What's up fellas. Not trying to stir the pot here or get a debate started. I'm hoping there is some people who has played with all three of these rifles (Knight's Armament, JP Enterprises, and Radian Model 1), and what your opinion would be. From research on other forums, it seems the jp is the smoothest shooting ar in the industry. My main purpose is shooting from 100-750yds with my son (8years old). Just curious if the juice is worth the squeeze for one of those rifles. Thanks fellas.
KAC vs Radian Model 1 vs JP enterprises ctr-02
- Thread starter Mattv931
- Start date
I don’t have the complete rifles (thank you WA state), I have all thee uppers, as well as LMT. If I were going to war it would be either LMT or KAC. If I were shooting with my kids it would be my JPs, to me the Radian is a Really nice BCM. All three a wonderful, I shoot my LMTs ( D Wilson converted barrels) and JPs the most.
That's cool info. Thanks man. Im really just trying to get one really good "do-it-all" top of the line ar15 that's going to last, be at least a 1 moa rifle with factory rounds, and be the smoothest feeling rifle I can get my hands on.
I have seen other people bring up the LMT rifles too. I should've put them in that comparison as well.
What makes you favor your jp rifles more?
They are accurate, smooth soft shooting and user friendly. And if you Want 1moa or better on LMT you really need to get a good barrel sent to D. Wilson ( great people). I have used proof, Douglas, Noveske and Craddock RTR. LMT factory barrels are 1.5-1 MOA last forever and wonderful battle barrels.
Roger that. Thanks man. On your JP rifles, are you using their JP barrels as well?
JP and KAC experience here- both are nice, won’t be disappointed on either one. That said, I don’t know if KAC prices are worth the price point, unless you have an affinity for the brand.
I think it could be worth checking out the Ridgeline Defense RD15 as an option as well. Less expensive than the SR15, and has some things you may like better ( arca rail, ssa-e etc). JMHO.
I think it could be worth checking out the Ridgeline Defense RD15 as an option as well. Less expensive than the SR15, and has some things you may like better ( arca rail, ssa-e etc). JMHO.
Will you be shooting suppressed?
KAC are really nice rifles, but where they pull ahead is once you throw a can on. They perform with anything all the time with no adjustments needed.
If you’re not using a suppressor, KAC is a bit overpriced.
KAC are really nice rifles, but where they pull ahead is once you throw a can on. They perform with anything all the time with no adjustments needed.
If you’re not using a suppressor, KAC is a bit overpriced.
No rifle will be reliably 1 moa or better unless you're planning on shooting premium match ammo. Bulk 55gr won't get it done. So make sure to plan/budget for that.
Based on your criteria, I would steer you toward the JP.
For sure. I handload for my bolt .223, so the absolute worst case scenario, I'll just load some up for the JP. I really just wanted to find some decent bulk stuff, like 77gr, and be done with it.
I have several versions of all the rifles you mentioned. They are all excellent for different scenarios. For what you are looking to do I would lean towards the Jp. A great, accurate rifle to sit behind all day at the range.... if I was going to war or wanted one shtf rifle it would probably be an LMT or the Knight's Armament. I love my Radians fit and finish, but for the price I'd rather be in an LMT
Even if SHTF, would the JP hold up to some abuse and be reliable? There's no reason I can't buy another down the road. JP ctr-02 for now then a LMT later on lol.
I have a KAC SR-15 Mod 1. Don't have experience with the others on your list.
It's a great rifle, but it's about a 1.25 MOA gun with match factory ammo.
If you're chasing precision, there's probably better options. Like the RD-15 or Geissele's GFR options. JP should be solid as well.
It's a great rifle, but it's about a 1.25 MOA gun with match factory ammo.
If you're chasing precision, there's probably better options. Like the RD-15 or Geissele's GFR options. JP should be solid as well.
I'm thinking the same thing. I cant comment too much because I don't have any experience with them but if they will hold up to heavy competition use and abuse, surely it will be one to rely on if SHTF
JP rifles see more rounds, foul weather, and abuse than most "duty" guns. As long as you keep up on preventive maintenance and replace consumable parts at their recommended intervals (which is true for any gun) then they will just keep on chugging.
KAC and LMT make a premium but still "rack grade" combat rifle. The high cost is due to the innovation and R&D that goes into their products. They will also not have the fit and finish of a JP or Radian. JP and Radian will most likely tend to be slightly more accurate as well with stainless barrels rather than the hammer forged chrome lined barrels that come from KAC/LMT.
I'll disagree with the above poster who recommended KAC just because you'll be suppressed. There is nothing special about KAC rifles when it comes to suppressor compatibility aside from a slightly longer gas length and slightly smaller gas port than you would see on comparable rifles. Their sealed gas system with AN fittings will exhibit less leakage, but if you stick a conventionally designed can with a standard baffle stack on the end of a KAC (like a dead air sandman), you're not going to enjoy the experience. Ultimately the best thing you can do for ANY gas rifle is use a low back pressure can. There are numerous options on the market from KAC, Hux, B&T, CAT, Silencer Co, etc.
