Olympic Arms AR’s, where do they stand in AR World?

[nfafan]

"How hard are they run?"

Huh?
Are you an "operator"? a "lightfighter"? a "pro"?, a "contracter"?

Or like 999.999% of US - a paper-puncher?? Perhaps one that maybe spent TOO much on an aluminum rifle and so can't stand it when someone can punch paper equally as well but for hundreds less.

Reminds me of the AK snobs that look down on WASRs - only to discover that a canted-sight mag wobbler can shoot just as well as their bootique built AK.

Oly is what, the 2nd oldest full-line, sole-source AR MANUFACTURER in the known world? I'm betting they did something right to be in business this long.

 

[christcorp]

I definitely KNOW that I'm not a gun snob. I think the whole "Mil-Spec" is over rated. I own $1000+ Sig Sauer and $140 Hi-Point. I use $700 Zeiss Scopes and $34 Walmart Tasco scopes. I own a lot of military/police guns like M1 garand, carbine, CZ82, Walther, S&W mod 10 and 13. But I also own Keltec, Dan Wesson, Winchester, and FEG. I shoot Steel Case .223 ammo religiously through my M&P15 and Saiga .223 at $4 a box; yet, I shoot 20 rounds of 30-378 in my weatherby that costs $130.

Having said all that, I look at guns for what they are. I listen to the reviews of people who actually have owned them. (Hi-Point is actually a really decent pistol). I personally don't like Bushmaster. Why? Because whenever I read an article or review about steel case ammo in .223 fired from an AR, it seems that 80+% of the time, the person who has had problems shooting steel has said: "IN MY BUSHMASTER......". In other words; bushmasters don't like steel. I believe that a quality rifle should be able to shoot anything. There's certain other AR rifles I don't like. But mainly, it's their price I don't like. Sorry; but there is no one that will convince me that a stock AR rifle has to cost $1500. I simply don't buy all the Mil-Spec.

On the other hand, Kaferhaus, you don't really help your argument when you say that you have 15,000 rounds through an Oly, and are on the 3rd barrel. Having to replace a barrel every 5,000-7,000 rounds is terrible. If that is true, for many people, then I definitely don't want an Oly. I expect after about 7,000 rounds, that I might have to replace the $40 bolt. Now, if you only shoot hot tracer rounds, I could understand a new barrel. I will shoot about 6,000-7,000 .223 rounds a year. That's generally in just 2 rifles. For me, I don't want to have to change out a barrel, bolt, BCG, etc... yearly. I don't like Bush, probably won't buy an Oly, don't like ANY of the used part guns that come from places like century or atlantic. But at the same time; I won't spend the money on a LMT, High end Colt, Noveske, etc... Matter of fact; I wouldn't have spent the money on my M&P15 if it was at regular price of $950-$1050. I only bought it because it was on sale and a rebate for $649.

But having said all that: For the person who is going to shoot 100 rounds a month. Who only wants to have fun shooting paper and possibly that occasional prairie dog, and even possibly for home defense; I don't see anything wrong with an Oly. It will probably last you 7+ years without you even noticing anything major. Even when some people think they need a new barrel; it doesn't. Only the competition marksman shooting 200-300 yards would notice anything. The average target shooter will be fine with it.

So, definitely no gun snob here. My favorite scope of all, is my $80 A1optic 6-24x50 with illuminated range finding crosshair. Yet, I wouldn't think of shooting antelope or sheep at 400 yards without my zeiss. And while my Sig Sauer west german P220 is one of my all time favorite pistols and can shoot 7 out of the magazine in the area of a golf ball at 50 feet; I prefer to carry my $300 Kel-tec P-11 9mm. But I am willing to say that for the average paper punching person, putting <100 rounds a month, the Oly is perfect. For the person shooting 5000 per year, or more, or into competition or long range marksmanship; it probably isn't a good choice. Especially if you need to put a new barrel in it every 5,000-7,000 rounds. Anyway; that's my opinion.

 

[mcdonl]

The comment I made about a couple of these guys being salesman was simply that as a Salesman you do your research, and by default sell the best. You sell other items too, but when giving advice... especially free advice it would stand to reason that the advice given would be sound advice for ANYONE buying the gun.

My persepective, (Middle Class, 2 teens, 2 car payments, mortgage and all of the associated costs....) is to always find the deal. To me, I cannot settle for "You get what you pay for" I need to get a lot more than I can afford.

