High end AR’s, diminishing returns, and reliability.

[Fredkrueger100]

I haven’t seen much in terms of high end AR talk on here, which is a shame, as there’s a ton of knowledge being stored in people’s heads around here. Ever since getting out of the military I have not been very interested in the AR platform. It’s kinda boring. But I’ve been coming back around a bit, the AK platform has lost a lot of its luster as the ammo prices have skyrocketed and the import restrictions just keep getting worse.

So I would like to school myself up a bit on higher quality AR options, and considerations with all that stuff. Mostly looking at stuff that the AR was originally made for: a solid fighting carbine.

I have a few questions to start things off, but I would be stoked for any other questions being added or any unsolicited advice about the subject.

I am curious about brands. I understand that a lot is qc and engineering that you’re paying for. An Anderson or bushmaster rifle isn’t going to ever come close to a Knights Armament, but what about a BCM vs a KAC? Is SOLGW any good?

Mixing parts: can I expect good results if I say, put a SOLGW or BCM upper on a lower I have laying around, assuming I adjust the buffer weight as needed? Why or why not?

How good is “good enough” for you? Where do you draw the line?

If you had a $1500-1800 budget for a bare rifle, what would you do? Build or buy? What?

First, I will NEVER use any other brand other than SOLGW. Period. They make the best AR hands down, and they run an amazing company. I have the owners cell phone number; that is how good they are. He sent me a free shirt once after I made a comment about it in a picture. Secondly, I have used many different AR brands over the years. From cheap ones to LWRC and SOLGW. My LWRC is excellent as well. But it doesn’t beat the latter. Sons uses the very best parts in their rifles, all the way down to the springs they use. And they disclose where they get their parts from. Most company’s won’t do that. They also have a 100% lifetime warranty. If you shoot your barrel out, they give you a new one. Same with the BCG, unless it can be fixed. The fit and finish is the best I’ve seen as well. My LWRC is a close second. Third would be my Mega Arms rifle. I’m not saying there aren’t other options out there that aren’t good, because there are, but in my opinion, SOLGW is the best.

As far as mixing uppers and lowers, I’m not a big fan of it. I like all my component’s to be from the same company. And mine are. Now as far as hand-guards and such, that’s different. I’m talking about the upper/lower, bcg, and barrel. I use spikes tactical tungsten buffers and SpringoCo buffer springs. Mixing things can be done, and the gun can run really good. I just don’t like doing it as I said. I know all my parts are from one company and are designed to work together. Fitment can be an issue using different companies parts. Keep in mind, you can custom build your “blaster” with SOLGW. They even have some cool collaboration rifles right now. If I had the money I would buy them.

 

[sumoj275]

I have had more factory guns than I can count but I don’t have any of any longer. I have also built many rifles too, and have a few of them that haven’t gone any where but to the range and such. Of the rifles and pistols I have used cheap kit builds to some really nice ones with quality parts. I will put my rifle that has BCM pars, GI Spec buffer tube and LMT stock, Aero lower, and so on. I really find satisfaction of fully building my rifles.

If you build a rifle and need to sale it you are better off to disassemble and sale parts individually because most won’t want to pay for your build, especially gun stores.

I would say buy once, cry once for your first, and possibly only one rifle. Colt holds it value, as does DD and BCM.

Oddly I want either a Colt SP1, Colt 6920 that is older roll marked or a new Colt A4 just to accompany my Colt revolvers and pistol.

 

[Jcann]

I own a $4K tuned JP, a DD, a few mid tier guns, and a few budget guns. I can tell you from FIRST HAND experience, that there is NO comparison on how they shoot. Sure, they all work and function as designed, but shooting a finely tuned rifle system is like marrying a super model that can cook. It’s really funny how my buddies love their PSA, BC, S&W or Frankenbuild, and it’s just as good as what I shoot…until they shoot mine. I’ve heard “holy ****” more times than I can count on two hands. I’ll take my smooth, solid, quiet (relative), accurate JP over any gun I have, every day of the week and twice on days ending in Y.

Agree 10,000%, there is nothing like shooting a finely tuned JP. My buddies had the same reaction, holy****! Even their PCC is amazing.

 

[swampratt]

Makes me want to shoot a high quality AR and see what all the hype is about.
Ruger and S&W I will never spend a dime on their stuff again.

Names I do not care about but performance I do. Show me better performance.

 

[dennishoddy]

As most know, I'm enamored with the .243WSSM, having two uppers built on Shilen match grade stainless barrels, one a .920 bull barrel in 1:8 twist for heavies and the other also a Shilen match grade in 1:12 for 55 grainers.
Also have some DPMS, and an early Remington built by Bushmaster as well as a couple budget builds, so my shooting runs the gamut from cheap AR's to high end.
There is a difference, both in accuracy and reliability.
IMHO, an accurate AR requires is #1, a barrel that can achieve accuracy. #2 is a trigger , and #3 good glass.

 

[Gideon]

Buy gun.
Shoot gun.
If gun break, buy better gun.
If gun not broke yet, haven't shot enough.
If gun wear out without break, that's good gun, buy that one again.

Simple as.

 

[Profreedomokie]

I guess I could write a page about ARs I've bought or built and experiences I've had with both but, I won't. Anybody taking time to read this thread has their mind made up on what works for them or what AR is the best before they read this posting. I think it is easy to have a bad opinion of product or brand if you get a defective item. That doesn't mean everything that company makes is junk. Maybe you just got a lemon. If you get two lemons from the same company, then their quality would be in question. Everybody does what works for them or what they can afford. Personally, I can't justify spending $3000 to $4000 on an AR or $20,000 on a Rolex. I have less costly rifles and watches that meet my needs. If I wanted to spend that much on a rifle or watch I could but, I won't. If high end items trip your trigger, then go for it.

 

[TedKennedy]

Makes me want to shoot a high quality AR and see what all the hype is about.
Ruger and S&W I will never spend a dime on their stuff again.

Names I do not care about but performance I do. Show me better performance.

I've got a buddy that loves him some super-duper go fast zippity doo da calibers. He used to give me crap for shooting old Mauser calibers (7x57, 8x57 etc..)

I told him I'd never seen a deer outrun one of my old bullets, but as soon as I did, I'd get something faster.

I think a lot of the hype with some of these AR companies is like sellin' fishin' lures. You catch fishermen, moreso than fish.

 

[James Abram]

View attachment 388711

That’s all of the JP shooters at the last 3 gun match, watching the poors struggle to get through a stage with their budget “just as good” rifle!

 

[TedKennedy]

That’s all of the JP shooters at the last 3 gun match, watching the poors struggle to get through a stage with their budget “just as good” rifle!

But did they have cool Spandex shirts stretch over their voluminous bellies?