“Mid-tier” rifle suggestions

[TheBigCountry]

Looking at the “mid-tier” market (between $1000-1500) for a quality and accurate rifle in 556 that will be used for everything (hunting, range, home protection, etc).

Some of the models I am looking at are the Centurion CM4, BCM Recce, Colt 6920, and possibly Daniel Defense or even the LWRC DI.

I’d prefer 16” with a mid length gas system.

The market seems very flooded with lots of good options, and it’s hard to determine which one to choose. Thus, any guidance/suggestions are more than welcome.

 

[Kadams1563]

BCM, DD, Sionics, SOLGW, ADM

All have rifles in that price range that will serve you well.

SOLGW and SONICS will be more "tuned" to with a proper gas port and buffer but are not the big names like BCM.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Barnes Precision Machine

 

[TheBigCountry]

Wondering how the JP rifles fit into the mix? I stumbled upon this one:

JP Rifles

 

[TXBO]

Wondering how the JP rifles fit into the mix? I stumbled upon this one:

JP Rifles

Comes with the 18' Super Match barrel. I've had several and they all shot lights out.

 

[nn8734]

Daniel Defense M4A1 block2 - I have one and love it. For a chrome lined barrel it is very accurate out to 500 with m193; 2000k rounds so far with no issues. Cleaned it three times during this span.

If you run one of these, I would suggest installing a heavy buffer; D.D. rifles are somewhat over gassed but otherwise run great.

BCM is also worth considering.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

If I was going to spend as much as you say: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/835023167

 

[hlee]

Do you have a basic set of tools and a rudimentary understanding of their function? If yes, continue...
Do you own or have access to a vice? If yes, continue...
Can you kick in ~$100 for a couple of tools you may not have? If yes, continue...
Can you operate youtube? If yes, continue...

If you have made it this far, congratulations, you are a candidate to build the rifle of your dreams, for less money, and higher quality than you can get from any rifle builder in your budget range.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I have always had reservations about the "do everything" rifle. There are just too many contradictory demands on feature choices that make the effective choices well nigh impossible. The mental picture of the rifle that does several things moderately well, and none of them especially well, comes to mind in these instances.

I would try for two rifles.

One would be for hunting/defense, and would short, light, and optimized for quick sight picture acquisition and shot delivery.

The other would be a range queen, with a long, heavy barrel and be optimized for taking time concocting the shot solution, and very careful and precise shot delivery. In this situation the bolt rifle might be a better choice.

This Rifle, with this Sight, and this Trigger substituted as the hunting/defense setup.

I have setups very much like these myself, and have chosen the combinations over several years spent seeking the same solutions to the same questions you've just posted.

The target rifle would be this one, with this sight. I fired it in the Berger SW LR Nationals back in 2017, in the MR/600yd stages.

My Lightweight AR uses this Upper, and the PSA PA-15 M-4 classic Complete Lower.

I'm in the process of fitting out all of my Lowers with the Magpul BAD lever to facilitate bolt release. I recently found another such device, and will be testing it on the PA-10.

The entire ensemble exceeds your budget, but does it in a frugal and effective manner. I would begin with the Hunter/defense setup initially, then add the target rifle setup as the economics allowed.

For my own purposes, I have transitioned to some additional alternatives based on the 6.5 Grendel chambering. I would consider the 6.5 Grendel and the 223/5.56 to both be better within 800yd, and best at out to 600yd; with the 6.5 Grendel having a decided edge for hunting and defense over the 223/5.56. It doesn't need to be as expensive an alternative as one might think.

I have also become seriously addicted to two stage match triggers, and will be updating my PSA lowers with this PSA trigger.

Greg

 

[aslrookie]

What kind of hunting? Are you planning on suppressing it?

 

[digitalshooter]

Not sure how much money you save by doing it yourself. Course I do have expensive tastes like custom barrels and Geissele triggers so getting it down to the $1000 -$1500 range can be a little tough

But I do get a lot of satisfaction out of building my own. I do consider it well worth the money. When I take my 308 AR out to the range it gets a lot of looks and people come up to me to talk about.

Now I can't speak about the quality of JP Rifles from personal experience but by 308 with a 22" JP barrel and silent capture spring shoot lights out. So I really have no doubt that their rifles will do the same.

 

[TheBigCountry]

As much as building one would be fun, and I certainly have enough tools to do so, buying a complete rifle is what I want to do for my first one.

As for hunting, I’ll mainly tote it chasing hogs, coyotes, and maybe deer here in the South.

 

[aslrookie]

As much as building one would be fun, and I certainly have enough tools to do so, buying a complete rifle is what I want to do for my first one.

As for hunting, I’ll mainly tote it chasing hogs, coyotes, and maybe deer here in the South.

I assume you're thinking 5.56/.223?

out of those you listed, BCM or LWRC. I have a DD, but their barrels are so damn over gassed. I replaced the DD barrel with a Noveske.

 

[BurnOut]

RRA, perhaps with an adjustable gas block purchased and installed after the fact.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

My view is that the factory rifles do "OK" as the basic implement. But upgrades are where the value is added.

