Olympic AR?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I've got an older model Olympic Arms AR and it shoots when everybody else's is mucked up from heat. One of my buddies bought it and tricked it out, and then used it as a training weapon for local law enforcement. This gun was functional with all kinds of ammo, and is still one of my favorites. It's got a little more weight than some of my other AR's, but it's still comfortable and reliable. Shoots every time I pull the trigger.

WT
 
Touchy subject as W.E.G. notes. However, I'll recklessly jump in with my opinion. Gun makers are just like car makers. A Honda is generally more reliable than a Yugo, but you can certainly find Honda owners who got a lemon and Yugo owners who got a gem. However, Hondas undeniably have a lower failure rate than Yugos that at least in part justifies their higher initial cost.

An AR is just the sum of it's parts. The parts come from a variety of manufacturers, some with better quality and tighter tolerances than others. Inexpensive, poor quality parts make less reliable rifles that are more prone to failures. You tend to get what you pay for. Obviously, there will be exceptions (some Olypmpics will run without a hitch, and some Colts will break), but I think most people would agree that the Colt builds a better, more reliable rifle.

For me, the extra $500 for a Colt 6920 is worth it. It's likely that I get a better rifle that will last longer before something breaks. I definitely get a better resale price if I ever decide to sell (which is unlikely). Also, the cost of the ammo I put through the rifle has already exceeded the purchase price.

So, my opinion is buy a Colt (or Daniel Defense, or LMT, or Noveske, or Bravo Company...)

That's my 2 cents!

-SlimeDog
 
A lot of people like to hate on Olympic Arms, but if you can get it for $600 new I say why not? If any part ever fails you can always replace it with a better one later on.
 
They are good rifles, Oly largely gets a bad internet rap because of a short stint with a cast receiver on a budget model, they were not made very long. Also, Olympic has been around for a long time and there are A LOT of mixmaster home built rifles on their lowers... when sold used, a novice buyer will assume that its the factories rifle.

I sell the plinker plus rifles in my shop, they are simple, reliable, and a good value... they have a pretty damn good barrel too. True, they are not a Colt or other high end make but most folks don't need the high end and most that think they do, do so because they are anal retentive freaks, just like me with Colt's 1911s :p As for an AR, I have three Olys and enjoy them greatly.
 
Run, don't walk away from that. If you must spend that little on an AR then look at the S&W M&P sport for about the same price.
 
well said, slimedog


if you are just looking for a plinker and fun gun, something in that price range is probably worth the gamble. if you plan to compete seriously, or take a few carbine classes or train with it, then do yourself a favor and pay a few extra bucks for quality.
 
A lot of people like to hate on Olympic Arms, but if you can get it for $600 new I say why not? If any part ever fails you can always replace it with a better one later on.
+1 or if you want to stay @ the same price, look @ the S&W Sport.
 
Luv my Oly. Lotta guessing on the net as to what's in what. I think the hating started from the higher price on a superior arm, like people who defend $119 Mosin Nagants as the best gun ever made, but that's just me.

Oly was one of the couple of original quality alternatives to Colts as the latter were such junk.
 
600 bucks and no sighting devices whatsoever?

Even shotguns at least have a bead.

Ask yourself - if after mounting whatever sights you're thinking of - is it worth the total cost?

I'm thinking 600 is better spent as the majority of a higher end firearm.

Steer clear's the advice here.
 
If you like the gun, why not? Olympic makes a decent AR, and they back them up 100%. They even have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee, if you don't like it, they will buy it back. Plus lifetime warranty. Nothing wrong with the M&P sport, but I just don't see it as being superior to the Olympic.
 
My first AR was an Oly and I never had a single problem with it. Slapped an old bushnell scope and rings on the carry handle and had a decent shooter. Take the advise on this board with a grain of salt. Every manufacturer out there has, at some point, come out with a product that has had problems. That's why so much time is spent on R&D. Best suggestion is to use common sense and buy what you feel is the best gun for YOU. I would also think that your "Good friend that owns a gun shop", wouldn't try and sell you an inferior product... Bad for business and friendship!
 
Last edited:
600 bucks and no sighting devices whatsoever?

Even shotguns at least have a bead.

Ask yourself - if after mounting whatever sights you're thinking of - is it worth the total cost?

I'm thinking 600 is better spent as the majority of a higher end firearm.

Steer clear's the advice here.
Many flat tops are sold as "optics ready" meaning no fixed sights. You can add optics and BUIS if desired.

The Oly has a railed gas block. Non chrome barrel well generally be more accurate, it well serve the average shooter well.

If I was inclined to buy a assembled AR I would choose the Oly over S&W any day.
 
They are good. I have one and a colt as well. Thye Oly gets the abuse since it was the cheaper one and it is still going strong without a hiccup after thousands of rounds
 
For a plinker, it wouldn't bother me. I'd shop elsewhere for a defensive carbine.

My .45 upper had the flash hider installed with no peel washer or crush washer, and I think I shot it because went flying downrange instead of just falling off. I ran out of windage when sighting it in because the FSB was canted, had to take the bbl off and retorque it. The "gas key" screws came loose.

Gun makers are just like car makers. A Honda is generally more reliable than a Yugo, but you can certainly find Honda owners who got a lemon and Yugo owners who got a gem. However, Hondas undeniably have a lower failure rate than Yugos that at least in part justifies their higher initial cost.
Its funny you mention that, here's a pic of my honda's odometer as of this morning:

0222120952.jpg
 
For the same price I would get the M&P sport. This rifle is getting great reviews! Run, don't walk and find one. Also if you go to sell the M&P vs the Oly guess which will sell faster and for more?

My $.02
 
You can do better for $600. Get a Palmetto State Armory rifle, or save up a little more and get a Spike's, Colt, or BCM.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top