What would you choose for a longer range A/R platform?

[cash_tx]

I am a big fan of AR owners learning to fully assemble an AR at least once. It gives you a much better understanding of how your rifle functions, and equips you with the knowledge to swap out just about any part in the event of a breakage. Of course, you could do this just as well by disassembling an off-the-shelf AR, then re-assembling it (same net effect).

If you go the build-it-yourself route, I have had very good luck with Ballistic Advantage barrels. I have two of the 16" fluted stainless barrels in 223 Wylde, and an 18" in the same caliber; all three are easily sub-MOA right out of the box. Their 1:8 twist does well stabilizing the 55gr bullets, but really starts to shine in the 68-77 grain range. Side note: the AAC brand of ammo from Palmetto State is one of the best kept secrets on the market. ;-)

As far as off-the-shelf AR's go, I have them from Smith & Wesson, Wyndham, ArmaLite, and even some High Standards. All function very well, and seem to be pretty accurate. The ArmaLite in particular is their heavy-barreled version with a 24" stainless Lothar-Walther barrel in a 1:8 twist; and not surprisingly, it is an absolute tack-driver. Along with Sig, Daniel Defense, and Christensen; I don't think you can go wrong with just about any of the good quality makers available nowadays. Even if you get a problematic one, most problems can be solved by the swapping of just one component.

PS - I'll add my +1 to the importance of a great trigger. A good barrel and a good trigger will make for all the difference in the world with an AR.

 

[Challer]

Stock triggers seem to lawyered into mediocrity with all vendors. So mine all get Gieselle.

 

[Daisy]

I would do a 22 or 6 arc. Gives you more range and sleeker projectiles. Can also get in the lighter ar15 platform.

 

[cash_tx]

Here is a timely post that I just pulled off FB that you might want to consider. Credit to the original author (who is one of the best Guntubers out there, IMO). Disclaimer - I do not personally own a Giessele, so cannot speak to them myself.

 

[Zinz]

Stock triggers seem to lawyered into mediocrity with all vendors. So mine all get Gieselle.

I am a huge fan of the Rock River triggers. Match trigger is something like 4.5lbs, Varmint trigger is more like 3.5lbs? Available in single and two stage configurations. All for $100-$140... what's not to love. No creep and solid build quality.

Trigger Kits

Rock River Arms, Inc. offers a complete line of American made, custom built AR15 style rifles.

www.rockriverarms.com

The whole Rock River lineup is good stuff for not a lotta money.

Ed

 

[Dirtdart]

This trigger is no longer manufactured and was never meant for a "door kicking" rifle. When you want to milk an AR15 for accuracy the Jewell is as good as they get.

 

[BeeMaa]

Stock triggers seem to lawyered into mediocrity with all vendors. So mine all get Gieselle.

I looked at the Gieselle triggers but decided on a single stage adjustable from Trigger Tech that I've been very happy with.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

What’s way out there to you? What do you plan on using it for?

My AR safe contains several of the options listed above including Knights, LMT’s, Noveske’s, LaRue, Colt’s, and several others including some I’ve built. I previously owned a Nemo in 300WM and while fun, it was significantly heavier than all of the 7.62, 6.5, and 5.56 guns I have or have spent time behind. I think my most accurate AR I own is a MK12 or my LMT MWS in .308. If distance and accuracy are a concern, without the need for an a higher rate of fire I’m picking a bolt gun every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

That said a good .308/7.62x51 from Knights or LMT are probably your best options, but barrel length and material needs to be considered. Both options without glass will set you back a Plains Game Safari, and quality glass will set you back RT Business class seats or your taxidermy/trophy shipping.

 

[shootist~]

And then there is the Scar-17 (chambered 7.62x51) if a 16" barrel and ~1 MOA with Hornady 150 FMJ reloads (and Aussie surplus F4 ball) works for you.

Back in my 3 gun match days several of us went to 308/7.62 for fun. I was shooting a FAL (plus .45 & 12 ga) and running ~even with a buddy who tried several different AR-10s.

He went to a Scar-17 and was suddenly kicking my ass.
I scitched to the Scar we were right back to about even again.
Truly a modern improvement in the heavy battle rifle. Very easy to get hits on the longer steel in our 3G matches (425 yards).

 

[Daisy]

And then there is the Scar-17 (chambered 7.62x51) if a 16" barrel and ~1 MOA with Hornady 150 FMJ reloads (and Aussie surplus F4 ball) works for you.

Back in my 3 gun match days several of us went to 308/7.62 for fun. I was shooting a FAL (plus .45 & 12 ga) and running ~even with a buddy who tried several different AR-10s.

He went to a Scar-17 and was suddenly kicking my ass.
I scitched to the Scar we were right back to about even again.
Truly a modern improvement in the heavy battle rifle. Very easy to get hits on the longer steel in our 3G matches (425 yards).

I had one for years. Was fun to shoot. Was way too heavy and hard on optics for hunting.

 

[shootist~]

It's a nice weight for the square range, which is the only place mine goes.
9.8 lbs empty /w Trijicon 1x6.

308/7.62 ammo does get heavy in a hurry. 1.5 lbs for 18 rounds of Aussie 7.62x51 (144 gr) in a 20 round steel mag.

Mine has several thousand rounds with a NF 2.5-10x32 with zero issues, but I agree they can be hard on some optics.

 

[Datchew]

I'm in the camp with @shootist~

FAL with a 1-6x is still my "if you can only take one" rifle.

The AR platform is very easy for mounting optics, is easy to mod, and easy to find parts to support. But I'm just not a fan.

For needs past 500m, give me a bolt gun. Actually... my 300 win mag blaser r8.

However, the fn scar in 762 does seem to be a game changer for a do it all if you really want a gas gun

 

[shootist~]

Erm, Piston guns > gas!

 

[thi9elsp]

Les Baer AR15 223 1/2" MOA out of the box with Federal Gold Match 77 Grain. Les Baer stopped making them a few years ago so they are few and far between. My Special Tactical with the shorter barrel definitely does the 1/2 MOA. They had the varmint and others with longer barrels too.

 

[Datchew]

Erm, View attachment 707315Piston guns > gas!

Touche
Technically you're correct