I am thinking about investing in a AR for hunting target shooting is it worth spending twice as much monies for say JP rifles or say Les Baer or just go with something like a DPMS or some other rifle company that are cheaper or just have one built this would be my first AR. thanks any opinions would be appreciated Bob
AR RIFLES
- Thread starter kochie
- Start date
Most over the counter Ar15s are pretty much the same when it comes to accuracy unless its a custom build w/a better barrel. I have seen $1800 AR15s that cant shoot under 1.5" @ 100yds and $600 ARs that shoot consistantly under 1".
A top "branded" named AR is no guarantee it will shoot .500" vs a standard OTC AR.
99.9% of the 16-18" barrels shoot the same w/factory loads, handload & it can be a game changer...but not always.
You can buld a very accurate AR15 and be ahead also.
A top "branded" named AR is no guarantee it will shoot .500" vs a standard OTC AR.
99.9% of the 16-18" barrels shoot the same w/factory loads, handload & it can be a game changer...but not always.
You can buld a very accurate AR15 and be ahead also.
slm9s
Gold $$ Contributor
With better quality materials/build, the odds are you'll get a more accurate rifle. But, many low dollar rifles shoot well. Most Baer/JP/other high end builds shoot great.
If you can afford it, buy a quality one.
If you can find a used rifle with a proven accuracy record and low round count, thats another great option.
If you can afford it, buy a quality one.
If you can find a used rifle with a proven accuracy record and low round count, thats another great option.
My experience with ARs is not very in-depth. When Obama was elected the first time I decided that I needed one since it was likely they would be outlawed. I did a lot of research and ended up choosing a Rock River Varminter because they guarantee a 3/4 inch group at 100 yds and they have a match grade trigger. So basically it was an open the box, put a scope on it and go shoot small groups. It did not disappoint me at all, it has always shot 3/4 inch or better.
This is only a sample of one but from what I read other folks have the same result with them. I have no idea what they sell for now but at that time I had to $1150.
drover
This is only a sample of one but from what I read other folks have the same result with them. I have no idea what they sell for now but at that time I had to $1150.
drover
For an out of the box AR the RRA varmint models are hard to beat for the price. Decent trigger, good barrel, etc....
Later add a better trigger or have a smith work the trigger(lighten the second stage, add overtravel stop).
The LB is nice, but not 1k nicer or more accurate.
On mine, I've worked the trigger, changed the forend, buttstock and grip all for under $400.
I've had a couple and still have one complete customs and none have out shot the RRA.
As said above, you could build one, but I doubt it will shoot any better. Just cost more if you go with high end components.
Later add a better trigger or have a smith work the trigger(lighten the second stage, add overtravel stop).
The LB is nice, but not 1k nicer or more accurate.
On mine, I've worked the trigger, changed the forend, buttstock and grip all for under $400.
I've had a couple and still have one complete customs and none have out shot the RRA.
As said above, you could build one, but I doubt it will shoot any better. Just cost more if you go with high end components.
My son was thinking about an AR. He had the build it bug, but wasn't sure if he really wanted go to that route. Long story short. He bought a DPMS Sportical to play with first. He realizes now he isn't the AR fan he thought he was. Don't get me wrong. It's a good shooter for an out of the box gun. Call it a good starting piont
Larryh128
Silver $$ Contributor
If you want an accurate out of the box rifle, I will 2nd & 3rd the Rock River. Haven't seen one yet that wouldn't shoot great. Stag is another good one. Rock River uses Wilson barrels and they are very consistant. I wouldn't build one until you get some time on one & know exactly what you want. Building is easy compared to a bolt gun, but what you think is perfect starting out, might not be down the road.
A good happy medium, is buy a complete lower from Essential Arms and then buy a semi custom upper from someone like Dtech.com. Then put a good after market trigger and a stock from Magpul on the lower. I have 2 204 uppers from Dtech and they are as accurate as any out there. The lower is not important except for the trigger and most people change that for a better one anyway. The name on the lower means nothing, because they are all built to mil. Specs.
Jimmy
PS: Dtech is located in Bemidji, Mn.
Jimmy
PS: Dtech is located in Bemidji, Mn.
Lots of good advice in this thread. I'll add some more. If resell value is even a slight consideration, a Les Baer or JP would be money well spent. It's hard for me to imagine anyone wanting to get rid of one after shooting them though. Take a count from everyone that has posted here and ask them how many Les Baer rifles they've seen for sale used.
Just something to consider.
Good luck,
Steve.
Just something to consider.
Good luck,
Steve.
Hard to quantify but Les is a fantastic guy and a dream to work with! He's products are first rate! 
For a basic 16" barreled AR I bought a Windham Weaponry ...boutght it for hog hunting. does great. If you dont plan on shooting off of a bench or bipod this is a nice AR. Though more accurate the 24" varminters are excellent except for the feeling of a 600 pound Gorilla hanging off the end
There are 2 used jp precision ctr-02 complete uppers with adjustable gas blocks etc on snipers hide for if I remember correctly 1100. Would be a great starting point.
Robert, I bought two AR's during the Clinton years.. both Colts. Fun to shoot but basically just safe queens because I was (and still am) into bolt guns. Obama drove me back to the market and I bought a Rock River Elite Operator II; NATO chamber, 1:9 twist 16 inch barrel, chromed bolt carrier assembly, integral muzzle break and a wonderful two stage trigger. RR guarantees 1 inch groups. I bought Rock River's scope mount and put a 2 X 8 X 36 Leupold on it. At first I loaded the cheap (relative term) 55 gr. FMJ bullets to around 1.4 inch average. Yawn. But when I loaded the Sierra 53 gr. FB match bullet I was amazed. When working up powder charge the only groups that went over 1 inch was the book max (1.016). Seating depth adjustment groups (12) were all between .528 and .736 inch (there was a .264 but I consider it a fluke). The 8 power scope is a limiting factor I think.
Mike
Mike
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.