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AR-15 Decision Time...

9K views 53 replies 14 participants last post by  scooter 
#1 ·
Ok, I've narrowed my AR15 search down to 2 now, both are from RockRiverArms... Any thoughts?

Here are the images with the info link below them...



Elite CAR AR Link



Elite CAR UTE2 Link
 
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#2 ·
If those are your choices, go with the UTE2. If you mount optics, you want the optic axis as close as possible to the bore axis, and it already has a back-up iron sight (BUIS), so you won't have to buy one.
 
#4 ·
#5 ·
I'd go with the true flat-top (the first gun) because it's more versatile. You actually DON'T want the optics "as close as possible to the bore axis" on an AR. If you did that, you'd never be able to get down far enough on the stock to look through the optic. This is why Aimpoint mounts, etc. have risers.

I prefer flip-up rear sights that stay out of the optical sight picture until needed. I have an ARMS #40 backing an Aimpoint on my personal M4gery.

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#8 ·
I'd go with the true flat-top (the first gun) because it's more versatile. You actually DON'T want the optics "as close as possible to the bore axis" on an AR. If you did that, you'd never be able to get down far enough on the stock to look through the optic. This is why Aimpoint mounts, etc. have risers.

I prefer flip-up rear sights that stay out of the optical sight picture until needed. I have an ARMS #40 backing an Aimpoint on my personal M4gery.
I was going to say the same thing.....the A4 is a tad more versitle on what sighting equpiment you can stack on it also.
 
#9 ·
I was going to say the same thing.....the A4 is a tad more versitle on what sighting equpiment you can stack on it also.
+1, and if you later choose, you can take the whole darn thing off, including the rear sight, which would be handy if you want to mount an optic and a flip down rear sight.

And the S&W is made by Stag Arms.. the rail is really nice and well finished - I've had a chance to handle one. But of course, Stag may not actually make the rail themselves - I'm not sure if they do or not.

Either way, you can always put a rail forearm on the RRA.. there's a dizzying selection of parts for these out there..
 
#11 ·
#12 ·
I have a Stag upper on a Bushmaster lower. The Stag unit is of excellent quality. No issues whatsoever, and I shot it a lot before I ended up here in Yuma. I think Stag is currently the best value on the AR market.
Mike or anyone,

Is it pretty easy to connect the lower and upper together...? I know, I know...dumb question, but I may go that route. The stag uppers are a little cheaper than the RRA's. This way I could get a nice RRA lower with the 2-stage trigger, etc. and get a cheaper upper. Basically come out a little cheaper than buying a full RRA AR. I'm pinching pennys so I can get some extra's as well. :)
 
#13 ·
Mike or anyone,

Is it pretty easy to connect the lower and upper together...? I know, I know...dumb question, but I may go that route. The stag uppers are a little cheaper than the RRA's. This way I could get a nice RRA lower with the 2-stage trigger, etc. and get a cheaper upper. Basically come out a little cheaper than buying a full RRA AR. I'm pinching pennys so I can get some extra's as well. :)
take Complete upper, set in place in complete lower/ push 2 pins in and yer done:mrgreen: :mrgreen:
I reckon that falls under the EASY category huh?
 
#15 ·
#17 ·
I'd go with the true flat-top (the first gun) because it's more versatile. You actually DON'T want the optics "as close as possible to the bore axis" on an AR. If you did that, you'd never be able to get down far enough on the stock to look through the optic. This is why Aimpoint mounts, etc. have risers.

I prefer flip-up rear sights that stay out of the optical sight picture until needed. I have an ARMS #40 backing an Aimpoint on my personal M4gery.
I apologize for not being clear. I used "optics" when I meant "scope". You want the line of sight axis of a telescopic sight as close as possible to the bore axis to minimize parallax error. Eliminating parallax is virtually impossible for a scope mounted above the bore; most scopes are made to be parallax-free at a specified distance. More or less distance from this point will induce some error.

I have no problem getting "down far enough" to use the telescopic sight on my flat-top AR-15 rifle. The hard part is to get the sight mounted at a comfortable height for your eye and still make a good cheek weld. You don't want to hunch down, nor do you want to have to stretch to see through the scope. The size of the scope objective (front) lens will directly affect this height. The AR-15 front sight will blur out on anything above about 2X; you won't even see it.