My life style, and my geographical location prevents me from shooting 3-Gun, I am not an operator or anything like it so I can (if needed) modify my shooting habits to match the gun where a gun shop salesman needs to assume that the gun would be used in the most rigorous manner.

The only issue I have is when the buyers conditions and needs are presented to the salesman that the salesman starts to belittle the guns that are in the buyers price range.

 

[garyhan]

I'm not an AR fanatic. I've only owned Bushmasters and Colts. Between the two, I've always preferred Bushmasters (this was not unusual a few years back). I can't speak to the quality of Olys, but I do know the opionion of someone to whom 15k rounds is not heavy use is not relevant to me. Not a world 99.5% of us inhabit.

gary

 

[kwelz]

The comment I made about a couple of these guys being salesman was simply that as a Salesman you do your research, and by default sell the best. You sell other items too, but when giving advice... especially free advice it would stand to reason that the advice given would be sound advice for ANYONE buying the gun.

If only this were true about Gun sales. You sell what moves not what is best. You gloss over the bad and focus on shiny things that don't really matter to make the gun sound better than it is. This is one reason terms like "Fit and Finish" have become so prevalent int he AR world and accessories like the accuwedge are sold.

Huh?
Are you an "operator"? a "lightfighter"? a "pro"?, a "contracter"?

Or like 999.999% of US - a paper-puncher?? Perhaps one that maybe spent TOO much on an aluminum rifle and so can't stand it when someone can punch paper equally as well but for hundreds less.

No. I am a civilian. But I am a Civilian who believes that if you own these weapons you should understand how to use them for more than punching holes in paper. So I train. I have attended classes by some of the best instructors in the country. I take VSM classes almost monthly and have had the honor of learning from men such as Ken Hackathorn.

Funny that I didn't spend to much on my weapons. In fact most of them were purchased for a good price. I have however seen a number of supposed "As good as" brands fail in these classes.

I can't speak to the quality of Olys, but I do know the opionion of someone to whom 15k rounds is not heavy use is not relevant to me

15K rounds over about 25 years and having to replace the barrel twice. An AR barrel should get 20K rounds even with hard use.

 

[kaferhaus]

Funny that I didn't spend to much on my weapons. In fact most of them were purchased for a good price. I have however seen a number of supposed "As good as" brands fail in these classes.

And with no idea how they'd been maintained.... not a meaningful observation.

Nothing but anecdotes from you.

You mean classes like "gunsite"? Where they teach you how to clear buildings and take out vehicles and the like? When are you going on patrol?

Are you in competition to be the ultimate "wannabe".

Join the Army man.... I spent 20yrs learning all that crap for free... in fact I got poorly paid for it.

I bet you've got a SHTF bag stationed by the door so you can bugger out at the drop of a hat too..

 

[kwelz]

Good job. You just insulted a good number of the more knowledgeable members here on the board. Since a number of us to attend Carbine and pistol training, I guess all of us are just "wannabes"

No wait. You are right. I want to be better. I want to raise my level of knowledge. I wand to understand the difference between shooting a gun and being a good shooter.

Your service is to be commended. Your contempt for those of us who try to be better is not.

 

[kaferhaus]

On the other hand, Kaferhaus, you don't really help your argument when you say that you have 15,000 rounds through an Oly, and are on the 3rd barrel. Having to replace a barrel every 5,000-7,000 rounds is terrible.

Here's what's terrible, you just proved that you don't know squat about rifle barrels....

Or your reading comprehension is horrid, you pick.

The gun was used as a "rental" = abused. Fired hot, mag after mag

heat destroys a rifle barrel much faster than round count does. And a rapid firing a AR or any other weapon will torch the barrel's throat very quickly. I've seen the leade moved forward in under 500rds and a barrel toasted in under a 1000.

Mall ninjas bump firing, sending mag after mag down range without allowing the barrel to cool.

What little cred you had just left the planet.

Most people don't buy ARs to defend themselves. There are better suited weapons for home defence than a rifle for many reasons.

Target shooting, practicing, hunting and general plinking are the reasons 99.5% of AR buyers own them. Not fighting off the zombie herds or taking on the government or authorities.

Zombie out man. the rest of us are doing just fine.

