Any experience with AR-15 manufacturers?

Antler Eater · 02-03-2003, 08:25 AM

I have been looking into AR-15 rifles. I would like to add one to my collection just for the sheer fun of shooting it and for coyote hunting. It sounds like the varmint barrels are producing very nice accuracy. The question I have concerns the manufacturers. Colt, Rock River, Bushmaster, and Olympic Arms to name a few. I really wouldn't know how to rate these company's quality and/or accuracy wise. Does anyone here have any experience with the companies mentioned, good or bad. I would appreciate hearing your experience and/or comments. Thanks.

Mainehunter · 02-03-2003, 10:39 AM

I have dealt with Bushmaster and have found their Customer Service to be superb. Their products are some of if not the best out there. I have not however purchased or fired one of their AR's. I owned one of their M-17S Bullpups in .223. An excellent firearm and a blast to shoot.
The only reason I got rid of that rifle was to enable me to pick up my CETME in 7.62 NATO. Bigger round, greater power and longer effective range. If you want a .223 though I would highly recommend Bushmaster.

“He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice." -Albert Einstein

Josh Sorensen · 02-03-2003, 09:04 PM

I have a DPMS Panther and really like it. I would rate it right up there with any other AR. I have also handled and shot both bushmasters and Rock River Arms. My DPMS is a 24" heavy barrel with 6-24x40 scope and will shoot as good as any bolt gun out there. Sub inch groups at 200 yards are common. With heavier bullets I have had good luck all the way out to 400 years. I have shot several really tight groups at that range. I would like to get a second ar to fill the light short range niche since my DPMS is a heavy varmint style. I have been looking a lot at the RRA Elite Tacticle UTE lately. I think it would be a great rifle also. I would rank the ARs at DPMS/Bushmaster, RRA, and Olympic arms. In that order

Antler Eater · 02-06-2003, 08:50 AM

Thanks for the help. Another manufacturer that has been thrown in the mix is Armalite. I have heard good things about them.

ARBowHntr · 02-06-2003, 09:06 AM

I own a Colt AR15-A2 H-BAR. Awesome accuracy. I have shot 200 yd sub one inch groups with peep site. Just incredible. Have not had any problems with it. I have heard good stuff about Armalite, adn Bushmaster as well. I think most manfacturers of the AR15 do a pretty good job. You cannot go wrong with any that have been memtioned in this post.

**NRA Life Member since 1991**

Why am I sittin here on this stupid PC when I could be huntin'

recoiljunky · 02-06-2003, 04:28 PM

I read an article in "Guns" magazine about the new Les Baer (I think that's how they spell his name) AR 15. They raved about it. All in house manufacturing. Super accurate. Reasonably priced (under 2 grand). If I was in the market for an AR I'd definitely look into that.

Ridge Runner · 02-06-2003, 04:35 PM

My RRA varminter will shoot way-sub-MOA, cheapest accuracy you can buy!
RR

Born To Hunt, Forced To Work.
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hornetguy · 02-06-2003, 05:05 PM

....under 1" groups at 200 yds with the factory sights?
................ that's .. ahem... good shooting.

"Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Santayana

Josh Sorensen · 02-15-2003, 02:19 AM

This is my DPMS Panther. My dad and I have both had DPMS ARs and the quality was outstanding. My panther is the most accurate rifle I have ever shot and continually amazes me. It will shoot almost anything into an inch at 100 yards and will do better than half that with several loads. I have a few loads for it that will shoot sub inch out to 200 yards consistantly, depending on wind. My all time best 400 yard group was with a 68gr MHP at 2850fps and was just over 1.25" 5 shot group. I have shot enough 2-3" groups to make them common but my average at 400 is usually closer to 3" though, and a little wind can open that up quite a bit.

Antler Eater · 02-15-2003, 10:07 AM

Josh,

Thanks for the info and the pic. What a beauty!

Is that a 24" barrel? Did you have any work done on your trigger?

I haven' t been able to locate any DPMSs.