Difference between Standard Colt AR-15 and LWRC AR-15?

[stinger 327]

The Colt AR-15 is $900. The LWRC AR-15 is $2,300. Is there going to be a big difference in accuracy?

 

[azrocks]

Both Colt and LWRC offer multiple AR configurations, so without knowing the models in question it would be difficult to draw a direct comparison.

 

[ATLDave]

LWRC's thing is doing piston-driven AR's, as opposed to direct impingement. They are generally regarded as extremely high-quality piston guns, and to not suffer from the accuracy issues that some piston guns have. But you wouldn't be paying for more accuracy. You'd be paying for good-quality AR accuracy combined with the (real and/or perceived) benefits of a piston.

 

[Sapper771]

LWRC SPR: piston system, chromed BCG, Match barrel, spiral fluting, railed forearm, paint job, upgraded stock, upgraded grip, SSA trigger, QD hardware points, flip up iron sights.

Do you need all that? No. Is it nice? Yes.

 

[stinger 327]

LWRC SPR: piston system, chromed BCG, Match barrel, spiral fluting, railed forearm, paint job, upgraded stock, upgraded grip, SSA trigger, QD hardware points, flip up iron sights.

Do you need all that? No. Is it nice? Yes.

Sounds good and it feels good to shoulder. You can feel the quality in the different materials used.

 

[Sapper771]

Sounds good and it feels good to shoulder. You can feel the quality in the different materials used.

Definitely. It looks good, feels great, and is awesome to shoot. With that being said, that $900 Colt can be just as capable.

When I was contemplating getting a LWRC, I thought about how much money I was going to spend upgrading the $1200 (They are cheaper now) Colt I had selected as my base rifle. Then I realized that I could get an LWRC that had most of the stuff I wanted already on it for close to what I would have to pay for the Colt + upgrades.

 

[HexHead]

LWRC's thing is doing piston-driven AR's, as opposed to direct impingement. They are generally regarded as extremely high-quality piston guns, and to not suffer from the accuracy issues that some piston guns have. But you wouldn't be paying for more accuracy. You'd be paying for good-quality AR accuracy combined with the (real and/or perceived) benefits of a piston.

LWRC now also offers DI rifles.

 

[ATLDave]

^^ Did not know that.

 

[Sav .250]

Why not look up the data on both weapons. See what the manufacture has to say. Plus look up "reviews" on both weapons from folks that actually own one/both.

 

[stinger 327]

When did all of this rail stuff a ppear on AR's? As I remember there was only the AR-15 style government issue. Now I see all of these rail rifles that people add all kinds of stuff.

 

[bfoosh006]

stinger 327.... you are dating yourself.. Lol

 

[stinger 327]

stinger 327.... you are dating yourself.. Lol

Sorry but as we get older we forget more stuff so forgive me if I come across wrong.

 

[ATLDave]

Seems to me that Picatinny rails became very common on AR's around the time of the start of the War on Terror (or whatever you want to call the post-9/11). They've actually declined a little bit in popularity the last couple of years, with the "cooler" forend being some kind of small-diameter tube with the possibility of attaching small sections of rail... keeps things lighter, and is more ergonomic for the cool "c-clamp" technique than the old biscuit can forends.

 

[browningguy]

For 3 gun I shoot a RRA 18" just so you know where I'm coming from.

You can feel the quality in the different materials used.

They are all plastic, aluminum and a little bit of steel. Yes you can buy a better stock, I have a fixed target stock on my RRA because I want the absolute most solid connection between me and the gun. Yes you can buy a better trigger, and all of my AR's have a better than standard trigger. Yes you can put a different forearm on them, but you can choose what you want and add it to any AR.

Honestly I have nothing bad to say about the LWRC, they put together a good product. But I do think they are asking 50-100% more than they are really worth. Keeping in mind that the LWRC gun will probably come out of the box the way you want it (trigger/stock/forearm), then there is a value to not having to futz around changing out parts. That's got to be worth something to you, but you have to decide how much.

 

[stinger 327]

For 3 gun I shoot a RRA 18" just so you know where I'm coming from.



They are all plastic, aluminum and a little bit of steel. Yes you can buy a better stock, I have a fixed target stock on my RRA because I want the absolute most solid connection between me and the gun. Yes you can buy a better trigger, and all of my AR's have a better than standard trigger. Yes you can put a different forearm on them, but you can choose what you want and add it to any AR.

Honestly I have nothing bad to say about the LWRC, they put together a good product. But I do think they are asking 50-100% more than they are really worth. Keeping in mind that the LWRC gun will probably come out of the box the way you want it (trigger/stock/forearm), then there is a value to not having to futz around changing out parts. That's got to be worth something to you, but you have to decide how much.

you are 100% correct on this. It is worth alot to me to have it right out of the box.
I don't want to build my own or mess around with putting parts together. I want something right out of the box that is good to go right from the start.

 

[stinger 327]

Seems to me that Picatinny rails became very common on AR's around the time of the start of the War on Terror (or whatever you want to call the post-9/11). They've actually declined a little bit in popularity the last couple of years, with the "cooler" forend being some kind of small-diameter tube with the possibility of attaching small sections of rail... keeps things lighter, and is more ergonomic for the cool "c-clamp" technique than the old biscuit can forends.

Seems like those rails would make great back scratcher. I never cared for that look but I understand it gives you many options to add on later if one is into that. I like the look and feel of the classic Colt AR-15 GI issue.

