Re: Opinions of JP RIfle's CTR-02 or their LRP-07
I bought two new CTR-02 rifles last Thanksgiving, one with an 18" barrel and the other with a 24". The CTR-02 is well designed (barrel heat dissipator under the handguard, JP trigger group, and lightweight buffer system are three examples) and well built (7075-T6 billet upper and lower, reinforced mag well, match-grade barrel, and fit and finish are examples), and shoot very accurately with reduced recoil with the effective muzzle brake. I'm shooting handloaded 69SMKs or surplus mil M855 (62gr) for all my AR-type rifles.
They have a very solid feel and the mounting rails are really mil spec (important for some optic mounts). Mine came with Magpul PRS stocks, which I really like and recommend. For hunting I had to tape the shiny stainless barrels with camo tape. They seem relatively lightweight for having heavy match barrels, important if you field carry. I have an ELCAN Specter DR on one and a USO ST-10 on the other. The VTAC handguard has a great feel, but doesn't have built-in rails if you like a lot of tactical gear. I'm using Blue Force Vickers two-point slings on both rifles, also recommended.
The only downside is the cost. I have no regrets for buying them and I paid the full price and tax at Scheel's here in Reno. If I were going with one, I would pick the 18" as it handles very well and is 1.5 pounds lighter. I can't think of another complete rifle that, overall, is as well thought out and built as the CTR-02. You could put an AR together yourself from the best components out there and possibly save some money.