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Help me choose my upper assembly!

chris benton

Private
Minuteman
Jan 2, 2011
13
0
46
I have reached an impass. i am building my first AR and have the lower half competed and now need to decide what to do about an upper. i will primarily be useing it for target shooting from 200-500 yards, but still want the look of an M4 style rifle. Choices, choices. i am looking for some professional opinions as i have only ever own hunting rifles like a rem. 700 .270 with what ever scope comes with.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=200

Take your pick. There are a lot of opinions regarding ar-15s. I love rock river. Things to consider are rate of twist, barrel length, budget, and so on. For your needs you might want a little longer and heavier barrel than a 16" like an m4. I would go free floated hand guards especially if using a bipod or bags way up front.

I wouldn't consider my opinion professional but RR arms has always done me right. They offer great military/LE discounts with proof of employment. Plus they are an hour and 15 min away from my house so if I need something I walk in and a half hour later i walk out range ready. My ar always had great accuracy for a patrol rifle and would hold solid 3/4" groups (until cheif told me I had to use dept rifle and I converted it into a coyote slayer). Mine is a 9:1 twist and will eat just about any grain bullet you feed it.

Happy hunting hope this helps.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

I would think any of the varmint uppers would suit your needs. The Bushmaster Varmint and Rock River Predator Persuit, or even the Stag are a few that come to mind.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Thanks, that really tells me alot! i have heard that using a 1:7 twist is the best for medium to long range use with heavier grain bullets. But it is quite hard finding that twist anywhere besides White Oak Armament. Does anyone know of them and how they compare to bushmaster or RRA? I really like the RRA Varmint 18" in 1:8 will the extra 2 inches provide better accuracy at 300-500 yards? and would the 20" be best and why? Thanks!
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Check out Pkfirearms.com, look at the sabre barreled ones. Another good upper is the 18" CMMG SPR, comes with free float handguards and vortex flash hider for 650-675. It's a bit hard to find though.

I've always found RRA uppers to be good shooters, my NM upper was accurate and my RRA varmint 20" is laser beam accurate. I had an RRA A4 standard upper and it worked very well too.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

depends on the cash flow you want to spend.

I went with http://www.compasslake.com/ and had a 16" and a 18" uppers built. Both rifles drive tacks to 300yds, then the 1/2 MOA gets to wide for driving tacks with
smile.gif


John
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

You can't go wrong with Compass Lake or WOA/WOP upper. You probably would want a min. of 1:8 twist for what you're talking about doing. Have you looked at Bravo Company? You can get a 1:7 from them. It kind of depends on what accuracy you expect, and how good you're going to be if you go with a 16" barrel, especially if using irons. More on a budget? Go look at the Del-ton website.

Best things for the AR are barrel, free float tube of some kind, and a good trigger. You didn't mention what trigger you have in your lower. I wouldn't expect to much if it's just what came with the LPK.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

The extra lenght will increase your muzzle velocity allowing your rounds a little more juice to the target. There are a few reasons the extra velocity may help. One theory would be the bullet is in the air less time for wind to push on it as well as less drop at extened ranges. The difference between a 20" and a 18" will not be too significant. This is a widly disputed subject amongst BR shooters (especially if you read up on anything Tac Ops). I think a 1:8 would be fine for what you are looking to do. I would focus more on quality of barrel than length. I don't know if you plan on shooting an 5.56 out of it just for short range plinking or practice ammo. One upside with RRA is the 223 wylde chamber. remember not all .223 chamberings will fire 5.56 due to thicker shell casings and sometimes slightly different shoulder angles. The 223 wylde has a little more give in the chamber. I have not had any experience with the 223 wylde chambering since mine is chambered in 5.56x45mm. Take it with a grain of salt. If you have any questions I would suggest calling Terry at Hilltop gun shop (309-994-7540) after 6pm Central time out of Colona, IL FYI he is also the master armor for RRA. hope this helps!
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

I am using an RRA two stage trigger. i am planning to shoot an average of 300 yards target and potentially compete if i get good enough. the general theme semes to be RRA 18"-20". I think maybe i'll go with a 20" and get seperate upper for the "m4" look for recreation when my budget allows. And i could use some advice on optics on a budget standpoint for 300-500 yards.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Budget: a lack of needed funds to apply to ones hobby.