 

[kwelz]

I am sorry but you are wrong again.
How about Filthy 14. A gun that has been abused in a class environment for over 40K rounds.

http://www.bravocompanymfg.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/filthy14_oct10.pdf

So perhaps a cheaply made firearm will have problems after a relatively low round count. However quality weapons in the same price range as those cheap guns seem to hold up just fine.

Your insults are amusing. But counter productive.

 

[kaferhaus]

Good job. You just insulted a good number of the more knowledgeable members here on the board. Since a number of us to attend Carbine and pistol training, I guess all of us are just "wannabes"

I wasn't referring to "any" training. I was referring to the schools out there that are teaching offensive tactics. Running and gunning, cover and concealment (out doors) room clearing, etc.

Some training has REAL WORLD usefulness, some of it has zero. I'm all for marksmanship training, personal defense training etc. Once it leaves that realm and ventures into offensive maneuvers, I've no use for it or guys that think they need it, unless it's their job.

And going to a class no matter who put it on doesn't necessarily make someone "more knowledgeable" when it comes to firearms. All they've learned is what some egoist has told them. Without any independent learning and experience it's very easy to fall into someone else's idea of what's right and wrong.

Some of the local SWAT guys have gone to some of the more popular schools because the dept paid for it. All said they had a good time, enjoyed it but learned little that they didn't already know.

Everyone of them said the instructors were so full of themselves that it made them want to puke. Arrogant was the word most used in describing them.

So if I offended you that wasn't my intention, unless your training involved what I have described above...

 

[kaferhaus]

I am sorry but you are wrong again.
How about Filthy 14. A gun that has been abused in a class environment for over 40K rounds.

another useless anecdote... the Oly would likely still be putting bullets downrange without a barrel change. you could probably put 100K down one and still have bullets come out the end of it. So what?

I replaced the barrels because they were worn, not because of any malfunction.... guess that's tough for some people to grasp.... some folks maintain rifles in top condition. Not just waiting for something to break.

When I can't put 10 shots into a inch at 50yds the barrel has got to go. That's why they were replaced.... get it now?

And virtually none of these AR builders are making barrels..... they buy them, most from one of the same three or four vendors...

 

[kwelz]

Not sure what class they attended so I can't say.
My Training has been By Ken Hackathorn and under the VSM method by one of Larry's certified instructors.

Classes range from 500-1K rounds depending on environment and are a mix of offensive and Defensive. Although I don't really know there is much difference when you are sending lead downrange. Moving and shooting is important. Understanding how to shoot around cover is important. And hitting the right target in the right spot is very important.

I will be attending a CQB class later this year as well. I guess you think that is Mall Ninja stuff. But if I am using my Carbine in a defensive environment then chances are it will be in my home. And shooting indoors is a lot different than shooting out of doors.


How many cases does it take before it stops being a useless anecdote in your book? At some point the pattern becomes obvious. These instructors see hundreds if not thousands of guns every year come through their classes. They see what fails and what doesn't. I know of some instructors that won't let you bring a questionable gun to class because it isn't a question of if it will fail, but when. They will loan a gun out instead of having to take time away from other students to fix something that never should have broken in the first place.

 

[kaferhaus]

I will be attending a CQB class later this year as well. I guess you think that is Mall Ninja stuff. But if I am using my Carbine in a defensive environment then chances are it will be in my home. And shooting indoors is a lot different than shooting out of doors.

My guess is you live alone and don't have any neighbors close by....

A rifle would be my last choice for use inside a house, frangible ammo or not.

I can see it now, engage the bad guy in the LR and kill the wife or one of the kids two rooms away.

The issues I have with the CQB training is it's worthless for what happens real world in a home break in.

1. You're asleep and or disoriented 2. it's dark 3. the house is a relatively small space 4. you have little idea exactly where the intruder is 5. you go to get out of bed, the wife wakes up wanting to know what's going on and now the bad guy knows you're up and about.

And it hits the fan from there.

So like any ninja, you're in your underwear and you've got the loaded AR leaned up against a wall by the bed. you creep down the hallway clearing every room on the way so the bad guy doesn't get behind you and when you get to the LR the two of you shoot it out. You win, the bad guy goes down.... but wait you live in a split plan house.... the bullets go through the LR or even through the bad guy, through the wall and hit the kid sleeping in the BR on the other side of the house.

Get a dog and a pistol for home defense man.

