AR-15 ''Tiers'' (brands)

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The Irony is that a RRA, DPMS, etc upgraded to the same specs as a Colt or BCM would cost about the same or even more. And this is without MP Testing, Shot peening, etc. It isn't that these companies CAN'T make a better gun. It is that they won't.
 
The Chart would be impossible to update on a regular basis for that. When you literally have everybody and his brother making ARs...

At the very least, with the explanation of features and a careful eye, you can generally check out an AR not listed for yourself and see what it offers.
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Rob did have the chart showing secondary options for awhile, but I guess that became troublesome because the chart is also based on user input other than just Rob himself and his research.

And you're right. And that is kind of the point. The chart is not an absolute indicator of a manufacturer's quality. Then considering how pretty much everyone but the top five companies buys pretty much everything from Continental Arms, well...
 
Azizza said:
The chart is accurate and is kept up to date on an almost weekly basis. DPMS only offers Chrome lining as an option.
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Wrong. Several DPMS models come with a chrome lined bore as standard.

I meant a chrome lined chamber in the receiver which is an option for the DPMS I'm looking at online, right now.
 
I personally don’t care for the chart. It really just depends on what your going to be using the AR for.
$600-$800 dollar Ars will be golden for weekend plinkers. They probably will never have a problem. There will be some guys that say their tier 3 Ars will out shoot the tier 1s. Well the tier 3s might Have tighter chamber tolerances but they wont be as reliable because of that.
Theres tons of trade offs. It all boils down to what its gonna be used for. I own a DPMS but I plan on getting a colt in the A2 style, but I don’t want an National match Hbar. I also plan on building my own varmint AR with all the goodies.
I want the colt for the “supposed” reliability and to stash away. I wouldn’t say I beat the hell out of my DPMS but it gets put through the paces.

Theres also so many of the internet people that hear one story and pace it off to others. The last 10 years many of the companies that have been making ARs have upped the quality and make a fine rifle. Especially for the price. There still is a lot of companies that make junk ARs.
 
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azziza said:
Chrome-moly barrel steel is not Chrome lined.
You have to select the Chrome lining option when you build out the gun. This is not how they come default from the factory.
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Thanks for that info - good to know.
 
Please ignore the silly @ss chart. People need to resist the urge to post it.
 
I own a DPMS but I plan on getting a colt in the A2 style, but I don’t want an National match Hbar.
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I want the colt for the “supposed” reliability
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if your planning to get a 20" a2, reliability with a colt will be no more certain than with any other make.

the only colt i would consider would be a 6920, but even in that category there are wiser choices (cough lmt among others cough)
 
I'd say this chart is very biased...

it completely ignores Hesse/Vulcan :)
 
i'd think a knights armorer would be coughing about the SR15 :) awesome carbine
 
*looks at the chart*

I'm kind of wondering if it is actually updated every week, though. I know a couple manufacturers have earned a few more X's lately...
 
I think Rob did a find job on the chart and you can learn a lot from it. It's a godsend if you're building an AR or buying a complete rifle. Maintaining the chart must be a nightmare but he keeps it up to date.

You can deviate from the left of the chart where the Colt, LMT and BCM are yet still end up with a fine AR. If you believe a 1:9 twist is better suited to the ammo you'll use, go ahead. If you ended up with a commercial receiver extension but aren't changing the slider, no big deal. If you don't have the F-marked FSB, it can be corrected with a taller sight blade. Go ahead and buy a midlength gas system even though it's not milspec.

The things that are most important are the bolt/carrier and barrel. Make sure yours are robust and reliable.

Don't get angry at the chart, learn from it and avoid mistakes. If you do deviate from it - know what you're doing.
 
Join Date: January 1, 2008
Posts: 2,067

*looks at the chart*

I'm kind of wondering if it is actually updated every week, though. I know a couple manufacturers have earned a few more X's lately...
Click to expand...

Send a message to Rob_S with any corrections.
 
What would be the best brand AR for reliability? If I where going to buy just an upper is this like the LMT you talking about?
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Yes, that's LMT's standard 16" bbl carbine flattop.

I have one, excellent product. I'd rather go for a Bravo Company midlength upper, though. LMT is, unless i am mistaken, still behind on production and the midlength is better suited, anyway...
 
Sebastian the Ibis said:
I saw a bolt catch break on brand new Colt 6920 at the range last week, while the owner was taking slow careful shots downrange.


They all have problems.
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I saw an Ed Brown Classic Custom 1911 have a fte once and my Para-Ordnance has been flawless...therefore my Para is just as good or better than an Ed Brown. :scrutiny: I don't think so.
 
looks at the chart*

I'm kind of wondering if it is actually updated every week, though. I know a couple manufacturers have earned a few more X's lately...
Click to expand...

does knights armament have a carbine on that chart?
 
does knights armament have a carbine on that chart?
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I don't think so, simply owing to the rarity of the SR-15. I.E., you don't see Wilson or Les Baer rifles up there for the same reason, they are not common rifles. You also don't see a lot of other manufacturers up there. I think at one time I counted up over two dozen AR manufacturers of varying sizes and popularity. Again, you can check out the features of any given AR-15 variant for yourself with the explanations given. It's not that hard.

BS. If that were true, they'd show the LEC15A4CBKinstead of the M15A4C

Armalite's M4gery has been out for over 2 years now. Up to date my A$$.
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Well, send in a correction instead of whining. Armalite's M4gery still says M15 A4 on their website and then LEC15A4CBK under it.
 
The chart is accurate and is kept up to date on an almost weekly basis
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BS. If that were true, they'd show the LEC15A4CBKinstead of the M15A4C

Armalite's M4gery has been out for over 2 years now. Up to date my A$$.
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And what's wrong with the M15A4C? I just got that upper myself. Chose it over the LEC since I wanted a middy.

Anyway, I know what you're saying, it may be better to have the M4 represented but I'm fairly sure the LEC would end up rated the same as the the midlength. Little difference between them except the M4 profile barrel vs. medium profile with no M203 notch and about 1/2 lb in weight.
 
*looks at the chart*

I'm kind of wondering if it is actually updated every week, though. I know a couple manufacturers have earned a few more X's lately...
Click to expand...
Easy to whine and say stuff like that. If you KNOW it put it out for everyone to see.

Put up or shut up.
 
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