of rimfire this is an expensive man's hobby. And rimfire isn't that inexpensive any more either.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Is your Colt a large front pivot pin model ? (0.315”)

 

[Leo_B]

Is your Colt a large front pivot pin model ? (0.315”)

I haven't measured but my WAG is no. The two pins look identical in size and smaller than 1/3" diameter by eyeballing though.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Good. That would have required an adapter to use other uppers.

 

[dryhumor]

I’ve had various factory uppers, one that stands out is a Rock River 1:9 heavy at 16”. With 69 grain SMKs it was a hammer.

Built uppers with barrels from Xcaliber and White Oak have done me well also. 12 and 8 twist respectively.

 

[ELR LVR]

My current wild hare (technically no rabbit holes I know) is prepping an AR for a 400 yard clinic. Given the expense, I want to pick a good upper. I've been looking at the RRA A4 NM 20" 1:8 twist .223 Wylde chamber upper. But given a hard limit of $1003, what uppers are suggested? I like what I see of 1:8 twist showing best for 62-80gr. bullets and I'm sure where I'll want to land for those clinics. But I'm open to and would love to hear why something else is a better idea (if there even is). Any and all input, hopefully sticking to this question, is welcome and appreciated.
ETA it will go on a Colt lower and needs to be a complete upper ready to pin in place and begin firing, other than needing a sighting system of course.

I havent found much difference in the uppers as long as they are 7075 Al
the main thing is the quality of components you put inside it
use a quality bolt and carrier etc
---
use a good quality trigger (I like JP)

 

[Gman]

I'm no expert, but I would check out:
WOA
Compass Lake
Rainier Ultramatch

And my most accurate upper has a Lilja barrel.

Compass Lake no longer doing civilian work.

 

[Highpower-FClass]

I'll echo the White Oak recommendation. Their Service Rifle uppers are hard to beat.

$780 with a White Oak barrel
$975 with a Shilen barrel

Rock Rivers are great too.

 

[Fuj]

I’ve had various factory uppers, one that stands out is a Rock River 1:9 heavy at 16”. With 69 grain SMKs it was a hammer.

One of my Rock River is their Delta Mid. Heavy 16" barreled 9 twist that highly favors
these.....Stacks em' right in there.

 

[Leo_B]

It becomes more and more obvious I'm snooping in a too expensive neighborhood. My interest is Appleseed and you need 400-450 rounds for a weekend clinic. At $1.00 or more a shot that's definitely out of my range. (So is the 400 yards to target for that matter )