I'm all for marksmanship training. Take whatever training you like, it's your money. you enjoy that kind of thing and it makes you more confident, feel better about yourself, fine.

But there's a huge difference in being at a class where you know what to expect, your senses are already primed for it and being woke from a deep sleep in the middle of the night.

And I doubt your walls are concrete at the house.

I've seen some of the pistol classes where they teach shooting techniques and I think they're great and anyone who can afford to attend one should.

But this paramilitary stuff..... other than people who were sent by their employers the folks that I know that have gone to them are a bit out there scary dudes that I'd not be surprised a bit if I end up seeing them on TV or dead at a crime scene.

We get them at the range all dolled up in their ninja gear, with the web gear, mag pouches, single point slings and such.... we mostly giggle and say "hey man they're going on "patrol"....

Not saying every one is like that cause they're obviously not, but that's the general perception and it's one that has stuck.

 

[kwelz]

Your ignorance would almost be comical if not for the fact that other people might actually believe what you are saying.

My guess is you live alone and don't have any neighbors close by....

A rifle would be my last choice for use inside a house, frangible ammo or not.

I can see it now, engage the bad guy in the LR and kill the wife or one of the kids two rooms away.

You realize that with good ammo (not ball) a 5.56 has less penetration through drywall than most pistols or shotgun rounds right?

The issues I have with the CQB training is it's worthless for what happens real world in a home break in.

1. You're asleep and or disoriented 2. it's dark 3. the house is a relatively small space 4. you have little idea exactly where the intruder is 5. you go to get out of bed, the wife wakes up wanting to know what's going on and now the bad guy knows you're up and about.

And it hits the fan from there.

So like any ninja, you're in your underwear and you've got the loaded AR leaned up against a wall by the bed. you creep down the hallway clearing every room on the way so the bad guy doesn't get behind you and when you get to the LR the two of you shoot it out. You win, the bad guy goes down.... but wait you live in a split plan house.... the bullets go through the LR or even through the bad guy, through the wall and hit the kid sleeping in the BR on the other side of the house.

Once again. the 5.56 will not penetrate the way you claim it will. But lets not allow facts to get in the way of fantasy here.

Get a dog and a pistol for home defense man.

A pistol would be my secondary choice. And I dislike dogs.

I'm all for marksmanship training. Take whatever training you like, it's your money. you enjoy that kind of thing and it makes you more confident, feel better about yourself, fine.

Marksmanship training doesn't teach much of anything. So you can hit the target in a nice settled environment. That in no way equates to using any weapon in a self defense environment.

But there's a huge difference in being at a class where you know what to expect, your senses are already primed for it and being woke from a deep sleep in the middle of the night.

I just covered this. But by your argument there is no way to defend yourself because you are tired.

And I doubt your walls are concrete at the house.

Already covered as well. But for the thousandth time this week. A round like T.A.P. will penetrate less than a .45 or 9mm HP round through housing material.

I've seen some of the pistol classes where they teach shooting techniques and I think they're great and anyone who can afford to attend one should.

A pistol is fine if that is all you have. But you should use the most effective weapon at your disposal. That is not a pistol in many cases.

But this paramilitary stuff..... other than people who were sent by their employers the folks that I know that have gone to them are a bit out there scary dudes that I'd not be surprised a bit if I end up seeing them on TV or dead at a crime scene.

And here we have the root of your argument. Anyone who is different than you must be a scary criminal wannabe. An argument truly worthy of the Brady bunch. But sad to see from a fellow gun owner. The people I run with range from IT professionals and Salesman all the way to active and retired LE and military. They are all good people. I trust them all. And your classification of them is reprehensible.

 

[kaferhaus]

Anyone who is different than you must be a scary criminal wannabe.

So.... dressing up in GI gear or black gear with all the associated "OPS" stuff is "normal" to you?

Marksmanship training doesn't just mean slow fire from a supported position either.... 3 gun is a form of marksmanship training, IDPA is anther as it HP rifle and I could go on and on..

We live in a different world is all I can say.

And "wackos" come in all flavors, regardless of their occupation. One of the spookiest guys I know is a well respected CPA. but his clients don't know him outside of business...

One of the by-lines you often read from the neighbors and friends.... "he always seemed like such a nice man"....LOL

 

[kwelz]

So once again. let me clarify something.
You are saying that people who train to actually use the weapons they own are wackos?

