New Upper for one of my ARs???
 

I figured it'd been awhile since I looked into Uppers for my AR and I'm hopping they are starting to be more ""Obtainable""...

I want to build something for longer range, varmint style I guess...

I've been looking at maybe a RRA Predator Pursuit 20"...

http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/...s/upredp08.gif

or one of these in 20"
http://www.rockriverarms.com/images/products/uva408.gif

No idea what lead times are...

Anything else I should look at in the 20" length and 650-700.00 range???

Re: New Upper for one of my ARs???
 

I keep scanning those specs looking for weights. I don't see it. When you go 20 or 24" bull barrel on an AR, you really add a lot of weight.

You really only gain a couple of things with increasing weight in a bull barrel.

1) It makes the rifle more muzzle heavy. This does tend to make the rifle "hang" better. It will steady out faster from off hand and people usually shoot them better for that reason.

2) Heat dissipation. A heavy barrel takes a lot more shots to heat up. That can be important on a barrel which will see sustained full auto use. Or one that will be using in semi mode for quick mag after quick mag. But a varmint AR is usually just shot 2-3 shots at a time so this really doesn't make a big difference.

At least try to handle an AR with a long bull barrel before you commit to buying one. I just can't enjoy them myself. The Designated Marksmen Rifles are super accurate at long range but they don't have long heavy barrels.

If you really want to go with a long barrel, pay the extra money to have it fluted all along its length. It not only looks cool (!) but it lets you have a stiff barrel that cools quickly with less weight.

http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/

G

Re: New Upper for one of my ARs???
 

Re: New Upper for one of my ARs???
 

20-24 inch bull barrels on an AR are fine for shooting from a bench or padded rest. Accurate, slow to heat, slow to cool, better "hang" as tulsamal says...but too heavy to carry around.

I prefer the Bushmaster Fluted versions. Reduces weight, as rigid as a bull barrel, increased surface area increases cooling, and chrome-lining for better barrel life, easier to carry around. Maybe not quite as accurate as a broach-cut match chambered barrel, but few will notice.