Spikes Tactical ST15
I've been trying to learn as much as I can about all the manufacturers of AR style guns before my first purchase. I know very little about the mechanical operations or building my own. Thanks for all the input on my other posts. I have heard some great reviews about spikes.
I went to their website and see I can get a complete spikes rifle. From what I've researched, this appears to be a top quality rifle at a very competitive price. Looks like you can get a spike rifle at bushmaster prices. There are some satisfied spikes owners that would rate their spike above a Colt.
They have a 6-8 week backlog on orders but how about a few comment on their complete ST-15 Mid-lenth LE Carbine? It seems to be a complete package at a great price. One spec i'm not sure about is the 1:7 twist versus 1:9 twist. Please comment on this package and this pro/cons of the lower twist rate.
I will mostly be using it for target and some hunting (coyotes, hogs). I already have several hundred rounds of military fmj ammo and american eagle ammo that I would be shooting before buying new or reloading.
Thanks
I went to their website and see I can get a complete spikes rifle. From what I've researched, this appears to be a top quality rifle at a very competitive price. Looks like you can get a spike rifle at bushmaster prices. There are some satisfied spikes owners that would rate their spike above a Colt.
They have a 6-8 week backlog on orders but how about a few comment on their complete ST-15 Mid-lenth LE Carbine? It seems to be a complete package at a great price. One spec i'm not sure about is the 1:7 twist versus 1:9 twist. Please comment on this package and this pro/cons of the lower twist rate.
I will mostly be using it for target and some hunting (coyotes, hogs). I already have several hundred rounds of military fmj ammo and american eagle ammo that I would be shooting before buying new or reloading.
Thanks
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I'm not sure that any one around these parts have a complete Spikes rifle. They are still to new to comment on. Comparing it to a Colt will ruffle some feathers here. Originally AR's basically were loaded with only 55 grain bullets and had a 1 in 12 twist rate. As bullets got longer and heavier the twist rate had to drop to stabilize the heavier and longer bullets thus the commonality of the 1 in 7, 1 in 8 and 1 in 9 inch twists. I myself would probably want a 1 in 8. 0 -
It will be hard to beat the offerings that Rock River Arms has to give.
http://www.rockriverarms.com/
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Spikes is a good manufacturer IMHO.
As said before, the original twist rate for 55 grain bullets was 1 in 12.
When they started using the 62 grain bullets, the Military changed the twist to 1 in 7. This was specifically to stabilize the long tracer rounds.
If you are not going to shoot 62 to 75 grain bullets, you probably don't need 1 in 7. 1 in 9 is a good comprimise in that you can shoot anything from 40 grain to 62 grain in theory. Note, there have been instances where 40 grain bullets have shredded themselves apart about 20 feet downrange after being shot in a 1 in 7 barrel due to excess rotational forces.
The other thing you need to know about barrels is whether or not you want chrome lining and a 5.56 or 223 chamber.
Chrome lined barrels tend to last longer and definitely work better in full auto applications, but supposedly are less accurate because of coating thickness variations. A chrome moly barrel (what they call the unlined barrels just to muddy the waters) will still last about 8000 - 10,000 rounds. YMMV
IMHO, you definitely want a 5.56 NATO chamber. From what I've seen 5.56 chambered rifles tend to feed more different ammo brands and types better than 223 chambers. Again YMMV.
I consider most brands of AR to be of decent quality. I would be comfortable with Colt, Stag, Rock River, CMMG, Novitske (spelling) and a few others. I have, however, always heard to avoid Hesse, Vulcan and Blackthorne like the plague.
One other thing I would suggest since this is your first rifle and it doesn't sound like you want to customize it (yet), I would suggest you go with something completely built from a reputable manufacturer and dealer. If you have an issue, you want to be able to get support.
Good luck. And welcome to the Black Rifle Disease. [}:)]0 -
I have a Spikes mid length that I purchased about 3 years ago. They are at most of the local Gun Shows here in Tampa/Lakeland and have a very good reputation not only for quality products but for great customer service.
I also have a similar rifle from RRA. Both have performed flawlessly for me. I have an eotech on the Spikes and iron sights on the RRA. I am no dead eye but at 200 yds I put most shots in a 3 inch circle. This is just supporting the gun not putting it in a rest We have a 565 yd berm with a tractor tire on it and I can put my shots in the middle of the tire consistently with just the eotech or iron sites and some "Kentucky Windage".
My limited experience is that past 300 yds, the wind really messes with the .223 round.0
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