Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

[greydarrah]

I'm looking for my first AR style rifle and want to go with a 5.56. Plan on using it for varmint hunting and target shooting. I'm most interested in getting the best MOA for the best price. I was looking at some RRA models like the LAR-15 Elite Operator2 or maybe the LAR-15 Fred Eichler (seems to have a better MOA at .75). The problem is I don't know what all is out there. Are there better rifles I should be looking at?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[wfjames22]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Price range without optics?

 

[johngfoster]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Accuracy per $$$ you can't go wrong with RRA. They make decent quality rifles. Be sure to get one with a "Wylde" chamber--best of both worlds (223 and 5.56). If you are wanting something that is more dependable for TEOTWAWKI/SHTF type scenario, or something that your life will be depending on, then look at Colt, BCM, Spikes, or even Palmetto State Armory. There are other brands that combine accuracy and reliability (LaRue, Noveske, LWRC, to name a few) but you pay a premium for them.

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Without optics, I'm hoping to find a .5 MOA rifle under $2,000, with $1,300 to $1,500 being ideal.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

I'm assuming you don't want to build a rifle? Check out the Rainier Arms 18.5" Ultramatch Uppers for $1200. They guarantee sub-moa and claim .5MOA. You'd have to put together a lower, but that shouldn't cost more than $800.

If you don't mind building, check out the posts in this thread:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3416420&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

[B3dlam]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

+1 for rainier arms they have great customer service and will guarantee sub-moa you can buy a completed rifle from them or build it up yourself. I am willing to bet if you could get them to custom build a rifle with the components you wanted if you called them.

 

[BELLYCRAWL]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Grey,

If you are determined to buy a complete rifle or upper, go back to Rock River's web site and look at their ATH carbine. Check reviews, and I think you will be pleased. You could probably call Pete at AR15sales.com, and he can put you into one for cheap. I think around 1000.00. I priced the ATH upper from him and it was around 600.00. Unfortunately, there are a lot of options out there making selections difficult, but if you are loyal to RR, the ATH is an awesome rifle. Also, expect to wait, most likely, around three to four months to get it.

Blessings,

BC

 

[BELLYCRAWL]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Grey,

I would just note that there is a threaded muzzle option and a collapsible stock option for the ATH. But, I am sure you will find that on their website. Also check out the thread on the Hide.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2336445

BC

 

[SaepeExertus]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

I picked up a DPMS Mark 12 a few years back for around $1300 and out of the box it shoots great. Nice smooth trigger and free floating barrel. Only thing I did was change the stock to get a better cheek weld. 1 moa accuracy is easy to achieve with it (shooting surplus ammo)

 

[Nuke Man]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Rock Rivers are hard to beat for $$/accuracy. All varmint/predator models are guaranteed 3/4moa at 100yds. I have an elite A4 that shoots 3/4 with ease.
Oh and looking at my catalog you can get the ATH Carbine for msrp $1300. That leaves you room for optics. The varmint models are less than $1200 msrp.

 

[gladiator8us]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Daniel Defense, picked up one about 3 years ago and am very pleased. DD makes a quality product for the $$$

 

[nickw]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

JP rifles. jprifles.com Look at their JP15. My first (I've owned 3) 20" JP15 ran over 8K rounds with no malfunctions in 3gun competition and practice before I went to their CTR02. Their 1:8 twist barrels will run/shoot both 55gr NBT and 75-77gr. match loads. Most accurate AR's I've ever owned and I've owned a few. The other thing your getting with JP is their single stage trigger (best trigger I've tried), their low mass bcg, adj. gas block, and comp. There are better comps, but when combined with their low mass (lightened) carrier and adj. gas block, you get a super soft/flat shooting rifle. Can't really be appreciated until tried. JP is the number one used rifle for 3gun competition, but they are at home hunting or punching paper. Ya, they are more money, but you are getting what you pay for with these rifles. JP's customer service is also awesome. Every person I've talked into buying one has been very pleased with no buyer's remorse. Good luck. (PS- Don't work for them, just passing on experience with great products).

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

I really appreciate all the input from everyone.

