223, 243 or 308
I am looking for some advice on an AR rifle. I recently had an anniversary and got my wife a nice ring. It worked like a charm, she told me to go out and buy something nice.
My question is what do you look for in an AR rifle? How important is barrell length with an AR?
Some of the ones that I have looked at are the Smith & Wesson, Bushmaster, DPMS, Rock River and Yankee Hill. Are these good choices? Is there really a difference in an AR rifle?
I am looking at the RRA entry level and the predator pursuit both in 223. I was looking at a DPMS in 223 but they also had a 243 and a 308. Am I better off with a 223 or a 243/308? I have quite a few rifles and this will be used to punch paper. The 243 does interest me.
I am not looking for a lot of information, just am I on the right track. Is the 223 a better choice?
My question is what do you look for in an AR rifle? How important is barrell length with an AR?
Some of the ones that I have looked at are the Smith & Wesson, Bushmaster, DPMS, Rock River and Yankee Hill. Are these good choices? Is there really a difference in an AR rifle?
I am looking at the RRA entry level and the predator pursuit both in 223. I was looking at a DPMS in 223 but they also had a 243 and a 308. Am I better off with a 223 or a 243/308? I have quite a few rifles and this will be used to punch paper. The 243 does interest me.
I am not looking for a lot of information, just am I on the right track. Is the 223 a better choice?
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I would avoid the 243. It burns a lot of powder compared to the 6MM BR.
The 308 is an awesome paper puncher with better hunting potential than the 223. My choice would be a 308 hands down.
My .020 -
I depends on what you want to do with it. If you stick with a good brand most AR's are basically the same.
Now just so you know the .243, .308, 260, ect guns are not AR-15's, the are AR-10 that are built on a slightly larger frame. The AR-10 is not as light and handy as the AR-15 but packs a larger round.
AR-15 upper
AR-10 lower
AR-15 lower
I have several AR-15's in different calibers (9mm, .223, .22, .300 Whisper). I have an AR-10 receiver that I plan on building a .243 gun with some day. I am going with the .243 because I like the caliber and I have enough other .308 semi auto guns.
EDIT: The .243 has been my main hunting round for many years. Also I have tons of loading stuff on hand so that is another reason for me not to change calibers.0 -
I'm also not a fan of the 243 esp for hunting.
If you plan to hunt or use for defence it's the 308.
If you plan to play a bunch the .223 is the only way to go.
The 243 might be fine for paper punching but I don't like reloading it or the 223.0 -
Thanks for the posts.
I am not asking if I should buy one but which one.
Can you tell me anything about the brands of rifle that I listed above? I am leaning toward the RRA in 223. Are there any inherent issues that occur with one brand over another?
Is a 16 inch barrel for a 223 OK or shoud I go with the 20-24?
I will be using this as a range rifle and will not be taking it hunting. (I have everyting from a 6mm up to a 375, that will cover what I hunt.)0 -
I have a Bushmaster with 16 inch barrel...its a blast to shoot. 16 inches work fine 20-24 inches give more velocity, but if you are just going to shoot things at the range the 16 inch barrelis just fine. Its a little lighter and shorter in overall length. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by 5mmgunguy
I have a Bushmaster with 16 inch barrel...its a blast to shoot. 16 inches work fine 20-24 inches give more velocity, but if you are just going to shoot things at the range the 16 inch barrelis just fine. Its a little lighter and shorter in overall length.
Same here. Really a joy to carry!
Jon0 -
If you already have plenty of big game rifles, I'd go with the 223. Cheaper ammo and more selections. For just playing, the 16" is fine and usually about as accurate as needed. I would go with either the standard barrel or a lightweight. I have a couple of heavy barrelled AR's and they get pretty weighty for anything but bench shooting. Should you decide to add on to the basic .223, there are lots of options and you can bump up the output with several different uppers. 0 -
If you aren't planning on hunting with it, or shooting anything but paper, then this is a no-brainer. Get the .223.
Its cheaper and far more pleasant to shoot than the others. Your wife (or kids, etc) might like to shoot the .223, she probably won't appreciate the .308 so much.
Longer barrels will give you more velocity at the cost of greater bulk and little more weight. If you're only shooting paper, that probably isn't an advantage, but it might be if you're shooting living things (particularly if they are shooting back at you).
A longer barrel also *might* give you a longer sight radius with iron sights (if you are using them) depending on how the particular gun is set up.
For a "plinker" or casual range shooting, any of the major brands will work fine. All the different variations can drive you nuts, but I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about this. Just decide what kind of sighting system you want (iron or scope) and buy accordingly. One of the advantages of AR-type guns is that they are highly modular. If you decide later you want to upgrade the grip or trigger, those things are easy to drop in.
If this is a 100% range gun (eg rather than one you'll be carrying hunting or for combat), then you might like a heavy barrel. Any of the various "varmint" type guns would probably work well for range use.
If you want to use this thing for SERIOUS match shooting, then you'll have to look into match grade barrels and triggers. Also, if you intend to shoot for accuracy at LONG distances with it, you'll want to use heavy-weight match bullets, which means you'll need a fast-twist rate barrel.0 -
If you get a 223 get the 5.56 sammi chamber. You'll be glad you did. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by bpost1958
I would avoid the 243. It burns a lot of powder compared to the 6MM BR.
The 308 is an awesome paper puncher with better hunting potential than the 223. My choice would be a 308 hands down.
My .02
Another vote for the .308!0 -
quote:Originally posted by flivver35
Thanks for the posts.
I am not asking if I should buy one but which one.
Can you tell me anything about the brands of rifle that I listed above? I am leaning toward the RRA in 223. Are there any inherent issues that occur with one brand over another?
Is a 16 inch barrel for a 223 OK or shoud I go with the 20-24?
I will be using this as a range rifle and will not be taking it hunting. (I have everyting from a 6mm up to a 375, that will cover what I hunt.)
There are no inherent issues with most brands except there are three of them that you want to steer clear of, and possibly four. The Three are by the same maker, they will say Hesse, Blackthorne, or Vulcan on. They are JUNK, and so are the AK's made by them. Just an attempt to outrun their quality issues by changingtheir name. The other one is Century Arms International...CAI. Their quality is hit or miss.
I would go with a Flat top model with a 20 inch bull barrel....no sights, but a Picatinny rail to put flip up sights on. put in a good 2 stage match trigger, and a good scope and mount, and you will have a great rifle.
I personally don't see the reasoning for the bayo lug, and flash hider, as i don't plan on anyone getting close enough for to have to stick them...and if they do, then the lack of the flash hider will burn their eyes out.
If you want to step up in size, there is the DPMS LR 308, or 260. They will stretch out as far as you want to.
Best0
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