Which AR do I get?

[YOTE]

I'm looking for an AR to call coyotes with. I want a .223 cal, something short and versatile. I need to be quick and mobile with it so I was thinking a 16 inch barrel or there abouts. Originally I was thinking a Smith M&P but that is pretty tactical. I really just need a basic gun. I may hunt at night a lil bit. I already have a very nice swift and a very nice 243 that are long range tac drivers so this AR is strictly for calling. I dont need it to be dual purpose. As far as price the lower the better but I want quality and functionality. I can prob put a grand into this toy but if I can do it for less why not (thats gun and glass). Any advice on scopes or other acceceries is welcome. I dont need much power with this glass.

Thanks guys lets hear what you think.

 

[Biggs300]

Not a 16" barrel and just a bit heavy, but I'd take a look at the Bushmaster Varminter. I don't do much varmint hunting these days but mine is really accurate. I'm looking for a new scope for mine as I robbed the to scope for my 300 Win Mag. I can't imagine a better varmint rifle on an AR platform.

 

[bogger01]

i have read some reviews on the dpms A3 flat top with the 16 inch bull barrel.it might be a bit on the heavy side but it couldn't be but so bad.and just find a good lower with a decent trigger and go with that.

 

[timl]

I'm sure some people will disagree with me on this, but the bottom line is any of the "big name" AR makers are good to go. Actually, most of them use the same parts. I would say Stag, DPMS, S&W, Remington will serve you well. I would go with a 16" barrel, fixed stock, flattop upper with a Nikon buckmaster scope (you pick the power). Find a model without a front sight, because you're not going to use it and it can get in the way when your scope is on low power. That's my 2 cents, let's see what others think.....

 

[WildRose]

I'm looking for an AR to call coyotes with. I want a .223 cal, something short and versatile. I need to be quick and mobile with it so I was thinking a 16 inch barrel or there abouts. Originally I was thinking a Smith M&P but that is pretty tactical. I really just need a basic gun. I may hunt at night a lil bit. I already have a very nice swift and a very nice 243 that are long range tac drivers so this AR is strictly for calling. I dont need it to be dual purpose. As far as price the lower the better but I want quality and functionality. I can prob put a grand into this toy but if I can do it for less why not (thats gun and glass). Any advice on scopes or other acceceries is welcome. I dont need much power with this glass.

Thanks guys lets hear what you think.

Personally I'd say go with the DPMS LR-260, or their AR 15 in 6.5x47, 6.5 Grendyl or .204 Ruger. The .204 is a vastly superior varmint round. The 6.5's however give you a great varmint round capable of 1000yds in the right build that will double as a great deer rifle as well.

With the LR-260 you can customize and if you ever decide to go bigger just rebarrel or build different uppers to drop in. I prefer a minimum 20" barrel myself.

 

[13point]

The Rock River Predator Pursuit shoots really good.

 

[13point]

Trying to attach a pic. shooting a Rock River at 500 yards.

 

[13point]

It worked, notice the Deer standing between me and the target. No, I didn't shoot it.

 

[6.5shaggy]

Yote,
As said before any of the name brands are good to go, but also pricey. You may consider a kit build to save money. I have used Del-Ton 16 and 20 inch kits with much success. 3/4 moa groups on both are normal and Del-Ton has customizable options when ordering that are affordable. The kits are pretty easy to build; just get a lower from Brownells (or wherever) for about $150 (after shipping and transfer) and the kit ships to your door for about $550 and you got a custom rifle for around $700.

 

[EFR]

Build your own. You'll save yourself some cash and get what you want. AR parts are everywhere, a little Internet shopping will get you a good idea. I am putting together a coyote AR now. I bought the lower and Lower parts kit from Palmetto State Armory. very impressed with price and quality. I will probably get the barrel from Lothar Walther, and bolt/carrier and upper from Palmetto. Spend your money on a barrel, and trigger. The AR is a nice platform.

 

[GonzoK34]

I just ordered a 24" Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel barrel to build a new upper for my existing combo of switch barrel ARs. I hunt coyotes, jackrabbits and ground squirrels in the desert foothills. The 223s have been good, but are limited when shooting beyond 200 yards. The bullets (55, 69, and 77gr) are touchy in the wind.

The 6.5 Grendel has an excellent track record for outstanding accuracy for hogs, deer and antelope out to 500yds. It is very capable of shooting MOA at 800yards and is a valid 1000 yard caliber.

I have 16" and 20" uppers 223 with 1.7/1.8 twist barrels. I always hunt wearing a backpack, binoculars, etc. I've found that the 20" is my 1st choice when hunting in mixed terrain that includes, thick close in cover, steep canyons, long draws, and wide rolling open country.

The 24" 6.5 Grendel barrel takes advantage of the high BC bullets and the long range reach I'm looking for. In the desert I see varmints out to 800 and 900 yards. So I need, want, and must have an excuse to build a new combo hunting rifle that can shooting little stuff and big stuff with range not being and issue.

Gonzo
SEMPER FIDELIS

 

[MudRunner2005]

There's only 1 brand in AR-platform rifles you need to know...

And that is: LWRC International, LLC

Short-stroke gas piston operation, which is a much cleaner and reliable operation than the DGI guns. DGI = Direct Gas Impingement. Which is where the gas is actually blown back into the upper reciever to cycle the weapon. Where-as a gas piston operated system just uses the gas' force to push a piston & rod system to cycle the weapon, so no spent gas enters the upper reciever to cause build-up or makes it all nasty and filthy.

I have shot probably 1,000 or so rounds through my LWRC M6A1, and I have yet to clean it....There simply is NO powder or carbon residue or buildup. I do keep it oiled, but no need to clean yet.

 

[Korhil78]

I finished building my AR in June. I built it around the 6.5 Grendel. It has a Satern barrel, Magpul buttstock and a timney trigger. The rest is just your basic AR parts. The Optics on it is a 6.5-20x50 VXIII LRT. Only thing that you have to change between the 223 and the 6.5 Grendel is the bolt and the magazines. I also put a muzzle brake on it and I can now watch my rounds hit target. I am hoping this will give me faster follow up shots if multiple coyotes come in. I found a good load that will put 5 shots into a 3/4" grouping at 100 yards. I am using 100 gr ballistic tips at the moment. I havn't shot any coyotes with it yet but plan to. I am sure those 100 gr BTs are going to put the hurt on a coyote. So far, I am pleased with the 6.5 Grendel.

 

[GonzoK34]

Korhil78,

Consider comparing several of the high BC match bullets. Several have commented on there accuracy on varmints, hogs, deer and even elk. I'm waiting for my barrel several weeks to go. What's your load data with the 100gr BTs?

Take a look at: 6.5 Grendel.com/forum, look up the Thread by PA_Allen
"Some of my best loads with chrono data. This has some good information.

Gonzo