 

[Maxlab]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

I would go with the ATH from RRA. I placed mine on 2/2/12 received early June. I have not fired it waiting for my scope to come in. The gun looks great couldnt be happier. Research it, you will like what you find on it.

 

[Chingon]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Love all the tactical rifles but check out a Remington R15. Not a bad set up for an 1100 rifle. Not sure if they offer a Wylde chamber but it would be worth checking out.

 

[BCP]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

If you don't care about the weight then the RRA varmint or predator rifles are a good choice. My varmint upper is a laser with 52match bullets.

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Yeah, right now I'm leaning towards that RRA Predator Pursuit with the 20" barrel.

 

[jason8251]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

+1 for the JP rifles. I own 3 and if you have the coin they are definately worth the money.

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Do any of the manufactures of well built, sub MOA rifles (in the $2,000 and lower range without optics) have them ready to ship? I was pretty much settled on the RRA 20" Predator Pursuit, but the wait is 3 to 4 months. I'll wait if I have to, but would prefer to get something in the next few weeks as opposed to the next few months.

 

[BravoSector1]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

There are several listed on gunbroker.com. Check PKfirearms...if you're in for the RRA. A Stag Arms super varminter would shoot just as well.

 

[Shoottothrill]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

What about the KAC 15 from Knights?

 

[onyx1357]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

RRA is a good choice for what your looking for

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 78steeler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about the KAC 15 from Knights? </div></div>

I took a look. I really want a stainless steel match grade barrel with a 1:8 twist. I'm far from an AR expert, but I'm thinking this will give me the best long range shooting (400 to 600 yards) with the 5.56. If you disagree, I'm willing to listen.

 

[mastermason6]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Rainier Ultramatch SS barrel 1:8 twist....

 

[jonthomps]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ddelagarza</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rainier Ultramatch SS barrel 1:8 twist.... </div></div>

+1 Great products, very knowledgable, and great guys to deal with.

 

[ShootsBlanks]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Checkout the S&W M&P 15 Performance Center. 20" 1 in 8 twist 5.56 free float smooth, round tube. A decent two stage trigger.

 

[ms6852]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

I have the RRA predator pursuit and have shot several times sub moa groups beating the .75 accuracy guarantee that Rock River gives. It shot superbly at 500 yds as well, using ball ammo and shot great using hornady match steel ammo. The two stage trigger is hard to beat for a factory install. Only thing that beats it in my opinion are after market triggers like gieselle or other manufacturers that cost more. I highly recommend the RRA from personal experience.

 

[USACS]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

If you want serious accuracy on a great rifle, consider looking at the Noveske 5.56 18" Rogue Hunter. It's $1760, and you will get sub-0.5MOA groups with match ammo.

RRA is a mediocre company, and if you're willing to spend $2k on the rifle, spend it on a better rifle.

Another option is to look into a BCM, Rainier Arms (as suggested above) or a JP. All are also very accurate.

 

[997/2man]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

what the fuck are you going to do with a .223?

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 997/2man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what the fuck are you going to do with a .223?


</div></div>

Mostly coyotes, though that caliber has ended the life of many bad guys.

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

I think if I could find a Noveske 5.56 18" Rogue Hunter, or a Rainier Ultramatch SS barrel 1:8 complete upper with complete lower (the whole rifle) available to ship, I'd get it. Unfortunately, I just don't have the patients to wait months for delivery.

 

[tsavo303]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

check out the sw performance center at cdnninvestments.com has jp trigger
pretty sweet

 

[USACS]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think if I could find a Noveske 5.56 18" Rogue Hunter, or a Rainier Ultramatch SS barrel 1:8 complete upper with complete lower (the whole rifle) available to ship, I'd get it. Unfortunately, I just don't have the patients to wait months for delivery.</div></div>
Contact Mike Hwang over at Rainier Arms. Their RA rifles are excellent. If you want the Noveske, still contact Rainier Arms. They are one of the primary distributors of Noveske. They can order one for you.
Don't skimp on the rifle just for the sake of impatience. You'll sorely regret it.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

High cool guy, look at my tactical rig factor? Check arfcom.