Based on everything you've written here, I would still steer you towards a JP. I haven't seen anything in your comments that would make me think the design philosophy of KAC is optimized towards your needs.
For what it's worth, I own multiples of all the rifles in discussion. I also compete fairly heavily in 2 gun, tactical matches, and run and gun matches. My rifles get dragged through mud, climb cliffs, swim across lakes, etc on the regular. My primary match rifles are KACs and they have placed me on many podiums and brought home a stack of trophies. But none of them are actually 1 MOA guns with factory ammo. And that's fine for my needs.
KAC and LMT make a premium but still "rack grade" combat rifle. The high cost is due to the innovation and R&D that goes into their products. They will also not have the fit and finish of a JP or Radian. JP and Radian will most likely tend to be slightly more accurate as well with stainless barrels rather than the hammer forged chrome lined barrels that come from KAC/LMT.
I'll disagree with the above poster who recommended KAC just because you'll be suppressed. There is nothing special about KAC rifles when it comes to suppressor compatibility aside from a slightly longer gas length and slightly smaller gas port than you would see on comparable rifles. Their sealed gas system with AN fittings will exhibit less leakage, but if you stick a conventionally designed can with a standard baffle stack on the end of a KAC (like a dead air sandman), you're not going to enjoy the experience. Ultimately the best thing you can do for ANY gas rifle is use a low back pressure can. There are numerous options on the market from KAC, Hux, B&T, CAT, Silencer Co, etc.
Based on everything you've written here, I would still steer you towards a JP. I haven't seen anything in your comments that would make me think the design philosophy of KAC is optimized towards your needs.
For what it's worth, I own multiples of all the rifles in discussion. I also compete fairly heavily in 2 gun, tactical matches, and run and gun matches. My rifles get dragged through mud, climb cliffs, swim across lakes, etc on the regular. My primary match rifles are KACs and they have placed me on many podiums and brought home a stack of trophies. But none of them are actually 1 MOA guns with factory ammo. And that's fine for my needs.
I appreciate that response and information bro! That pretty much settles it for me, I'll stick with going with a JP CTR-02. In the bolt action world, I do all of my handloading and put together my own prs style rifles (impact, zermatt, defiance, arc) and tey to use the best actions and barrels possible, im trying to convert that into the AR world. JP is what I'm leaning towards, maybe down the road, an LMT MARS-L. I'm going to be shooting out to 1000 yards with it, hunting out to 400-500 and letting my 8 year old son practice/hunt with it. Dedicated supressed
Feel free to post some pics of all these brands mentioned if yall don't mind.
Jp would be totally fine.... I would absolutely trust it
I have multiple KAC, LMT, and Radian rifles. Had a CTR-02 in the past. For shooting at distance with your son, I would look at the Radian. The barrel on it would be better suited for the type of shooting you want to do. The trigger they come with is excellent, which will aid with longer range shooting. Also, the ADAC feature on the Radian lowers makes it easy to lock the bolt back to appease the safety officers during a cold range, haha. I love the other brands, but every time I hold the Radian, I am surprised that they don’t cost even more than they do.
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All of the mentioned rifles would hold up to “SHTF” duty. Agree with the poster above that JP rifles or “gamer” rifles see more use, abuse, and foul weather operation than 99.99% of “duty” rifles
Noob question here.
Love all those rifles. Shot them lot's.
Here is my question. Any AR or 3 gun matches that allow a 0.1 MOA .17x5.56mm rifle with 0.4 lb of recoil or Are there power factor restrictions like there are in IPSC?
Love all those rifles. Shot them lot's.
Here is my question. Any AR or 3 gun matches that allow a 0.1 MOA .17x5.56mm rifle with 0.4 lb of recoil or Are there power factor restrictions like there are in IPSC?
There are no minimum power factor restrictions in any of the predominant carbine matches in the US, e.g. 3 gun, 2 gun, Run n Gun, Tactical Games, etc but there are min-max caliber restrictions. Typically, as long as your rifle is chambered in .223/5.56 or greater, you're fine. Some disciplines will have upper limits on caliber and/or velocity of course, for safety and preservation of steel targets. .17-5.56 is going to be prohibited for most matches due to its extreme velocity. Also, it would be a bad choice since it will barely move heavy steel plates at 300+ meters and the RO's won't be able to call your hits.
