Talk to me a bit about AR's....

[Hornseeker]

Ive got several AR resources, but I'd like to hear some other info from folks that have been shooting and buying them. My buddy has a Stag ARms with a target trig and bull barrel (I think its 24 inches) that is pretty much my dream gun. Its also threaded and suppressed. The thing shoots groups as good as anything I've ever seen. UNsuppressed I think I can get one for near $1200... maybe less... Is there another brand that will drive tacks like this gun for less money? What options do I have for a build? I want... accurrate... good trig... (accurrate...to like 500 yards... for PD"s and ground squirrels)...

Whatchya think!

[FC]

Build your own lower at the least, you can pick your trigger, grip, stock, etc. You can buy an assembled upper pretty reasonably if you like and get very good accuracy. My varminter AR has a 24" fluted stainless bull barrel (dpms), it's both ridiculously accurate and ridiculously heavy. If you are doing a lot of stand type hunting you would love it, if you had to pack it around a lot you might want to hire a gun-bearer  as it weighs about 13lbs. The trigger is great (rock river arms national match), it's everyone's favorite to shoot due to it's freakish accuracy and ease of use.

[Hornseeker]

Sounds like something I'd like FC...especially suppressed... We were shooting PD's with the suppressed Stag this summer...no ear muffs... PDs never knew what was going on... wow...

[dannysdaddy]

they are all very accurate.  I bought my curent one as it had everything i was going to build already in it and it was cheaper.  it is a rock river operator 2 series and probably one of the best ar's I have shot.  a bit on the heavy side but well worth it.  its all about what you want.

[coop2424]

I have a stag lower that i put together with a kit and did some trigger work and topped it with a 20" dpms bull barrel upper and it is a tack driver also.  Like was stated above though it is a very heavy gun but well worth it in my mind...

[carpsniperg2]

I try and stay atleast 18"+ I have never had luck getting great groups with the 16" barrels. I really like my 24" barrel and run it more then any of the others.

[Hornseeker]

SO when you say "they are all accurrate"... I have a hard time with that... that just simply isn't possible... I cant imagine 16" barrels are going to give the accurracy I'm looking for. ANyhow... good info in general, I am pretty excited to build one or buy one and put the hammer down on some yotes and PD's... especially with my new 6-20 VXIII....

[JohnVH]

whats a PD?

Whats considered accurate? I want to build a whole AR from parts someday after my grendel build, but for lugging around, I was thinking 18-20"

[FALFire]

Barrel length has nothing to do with accuracy alone, it does play an important role in velocity. Just take a look at some of the TC stuff out there and Savage Strikers, their accuracy can be staggering. So if you want accuracy at extreme ranges, 600 yards or more then you will also want the longer barrel for greater velocity but too, you will want the proper twist rate to get your bullet to the target in a timely manner. I've seen 16" barrels shoot unbelievably well out to 300 plus yards.

For the best of both worlds the 20" 8 twist seem to have a slight edge especially if you plan on shooting the longer/heavier bullets such as the 70 VLD's and 77gr Sierras. Now, keep in mind, I'm speaking only of the 223/5.56 round.

[FALFire]

John.....

PD= Prairie Dogs

An 18 to 20 inch barrel is ideal for most applications.

[JohnVH]

ahhh, dont have them here, so didnt think about those!

how many inches are we talking is a good group? Internet searching shows 1-3moa with box ammo?

[Biggerhammer]

SO when you say "they are all accurrate"... I have a hard time with that... that just simply isn't possible... I cant imagine 16" barrels are going to give the accurracy I'm looking for. ANyhow... good info in general, I am pretty excited to build one or buy one and put the hammer down on some yotes and PD's... especially with my new 6-20 VXIII....

This is a 200 yard group from a 90.00 used 9 Twist, 16" Model 1 barrel , I put the upper together last spring.






This is a 300 yard group with Factory 123 A-Max Hornady match ammo from a 17" 6.5 Grendel barrel. The short barrels will shoot.

[Hornseeker]

FAL...good point... yeah, longer good for long range because increased velocity will make it easier to hold a group... 20 inches does sound good.

John... I'd like to stay under 1 inch at 100... well under!

So... for $1055... can I do better than this rifle if I "build my own"?
http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=13_22&products_id=314

[Hornseeker]

well yes...I guess the short barrels will shoot!!!

[Hornseeker]

OK...if I reload...what is the cost diff between the grendel and the 5.56?