Build an AR I can trust with my life, literally.

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epijunkie67

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I have an possible opportunity to augment a local police departments special tactics unit in a close support role. Of course I won't be on the entry team but I will be close enough to sometimes be in a hot zone. Since I'm not a regular department member I'll be providing my own weapon.

So if everything lines up and I don't break anything bigger than a toenail I just might be in the market for a new AR. I already have a lower end DPMS I bought just for giggles but I don't know that I would stake my life on it.

So lets talk about an AR you can count on. It doesn't have to be fancy but it does have to be absolutely dependable. I'm not going to be making 500 yard shots here. If I'm lucky I'll never need to fire it anywhere except the range.

I'm thinking 16" lightweight barrel with a 1:7 twist. Beyond that I'm not totally sure what I want. I've heard good things about Bravo Company and of course Colt but I'm sure there are high quality brands. Build from parts or buy a whole unit? If building from parts what kind of trigger group? What kind of bolt? What brand and style of stock?

This doesn't have to be a $3,000 supertrick AR but I'm not looking for bargain basement either. So give me your best suggestions for an AR you can trust when the chips are down.
 
I've built several ARs up using bravo company uppers. All were 100% reliable.

I've put aftermarket pistons in a few (osprey) only because they are easier to clean.

For what you describe I would get a light or standard weight 14.5" upper with pinned flash hider from BCM and build your own lower (it's fun and easy).

I'm partial to midlength gas systems if I'm not putting in a piston.

In fact, unless I'm putting together a retro or A2 configuration AR, all I look at anymore is bravo company for uppers.
 
I'm thinking 16" lightweight barrel with a 1:7 twist.
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Personally I would go with a 16" barrel that was chambered in 223 Wylde with a 1:8 twist...

Since you already have a DPMS, use that lower and get yourself a good upper. You might also want to replace the trigger. Since you have already said you're not using it as a target rifle, I would suggest a single-stage trigger like Wilson Combat's TR-TTU-MIL trigger.

Then I would look very hard at RRA's "ATH Carbine" uppers.
 
I have an possible opportunity to augment a local police departments special tactics unit in a close support role.
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You may find that you have to use their equipment, if not then you should ask the commander of the unit what equipment is on their approved list for use.

Jim
 
just about any off the self AR from a repitable company is will be as reliable as the next.
 
jim243 said:
You may find that you have to use their equipment, if not then you should ask the commander of the unit what equipment is on their approved list for use.

Jim
Click to expand...
Yes, definitely find out what your local PD uses, of course it could be a poor choice due to their bean counters.

If that's not an issue it might be wise to buy a factory Colt, maybe the pencil barreled LE6720 since you mentioned light weight. The more common 6920 is fine too but does weigh a few more ounces. You may want to consider that it's possible a home brew could be a liability after a shooting. It shouldn't matter, but of course you can imagine what a jury would think of a "Let It Rain" dust cover or zombie lower or anything that deviates from the standard LE issue.

I also would use the exact same ammo the PD uses. Much less for you to have to justify than if you go out on your own path.

If you do go with your own build it'll be hard to beat a complete BCM upper. PSA does a good job too for less money. I'd consider a 16" lightweight midlength, I'm pleased with mine (and I have two, BCM and Daniel Defense).

As far as configuration, look at the standard PD issue again. I would try to keep the rifle as KISS as possible.
 
I think Quentin nailed it on the head. Look at what they use, and keep it professional. A Colt is not a bad choice, Palmetto State Armory also makes nice rifles, and they are currently offering a package of the 16" CHF barreled AR15 with a Aimpoint PRO for $1200. Not bad at all for a KISS rifle. Other then that, DD, BCM, perhaps take a look at the SIG M400.

If this is going to be a work gun, I'd advise against the build it yourself route, since it may end up causing headaches for you if it ever have to employ it and follow through with all the legal machinations that will ensue.
 
epi, what's wrong with your DPMS? Assuming that you can use it for your intended purpose, if your DPMS has been through the ringer and you know it to be dependable, you could just stick with it.

I know that I haven't been a proponent of DPMS products, but my issues have had more to do with quality control in assembly and initial quality on particular builds. Still, if you get a good one, I'd just get a rock solid bolt carrier group and let an armorer go through it and replace all essential small parts with known quality parts, like the cam pin, gas rings and fire control springs.

