Larue OBR vs LRB M25 (precision M14 build)

[Narwhal]

Hi,

I'm looking to pick up a dedicated medium range "precision" semi auto and am trying to decide between these two. I realize the wait is going to be 6-12 months before anything materializes, so I'm still in the planning phases.

My situation is that I already have 3 M14 type rifles (one set up as a light weight, 8 pound 18" hunting rifle, one super heavy tack driver in service rifle competition configuration, and one NFA registered select fire) about 100 magazines, accessories, spare parts, gear, etc. I also have 3 AR's but they're all of the 5.56mm variety. So I have a lot of existing parts and supplies for the M14 type but not the AR-10.

Either rifle would be an 18" barrel. Specifically I'm looking at the M14 with the LRB M25 receiver (with integrated picatinny scope rail), McMillan M3A adjustable stock, a Criterion 18.5" Medium Weight Chrome Lined Barrrel, and all match accuracy modifciations (trigger, unitized gas system, fiberglass stock bedding). I expect that the rifle would weigh about 11 pounds without scope or magazine.

The other option of course is the LaRue Tactical OBR with the 18" barrel.

The cost would be about the same for either one.

M14 advantages: Existing parts and magazines already in place, chrome lined barrel more durable, arguably more reliable feeding and extraction, nostalgia, easier to clean, probably needs less cleaning to operate reliably, easier on brass, shorter wait to acquire parts

OBR advantages: More accurate by a good 25-30% (1 MOA vs .75 MOA?), 2 pounds lighter (9.25 pounds vs ~ 11 pounds), 2.5" shorter overall length, more customizeable due to AR-10 type modularity, takes PMAGs, better ergonomics and balance, no glass bedding required to maintain accuracy

So, does anyone have thoughts on which way to go? Should I stick with my M14's or take the OBR plunge?

 

[tarosean]

well do you prefer your 14's over your AR's? or vise versa? regardless of caliber.


If it was my dime the LBR upgrade since you already have parts, mags, and its less likely to be banned in this screwed up era we live in now-a-days.

 

[Narwhal]

Well, I took a long range precision class a few weeks ago with a remington 700 (shooting out to 1100 yards).

My range partner was using an 18" OBR and he outshot me by a fair bit. I fondled the OBR a little bit and admit I was impressed. We fired 400 rounds over the weekend and his rifle never malfunctioned, which is something I have never seen from an AR-10 pattern rifle when put through a training course (everything else I've seen seems to choke at least once every 100 rounds or so). His 18" barreled OBR rang steel at 1100 yds regularly without problem.

So the crux of my dillema is whether to add a new rifle type when I already have something close. Plus with the OBR, I guess I'm afraid if I get it and love it, that it'll make me stop wanting to shoot my M14's, which are a system in which I'm already heavily invested, if that makes sense.

 

[tarosean]

I dont own the OBR, but I do own a Larue so I understand completely... You will love it..

All of our interests evolve over time. so it goes with the territory

 

[C-grunt]

There is a reason why the OBR dominated the International Sniper Competition and has been used a good bit overseas. Its a fantastic rifle.

 

[pdd614]

I would look at the GA precision gap-10 before either of the above listed.

 

[Casefull]

Go with the Larue.

 

[-v-]

Can't go wrong with the OBR, but if you're already that heavily invested in the M14, there's certain sense of sticking with that platform.