which AR

[rcnut]

I am planning to pick up a new AR and would like some input on make.? I am a left hander but learned in the Army 30 yrs ago to use a right hand weapon , left handed! . I am going to get a right handed so when I leave the earthly bounds my son or daughter may inherit this fine weapon. I do not like the .223 cal. and want the 6.8 but I do have a few questions. This is the same as a 270 cal but is it a true 270? meaning can you use 270 in it? if not that is ok I still am getting it. Now what make does everyone have and what are the pros and cons. looking at a Stag, Bushmaster,DPMS, Smith Wesson. are there any real differences in lowers and uppers? I need positive input to base my decision on.
gary

[The Knight Of Light]

Get the cheapest one you can find. Then shoot the piss out of it. Then upgrade the crap out of it. Then shoot the piss out of it some more.

[Liquid Rhino]

LH or RH shouldn't really impact most AR users. Some complain about issues with the charging handle or ejector, but you'll find what works best for you quickly.
I'm a lefty & find it to be no big deal.

6.8 is a nice option, be aware that unless you purchase a complete rifle, 6.8 barrel changes sometimes require different upper receivers (or just bolt assemblies in some cases) & magazines. AR's are pretty rock solid on all sides of the pricing spectrum, as Lord mentioned above, it's simply comes down to your preference in fit & finish; as with many things in life, you'll pay a premium for looks, if that's what you're into.
Perhaps, if you might have some specific questions about what you're looking into - this might help us give you better answers!

On the high grade, Colts & LMT's are said to be among the favorites. Stag & S&W as you mentioned are quality middle tier rifles. There are also very solid Rock Rivers & Bushmasters to name a few.

Am I missing anything else guys?

[mvician]

http://www.ko-tonics.com/68-FAQ.html

http://demigodllc.com/~zak/firearms/6.8SPC/faq.php

http://demigodllc.com/~zak/articles/sgn_68spc/?stag

take a look at ammo prices for 6.8spc

and I thought .223/5.56 was out of hand

Good Luck

[rcnut]

thank you for your info, I really appreciate someone that will give info and not off the cuff coments. I am planning on using it for hunting along with home defense to go along with my XD45. and just for target shooting. my old eyes are still good enough for iron sights but am also looking at either eotec or aimpoint or ACOG. the later I really really like!!!! as for the price, I believe that you get what you pay for, I am not worried to pay 1200 or so for the rifle and then what ever for the optics. so for now I guess I look around at what is available in the gun shops and go from there.

[The Knight Of Light]

You know people could learn alot from "cuff" comments. I said you should get a rifle ASAP. Cheapest available. Then start saving your money and learn to work with the rifle. I know I didn't explain it quite that way but that is what I said. You will get way more enjoyment out of a super cheap rifle than you will the most expensive "Super-Uber-Tactical" whatever caliber the cool people are using. A super cheap gun will work for a long time and then you will get the itch of "Upgradeus Tacticalis" (a disease affecting many black rifle owners).

This is what I buy when I get a new black rifle.



You know those kids with the super tuned cars? You think they pay people to do all that crap? Course not!! Most of them can't afford it(most!!). They do all the work themselves.

I do all the work myself now. I need only the cheapest lower I can get!

My first one. About 950$ total.


My Second About 1200$ total.


My third. About 2500$ total. The upper was custom built by White Oak.





My "cuff" comment come with some with knowledge albeit a bit of cheek as well. I didn't mean to offend but I still think people should be buying lowers and building. Like building a kick ass computer. Pick all the best parts and get the most out of it!

[rcnut]

thank you, I just didn't understand your tongue in cheek response. I have a very good working knowledge of the AR, just not alot of info on what is offered out there and which is good or bad. I AM planning on building to get what I want, and I now know which lowers are better, nothing with alot of things hanging on it, but one that is extremly accurate and a joy to shoot. again thank you for your info.

[Badshot]

Well if you're not price shy then look at LMT, White Oak, POF and LaRue (Stealth) for the upper. Throw what ever lower floats your boat, get a good LPK, I don't believe there is a difference in the LPK requirement for 6.5 or 6.8. Stick with brands like MagPul, VLTOR and their ilk for stock and grip options.

Decide if you want a Flattop or A2 upper receiver style and that will turn you in the direction of considering your BUIS (if needed and a whole other discussion) and optics mounting considerations. Shop for your ACOG on ARFCOM unless you're dead set on in the box and new. If that's the case then SWFA and Optics Planet are solid resources for the ACOG.

If you're not going to deck it out with a VFG, light and forend rail, then perhaps think about a FF tube. The 6.8 will reach out to a fair distance and still pack more ballistic power than the 5.56 does, so perhaps free floating the barrel wouldn't be a bad idea.

And Mike gave you a link to Zak Smiths Website.. drop him a line.. he's one of the few folks I know of here in Colorado that shoots 6.5 and 6.8 competitively (well him and the 3 or 4 guys he has a business with) and does very well with it. He's also one of the smartest tactical and long range shooters I've met.

As for the 270cal in a 6.8 chambered weapon.. that I'm not sure on, but I'll bet Zak knows and can get you that answer if no one here does.

[Deadcenter]

Originally Posted by rcnut

...SNIP...This is the same as a 270 cal but is it a true 270? meaning can you use 270 in it? ...
gary

I'm thinking that would be a NO because a .270 is a necked down .30-06 ... and that is even longer than the .308

[bigun]

.270 win and 6.8 spec only share a bullet diameter, the case of the 6.8 is based off the old .30rem a rimless equivelent of a 30/30 from the early years of the 20th century. the .270 is based off a 30/06. That being said if you are planning to use the 6.8 for deer hunting from all reports it works fine for short to medium range with a 130 grain bullet. For what you are planning however I would look seriously at a Armalite AR10 carbine. .308 win will fit your bill better and at least after the war ammo should be pretty easy to come by again and reloading is a simple preposition.