As mentioned, you're also going to have to check with the department. The LEOs down where I am are cleared for Bushmaster, Rock River, Smith, Colt and a couple of others. Surprisingly, BCM and Daniel Defense are not on that list as far as I know.
 
it doesnt, i wasnt being completely serious... my serious answer for something AR/NATO compatible for "bulletproof reliability" wouldnt actually be an AR15, but would be a sig 551-A1 (if you like AK style mags) or the 556... similar egonomics, more reliability, just as versitile as a platform.. and again, incredibly reliable... they cost less than a lot of AR15s do now
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Jason, on what are you basing these claims? Many ARs have been around a long time and have proven themselves to be reliable. Besides, it sure sounds to me like you are comparing ARs as a whole to one or two particular models that Sig offers. That's like saying that a Sig 220 is more reliable than a 1911.

The one main reason to go with an AR is parts. I don't care if you're shooting a budget Smith Sport or a Sig super gun, it's going to break sooner or later. Where would you get parts for one of your Sigs? From what I can tell, everything on that rifle is proprietary.

Again, I have to ask, what makes you think that one of your Sigs would be more reliable than say a Colt or a Noveske or even a Bravo Company rifle?
 
is the average AR15 as reliable as the average sig rifle?.. no, its not, and ill stand by that statement.. and youre starting to sound pretty defensive
 
If I needed an ar to protect myself or my family I would buy a Colt 6920. I'm sure I could build something nice but if a life is on the line I would rather buy a new rig. If something was to happen and it would malfunction I would rather know that it wasn't something that I built!
 
jason, I'm not sounding defensive. What I'm sounding like is that I'm beginning to believe that you're full of it, because you have failed to state the basis for your opinion.

I don't feel any particular allegiance and any type of system; but I have sent many, many thousands of rounds of 5.56 through a bunch of ARs and have found the average AR to be very reliable.

So...for the third time, what are you basing your comments on?
 
I think so too tony, what I meant was that he should get a full auto bolt regardless of the company that makes it because it will be better quality.
 
I would take care to match the barrel to the cartridge the PD will require you to use. If they mandate a 55gr or lighter bullet, then a fast twist 1in7 would not be a good choice. If the role they envision involves firing a large amount of rounds downrange, then a heavier barrel would be better for handling heat.

Unless specific equipment is required, I would keep your weapon as simple as possible. KISS.

Finally, you might consider a second upper, set up for long range precision.
 
TonyAngel said:
The one main reason to go with an AR is parts. I don't care if you're shooting a budget Smith Sport or a Sig super gun, it's going to break sooner or later. Where would you get parts for one of your Sigs? From what I can tell, everything on that rifle is proprietary.
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That pretty much sums it up. Plus the other police in his unit using rifles will be using ARs...I think you can count on that. I thought some of the SIG 556 which first came to the market in this country were known for having problems...They don't seem to be cheaper than something like a Colt 6920 either....
 
jason41987 said:
is the average AR15 as reliable as the average sig rifle?.. no, its not, and ill stand by that statement.. and youre starting to sound pretty defensive
Click to expand...

There is a big difference between an average AR15 and an average DD, Noveske, or BCM AR15...

I would put any of those brand ARs against a sig any day
 
In my personal experience, the RRA series of ARs have taken everything I could throw at them and come back for more. And their stock triggers tend to be very, very good out of the box. I'm sure I'll get shredded over this, but, IMHO, the RRAs are just as good, if not better than any other rifle out there in the 900-1300 price range. Again, this is just my personal opinion from my point of view. Your mileage may vary.
 
I won't go so far as to say that RRA doesn't build a good rifle, most of the time; but assuming that you get one that has everything right, you're still looking at a rifle with a semi auto bolt carrier and commercial spec receiver extension. I've also seen several examples with canted front sight based and small parts that gave up the ghost way too soon.

For the same amount of money, you can get a rifle with a full auto rated bolt carrier group, with a bolt and barrel that have been high pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected with a milspec receiver extension. Dollar for dollar, there's just more bang for the buck available.

I've also seen more than a couple of RRAs choke when the going got tough.
 
I'm curious how many of you who recommended Colt have actually owned a Colt AR15. I have some experience with Colt AR's and I'm not impressed. My gripes include sloppy upper to lower fit, out of spec magwells, pin walk, and less than stellar accuracy. I've never broken a bolt or cam pin on one, but had one that choked too often.

I'm more impressed with Noveske, LMT, Larue, and BCM. The only sub 1k AR I would consider is Stag. I have no experience with Daniel Defense.
 
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