Funding was allocated last year, but the project simply never got off the ground. So this morning, before the kids awoke, I sat down on the side of the bed with the Chair of the Finance Committee and gave my presentation seeking funds from FY2012. My PowerPoint presentation included graphs with "fun" on one axis and "ammo cost" on another, the typical pie chart of cool, and an executive summary of the study from the Institute of Oh Hell Yeah! titled "Effects of Rounds Down Range and Positive Psychological Dispositions: Seriously, this Shit is Fun!" I closed the presentation with a kiss on the cheek and an "I love you." Funds granted!
So I'm open to suggestions. I'm leaning more towards buy than build as any reader of this blog can tell you that lately there hasn't been much reading to do on this blog for reasons previously stated. But my mind isn't made up. I'm also leaning to more rifle length than carbine length and maybe an old-school hand guard. Still, suggestions welcomed.
Better take good care of your Chair of the Finance Committee!! You don't want to be turned down in the next session!
ReplyDeleteI've long been a fan of rifle length ARs, but keep in mind that a carbine will still get you out to 500 yards reliably. The extra 4" of barrel will buy you 100-200 more than that, if you want the distance; if you don't plan on shooting that far often, the carbine would still be suitable. 55 grain bullets are limited regardless at 500 yards max, unless the gun is chambered in something that ends with "Swift" or "250."
I guess I would recommend writing down what your end use for this is going to be, and build your requirements from there. If you choose to build, let me know because I have a bunch of random AR parts collecting dust downstairs that could use a good home. I have uppers, gas blocks, charging handles, triggers and small parts, and various other things, and I'll help you build the AR of your dreams if you so desire. With that said, my next off the shelf AR will come from Daniel Defense, and they're priced about middle of the road.
I'll look at Daniel Defense.
DeleteAs for doing a build, if I go down that route your number will be on speed dial... count on it!
Go old school carry handle. If you need a tactirail, you can mount one on top of that.
ReplyDeleteNothing screws up the lines of a classic rifle-length AR-15 platform like missing the carry handle.
Also recommend you have your friends shoot it. Alot.
Ha! Sure thing. I maybe a little boy, but I share my toys.
DeleteI'd look at Rock River and LMT, good quality there too! And Magpul has good stocks and accessories like BUIS. or you can go CT's route and get parts and build one out. Barrels/uppers ARE available from a variety of sources, but I'd recommend a chrome lined barrel at the minimum, regardless of which way you go. Here is a good post on the 'options' http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=2678 and cost options here http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=272
ReplyDeleteLooking around, it would seem Rock River delivers on the price/performance ratio. Do you know anything about their piston guns? Would they be worth it?
DeleteI was going to suggest Rock River too. Quality, low cost, a variety of options, and good customer service. (FYI, I also recommend Bushmaster, for the same reasons.) Also, don't overlook Smith and Wesson's rifle, especially as offered through CDNN Investments.
ReplyDeleteAs for piston guns, I think that it was a solution in search of a problem. I've never had an issue with direct-impingement guns and will continue to buy them if for no other reason than to maintain commonality with my other ARs. (Every manufacturer's piston set-up is different from the others currently.)
Yup, an RRA Operator is on my short list. If only they could be found to be purchased. I don't know about the Bushmasters. My understanding was that they are now part of Freedom Group and hence quality could be an issue. The S&W would be nice, except it has a 1:8 twist.
DeleteMy interest in the piston guns is that I'm a sucker for folding stocks. But you are right about the drawbacks. I probably won't go there.
Do you need a whole rifle? Midway has DPMS 1:9 Uppers for $379. I've had 55gr bullets spin-apart at Matches in my 1:7 twist, but not FMJ's or milsurp...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. I'll have a look.
DeleteI generally just don't get good groups with my 1:7 for 55gr. I did one time have multiple wholes on the target with an FMJ. I suspected the bullet spun apart.
I have a 1:7 upper from White Oak and my buddy who shoots Distinguished has a 1:9 twist upper on his Match rifle. He shoots teeny-tiny groups of 53-grain Sierras that he hand-loads. I shot some Black Hills 52-grain Match that blew-up on me and several/many bullets didn't even make it down-range to the target (200-yds).
ReplyDelete55-grain XM193 is no problem in the 1:7 except for accuracy!
I have been shooting 69-grain bullets for better results, but I suck anyway.