I would like to spend the least possible ad still get a good name. For instance, i have found an RRA upper on class3weapons.com below $600. As far as scopes go, i was hoping to get out for under $300, but i have a Simmons Aetec that i can use of my hunting rifle until I find THE one.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Look BCM and never look back. Keep some $$ in your pocket and have a well backed upper. These are almost as good as it gets for that price range.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ShootingBlanks147</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Budget: a lack of needed funds to apply to ones hobby.

I would like to spend the least possible ad still get a good name. For instance, i have found an RRA upper on class3weapons.com below $600. As far as scopes go, i was hoping to get out for under $300, but i have a Simmons Aetec that i can use of my hunting rifle until I find THE one. </div></div>

Ha! smart ass. I just meant amount. Anyway, What about the Nikon M-223 line for optics? About the right price range and 5.56 ready. http://swfa.com/Nikon-M-223-Riflescopes-C3036.aspx

Or a SWFA Super Sniper, but your price range will only get you a fixed power model.

Not sure what RRA upper you found, but the only one I saw in stock was a varmint model upper and those barrels are almost 1" thick. They are really heavy beasts. Out of those, I would look for a predator pursuit or coyote upper. They are a heavy contour instead of a bull barrel. IMHO, bull barrels in ARs are only really good for bench shooting cause they suck to carry.

 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

+1 for Nikon. I've got a coyote special on my .22-250. Bdc is pretty close (better than my Kentucky windage for sure). Buckmasters are pretty good for the money but save a little longer and get the monarch. Friends monarch can hold its weight against my leupold VXIII and is a lot cheaper. Hit the sporting goods shop and tell me I'm wrong. Also get side parallax adjustment too.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Very interesting about the bull barrels. I haven't considered the wieght as a factor. I quess the predator will be just as accurate for what i want to do. I looked at BCM and didn't see any heavy barrels. Maybe i wasn't on the right page.

About the scopes, keep the advice coming! Are there any difference in the 30mm tubes and the 1" tubes. i like the Leupold's but your right, they are expensive and you can get really nice scopes alot cheaper that my untrained eye can't tell the difference. I just want to see what i am shooting at and i want it to keep zero.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Scratch that about BCM. i found the heavy barrel uppers. Thanks!

Is $1000.00+ the norm for quality stuff, WOW, i thought i could get out for about $7-800. i could have bout a really nice complete AR for that.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Yeah, bull barrels are heavy. IMO, Unless you are shooting high volumes from a stationary rest varmint hunting or bench shooting, they are just too heavy for carrying around. A medium heavy or heavy profile will shoot just as well if the barrel is from reputable maker. It will shave 1-2 lbs off your rifle by downsizing the barrel. Plus, they are still almost 3/4" at the muzzle (slightly heavier under handguard) which is still beafy.

Bravo 18" SPR heavy profile: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/18-Barrel-s/133.htm

Bravo upper with said barrel (have to add bolt carrier): http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-18-Rifle-Upper-Group-s/158.htm

predator pursuit uppers in stock: http://www.pkfirearms.com/Rock_River_Arms_Barreled_Uppers/57/c

Aaron at Delta Company builds sub-moa affordable uppers, good guy: http://www.deltacompanyarms.com/PRODUCTS.html

If $300 is close to your optics price ceiling, if it was me, I would go Nikon Monarch or Nikon M-223 (same platform from what I understand just different features) or the Vortex Viper standard line. Except for a fixed Super Sniper, I wouldn't personally feel comfortable with any others.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ShootingBlanks147</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Scratch that about BCM. i found the heavy barrel uppers. Thanks!

Is $1000.00+ the norm for quality stuff, WOW, i thought i could get out for about $7-800. i could have bout a really nice complete AR for that. </div></div>

It depends on your expectations if you go with a $700-$800 gun and also which $800 gun you are looking at. The BCM uppers use rails that in most cases offer more features that a standard float tube. Like reduced weight (in some cases), some have anti rotation features, most allow you to attach included rails for lights, bipod quick releases, or forward grips. Also, most premium barrels have more attention to detail and are inspected in various ways for QC, and that adds to the price. If you just want a sling swivel for a bipod or sling, then a standard float tube like the RRA Predator upper would be grand. The BCM uppers have all upgraded components that are VERY durable and carefully thought out.

