Couple of Novice AR-15 questions.

[chetrogers]

I dont have any .223 caliber rifles and im thinking my next firearm purchase will be an AR-15 type rifle and have a few questions that i would appreciate any Help.

Im between thinking of getting a 16" barrel model and a 20" model.Im curious is the 20" just going to be a little bit more acurate?.Also im curious What group sizes these can shoot at 100 yards with a scope out of the box.
I have no experience with these firearms and wish i knew somebody that had one that would let me shoot it but I dont.I would like to add a rail with front foregrip and a scope that has a very large field of view"Cant think of the correct term"

Any suggestions on a model "Cant afford a Colt" or any thing else is much appreciated and thanks for your time.

 

[chakup]

where you at in Oregon? I'm in eugene. all things equal a 20" shouldn't be more accurate than a 16", but will gain some velocity. Alot depends on what you want to use it for. I have a 24" heavy barreled RRA varmint upper- this thing is a pig but accurate. Also probably going to be selling it. I've found I like short stuff better, so I'm SBR'ng both of my lowers. One will turn into an RRA 9mm SBR (most likely) and the other a 5.56 SBR.

As for a good field of view scope- how much you want to spend

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Im curious is the 20" just going to be a little bit more acurate?

A 20" will have a better sight radius than a 16" carbine or a 16" midlength and a better sight radius aids accuracy with irons. You can get a 16" with the same sight radius as the 20" rifle though (Dissipator model).

A 20" will be slightly faster, so it will drop a little bit less and be a tiny bit less subject to wind drift. For practical purposes, there is no difference between the two... the difference would be a couple of inches at 400 yds - nothing that would make the difference between a hit or a miss in most cases.

Also im curious What group sizes these can shoot at 100 yards with a scope out of the box.

You should have no trouble doing less than 2" with a scope and a good rest. if you can get some sandbags and some ammo it likes, 1" isn't out of the question for 5rd groups depending on the barrel.

 

[chetrogers]

I live in Eagle Creek Oregon.If possible i wouldnt want to spend more then 200 for the scope.maybe a red dot.I have never shot a rifle with on on it.Do They work for the 100 yards and longer shots.

 

[chakup]

there are lots of aimpoint etc, knockoffs, some work better than others. If you're wanting to punch paper I'd say spend the money on a decent traditional scope. If you're wanting an all round fun AR just for craps and giggles take your pick of a red dot. It all depends on your intended use.

 

[BozemanMT]

The AR is just a maybe. Most people find a 17 or 18" custom built upper to be about perfect. Of course, this blows your budget.
The 20" is ok as long as you get a regular barrel, do not get a HBAR you'll find it's too heavy and annoying.
A 20" upper on a light lower is actually a pretty good mix.
I've had real good luck with Rock River Arms (RRA) and their 2 stage trigger.

I have however decided that I don't really like scopes on them. (maybe for varmit) and i do like good solid red dot system (personal fav is the ACOG but that blows your budget right away)

My suggestion.
Get a RRA 20" flattop and put pop up National Match style sight on it and shoot the irons. Up to 100 yards, you'll be amazed at the irons and the AR's inherant accuracy
and spend the extra 200 bucks on ammo

 

[lamazza]

As far as scopes go. This is where I bought mine and the prices are right.
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/scopes.html

 

[NMshooter]

Look at a 16" carbine with a flat top receiver, preferably one with the detachable carry handle.

Shoot it lots.

Later, when you have both the money and a greater appreciation for what the rifle can and can not do you can drop some sort of optic on it.

For a factory rifle I like Bushmaster, but most factory rifles should be OK.

And most important, have fun!

 

[tangodown]

16 inch barrels are handy. 20 inch barrels make the weapon less handy but arent bad, and definetly are easier to shoot accurately. I have both an m4gery and a 20 inch. If I could only have one I think I would go with the m4gery simply because it is so much more fun, and if I want to seriously launch lead I will reach for my m1a.

 

[possum]

i wouldnt want to spend more then 200 for the scope.maybe a red dot.I have never shot a rifle with on on it.Do They work for the 100 yards and longer shots.

