What's the best AR for an AR noob?

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What are the A2 adjustments? This rifle will be 95% used with irons. DPMS Panther Classic has a HBAR, so I might get that one for $799. What is the average accuaccy out of a basic DPMS, I suspect 1MOA. the only reason I want to know is because RRA says 1MOA and .75MOA for their match rifles.

How much better will the rifle shoot with the barrel being free floated, because I'm trying to save money, and even 1MOA with irons will be difficult for me as of right now?

Thanks
 
When you are measuring accuracy, the important things to know are:

1. What position?
2. How many rounds in the group? A 3rd group doesn't tell you much and could easily be a statistical fluke. A 5rd group is more helpful but still less than ideal. A 10rd group is ideal.
3. What distance? Contrary to popular belief, 1 MOA at 50yds rarely translates into 1MOA at 100yds or 1MOA at 300yds. Theoretically, it should; but with a live human being behind the trigger, that is rarely the case in my experience (unless the live human being is an experienced shooter at those ranges).

In my experience with free-floating a Bushy 16" HBAR, a free-float tube will reduce 5rd groups fired from the bench at 100yds by about 0.5" (everything else being the same)
 
Ok, I will shoot in prone, crouching, and standing. Ranges will be from 100-600 yards for target shooting and 100 yards or less for hunting. Group size will be whenever I fell like stop fireing, which will probaly be 10-30 rounds (depends on how many yards i'll be hooting at).

Hope this clears anything up. :)
 
For a 20" barrel, if you are interested in a 1/7 twist barrel, watch out for the BCM (Bravo Company). Supposedly it is coming out mid 2009 whatever that means.
 
If I get a piston it's gonna be a POF, LMT or Bushmaster, but I haven't heard alot about the HK 416 or 417.

How much are the HK 416's or HK 417's?
Click to expand...

Well...... they aren't cheap 4-5 Grand but they are great.
 
Na, I'd take that A3. I think I'll settle with the DPMS Panther Classic or either the RRA Standard A4, probaly the RRA because it's got a 1:8 twist barrel, and DPMS has a 1:9 twist. Is the $200 difference noticible, because that's the main selling point IMHO for these two rifles, well RRA does come standard with a two-stage trigger, accuaccy garentee, and a Wylde Chamber.

Thanks :)
 
Well that two stage is worth an extra $100ish. So the real difference comes down to $100. I think the RRA are worth it but some don't think so. Actually locally the shop ran them within $100 of each other so I always was more of a fan of the RRA. I'm not sure if they are worth the extra money or not when the price pushes to that distance. The local shop specialized in RRA so that is a big reason why I have become a big fan of them. The guys there seemed to really know the black rifle, NFA or not, inside and out so I took what they said and suggested to heart. The 1 MOA guarantee does seem nice but who knows what they consider 1 MOA and if they get it to shoot a single 3 shot group under 1 MOA it may not mean much at all. I think going with your gut is about the best option from here. Either way I probably would look into a new trigger. I hate the standard AR triggers from just about every company.
 
I think I want the RRA Standard A4, because of the trigger,Wylde Chamber, option for a 1:8 twist barrel (+$65.00), and some sort of accuacy guarantee. I think that the extra stuff, its worth the extra money.

But where are some cheaper (but good) carry handles that I can buy?

Also, what are the standard A2 adjustments?

Thanks
 
A2 is .5MOA while NM is .25MOA. Just matters how precise you want them. The $40 handle sights are on the line of airsoft quality. Most handles made by companies that sell rifles are going to be high quality. I honestly have never handled one of the less expensive models but they take a TON of flack over on ar15.com.
 
CTD sells one made by double star. Midwayusa sells the DPMS version. Adcofirearms sells the RRA A2 version (their prices are MAP for RRA. There is a link to have them auto email you the current prices for all of their RRA stuff). Those are the ones that popped to mind first though I'm sure many others are out there.
 
Ok, I've looked at the DPMS low profile one, does it have A2 adjustments, I like it alot. If it does, then that's what I'm getting. Also if I do get the DPMS one, do I need a rail cover for the flatop?
 
Not sure which one that is specifically but most all of the DPMS stuff I have seen that wasn't labeled NM are A2 adjustments. You only need rail covers where you would hold the rifle. They just make it a little more comfortable to hold. So if you don't think you are going to be grabbing a rail you won't need a cover for it.
 
I can't go, I don't have the money, and football comes first, and plus i'm not getting an AR unitl possibly the end of the year. I'll keep that site on my favorites, for just in case I can one of these days. Thanks anyways. :)
 
What's a good trigger pull for a non-target rifle? Stag's A2 lower is 5-8lbs., and I think that the RRA rep. said that their standard trigger is 3.5lbs, but I'm not sure if they ment the standard trigger or the two-stage trigger.

Thanks
 
The weight isn't near the issue as much as the creep and the inconsistency. The pull is probably in the 5-8lb range but its creepy and not smooth. If it were to break crisp I could live with it. I currently have a Stag with their factory trigger. The RRA rifles all come with the NM trigger as far as I know. They break right about the 3.5-4lb range. After the take up of the first stage they are very crisp. That is why I enjoyed using it so much. The crispness is what makes the difference.
 
Right now almost all brands of AR are "OK", though there are major quality differences. Below $1k you aren't getting premium quality, though S&W is sometimes/often available in that range and would be a good choice. I have found Bushmaster to be fine - cosmetically so-so and they cut a few corners, but overall pretty good. Armalite is cosmetically nicer and more refined. I recently assembled an AR lower using a DPMS parts kit, and the experience, plus buying and returning a DPMS rear sight (BUIS) due to the way it was made, has me NOT recommending DPMS if you have other options. I don't own a Rock River and reports vary from terrific to just fair. CMMG is pretty solid, though not a standout. All in all I'd try to find a S&W, Stag, or Armalite in your price range, but I would be happy with a Bushmaster, CMMG or Rock River if I couldn't find the first three in my price range.

If a couple $100 more could be found, I would consider LMT, Colt, and Sabre Defense as good options also.

The A3/A4 (same thing in civilian world) flattops are more versatile but do add to your cost a bit if you're only going to use iron sights. The A2 setup will limit you but is also simpler, lighter, and usually cheaper if you're sure you're only going to be using the iron sights. If you get a flattop, buy a quality rear sight or carry handle, not one of the imported cheapies. US-made carry handles can be found in the $70-80 range with some searching - I recently saw one listed at Centerfire Systems (but beware that they're also selling a Chinese copy for $30; it won't be the same thing!).

Be sure to leave enough money for a bunch of magazines, ammo, and the usual cleaning and shooting supplies.
 
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