Its financially depressing
crazy.gif
that you can go buy a rack grade savage bolt gun and shoot sub-moa, but the starting point for accurate ARs is twice what that gun will cost.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Valid point. i guess by the time i added all that stuff it would be close to at least $900 anyway. has anyone got any feed back on the Whiteoak Armament stuff. A friend of mine just ordered an 18" vamint upper that he claims is "going to be more accurate than anything i build" WT@? really?
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

I have a 20" Varmint WOA Upper, and an 18" SPR upper... both are absolute laser beams. I am a huge fan of WOA and their service. I would call them, talk to them and let them know what you want to do with your rifle. They will answer every question you have.

Just be advised, you will have to wait two to four weeks or so for delivery. But, I am telling you... it's well worth the wait.

The upper ships complete, with a complete BCG, charging handle, barrel, gas tube (rifle length) and tube or rail. They can install any front rail / tube you wish.

http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/complete_uppers.htm
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ShootingBlanks147</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Scratch that about BCM. i found the heavy barrel uppers. Thanks!

Is $1000.00+ the norm for quality stuff, WOW, i thought i could get out for about $7-800. i could have bout a really nice complete AR for that. </div></div>

You can get bravocompany stuff for 600-800 depending on the options you choose.

Personally I'd say get something like this:

http://www.tacticalcity.com/product_details.asp?ProdID=1732

Just call or email him to make sure it's in stock, I've shot those uppers before and they are good shooters.

If you want to spend less than get an RRA coyote or predator upper, they are good shooters as well. They are 1:9 twist but shot 52 and 69 black hills fine for me.

edit: optics on the cheap I would say Bushnell 10X mil mil, Super Sniper 6X or 10X, Weaver 3-10 mil mil, or Leupold Mark AR. I have a mark ar on an 18" AR, it fits it well however the damn thing has broken twice now.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Also not a professional, but if you go BCM, I would recommend their SS410 barrels:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SS410...d16%20ss410.htm

My recommendation: buy that, find a used free-float rail, install, and you're good to go. I recently bought a MK12 Mod 0 upper and was very impressed with its accuracy and build quality. Good luck!
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

There is a difference between a 1" tube and 30mm tube. 30 mm is slightly larger and sometimes offers a little more adjustment (depending on power of scope. There are a few more reasons too but nothing really noticeable.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

What you choose right now will not matter as much as you may think. As you evolve in the sport (or obsession) you'll change things. Conversely, you may decide you hate gunsmoke. I'm forever changing what I think I need so if this helps,....
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Ok! I am narrowing down my search. i have run across the Model1sales.com site and notice that thier prices seem very competetive. and i really like that i can build my upper the way i want it, fluted, threaded, etc. Does anybody have any feedback on them about quality or accuracy compared to WOA, RRA, or BCM?
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

i have actually ordered my upper and i went with del-ton. i ordered a 16 heavy barrel with the YHM diamond free float, standard bolt and carrier. I will post my impression when it arrives. Thanks for all those who gave their advice. I was very impressed with all your suggestions but went with del-ton mainly because they are only a couple hours away in my home state of NC.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

First off, I'm a newbe so please forgive me if I sound dumb. Also, I don't know if it is appropriate to place this post as a response or as a new post, however, I decided that since it is related to searching for an AR upper I'll post it as a response.

I have a Bushmaster Varminteer and would like to purchase an upper as a defensive option and would appreciate guidance in this endeavor. My main thoughts are that this gun should be simple and rugged. About the only option I was considering is that it be an A3 so that I could in the future remove the handle and add a sight if desired. One upper I was considering is Dissipator by Bushmaster mainly because of the longer sight distance than found on most 16" barrels.

Any suggestions/advice will be much appreciated.
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

due to back orders i have to backup and punt on this post. to no fault of their own del-ton is running behind and out of the barrels i wanted so i have canceled my order with them. i must say that their customer service department is very friendly and i would do business with them in the future. I am planning on having some people over for target shooting on my birthday and wanted something by then. I ordered a 20" RRA varmint upper from class3weapons.com because they had one on the shelf. i believe this will serve my needs better even though i wanted the look of a M4. This will be a little different but RRA claims 3/4 moa. We will see, it will be here tomorrow. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
 
Re: Help me choose my upper assembly!

Earl, if you want a longer sight radius look at a midlength instead of a carbine hand guad. Depending on your needs look for a quad rail for later flashlight and miscellaneous mounting. My old one had an acog with a small holographic mounted at a 45 degree angle for close quarters. When something pops up too close for 4x just tip the rifle a quarter turn and engage.