A good AR for Service Rifle, ,highpower ect?

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cracked butt

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I started shooting High power rifle a few years ago. I've been shooting a borrowed garand, a swedish 96, and this year I'm shooting an 03A3. I've got enough enterest where I'm considering saving my nickels and dimes to get a good AR rifle so I can shoot in service rifle matches along with other high power formats. Most of the matches I'll be shooting at 200 yards as there are very few 600 yard ranges in my area, or state for that matter.

Last night I looked at a Bushmaster Target model with a 20" barrel. The price seemd resonable at around $850. I also inquired about the DCM model, but the dealer didn't have one currently in stock. Would the target model be a good rifle to start wiht, or should I go with the DCM model right off the bat?
Also are there other manufactures of AR's that are comparable to Bushmasters in quality (or better) for a better price that I should consider looking at? What about the rifling twist rate, does anyoe have advice on what I should be looking for?
Thanks in advance.
 
There are several ways for you to get a decent Match AR for the money you're looking at for the Bushmaster Target Model.

If you are a member of a CMP affiliated club, you may be eligable to purchase a Bushmaster CMP AR for about the same money. What that would get you is an 8 twist barrel, float tube. Match sights, match trigger and "CMP" engraved receiver.

There was a time when the RRA CMP Upper/Lower was an even better deal. The ultimate value was purchasing a John Holliger "Tuned" RRA Upper for $650. Then having your dealer order in the match lower (with their sweet trigger) for ~300 (less with some smart shopping). Cost was a bit more than the CMP AR, but well worth it to have one of the top AR builders in the game assemble and ensure accuracy. RRA still offers their Upper, but Holliger has discontinued offering the package because of inconsistent quality of the parts. Last I spoke to him, he was was offering a similar budget package with parts that he was more comfortable with.
 
A used Armalite National Match Upper just came up for sale on one of the other boards for an excellent price. E-mail [email protected] for more information. I don't think it will last long at that price.
 
For your intended usage I would go ahead and get a CMP model (or DCM, or National Match, or whatever they want to call it) from either Bushmaster, RRA, or Armalite. Twist rate should be 1:8.
 
I think that BlindRat's suggestion was top-notch, but the late bird missed the worm...its gone guys. Next time, when JC121, The Pimpin' Vermin, or I post a "good deal" jump. ;)
 
I've seen the CMP Ar's before, I did not know that they can be purchased by individuals though. The CMP website makes it sound like only affiliated clubs can purchase these??
 
...unless there's something that happened "off board" at Florida Highpower, it sounds like that upper is still available. The first guy that stepped up ran into a cash crunch.

If anyone is interested, I'd suggest you contact the owner to see if it's still available.
 
< For your intended usage I would go ahead and get a CMP model (or DCM, or National Match, or whatever they want to call it) from either Bushmaster, RRA, or Armalite. Twist rate should be 1:8. >

Agree w/above... I got the Olympic Arms service match rifle, and had them install a two-stage trigger. I have been very pleased with this set-up.
 
It is a shame that Mr. Holliger stopped doing the RRA Upgrade Uppers. I had him build me one late last year and I haven't had one problem with it. I put it on a RRA National Match lower and I have no doubt that the rifle is way more accurate then I'll ever be.

Granted the RRA is the only AR that I own, but I'd buy from them again if I was looking for a second one.
 
For those that are registered on Delphi Forums, Florida Highpower featured an interesting thread specifically discussing the recent problems with Rock River Uppers. John Holliger also gives his reasons for discontinuing offering the RRA Upgrade.
Florida Highpower Thread on RRA

If the link doesn't work, it's thread #5092.

I've referred many a beginning Service Rifle shooter to the RRA CMP Uppers. I can no longer do that in good conscience and instead recommend they call John about other options.
 
No, the A4 is not legal for Service Rifle competition at this time. However, you may compete in the Match Rifle class.

FYI, the A4/Service Rifle status was up for vote just a year or two ago.
 
I'd like to highlight something that Steve posted. Just because the A4's are not considered Service Rifles doesn't mean you can't shoot matches.

There is only one specific match where the A4 would not be legal (EIC or Leg Matches) and even in those, a lenient match might allow you to fire (though you might not be allowed to take home any prizes).

In all other Highpower Matches your A4 (or SKS or AK or Galil or HK91 etc) would be legal to compete. I started out with a P17 Enfield in 30-06. The main thing is to come out and shoot and not get hung up on equipment. And for Leg Matches...Hell, unless your breath is as bad as Steve's, I'd bet you have better than 50% odds of someone lending you a Leg Legal rifle (after getting to know you) if that were your desire. Les Tam lent me his M14 for my first Leg Match - and dang if I didn't finish 2nd from the bottom of nearly 100 competitors.
 
I don't think there's anything wrong per-se with the Colt, but make sure it has a good strong free float tube under the handguards. Otherwise it will cost you more later. I don't know how well those sights track.
 
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