So here's another question for those of you who are shooting for precision in your 5.56/.223. Are yall handloading or buying match grade ammo? I put alot of time into my bolt rifles and their ammo (shoot, deprime, clean, anneal, size/bump shoulder, seat primer .004 of crush, mandrel inside of necks .002 neck tension, charge/seat bullet). Damn I'd hate to do all that for a 5.56 
but I will if it's necessary or the only way to achieve ultimate accuracy in these ar's
but I will if it's necessary or the only way to achieve ultimate accuracy in these ar's
Had a JP and sold it. Own 2 KAC's (sold a 3rd unused one) and run a can on it. Outstanding gun. One day I'll pick up a Model 1, but for my $, KAC would be my choice
Your not going to war and S is not HTF get the JP. A factory built one not a parts project. It is the most accurate reliable ar available. Competitive shooters count rounds by the tens of thousands. I have a CTR over 20k still in service e as a backup/loaner. The new monolithic uppers they are using now are superior to anything out and you can completely customize the build to your needs.
I agree. I'm going with the JP CTR-02 complete build from JP. I'm wanting a general purpose "do-it-all" rifle, throw it in the truck, side by side, hunt, prs style practice with my kids, and something that doesn't feel cheaply made thats going to be reliable and perform. I'm not going to abuse it but I am going to use it. I really like all these monolithic uppers that are out now like seekins, JP, lmt, and i think LWRC. I have an Aero m5e1 enhanced 6.5cm i handload for it, and it's a hammer but it doesn't feel like a "Cadillac". I appreciate your opinion bro. How long have you been running your jp ctr?
My recommendation would be a RD LPR-15. You don't need a high end manufacturer to create a high performing AR. You can absolutely build one if you know what you're doing. Especially for a guy that wants a "do-it-all" AR to shoot with a kid. The Ridgeline LPR is in some ways a properly built parts gun with the exception of the upper receiver which makes it heads and shoulders above KAC and JP. Specifically for precision. I would say a Griffin Mark whatever they call it, is a damn good AR. The ADM MFG MOD 4 whatever they're calling it these days is a damn good AR using some quality aftermarket parts to compliment their receivers. The RD LPR is similar with their BCG, VLTOR A5 system, Geisselle trigger, etc but their receiver set is unmatched based on their semi-monolithic uppers.
I've had a few JPs and they're no slouch. Their SCS combined with lo mass BCGs can create some race gun performance. They were really some of the first to fine tune gas, buffer, BCG weight, and super obnoxious muzzle brakes to make next level recoil and silky smooth operation within a very specific ammo parameters. But, if you're not trying to optimize the 'nth degree of that, I think the remaining attributes of their guns are kinda meh. Their bullet, super fancy milled CTR receivers are cool in an aesthetics way but functionally unimportant. Their barrels are reasonably accurate but not amazing or immune to occasional duds. Remember they started as a 3Gun company. They have a lot of innovation that you need to be really into USPSA level of 3gun to appreciate. If you're not trying to cut .1's of time to increase hit factor.... it's just a pride of ownership thing.
I'm betting an ADM M4 would be a great AR for your needs. A RD LPR -15 would exceed your needs. Hell, an Armalite M15 Comp would probably do what you need. Totally under-rated rated gun. A cool option would be an LMT parts gun built with mostly their components excepting a few key things like a barrel, AGB or BRT EZ Tune tube, trigger, and maybe a JP SCS.
I've had a few JPs and they're no slouch. Their SCS combined with lo mass BCGs can create some race gun performance. They were really some of the first to fine tune gas, buffer, BCG weight, and super obnoxious muzzle brakes to make next level recoil and silky smooth operation within a very specific ammo parameters. But, if you're not trying to optimize the 'nth degree of that, I think the remaining attributes of their guns are kinda meh. Their bullet, super fancy milled CTR receivers are cool in an aesthetics way but functionally unimportant. Their barrels are reasonably accurate but not amazing or immune to occasional duds. Remember they started as a 3Gun company. They have a lot of innovation that you need to be really into USPSA level of 3gun to appreciate. If you're not trying to cut .1's of time to increase hit factor.... it's just a pride of ownership thing.
I'm betting an ADM M4 would be a great AR for your needs. A RD LPR -15 would exceed your needs. Hell, an Armalite M15 Comp would probably do what you need. Totally under-rated rated gun. A cool option would be an LMT parts gun built with mostly their components excepting a few key things like a barrel, AGB or BRT EZ Tune tube, trigger, and maybe a JP SCS.
Man, that rd-15 is a badass looking rifle! As well is the adm 15! Do you have the rd15?
I’d also recommend the Ridgeline Defense LPR-15. I’ve owned all three rifles you mentioned, and the only one I’ve kept is the SR-15. Its biggest strength is reliability. It’s lightweight and capable of MOA accuracy with match ammo, yet it’s still a true duty-grade weapon
That said, the RD LPR-15 is definitely on my list to buy. The team at Ridgeline builds rifles that are not only extremely accurate and easy to shoot but also dependable enough to bet your life on.
That said, the RD LPR-15 is definitely on my list to buy. The team at Ridgeline builds rifles that are not only extremely accurate and easy to shoot but also dependable enough to bet your life on.
I appreciate that man. Yall are bad influences for sure! Lol. I'm going to go through a divorce after this is all over with!
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