 

[Malamute]

Depending on the type of rail, it can offer some pretty definite advantages. The first being, if its a free float rail, then your sling tension or bipod, or just laying the forend on bags wont affect the point of impact. They also give easy places to mount a light and bipod, and a side sling mount if desired. I wouldn't have much more Id want to add, but those can be useful. Some people like to add a radio, fuzzy dice, and a dog with the head that bobs around to their rails. Skys the limit.

 

[md7]

I like the look and feel of the classic Colt AR-15 GI issue.

I do too, stinger.

Everyone's needs/wants for an AR are different. Mine serve as general purpose rifles, and the lay of the land around here really keeps most shots under 200 yds or so. I'm content with Magpul or usgi plastic hand guards, an fsb, and the direct impingement gas system. The performance is sufficient for my needs at the ranges I'm most apt to shoot within.

I'm sure lwrc makes a fine product. Guess I'm just old fashioned, and would pick something like a Colt 6920 or a BCM standard mid length. Perhaps a Colt or BCM A4 setup as well.

Good luck, stinger. Hope you enjoy whichever you pick.

 

[stinger 327]

I do too, stinger.

Everyone's needs/wants for an AR are different. Mine serve as general purpose rifles, and the lay of the land around here really keeps most shots under 200 yds or so. I'm content with Magpul or usgi plastic hand guards, an fsb, and the direct impingement gas system. The performance is sufficient for my needs at the ranges I'm most apt to shoot within.

I'm sure lwrc makes a fine product. Guess I'm just old fashioned, and would pick something like a Colt 6920 or a BCM standard mid length. Perhaps a Colt or BCM A4 setup as well.

Good luck, stinger. Hope you enjoy whichever you pick.

aRE you using the open peep sights or a scope? The standard one feels good and has that traditional look. I don't understand anything about the gas systems or what a direct impingement gas system is. Who knows I may still end up getting a standard AR-15 Colt along with the LWRC I just got.

 

[md7]

Hi Stinger.

Both of my rifles have Daniel Defense A1.5 fixed rear sights. I plan to use an aimpoint PRO optic in conjunction with my fixed rear sights. For now, I'm simply using the irons.

Direct impingement simply means that some of the gasses created when firing are captured in the gas port (a hole in the top of the barrel), are routed into the receiver via the gas tube, and into the gas key on the bolt carrier causing it to move rearward. DI systems are the most common systems used in AR type rifles. Basically, the gasses created in firing are also used to cycle your action.

Some AR rifles are piston rifles. In these, the gasses are captured in the gas block and drive a piston rod that makes contact with the carrier causing rearward motion.

Perhaps someone an explain that better, but that's the gist of it.

 

[stinger 327]

Hi Stinger.

Both of my rifles have Daniel Defense A1.5 fixed rear sights. I plan to use an aimpoint PRO optic in conjunction with my fixed rear sights. For now, I'm simply using the irons.

Direct impingement simply means that some of the gasses created when firing are captured in the gas port (a hole in the top of the barrel), are routed into the receiver via the gas tube, and into the gas key on the bolt carrier causing it to move rearward. DI systems are the most common systems used in AR type rifles. Basically, the gasses created in firing are also used to cycle your action.

Some AR rifles are piston rifles. In these, the gasses are captured in the gas block and drive a piston rod that makes contact with the carrier causing rearward motion.

Perhaps someone an explain that better, but that's the gist of it.

thanks for that info. Is the Aimpoint type of sight for quick acquisition of target? Is it that sight with the little window with a red dot in it? If so this is only for short range?

 

[md7]

The aimpoint is a battery powered, non magnified, red dot sight. Depending on model, you have constant on for 3 to 7 years.

It's good for quick target acquisition, and faster follow up shots.

It's certainly effective up close. I'd imagine it could be helpful at longer ranges with practice.

 

[stinger 327]

The aimpoint is a battery powered, non magnified, red dot sight. Depending on model, you have constant on for 3 to 7 years.

It's good for quick target acquisition, and faster follow up shots.

It's certainly effective up close. I'd imagine it could be helpful at longer ranges with practice.

so IF I want 100 yards go with a conventional scope? 50 yards or less aimpoint would be better?

 

[md7]

so IF I want 100 yards go with a conventional scope?

I think it depends on what you want to do at 100 yards. If you simply want rounds on target, either should be fine. If you want tighter groups, you'd probably want magnified optics.

A shooter with an aimpoint should be able to put rounds on a torso sized target out to about 200 yards. I've heard of some more experienced shooters getting past that range.

I just want rounds on target from 0' out to 200 yards as quickly as I can get them there. Not looking for tight groups, so I think I'd rather have an aimpoint. If shooting for groups or beyond 200, I'd probably want magnification.

 

[stinger 327]

I think it depends on what you want to do at 100 yards. If you simply want rounds on target, either should be fine. If you want tighter groups, you'd probably want magnified optics.

A shooter with an aimpoint should be able to put rounds on a torso sized target out to about 200 yards. I've heard of some more experienced shooters getting past that range.

I just want rounds on target from 0' out to 200 yards as quickly as I can get them there. Not looking for tight groups, so I think I'd rather have an aimpoint. If shooting for groups or beyond 200, I'd probably want magnification.

more for combat style of shooting vs. paper.