$1000.00 and what to do!

[jimmyp50]

Here is a fun project! I just sold a gun and scope and collected some money to invest in another gun. I have some experience with AR type rifles but am no expert. The number of options today makes your head swim. I would like to get a good 100-200 yard 16 inch barrel defensive carbine in 5.56 x 45, but where to start. I know I want a chrome lined 16 inch or 18 inch barrel (but not a real heavy barrel) with a flash suppressor, a collapsable stock, and an Aimpoint sight or other (EOTECH??) optical sight. That is where it breaks down. For a general carbine like this that would produce I would hope 3 inch or so groups at 100 yards, would you go with the A2 type permanent carry handle upper and a forward of carry handle type mount for the Aimpoint like the ARMS 39, or would you go with the A3 type upper and mount the Aimpoint on the rail and use the ARMS 40 flip up rear sight? If you mount the Aimpoint on the flattop rail do you need a spacer?

Finally, man there are a lot of manufacturer choices for this type of gun!! Every body is making something these days!! For a good out of the box gun which manufacturer produces a reliable accurate carbine with military 5.56 x 45 chrome chamber and chrome barrel? Jimmyp and

 

[trapshooter]

Like you said, lots of choices. Given my preferences, it would be tough (heck, impossible) to stay under a grand with all the goodies you want unless you find at least some of the stuff used. The Aimpoint alone is going to run you 325-400 new. Without the mount. Haven't checked EOTech prices lately. The gun you might find in the 700-1400 range new, maybe less, depending on manufacturer, location, etc. So it's just possible, but tough. Lots of shopping required. A dedicated bargain hunter could probably do it.

One the high price end are Colt, and KAC. Then you have Bushmaster, DPMS, and Rock River. There are others. You might be able to buy components, like stripped lowers, uppers, barrels, etc. But I don't think I'd go that route, as it might cost you more, in the end, than a working gun in the box.

At 1500 bucks, no problem, and with some diligent shopping, you should come in around 1000-1200, maybe. It really depends highly on the price of the gun itself.

 

[jimmyp50]

O.K. I add $500.00, so $1500.00, how would you set this gun up? jimmyp

 

[trapshooter]

I'd just call WildAlaska and have him send me a Colt 6920 if he could get another one.

http://www.colt.com/law/lecarbine.asp

Then I'd shop for the Aimpoint and mount. I'd go to SWFA first.

http://www.swfa.com/products/10338/aimpoint_compml2.htm

 

[jimmyp50]

Does the Colt Carbine have a chromed barrel and bore?

 

[Chris Rhines]

For a pure defensive carbine, get a Colt, Bushmaster, or Armalite 16" flattop carbine with a fixed stock and an -A2 or Lightweight profile barrel. Leave it as stock as possible. Have the trigger tuned up by a comeptent gunsmith. Get a large stack of USGI magazines and a case or two of ammo. This will cost you about $1200.

Spend the rest of the money on a 3-day defensive rifle class, in which you will shoot up one of those cases of ammo.

You'll quickly learn what aftermarket chi-chis and gewgaws to buy (and more importantly, which to avoid.) You'll also gain some skill and technique as a shooter, which is much more valuable than cool gear.

- Chris

 

[DOUBLEDTX]

Try www.RBPrecision.com they have the best prices on Rock River Arms AR's and most come with an excellent 2 stage trigger. You can add chromed lining for about 35.00 to any of their barrels except the midlength.