Which RRA AR?

[SLR]

Hello, I've been looking into an AR platform firearm and have come down to an RRA. This will be my first AR and I would later like to mount a Eotech or such.

I've decided on either an RRA NM A4 or an Elite CAR A4 with dominator2 sights.

I would find it greatly appreciated for opinions! Like even another type of AR even!
Thanks,
SLR

Oh and to those who say other AR, why?

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

What is your designed purpose for this AR15 and budget?

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, what do you want to do with it?

 

[SLR]

Budget would be around $1400
Purpose would be plinking (50-100yds) and/or coyote hunting. I could also use it for self defense if ever needed.

 

[Ironman762]

Other AR - in the Rock River line up.

The NMA4 is excellent, but if you want a single platform for both tasks, I would go with a standard CAR A4 with Rock River front flip sight gas block. Then mount a rear folding sight. You can get just about any optic with quick disconnect rings on the rifle after that without the front or rear sights getting in your way.

Get a free float hand guard and the stainless 20" barrel in 223 Wylde as options too.

You'll have all the accuracy of the NMA4 except the flip sights won't be match grade. Use the iron sights for a challenge when plinking. Use the scope for extracting the inherent accuracy out of the gun on the coyotes.

This doesn't fit the self defense task very well though. Also, the 20" stainless barrel is going to add weight so it could be a negative when doing lots of plinking.

After all that, sit back and wait about 10-12 weeks for it to arrive.

There is the slightest chance I'm projecting my selection for an ideal AR rifle on your needs.

 

[Kind of Blued]

For your intended purpose, why not one of these?

Of the first two, I might go with the 16" to shave off some weight, but I think any of those would be great choices.

 

[aspade]

I just went through this same research and decision process with similar objectives to yours. A moderate range plinker with a red dot optic that would also be suitable for defense.

Literally just went through this process, as in the parts haven't all arrived yet, so I may yet find out I hate something about it. But I had a good time doing the research and maybe my reasoning will make sense to someone else too. I figured out that some good things to have are:

1. Light contour, chrome lined barrel. A light barrel points faster and carries easier and the chrome is easier to clean.

I can't see well enough with a 1X optic to realize any accuracy improvement with heavy target barrels. Even if I could, I can't hold that steady anywhere except the bench. Higher heat capacity before failure is only critical for automatic fire.

2. Longer is a good tradeoff for me. A longer gas system is easier on the working parts and has more margin of error for reliability. A longer iron sight radius and higher muzzle velocity are good too. 16" midlength is better than 14.5" carbine and 20" rifle is better than either.

A short barrel and collapsing stock are very handy next to you in a vehicle where I'm not allowed to carry it or while dressed for a warzone in body armor which I don't have. If your idea of self defense includes inside the house then this answer would change.

So I bought a RRA A2 lower, a CMMG A3 upper with 20" A1 profile barrel, a BCM BCG, and an Aimpoint. I will see how this feels and make adjustments from there.

 

[C-grunt]

I voted the NM A4 because you stated it was for plinking/target and coyote hunting. Both of those would benefit from a more accurate rifle.

Also with practice, the longer rifle isnt much harder to clear buildings wth as the carbines. I never had a M4 in the Army, and had no problem.

 

[tepin]

Read this before you buy...
http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6642
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/Charts/080904-AR15-Chart---COMPARI.jpg

 

[JonB]

Ignore the silly chart. Good grief guys, the chart isn't the answer to every AR question asked.

If the question is 'which AR is closest to mil-spec?' then the chart is handy.

But when the question is 'which RRA AR?' the chart really doesn't help the OP now does it?

Now, back to the question that was actually asked.....

If I recall, the Dominator mount is for an Eotech and it has an integral rear sight built into it. So if you want some other optic, I would go with a straight flat top and not one of RRA's mounts (is the Dominator or the Detachable carry handle which is for an Aimpoint). If you have a plain old flat top, you can add whatever optic and/or iron sights you want.

 

[rob_s]

Purpose would be plinking (50-100yds) and/or coyote hunting. I could also use it for self defense if ever needed.

Can you be more specific?

What percentage of it's round count would you view as:
plinking
competing
varminting/hunting
training
defending

For example, for any given AR my breakdown would go:

plinking: 8%
competing: 45%
varminting/hunting:1%
training: 45%
defending/fighting: 1%

 

[stiletto raggio]

Get the Coyote. I don't hunt varmints and I am still tempted. I will be purchasing a NM in the near future, but for the explicit purpose of shooting CMP matches.

My first AR was a RRA Entry Elite with a free-floated quad barrel, tactical muzzle brake, and heavy stainless barrel. With the weight of the gun, the muzzle brake and the awesome trigger, double-taps on target are a breeze.

 

[SLR]

I really appreciate the input.
I would say the percentage of plinking would be almost 70% Home defense would not be as important, but it could be used as such. I don't hunt much, so it would be more for target shooting and home defense.
There is so many options and it makes it hard
Right now I don't think I would need a collapsible stock, so an A2 would be good. I was thinking a mid-length would be good for home defence and medium distance shooting. I was also thinking that a heavy wylde SS barrel would be good with target shooting.
So I was looking at an midlenth flat top with A2 stock with rear flip up sights. I also was taking a gander at the RRA front flip ups ( I think its pretty neat) Does the front sight sometimes get in the way when using a optic or do you not mind its there?

 

[UnTainted]

I'd say one in 6.8

 

[Eightball]

I like my 16" Middy A4 RRA. Works for me for everything.

 

[Gunsby_Blazen]

hey slr..... whats up bro

I suggest that you get a mid length RRA flattop with a 16 inch heavy ss barrel and A2 stock. flip up sights would be nice....

That is what I would suggest.

Personally I like the free float tubes without the rails, but that is all your preference. Ergo grips are also comfy.....

 

[whg]

I bought a heavy barrel Coyote last year. It's not something that you'd want to carry on a long hunt, but it is damn accurate [sub moa from a bench] out of the box.

Walt

 

[rob_s]

Based on your stated uses and limited to the choices in your poll, I say get the 20".