Solid predator/precision AR? Check Specialized Dynamics

 

[Skg_Mre_Lght]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">High cool guy, look at my tactical rig factor? Check arfcom.

Solid predator/precision AR? Check Specialized Dynamics </div></div>

You can even get them with "Look at me!" purple anodizing or "Operator" multi-cam.


Let's face it, look at me, "I might be a trigger puller" sells guns, and no company is immune from it.

Let's not cast stones.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

I run recommend SD because they are first and foremost accurate rifles that have one man with integrity and accountability behind every one. Also SD supports the precision and predator community with uppers and rifles on many a prize table over the years.
I recall seeing George over at GAP happy as a clam to grab one of Scott's uppers in NorCal, and I know GAP sends folks to SD when they look for direct impingement guns now. That tells volumes on itself...

Custom builders build to customer's order, but even Scott's bareboned spec models shoot lights out.

If you think what I said was casting stones, you've not read much of my stuff over the past years huh? Just call it as I see it....

 

[Skg_Mre_Lght]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

If you think what I said was casting stones, you've not read much of my stuff over the past years huh? Just call it as I see it.... </div></div>

Same here.

I am actually looking at the company's products that you have mentioned, as I am in the market for another prairie dog blower-upper.

The other side of the hand is always a merciless mistress. Look at me sells guns, as is evident on the website you presented. There are only so many ACE, DEVGRU and SAD guys out there, and image sells.

My point was that every manufacturer sells image...cars, guns, houses. That is just a fact of life. The company you mentioned is not immune from it, and it is foolhardy to refute this.

Tell me more about the rifles, and your experiences, if you would, sir. I am in the market for a Varmint AR and have looked at that website with interest.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

SD:
-Scott has been building AR's for years for many companies including his own
-designed for precision and predator market, not the latest tactical fads
-All rifles are built for accuracy, using the best barrels avail
-billet receivers built to SD specs
-can be built to customer's spec if the production models don't suit shooter
-Scott stands behind his product personally
-many small frame variant calibers avail (I really want a 6WOA next!)
-check his rifle's rep out on PredatorMasters too
-email or call Scott for direct info for a build to suit (scottmilk9 here on the hide)

My rifle is 18" SS rifle, midlength gas, 556 match chamber, A2 stock and shoots lights out with Hornady 55gr Vmax ammo. Haven't shotuch else through it as it's my coyote gun. Sorry, no pics (out of town on phone).

Definitely worth looking into if an accurate varmint/precision AR is being sought.

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Out of curiosity, do you know if his rifles are mill or commercial spec?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SD:
-Scott has been building AR's for years for many companies including his own
-designed for precision and predator market, not the latest tactical fads
-All rifles are built for accuracy, using the best barrels avail
-billet receivers built to SD specs
-can be built to customer's spec if the production models don't suit shooter
-Scott stands behind his product personally
-many small frame variant calibers avail (I really want a 6WOA next!)
-check his rifle's rep out on PredatorMasters too
-email or call Scott for direct info for a build to suit (scottmilk9 here on the hide)

My rifle is 18" SS rifle, midlength gas, 556 match chamber, A2 stock and shoots lights out with Hornady 55gr Vmax ammo. Haven't shotuch else through it as it's my coyote gun. Sorry, no pics (out of town on phone).

Definitely worth looking into if an accurate varmint/precision AR is being sought. </div></div>

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Which spec?
His receivers take any mil-spec fire control group (semi), buffer tube and chamber are the only other specs I believe apply. Mine is a 556 match chamber. I'd defer to him to answer what he's running for production guns in 223/556. Buffer tube would be dictated by stock customer wants on a custom build, again id defer to him on what he's using on production models currently.

 

[greydarrah]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

Thanks for all the help and advice guys. I ended up getting a Noveske with a 20" SS Varmint barrel w/VIS. Should have it Monday or Tuesday. Can't wait!

 

[Inzaneriderz]

Re: Advice on 5.56 mm rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ddelagarza</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rainier Ultramatch SS barrel 1:8 twist.... </div></div>
THIS