What AR upper for 3 gun

[Paradiddle]

Would you us a standard AR A2 upper, or a CAR version? Does it matter that much? No optics at this time - iron sights.

I'm assuming you don't want the extra weight of a typical HP match upper.

Thanks,

Jeff

[DMiculek]

I'd want the longer sight radius of the 20" bbl. BBl contour depends are you. I am partial to the Gov't models.

[Chris Rhines]

Doesn't matter that much, although I don't think I'd shoot a 10" SBR in most three-gun matches, nor a 24" bull-barrel varmint gun. My practical match rifle is sports an 18" lightweight barrel (I use optics, though.)

An interesting compromise might be a 16" middy barrel with a shaved gas block and Medesha clamp-on front sight base moved out farther on the barrel. http://www.medeshafirearms.com/front_sight_bases.htm Gives you a bit more sight radius, and more precision than the issue A1 or A2 sights.

- Chris

[jmorris]

Look here I have heard starting with a 20" barrel turn it to .750" under the hand guard and shorten to 18" is the hot ticket

http://www.model1sales.com/

[Joe D]

I am getting ready to build an upper using a 20" light weight barrel contour. I like the longer barrel. I would use my match AR's for self defense and want the extra FPS the longer barrel gives you. A good comp like Jerry's or the Smith takes away most of the muzzle flip.

[Chris Rhines]

My JP used to have a 20" barrel. I had it trimmed to 18" after shooting a few matches in which we had to shoot from inside a car, inside a school bus (:D), and a few shoot-house stages. My next 3-gun rifle will probably have a 16" tube.

For super-serious 3-gun shooters, maybe it makes sense to have a couple of uppers (maybe a 20" HBAR and a 16" lightweight) with identical sights and handguards. Otherwise, I think a 16-18" barrel represents the best possible compromise.

Muzzle brakes - you'll want to have one. I like the JP/Benny Cooley tactical comp. Other good ones include the PRI Quiet Brake and Alex Wakal's F2 comp.

- Chris