Re: AR-15 Questions
I own several AR's in different configurations, but like you I'm wanting one for the sole purpose of varmint/predator hunting. Are you wanting to buy a complete rifle, or put together with the parts you want? If configuring your own, you'll have way more options.
I've lugged around a heavy bolt gun for the past several years to shoot coyotes with and am ready to pack something quite a bit lighter. With that being said the bull barreled Ar's are out for me.
Most people on here will tell you that the accuracy pretty much all comes from the barrel & trigger.
There are several quality barrel manufactures out there. I personally have decided to go with a WOA 18" SPR barrel. I've read countless reviews on the WOA's and they all seem to be very positive. IMO the length, twist rate, & weight will make for an excellent predator gun.
As far as triggers go, there are a lot of options out there as well. I already have a lower with a RRA 2 stage trigger and am very happy with it. I'm sure there are better options, it just depends how much you want to spend.
If i were to buy a complete upper, or rifle, rather than put my own together, I'd probably go with the RRA Coyote Rifle. The complete rifle comes with the 2 stage trigger, free float hand guard,and weighs just a little over 8 pounds. The only downside, for me anyway, is the 1/9/twist rate since I prefer to shoot the heavier bullets (75&77gr). Some 1/9 barrels will stabilize the heavier bullets & some won't, it's just kind of a roll of the dice I suppose.