If you want to have a red dot that will be good out to extended ranges, then you are gonna have to spend a little more than $200, you are gonna need a red dot that is 1 or 2 moa, if you get one of the cheaper ones that are 4 or 5 then that will make things spread out way out there. With the Eotech reddot which has 1moa, i can tear up the 300 meter target with it all day. even though they really ain't meant for that but it'll do it. no matter what range you are using them at they are alot of fun.

 

[chetrogers]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.Im planning on getting a 16" barrel.As for the scope there were some suggested but If possible i would like to turn this thread now into "What red dot should i buy" .I have never owned a red dot and to tell the truth i even looked through one.Any links are welcome.I dont plan to shoot over 100 yards with it.Maybe one day if i really enjoy the ar i would buy a better scope.Im also curious to how off the shot placement is with a red dot if your optic is set for 100 yards but what you are shooting at is about 25 ft away,will you miss it buy alot..

I would like to keep it under 200 dollars for my first red dot and from what i have seen i like the 40mm size.

 

[duncan]

For your first AR-15, a 16" flattop gives you the most options.

Snag a removable carry handle so you have traditional irons.

Consider a red dot scope. Red dots are great for CQC or out to 50 yards otherwise a traditional scope is great.

Every AR-16 shooter should know how to Battlefield Zero your weapon - hence the A2 handle.

Call me a purist but I work with several Marines, Rangers, and Army officers so irons are critical.

Bushmaster
Olympic Arms
RRA
Colt

All good - I favor the Bushy and Oly - live in WA state so gotta support my Oly guys/

 

[AK-74me]

If possible i would like to turn this thread now into "What red dot should i buy" .I have never owned a red dot and to tell the truth i even looked through one.Any links are welcome.I dont plan to shoot over 100 yards with it.

I bet this thread will help you then. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=264481

I just got a EOTech model 512 on my RRA Entry Tactical and love it. Got it from JTACsupply for the below MAP price of $315,

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

Red dot? Simple. There's only 2 choices.

Aimpoint or EOtech.

I like the Aimpoint because of its simple dot, extreme battery life, long warranty, and battle-proven reputation. Of all of those, I like the simple 4moa dot the most. It's the easist for me to see.

The EOTech has a better fov. It has a 65moa circle, and a 1moa dot. I find the dot to be useless as it is too small unless you are making rested shots. The large circle makes it the king of speed up close. Under 50 yards with that circle = hit. Very hard to miss with that. It is better than a 4moa dot in that a large circle helps your eye "bracket" a target easier. EOtechs don't have the battery life or warranty that Aimpoint does, but they can take AA batteries, which is nice. Some people like the holographic effect of the EOtech which makes the circle/dot appear forward.


Both of these optics will resist being washed out in bright sunlight which should be more emphasized in reddot discussions. The vast majorit of reddot optics are pure garbage in that they cannot be seen in high noon sunlight very easily. Some can't be seen at all. The ones that can are no good, as to see them, you have to "search" for the red color in your field of view as it is faint. This is not the idea. You want FAST FAST FAST. It should be sticking out nice and bright so there is zero hesitation.

An EOtech will be cheaper because an Aimpoint will require a quality mount usually costing $80-$120.

I still like the 4moa dot best despite it not being as good as the big circle up close - it's good enough. You can still use it for fast shooting up close, but it also works for out to 200yards. The Eotech dot is fine, but it is too small to pick up quickly. That's just my opinion. Others love it.

Absolutely try and look at one for yourself before you buy. That will definately make up your mind.

 

[rangerruck]

id go the 20, unless you plan on some close quarters battle with some little piggies and rodents. the 20 in bbl feels more balanced , and holds better free hand, to me anyway.

 

[ugaarguy]

I agree with the 16" Bbl choice. I've had a Colt SP-1 with the lightweight 20" Bbl for several years and I really like the balance. Unfortunately this has cost me when qualifying with the M-16A2 with its heavier Bbl as they just don't feel right. I really like the balance of the 16" heavy Bbl ARs that I've shot and the shorter tube makes them really handy. Learn to shoot it with iron sights and think you'll really enjoy it.