Need some AR-15 help..upper question

[ECVMatt]

I have had an Eagle Arms ER-15 for about 15 years. I love the gun; it is a standard A2 config. It shoots like a dream and jams are usually linked to ammo or mags. The gun runs great!

However I would like to change a few things to make the rifle more handy. I want to get an upper with a mid length hand guards, flat top w/o any sights, and mount a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR/T. I would most likely be using the rifle for fun and varmint control at ranges within 250 yards. I would also like to add a collapsible stock.

So here are my questions. What bbl length is best 18" or 16"?
I have read the ammo oricale and think that an 18" might be best for me.
What is a good complete upper that will not break the bank?
What is a good collapsible stock for a bigger fella ( I am about 6'2", 220)?
Some of the collapsible stocks I have tried seemed a little short.

I have tried to search all this stuff out, but there is just so much AR stuff out there now.

Any help would be welcomed.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Zeke Menuar]

Unless you need the extra range of a 20" barrel, you probably won't notice the difference between a 20" and 16" barrel.

Back when I was shopping for my first AR, I found that there weren't a lot of options in 18" AR's. CMMG is your best bet to find a 18" AR upper. They sell several versions

I like CMMG uppers. They will option out your upper almost any way you want.
http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?shop=1&cart=786300&cat=1&

One option some guys do, and I'm considering, is to cut a 20" AR down to 18". You still get the advantages of the rifle length gas system in a handier package.

Otherwise a 16" midlength is a good fit for what you want.

As far as the adjustable stock, I have one lower with the fixed A2 stock and a lower with a collapsible stock and I switch them out to suit my needs.

I tried every scope in my inventory and I keep going back to a 4.5x14x40 variable.
I currently have a fixed 4x scope on my AR and it's not enough. past 150 yards.

This is my AR. The scope changes about every other week. The pic is when I was trying out a Nikon 4.5x14x40 I robbed from my 300 Weatherby. The big Nikon is probably going back on the AR.


Good luck

ZM

 

[07Lway]

The barrel length depends on what you plan on doing with it. I think I like the shorter one if you are going to use for SHTF or HD. The only reason for that is because you can move around easier with it through doorways and halls. If my understanding is right, the length of the barrel has to do with FPS then MOA.

Any of the major brands should be fine for most uses. Del-ton.com is one of the cheaper ones that seems to have good feedback. You can't go wrong with DPMS, Colt, or Bushmaster either.

No idea about the stock.

Please note that I have never touched, fired (obviously if I have never touched one), or seen anyone use an AR-15 in person. My information is only from what my memory recalls reading in the past when I was thinking about getting one. In other words, my post is probably useless .

Edit: I see that someone with a lot more knowledge then me beat me to it (I am slow).

 

[spartacus2002]

Zeke, what scope mount is that?

 

[Siderite]

I may be mistaken, but it appears to be a Larue Tactical SPR mount.

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=30

 

[Zeke Menuar]

That's a Larue SPR mount. I'm hopelessly addicted to Larue kool-aid.

It's the only QD mount that returns to zero when removed and is repeatable.

Plus they send you cool stuff when you buy from them.

ZM

 

[browningguy]

This is my predator control AR, 16" bull barrelled DPMS upper. Out to 250-350 yards I don't think the longer barrels add enough to make a difference. I also like the 18's and 20's, gave very strong consideration to the RRA, but the price midway sells the DPMS for changed my mind. Mine wears a Nikon 3-9 x 40 at present, works well enough at medium ranges.

 

[axegrinder]

ECVMatt,

The way I read it, I think you're not allowed a collapsible stock, that would
make you an instant criminal here in The Peoples Republic of Mexifornia.
Ain't it a bummer having our rights legislated away by traitors that fail
to uphold their sworn oaths?

See (C) below:

12276.1. (a) Notwithstanding Section 12276, "assault weapon" shall also mean any of the following: (1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following: (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon. (B) A thumbhole stock. (C) A folding or telescoping stock. (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher. (E) A flash suppressor. (F) A forward pistol grip. (2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds. (3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.

Please correct me if I'm wrong (about the stock, I mean).

 

[DnPRK]

As long as ecvmatt's rifle was properly registered during the 2000 period, he can configure it in any manner he wants (except to add a grenade launcher which is considered a destructive device).

 

[ECVMatt]

DnpRK is right..

This is a CA registered assult rifle. I can do what ever I want to it as it has already been deemed evil by the state.

Matt

 

[toecutter]

As far as the stock goes, if you want cheap just go with the standard "6 position M4 stock" you can usually pick them up at the gun show for about $50, including buffer. The only mod I suggest is the promag slip on buttpad, they are like $10 and can be bought off the promag website, they can also usually be found at the gunshow, probably at the same table. I'm 6'7 and find between the 6 pos stock and the buttpad, I get more than ample pull length (feel better than many of my other guns in fact) Promag lists part number PM012. It fits perfect on the M4 stock.

As far as the upper options, I would go with a bull 16 or 18" as has been stated previously, you can't go wrong with bushmaster, RRA, or DPMS. IMHO, if you're going 18" you may as well go 20". I would probably go with a barrel that isn't threaded (stainless steel bull barrel) to drop the length.