Reflex (red dot) and holographic sights are not affected by parallax, so they can be mounted at a height to clear or partially clear the iron sights. Most shooters prefer these sights to be co-witnessed with the iron sights. Here's what I mean:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/rfawcs/All3-2.jpg

Go here http://www.chuckhawks.com/optical_sights.htm for a good primer on optics.

I suggested the UTE2 as it had a rear sight built in, to save J.S. a little money. Personally, I wouldn't have picked either one of those rifles, but that wasn't the question asked.

J.S. - good luck with your choice. What ever you end up with, after some period of time, I suspect you'll be bitten by the bug and want another one. I really enjoy shooting my AR-15s and I know you will too. Good shooting!
 
#18 · (Edited)
I suggested the UTE2 as it had a rear sight built in, to save J.S. a little money. Personally, I wouldn't have picked either one of those rifles, but that wasn't the question asked.

J.S. - good luck with your choice. What ever you end up with, after some period of time, I suspect you'll be bitten by the bug and want another one. I really enjoy shooting my AR-15s and I know you will too. Good shooting!
Thanks everyone... :)

rfawcs... nice pics...what is the make of the AR that you have pictured here...? Is it a .308 caliber?



I've decided to go ahead and order the complete lower, I'm going to get the Rock River Arms lower... I've contacted a few AR dealers to try and get a good price on what I want. As soon as I get a good quote, I'll order it. I'll more than likely get a RRA upper, I just want to do more research on the upper first.
 
#19 ·
All three were built by Fulton Armory here in Maryland, all in 5.56mm.

The 20-inch barrel rifle is the "Liberator" model and has an inexpensive Nikko-Stirling 2x-7x scope and Harris bipod.

The 16-inch barrel carbine is the "Classic MIV" model and has a 2-stage RRA target trigger, an Aimpoint Comp M2 sight with a GG&G cantilever quick-detach mount, and a few other minor modifications.

The 11.5-inch barrel short-barreled rifle sports an EOTech Model 552 sight, also with a quick-detach mount from GG&G. It also has a 2-stage RRA trigger, an ACE collapsible buttstock, and some other minor stuff.

I'm warning you now: once you get bitten by the AR-15 bug, you're doomed. DOOMED! And broke. :)

I'd like to put a better scope on the rifle, but all my gun money went for the four handguns I recently picked up. My purchase funds are tapped out until next March. :(
 
#20 ·
Alright gentlemen, The complete Rock River Arms lower receiver has been ordered! As soon as I have my FFL fax their info to the dealer that I bought it from tomorrow, it will be on it's way!

This is what I odered... :)

 
#22 ·
Nice choice! Photos when you get the upper, please.
Thanks, I should be receiving it Thursday or Friday...It was shipped yesterday. Now I just need to decide on what kind of upper I want... I'd like to put an EOTech sight on it at some point, so I need to take that into consideration.
 
#23 ·
I snagged an EOTech 512 a few weeks ago, lovin it. I've got it mounted directly on a A3 flattop, so it has absolute co-witness with the irons, but I also added a flip-down rear sight. You can also get a 1/4" riser mount for the EOTechs that will give 1/3 co-witness...

You have been to AR15.com, haven't you?

Welcome to BRD :mrgreen:
 
#26 · (Edited)
I snagged an EOTech 512 a few weeks ago, lovin it. I've got it mounted directly on a A3 flattop, so it has absolute co-witness with the irons, but I also added a flip-down rear sight. You can also get a 1/4" riser mount for the EOTechs that will give 1/3 co-witness...

You have been to AR15.com, haven't you?

Welcome to BRD :mrgreen:
There was a guy at the range sunday with his new LMT AR, one word...sweet! :) Anyway, he had a EOTech installed on his....

I've been spending a ton of time over at AR15.com... trying to learn as much as I can. I want to go ahead and order an upper, just can't make up my mind.

I am well acquainted with RRA's products and all I can say is that they make good stuff. I have a rifle of theirs that never gave me issues. You'll love RRA's trigger.
Cool... I've nothing but good things about them...

when your ready i have a good range in my front yard where you can practice change-ups different target distances and cover fire. just up the hill
Really? I may take you up on that offer... I've got to find a place to shoot it. There are 2 ranges in Greensboro, one inside and one out. The indoor range doesn't allow ARs and the outdoor range isn't accepting anymore members right now for some reason. So, I've got to start looking around for a place to go. There are plenty of outdoor places to go, I'm sure.... I just have to find them. :)

One question though...for anybody...

What are the pros and cons to a "R-4 Barrel Profile"...?
 
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