The AR system was designed from the start to be maintained by the average conscript. Upgrading them is not Rocket Surgery.

YouTube abounds with alternate approaches to adding value to the basic item. Before you buy upgrades, search on YouTube for insight into what works, and how easy each alternative is to install, and if necessary, tune.

I.e, type in "frugal two stage AR triggers" into the search field.

See through the hype.

I don't need my rifles to be perfect, because I don't think "Perfect" exists; or if it does, it changes all too frequently.

Rather than perfection, I seek improvement. Usually I find considerable satisfaction long before I get up into the pinnacles of product excellence. I also find that what I like often (usually) differs from others' opinions.

That's a good thing.

I figure most people's reach exceeds their grasp, also a good thing. But many folks demand perfection because they believe they are so good at what they do that nothing but the best can showcase their true abilities.

Heck, some of them are absolutely right; but not all of them. I fit into the latter category, and make my choices accordingly

Greg

 

[LONG RNG]

I bought this BCM Recce 16" and have about 1700ish rounds at the moment. Shoots very well I haven't bought the EOTECH sight yet nor the flash light. But it will serve multiple roles.


Don

 

[Bigjake83]

This is what I would pick, and once you get used to it and if you decide you want some more accuracy all you'll need to do is slide in there CLE Barrel.

BCM Recce 14 MCMR Carbine Rifle | AR-15 rifles

BCM Recce AR-15 carbine rifle is high-pressure tested and magnetic particle Inspected. Caliber: 5.56mm NATO. Barrel: 14.5\

www.rainierarms.com

 

[MOUNTIC]

For a RECCE the Centurion Arms would be my choice.

 

[drewthebrave]

I would buy this:

Shop New White Oak Armament 16” Upper, Mid-Gas, 1-7, ALG Handguard EMR V3 M-LOK | 3-Gun Competition / Tactical Uppers

At White Oak Armament shop for new White Oak Armament 16” Upper, Mid-Gas, 1-7, ALG Handguard EMR V3 M-LOKs.

www.whiteoakarmament.com

And then build my own lower. You can buy a complete lower from your preferred manufacturer if you don't want to build it yourself.

 

[TXBO]

I would buy this:
View attachment 7160435

Shop New White Oak Armament 16” Upper, Mid-Gas, 1-7, ALG Handguard EMR V3 M-LOK | 3-Gun Competition / Tactical Uppers

At White Oak Armament shop for new White Oak Armament 16” Upper, Mid-Gas, 1-7, ALG Handguard EMR V3 M-LOKs.

www.whiteoakarmament.com

And then build my own lower. You can buy a complete lower from your preferred manufacturer if you don't want to build it yourself.

I second that. I've all of a sudden got a collection of WOA uppers.

 

[Fenix Mike]

Looking at the “mid-tier” market (between $1000-1500) for a quality and accurate rifle in 556 that will be used for everything (hunting, range, home protection, etc).

Some of the models I am looking at are the Centurion CM4, BCM Recce, Colt 6920, and possibly Daniel Defense or even the LWRC DI.

I’d prefer 16” with a mid length gas system.

The market seems very flooded with lots of good options, and it’s hard to determine which one to choose. Thus, any guidance/suggestions are more than welcome.

Lately I’ve been watching Daniel Defense send their overstock and surplus built rifles to vendors to blow out at about 35-40% off msrp. I picked up a green cerakote m4a1 for $1350 about 3 months ago, and the fde/black m4a1 from brownells for the same price, then they had a 10% off coupon on top with free shipping. Both rifles are excellent! Buds and a few others had them too, but I think once they are gone, they won’t get more at that price.
$1500 mark also has the lwrc di rifles, Lmt, and quiet a few others you can probably find on dsg arms or other large retailers, then watch for coupons.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Lately I’ve been watching Daniel Defense send their overstock and surplus built rifles to vendors to blow out at about 35-40% off msrp. I picked up a green cerakote m4a1 for $1350 about 3 months ago, and the fde/black m4a1 from brownells for the same price, then they had a 10% off coupon on top with free shipping. Both rifles are excellent! Buds and a few others had them too, but I think once they are gone, they won’t get more at that price.
$1500 mark also has the lwrc di rifles, Lmt, and quiet a few others you can probably find on dsg arms or other large retailers, then watch for coupons.

I’ve actually been eyeing the DD M4; just not a fan of their stock that it comes with.

 

[TheBigCountry]

This is what I would pick, and once you get used to it and if you decide you want some more accuracy all you'll need to do is slide in there CLE Barrel.

BCM Recce 14 MCMR Carbine Rifle | AR-15 rifles

BCM Recce AR-15 carbine rifle is high-pressure tested and magnetic particle Inspected. Caliber: 5.56mm NATO. Barrel: 14.5\

www.rainierarms.com

Why do you recommend the 14 over the 16?

 

[XLR308]

My best advise I can give is if you have the tools allready and are detail oriented allready buy all of the components you feel are the best match to what you want in the end product and build it yourself.
In the end you end up with exactly what you wanted and usually a better product.

