18"-20" complete upper

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grubbylabs

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I have a S&W 15 sport and instead of getting a whole new rifle, I figured I would just get a complete upper so I can just swap out uppers when I want.

I would like a 18"-20" upper for target and varmint shooting, I don't really want a heavy barrel though.

What would be a good choice and what should I realistically expect to spend?
 
Others will know more than me, so I will go ahead and throw another question out there. Do you need to change the buffer spring and buffer if moving to an 18inch or 20 inch upper? I'm not sure but I've read different opinions. Just something I wanted to throw out there to help you out. I would look at PSA uppers. A 20inch can be had for a pretty good price and it will be an FN barrel. It will not be a heavier bull barrel like many of the varmint guns. You don't need to buy one that includes bolt carrier and charging handle, you can just swap them out.
 
I recently bought a Del-ton 20 inch rifle kit. I did not get an exact measurement but one group of shots was in a one inch square with cheap brass ammo, American Eagle 55 gr. And using a Leupold 3-9 scope.the barrel is made by Mossberg. This is fairly low end and your results may vary. I am happy so far. I am prepared to replace the barrel for a better brand if needed but so far so good.
 
KYamateur thanks for asking the question, I too need to know. I did not think about asking that.

Also what twist rate would be best for the 60+ grain bullets?

PSA shows to be out of stock and they don't have any prices listed, but they look a lot like what I want.
 
They are in and out of stock. Usually 400 - 500 for a nice assembly. If you can swing it get something with rail attachments on the handguard. I bought a RRA Predator Pursuit and it just has an aluminum free float tube. I mounted a scope and was hoping to mount a red dot for a quick acquisition shot, but can't get my red dot to fit on the offset because of the scope. I tried moving it forward with the pepper mount but it still won't fit. By the time I buy more attachments I would have been better off getting one with rails to begin with. $80 here and $35 there adds up quickly. I have another AR that I wanted to make look like an original M16. I bought a Bravo Co. 20 inch upper without handguards for $439.00 directly from Bravo Co. I put an old set of triangular guards on it, but if you look around you can probably get rails or whatever you want for it without spending a war pension. It is a tack driver. It shoots just as well as my Predator Pursuit with the heavy barrel. 1/7 or 1/8 twist would probably be ideal.
 
The PSA with a chrome-lined GI profile barrel probably wouldn't be your best bet for target and varmint shooting, as CL barrels don't tend to be the most accurate. However, they have this 20" upper with a medium profile hammer forged SS barrel that comes free floated and everything for $529: http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...as-ssk-15-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

They are also running a special right now where you can get a BCG and charging handle for $100, so you can have that upper complete for $630 or so. Looks like it would make a very slick coyote rig. It has 1/8 twist, so you could shoot both the lighter varmint stuff for 'yotes, and the heavier match stuff for long range paper punching.

KY, no, you do not need a different buffer or spring when going to longer barreled setups.
 
henschman

That is a great looking set up right there, If I was going to do it today I think I would grab it.

Any reason why I can't use the BCG and handle I have now? I am picking up a complete upper so I can just use the lower I have at the moment. So the other upper is just going to sit there if I am using this upper.
 
That's what I was thinking, but I am by no means an AR expert. Is there any thing else I should be aware of? Other than how much this is likely to cost me in powder and bullets and time at the reloading bench?
 
Haha yeah, that's a given... the only other thing I would say is not to skimp on the glass... don't put together a nice rifle and then just throw some Made in China scope on there. I'd get at least some Philippine glass like a Burris or Vortex on there, if not something nicer.
 
Onewolf said:
Rock River Arms Predator Pursuit 20. $650 at Joe Bob's Outfitters.
Click to expand...

+1. It's a heavier barrel but not a full bull barrel by any stretch. I've got one and it's going on its maiden voyage on Monday. Several friends have them and they're boringly accurate with good ammo (and a scope that isn't lose, but that's another story.)

Matt
 
I'm not a fan of uppers sharing BCGs. Someday you'll swap uppers and forget to move the BCG... I haven't done it, but I dont have two uppers of the same caliber...
 
I really like the 18" AR's. I am running a DPMS MK 12 SPR. Has an 18" stainless heavy (not bull) barrel with rifle length gas. Smooth shooting and incredibly accurate.
 
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