LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

[Infinity]

My first thread here on the hide... I've been learning lots from you all for about a year now...first custom pelican case foam (Pelican 1750) cut with electric carving knife and poster board stencils: 20" LAR-8 Standard Operator with Nikon Monarch 2.5-10 x 42 Mil-Dot Scope (Larue QD Mount) [XMas gift from wife, brother, and in-laws], VTAC padded sling, BT10-LW17 - Atlas Bipod w/ ARMS QD Mount, Dewey cleaning rod, JP Enterprises bore guide, 9 mags...

I started shooting real groups about 4 months ago: @100 yards, this is my first prone group ever [Cabelas Rear bag (need to replace with homemade), 65 degrees, 58% humidity, negligible wind] 5 shot sub-.75 MOA center-to-center. The stickies were my fouling shots (noted in data book). Federal Gold Medal Match 175 gr...

...another measurement angle...

...My first 10 shot sub-MOA group (same day)...lots of horizontal stringing. I think this will tighten up as I get better with the bipod. The ground under the bipod was very uneven; I also adjusted my legs a couple times which I think opened up my natural point of aim. The stickies were again clean, cold bore foulers. I was a little light on my squeeze bag which put the group a touch high but once I started, couldn't change anything...

...another angle...

Thank you all for the wealth of knowledge on this site. Everything in this thread is because of you all. I'll be in Vegas for the next month+ and would love to get together with anyone who wants to shoot 600 yards+ (time to take the leap). Thanks everyone...

 

[Steelhead]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Very nice! I really like my LAR-8 too. I have the 26" Varmint version.

How do you like the new RRA polymer magazines? I've been meaning to buy some, but my steel mags have been working fine.

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

The polymer mags are great. I had to do a touch of filing on the catch tab and the front corners to get them to drop free but since taking care of that (5-10 minutes per mag working slow), they run flawlessly. RRA has decent instructions on necessary mods (the illustration they include lacks a little) but I'd be happy to point you in the right direction if you have any reservations before filing. I've read about some people that don't need to file them at all. When I get around to it, I'll post a thread (of course with pics) on filing instructions.

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Oh, and please share pics...

 

[montgomery627]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

That's some good grouping. I also have a RRA LAR-8 Varmint w/ a 26" barrel like Steelhead. I really like it also.
Btw, looks like u did a great job cutting out the case also.

 

[Dontmiss0311]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Very nice. I shoot a 20" RRA Varmint that will also do sub-MOA. I just started using the polymer mags and didn't have to do any mods. So far about 100 rounds through two mags and no issues.

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Montgomery, Dontmiss, thank you much all around. I'd like to see pics of yours as well if you want to share...

 

[jpjones56]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

I also have a 20" RRA Varmint that will shoot sub-MOA groups all day w/ Fed GMM 168g BTHP.....I shoot cheep PMC ammo when I'm just playing due to the SEMI AUTO fun factor...I have shot about 300 or 400 hundred round w/ the steel mags w/ no issues.....

 

[jpjones56]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

OUTSTANDING JOB cutting the foam....i wish mine turned out that nice.....

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

SGTJones, thank you very much. I was thrilled with how it all turned out. Which steel mags are you all running?

 

[jpjones56]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Mine are the 20 round that came w/ the rifle from RRA and I ordered an extra..

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Nice, the steel mags are great. RRA said they made the switch to the polymer mags since the surplus steel mags are drying up. What did you pay for the additional steel mag?

 

[jpjones56]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

I dont remember....what ever RRA was asking last summer....I bought the rifle from CLASS3WEAPONS in TX and had it sent to local shop in VA....none of my local stores had what I wanted at the time and RRA had a 90 day wait....I didnt want to wait...i bought an extra mag and the 30mm RRA scope mount from RRA the same day I ordered the rifle..

 

[jpjones56]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Now that I think about it.....I had to wait several weeks on the extra mag.....I need several more I just havent gotten around to looking for them....

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

You really can't go wrong with the polymer mags RRA sells. As much as I like the Thermolds, I do hope Magpul eventually makes FAL PMAGS (they're PMAGS, enough said)...

 

[Steelhead]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Here's a picture of the LAR-8's. I actually don't have the 16" rifle anymore. I just wasn't shooting it very much, so I traded it in on a new scope. It was a good shooter too, but not as good as the Varmint.

Here's a target from the varmint. This is 10 rounds at 100 yards:

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

That's a heck of a group. Nice rifle as well (I'd have said rifles but since you got rid of the one). What sort of glass do you have on that varmint?

 

[Steelhead]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

It's a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50 with NP-R1 reticle.

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Very nice! How noticeable is the difference between that and your acog (magnification aside)? I run an acog on my AR but I've had a difficult time justifying the expense of a top tier optic like a NF. That said, I don't know what I don't know and would like to hear why I have to get a Nightforce or something comparable. Thanks.

 

[Steelhead]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Both are great, clear optics. The ACOG's are great for "combat" type shooting. The Nightforce or other similar scope will be better suited for precision work at extended ranges. With a Nightforce you can dial in your elevation and windage for the range (while accounting for atmospheric conditions) you want to shoot at, as well as use the various reticles for holdovers, for quick shots. With the ACOG, your limited to using holdovers with your reticle.

 

[Infinity]

Re: LAR-8 Standard Operator Custom Case/Groups (pics)

Thank you.