 

[Bigjake83]

Why do you recommend the 14 over the 16?

The accuracy is the same if not better so why not have the smaller set up.

 

[TheBigCountry]

The accuracy is the same if not better so why not have the smaller set up.

Much appreciated. I’ll def try to track one down and give it a look. Right now I’m highly considering the BCM like you suggested and the Centurion model.

 

[Wyzrd]

Looking at the “mid-tier” market (between $1000-1500) for a quality and accurate rifle in 556 that will be used for everything (hunting, range, home protection, etc).

Some of the models I am looking at are the Centurion CM4, BCM Recce, Colt 6920, and possibly Daniel Defense or even the LWRC DI.

I’d prefer 16” with a mid length gas system.

The market seems very flooded with lots of good options, and it’s hard to determine which one to choose. Thus, any guidance/suggestions are more than welcome.

PM sent

 

[Jsp556]

In the price range you’ve listed, Centurion or Sionics.

BCM is over rated IME and should cost less than they do.

 

[diggler1833]

For hogs the 5.56mm really requires a lot of attention to ammo/bullet selection. I ran a DDM4V7 with Mk 318 Mod 0 with pretty decent results, but still had a couple of boars come at me after a solid hit to the vitals. I killed them just fine, but it required staying in the scope and putting several rounds fast into a charging animal. Basically, the first shot needs to be into the head or spine or thedy are going to make it a hundred yards. Since I'm almost always by myself at night, I finally opted for a 6.8 to keep weight close. I really loved how light that DD was for toting around for hours through pastures.

That particular DDM4V7 now wears a Trijicon Accupower 1-4, and gets slung and carried everywhere on my 4-wheeler. It is light, and shoots XM193 into about 1.5 MOA with boring regularity...more than adequate for shooting armadillos, skunks, and the occasional inattentive coyote or piglet.

I also have another (first gen) DDM4V7 with an Eotech and light that pulls duty as my home defense rifle. Yes, there are better brands out there, but I've never been given anything to complain about from either of them.

 

[TheBigCountry]

For hogs the 5.56mm really requires a lot of attention to ammo/bullet selection. I ran a DDM4V7 with Mk 318 Mod 0 with pretty decent results, but still had a couple of boars come at me after a solid hit to the vitals. I killed them just fine, but it required staying in the scope and putting several rounds fast into a charging animal. Basically, the first shot needs to be into the head or spine or thedy are going to make it a hundred yards. Since I'm almost always by myself at night, I finally opted for a 6.8 to keep weight close. I really loved how light that DD was for toting around for hours through pastures.

That particular DDM4V7 now wears a Trijicon Accupower 1-4, and gets slung and carried everywhere on my 4-wheeler. It is light, and shoots XM193 into about 1.5 MOA with boring regularity...more than adequate for shooting armadillos, skunks, and the occasional inattentive coyote or piglet.

I also have another (first gen) DDM4V7 with an Eotech and light that pulls duty as my home defense rifle. Yes, there are better brands out there, but I've never been given anything to complain about from either of them.View attachment 7162114View attachment 7162115View attachment 7162116

Much appreciated for that. I figured on running a heavy/tough bullet for them and picking my shots just right.

If things go well I can see adding a different upper in 300 blackout or similar in the future.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Not sure if anyone covered them, but how do the DI offerings by LWRC and LMT fair in the mix?

I also found that Larue has an ultimate upper kit and was curious about them as well?

 

[TXBO]

Not sure if anyone covered them, but how do the DI offerings by LWRC and LMT fair in the mix?

I also found that Larue has an ultimate upper kit and was curious about them as well?

I've got a Larue UU. It's a nice rifle for the money. Mine shoots around MOA. It doesn't shoot as well as my White Oak Armament SPR uppers for about the same price.

 

[TheBigCountry]

I've got a Larue UU. It's a nice rifle for the money. Mine shoots around MOA. It doesn't shoot as well as my White Oak Armament SPR uppers for about the same price.

Much appreciated. What lower are you running with the White Oak upper?

 

[Kadams1563]

Larue was the bees knees about 10 years ago.

Friends don’t let friends buy larue anymore.

 

[TXBO]

Much appreciated. What lower are you running with the White Oak upper?

I have several but my favorite is:

Seekins Precision SP223 billet lower
TriggerTech Diamond AR trigger
JP Silent Capture Spring
LuthAR stock

 

[MontanaMan]

Larue was the bees knees about 10 years ago.

Friends don’t let friends buy larue anymore.

I think you're right..............don't have any & don't see the need given all the other options today.

Their Ultimate Upper is a decent deal on the surface, but there's just been too much negativity on them, especially accuracy wise, to go that route.

Others swear by them.

MM

 

[RaymondPembrose]

"Mid-Tier" is a relative term. I consider entry-level to be Colt, BCM, FN, etc. I have been very impressed with the FN15, especially with the hodge-style rails. Fantastic guns, I'd buy an FN over a Colt.

 

[olive drab]

larue UU kit and they assemble it now for free