And for the record we don't dress up in GI gear. Usually gear consists of a MOLLE belt of some sort to hold extra mags, a secondary and a dump pouch. No armor (except in a shoot house) or other stuff.

Out of respect for the OP and the board this is my last post in this thread. We can start another thread about the training topic and that may not be a bad idea. But this thread is really not the pace for it.

 

[mcdonl]

I wish they had 3-gun in Maine.

 

[kaferhaus]

So once again. let me clarify something.
You are saying that people who train to actually use the weapons they own are wackos?

Don't put words in my mouth. That's not what I said. I said many (not all for those who don't know the difference) of the civilians I've seen that have taken such paramilitary training are a bit "out there".

That's my personal observation and no argument is going to change what I've seen and know from it.

And you don't need to defend yourself to me. I couldn't care less about what you do. it's your money and your time. It's not for me or 99.9% of the rest of the gun owners of america. but hey someone has to keep those egoists employed.

 

[Chris Rhines]

Kaferhaus,

First, even on the internet, it is poor form to heavily imply something, then, when called on it, reply with the, 'Don't put words in my mouth!' universal defense. Your opinion came through loud and clear: private citizens who own AR-pattern rifles for self defense and train in combat shooting are 'mall ninjas' who should join the Army. That's your opinion, heard and understood, and your trying to walk it back is dishonest.

Second, it seems to me that you are trying to have it both ways. You say that you are one of the 99.9% of the firearm-owning public who use your AR for 'plinking, NRA Highpower competition, and target shooting.' So why then, given your background and experience, should you be sharing your opinions on the AR as a defensive rifle?

I ask this not to call you out, but because it's a problem I see a lot, both on this board and on others. People with no training, background, or experience in a subject want to give their opinions, and expect those opinions to be given the same weights as those of credentialed experts in the field. It usually results in a lot of static and incorrect information, and has in the past driven some very useful members away from the boards.

Everybody, myself included, needs to make a real effort to stay in their lane.

-C

 

[kaferhaus]

People with no training, background, or experience in a subject want to give their opinions, and expect those opinions to be given the same weights as those of credentialed experts in the field

Well I'm sure 20yrs as a 92Y and then 11B in a infantry unit holds no weight when it comes to knowing a few things about a M16 or AR or how to use them.... geez.

The guys with the Seal, black ops or SF background only impress me so far as the training they went through.... tough stuff. And they're certainly are qualified to teach it to folks.

My point was and is that it's useless for the average guy and the fact remains that those I know that have been through it are by and large "out there".

If it makes you feel more macho and satisfies your yearning to feel like you're just like them..... go for it. Don't mean it's so.

But when the zombies attack you'll be ready.

 

[X-Rap]

Kaferhaus
99.9% Thanks for painting all of us with such a broad brush. Your source for that statistic would be as interesting as would all the other sources for the stereotypes you have laid out in your recent posts.
Take one for the home team and stop while you are ahead, you lost me when you went on the attack of other fellow shooters.
In regard to stereotypes, you are proving the one about Alabama quite well

 

[christcorp]

I personally don't go to any type of carbine or shooting classes. I know there are some that swear by them, and that's fine. Just not for me. I know I will sound arrogant; but there is absolutely nothing I could learn at such a class about my carbine. And personally, I have no need to learn different tactics. My 21 years in the military have given me a keen enough sense, to handle most situations.

Now, I say that so kaferhaus understands that I'm not a mall ninja. That I'm not a weekend warrior. That I'm not someone who believes that "Red-Dawn" and "Die-Hard" are actual possibilities or probabilities. But, in the same breath, there is absolutely nothing wrong with people taking carbine and shooting classes. It's like martial arts. If you have a good instructor, they will teach you the right way to own, care for, and use your weapon. If you have a bad instructor, he will teach you how to be Rambo. And that certain movies are real possibilities.

As for your barrel replacement issue, you need to be more clear in the future. You obviously replaced the barrel 3 times in the Oly; because you wanted to. You say that you want 10 shots, inside an inch, at 50 yards. That means you are most likely using a brace, tripod, vise, sled, or some other form of guide. I personally don't do that. That's fine for a person who wants to test their rifle, is into some sort of competition. But for the "REAL" shooter who is shooting for practical purposes, that is totally a useless means of shooting. And the expectations are even worse. In reality; whether hunting or self defense, you're not going to have a bi-pod, sled, vise, etc... You're going to be holding a rifle and possibly leaning across something, laying down prone, or standing. My goal is: With open sights, have a 30 round magazine put all 30 rounds in a 4" by 4" area. Basically, the size of a grapefruit.

