Help choosing the right AR

[jswift]

Hey all, my father and I are looking to get into the AR market. There are so many different ones out there how do we know what is good for us? I do know we want to stay shy of $1000 and will use it for the range and varmint hunting. We have heard many different things from different shop owners and friends say that one shoots better than the other, one is more accurate etc. How much truth is into that. I was looking at a used Bushmaster and a friend told me to stay away from Bushmaster as they are not very accurate and wont shoot tight groups at 100 yards. What are all your guys/gals experiences? Thanks.

 

[Garb]

My dad has two Bushmasters. The one that he shoots most often shoots pretty tight groups at about that range. I haven't seen him shoot the other one yet.

 

[HogDaddy]

bushmaster varmit shoots good groups. Stag 7L 6.8 is accurate. lot of manufactures to pick from.

 

[shooter521]

I suggest you start with a search; this topic is brought up with some frequency here.

 

[LPMan59]

Vulcan, the gun of the Special Farces. Buy with confidence.

 

[esrice]

Are you most interested in something similar to this:

Or this?

 

[jswift]

Sorry, guys I only have 10 posts and cannot answer PMs yet. I like the first one with the bipod.

 

[bullitstang1313]

It really depends on what you want out of the gun. Do you want a lightweight rifle that looks like an M4? Or are you really looking for a varmint gun with a heavier barrel good for more accurate shooting? You could always build an AR with the parts of your choice.

 

[esrice]

Or are you really looking for a varmint gun with a heavier barrel good for more accurate shooting?

He said he's looking for something like the above.

 

[loony1]

DoubleStar DSC Supermatch is what I would go with if you like pic 1.
DoubleStar - Basic Rifles

 

[patience0830]

RRA

Rock River Arms 24" heavy varmint. Buy the complete upper and the lower parts kit separately. then buy the lower rcvr. you'll save some $ that way. And you can get an adjustable stock and Ergo grip if you have a mind to. I recommend a splurge on the 2 stage RRA trigger group. Putting the lower together is a piece of cake. Mine shoots 55 gr hornadys into 5/8" at 100.

 

[jswift]

A lo al shop has a barely used Bushmaster varmit ar like the picture posted above. He has it listed for $899 w/out scope. Said less than 100 rounds through. I like it but want to be able to put tactical gear on it such as lights, lasers, ext. Can you do that with that type?

 

[esrice]

I like it but want to be able to put tactical gear on it such as lights, lasers, ext. Can you do that with that type?

You can, but you start to defeat the purpose of the rifle, and some of its positive features will quickly become negatives.

A varmint-type AR typically has a 20"+ heavy bull barrel, smooth free-float forend, non-adjustable stock, and lighter and/or adjustable trigger. Those features help the rifle with its intended purpose by making it easier to shoot accurately, often times in prone or on a bench.

However, try taking a close-quarters carbine course with one and you'll quickly figure out why those guys prefer short lightweight barrels, railed forends, adjustable stocks, and single-stage mil-spec triggers.

My advice would be to find your purpose, and build your rifle to fit those needs. As Pat Rogers would say "Let the mission drive the gear train".

 

[jswift]

Yeah, I like the varmit type. How can I add a light and things to shoot coyote at night? Also, is 899 a good price for used Bushmaster like the pic above? Thanks. I dont care to do any tactical courses now. Just want to shoot targets and varmints!