Help with AR LR upper purchase?

[Jimlaw83]

As seen, I have a Stag 8 that I absolutely love. That being said, I think I have the varmint/long range upper purchase bug. I've researched and it is pretty well set that I will be dropping in a RRA two stage trigger group first. I have an extra Vortex 4-16 that I can throw on top of this upper, but after searching here, I think I've narrowed my choices, and want to hear thoughts.

1. WOA varmint 24 inch 1/8 twist upper (223)
2. RRA Varmint A4 24 inch 1/8 upper (wylde)
3. Stag model 6 24 inch 1/8 upper (5.56 NATO)
4. Build one out myself

Obviously you can see I'm pretty set on the 8 twist, and the budget is around 750(kinda knocks out Noveske, etc). Weight isn't an issue, since I don't intend to lug this all over the Rockies. I do want to be able to shoot the 70-80 grains when at the long range, yet still be able to blaze a 40-50 gr Vmax at some ground piggies and/or prairie mutts. The RRA and WOA both use Wilson barrels, and all three seem to be well known for out of box accuracy. I'll be reloading for this rig, no factory ammo for me, but I have heard the lead time is 12 weeks for both WOA and RRA, vs 1-2 for Stag. Should I just build one up myself?

Also kinda looking for stock suggestions. Want a collapsible stock that will give full rifle LOP but still drop to easy use when I throw the piston upper on. Magpul UBR and PRS are out. Thinking Falcon Ergo F93, but alternates are welcome.

Thanks much and any help or information y'all could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Help with AR LR upper purchase?

Out of those three, WOA. However, I'd say call Scott at Specialized Dynamics and see what he can put together for you.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Help with AR LR upper purchase?

I would go WOA or RRA based on personal experience for barrels of those. The complete uppers are good values vs building if you are getting all the features you want. I like to build, but sometimes it's nice to just pull out the box, wipe down, patch and shoot. Between WOA and RRA in price difference would be the amount of extra quality you think you as a shooter can wring out of the provided product.

As far as stocks, I can only speak to the Magpul ACS. I like it for a collapsable as far as weight and cheek weld. Balance may be an issue for you with a 24" barrel.. so maybe a heavier collapsable stock is in order.

 

[uscbigdawg]

Re: Help with AR LR upper purchase?

For barrels:
- JP, Noveske or WOA

Everything else: Find what you like and build it yourself. It's not hard to do and it's not that expensive and at the end of the day, you get a rifle you want and not something that's mostly you want.

Rich

 

[Jimlaw83]

Re: Help with AR LR upper purchase?

Thanks much. It really is beginning to creep in my head that a minor build may actually be fun and intrinsically rewarding. I noticed that Shilen offers a matching/headspaced bolt carrier assembly that can be sent with their barrels, anyone else do this or will I be working go/no-go gauges? I haven't gone through and attempted to price out a build in order to compare it to full upper price, simply because of the huge component selections and price differences.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: Help with AR LR upper purchase?

You can do the build yourself with the WOA Varmint upper as a least cost/best outcome alternative. Otherwise, go with the Holliger upper for reasons stated here:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...537#Post2714537

 

[Grand]

Re: Help with AR LR upper purchase?

I think BgBmBoo has been very pleased with his JP uppers.