That's not to say you can't have fun and try to shoot like the tv shows that shows those incredible shots. But this type of shooting is also not very practical. No less so than the mall ninjas and those civilians that go to survival school. It's just a different level of non-practical shooting.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to practice marksmanship, long rang shooting, shooting prairie dogs at 200 yards, going to carbine classes, etc... Nothing wrong at all. Most of it is very fun. But when REALITY knocks on your door, and you have to point a rifle at a person and pull the trigger for the first time (And most likely last time. - most people will NEVER have to shoot another person); all that other shooting you did on the range or in classes, will go right out the window. You have absolutely no idea how you'll react.

Again; there is nothing wrong with any of the shooting being mentioned here. Nothing wrong with any of the classes being taught. (Assuming the instructor is good). But non of this is reality. And if you want to replace a barrel after 5,000 rounds; then have at it. But you made it sound like the Oly's barrel was shot out. If it was; then that gun sucks. Unless you are slapping 30 round magazines back to back on a non stop rampage, I'm not buying that you're burning out the barrel in 5000 rounds. I've shot my m-16 in full auto. In a 4 year assignment in texas, temporarily assigned to an army unit in Ft Hood; I know I had to have put at least 5,000 rounds through a 9 month course I went through. Probably 1/4th of it in full auto. I and CATM saw no need to replace the barrel.

 

[kaferhaus]

In regard to stereotypes, you are proving the one about Alabama quite well

Can't win your argument so it's now personal attacks.... nice.

and as the 99.9% stat.... call every training facility you like and get their total number of individual students they've trained.... and then try dividing that into the number of gun owners in the country.

I was generous with that stat. it's probably closer to 99.95%

The lack of reading comprehension skills on this forum are striking. Never painted anyone with a broad brush yet some desire to read it that way. I stated my personal experience with folks that have attended such events. And I didn't even say "all of them" were out there.... just many.

If that strikes too close to home then maybe you have some soul searching to do.

Unless you fit into that model, you should have not been offended in any way.

 

[kaferhaus]

I know I had to have put at least 5,000 rounds through a 9 month course I went through. Probably 1/4th of it in full auto. I and CATM saw no need to replace the barrel

I'd sure like to see the throat erosion gauge he used on it.....

I'm not going to say you didn't put that many down range in 9 months.... but it seems really high for any live fire course the army has with the M16.

How many rounds do you think you fired during basic?

I was a battalion training officer late in my career and I can tell you exactly how many were issued to each man on each live fire session (basic training) so you couldn't have fired more than that.

 

[Reloaderharry]

Lots of misinformation on this post.

I have owned an Olympic AR for 4-5 years now. The only modification I have done is a flat top upper (with the olympic guts still inside) from CMMG to mount the eotech and a front grip. Put between 5000 and 7000 rounds thru it. It has been cleaned precisely 4 times in its life, the 1st being after about 300 rounds.

Zero misfires, zero jams, shooting groups completely on par with my buddies brand spanking new (last summer) CMMG rifle. This is including bump firing, and burning thru 4-5 clips as fast as possible (in an attempt to get it to fail) etc etc. The barrel looks like it did the day I bought it, zero issues. There has been zero wear on any internal parts. When I got my buddies CMMG on the bench for the first time we took em apart together (to show him how to clean it) and the parts are virtually identical to the naked eye, zero wear after the above said 5000-7000 rounds.

I would have no problem whatsoever taking this rifle into "combat" (that being, a self defense situation, I don't plan on invading a third world country anytime soon) as well as for plinking or whatever other situation I would find myself in.

Its no super accurate target rifle, but its not setup to be (short barrel, eotech, etc). It will put a full mag into the head of a silhouette at 200 yards as fast as I can get back on target with the eotech though. I think there are quite a few people on this post with the opinion that just because its more expensive, it must be better.

Edit: Talk about the barrels wearing out is complete nonsense, I can't see how your doing this without completely abusing the rifle. In any case, if the super duper bushmaster or colt (puke) rifles barrels are so great, put a bushmaster or colt barrel (or better yet CMMG, etc etc) on it when it runs out, and still pay what, a third less than either rifle?