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 Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
#125527
12/26/06 09:36 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 669
Canazes9
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I'm wanting to buy a Varmint rifle in .223 cal. I'm interested in accuracy, accuracy & accuracy. Weight is not a big concern. Weather resistance is important. Semi-auto would be nice (if reliable and accurate). I want to be able to use this rifle for praire dogs & coyotes primarily.
After shooting a friends Volquartsen .17hmr and being very impressed, I have been looking online at the Volquartsen Evolutions and they seem very nice. I think I would pefer a 24" barrel on the Evolution, but I would imgagine that Volquartsen will provide it that way if requested. The Volquartsen is a little pricey, but I would be willing to spend the coin. Some online research seems to be indicating that I can get a rifle that shoots as accurately w/ a good trigger for substantially less $.
Both Rock River Arms and Bushmaster make 24" Varmint variants that would appear to be good guns for my intended purposes. I would very much like to hear any feed back from anyone shooting these rifles or something similar. Any other semi-auto .223's I should be checking out?
Thanks,
David
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: Canazes9]
#125528
12/27/06 02:07 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 74
RubenZ
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 74 |
I have a Rock River Arms Entry tractical and I'm very pleased with their quality. I'm going to buy their Varmint rifle upper soon. The ROCK River has a better barrel than the bushmaster. The RRA one is a 1:8" twist which will stabilize heavier bullets better than the Bushy's 1:9" twist.
For a .223 caliber you do not need a 24" barrel. 18 or 20" is more than needed. the difference in FPS between a 20" and a 24" is NOT worth the extra weight and expense.
2coolfishing moderators suck balls
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: RubenZ]
#125529
12/27/06 02:46 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 190
teamron
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 190 |
i have a bushmaster with the 20" hbar. got a match trigger in it and it shoots nice. looking to buy a rockriver predator pursuit,it will handle optics better.
teamron
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: RubenZ]
#125530
12/27/06 03:13 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 669
Canazes9
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Quote:
I have a Rock River Arms Entry tractical and I'm very pleased with their quality. I'm going to buy their Varmint rifle upper soon. The ROCK River has a better barrel than the bushmaster. The RRA one is a 1:8" twist which will stabilize heavier bullets better than the Bushy's 1:9" twist.
For a .223 caliber you do not need a 24" barrel. 18 or 20" is more than needed. the difference in FPS between a 20" and a 24" is NOT worth the extra weight and expense.
Reuben,
I don't know [censored] from shinola. I know nothing - squat! Now then, why is a 18-20" barrel just as good as a 24" barrel? I AM NOT saying you are wrong - I'm saying I don't know what's going on and I would appreciate some education on the subject!
Thanks!
David Dixon
Baton Rouge, LA (soon to be Lumberton, TX!)
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: teamron]
#125531
12/27/06 03:18 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 669
Canazes9
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teamron,
Thanks for the response! Could you clarify on the "handle optics better" comment? Once again, not arguing or trying to be a smart A, just trying to understand your point. I know NOTHING about AR-15's in general. I see that there is a huge market for these arms that I couldn't fully explore in 10 years, and I'm trying to learn from others!
Thanks!
David
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: Canazes9]
#125532
12/27/06 03:28 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 190
teamron
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 190 |
my bushmaster has the a2 upper"carry handle". the rock river pursuit has the a4 upper"flat top, no handle". it just gives you a better feel when shooting thru a scope and better scope mounts so you are able to have more scope options. do a google search on rock river arms. hope this helps.
teamron
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: teamron]
#125533
12/27/06 03:44 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,048
tgil
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,048 |
I have an Olympic Arms 16" and it has never let me down. I don't hunt the p-dogs and can see where a longer barrel would be an advantage for the longer range, smaller targets. The A2 carry handle is nice for carrying the weapon, but if I had it to do all over again, I'd probably get the A4 flat top as well. 
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: tgil]
#125534
12/27/06 01:58 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 33
katkiller
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 33 |
i guess i'm more of a traditionalist, with that i mean i don't see these "military style" firearms with laser optics and high tech add-ons to be conventional in the world of hunting. don't get me wrong, to each his own, but give me a good, old fashioned bolt-action rifle any day. i feel a clean bore and good optics are the keys to accuracey. JMO!
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: katkiller]
#125535
12/27/06 02:33 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 74
RubenZ
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 74 |
Quote:
i guess i'm more of a traditionalist, with that i mean i don't see these "military style" firearms with laser optics and high tech add-ons to be conventional in the world of hunting. don't get me wrong, to each his own, but give me a good, old fashioned bolt-action rifle any day. i feel a clean bore and good optics are the keys to accuracey. JMO!
Who said they have to have laser optics and high tech add-ons? The one below you just need to snap on a good scope.
http://www.rockriverarms.com/item-detail...FTOKEN=53038310
is all you need  and if you already have another AR-15 you can just purchase the upper receiver and switch them out in under a minute.
2coolfishing moderators suck balls
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: RubenZ]
#125536
12/27/06 03:08 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 605
Jeff Thomason
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We have shot RRA for the last 2 years. We were really honored when they named the Predator Pursuit rifle after us. It is a great shooting gun. Like they have said before, it will stabilize the heavier bullets, and has the flat top. Look on their site, I think you will like it. Jeff
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: katkiller]
#125537
12/27/06 05:06 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,056
HWY_MAN
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,056 |
Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: katkiller]
#125538
12/27/06 11:09 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 669
Canazes9
OP
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Quote:
i guess i'm more of a traditionalist, with that i mean i don't see these "military style" firearms with laser optics and high tech add-ons to be conventional in the world of hunting. don't get me wrong, to each his own, but give me a good, old fashioned bolt-action rifle any day. i feel a clean bore and good optics are the keys to accuracey. JMO!
KK
I here you, I'm more of a bolt action kind of guy myself. I deer hunt w/ my model 700 LSS in 30-06 or my model 7 SS in 7-08. My rimfire is a Savage 93R17 BVSS... I starting looking at bolt action rifles 1st, primarily for a prarie dogsthen started thinking about the number of times I've called in multiple 'yotes when hunting 'em w/ my deer rifles and only 1 of 'em got put down...
When I started doing a little research, I've found these autoloaders will shoot 3/4 MOA! That's plenty good enough for my needs. In this case a semi-auto just seems like the right tool for the job, and the AR-15 variants seem to be the most bang for the buck so....
By the way, I agree w/ the optics, not neccessarily the clean bore - my little .17HMR won't shoot well till at least 30 or 40 fouling shots have been put through it's otherwise clean bore.
David
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: Deer Slayer]
#125540
12/28/06 05:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 74
RubenZ
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 74 |
I'd get the Predator one on the link below. It has the 1:8 twist bbl for heavier bullets.
I wish it would have a heavier barrel though like on the RockRiverArms ones.
2coolfishing moderators suck balls
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: katkiller]
#125541
12/29/06 03:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,611
MarkE
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,611 |
I had a bushmaster for a while and made a hell of a trade for a .300 Mag, but that is another story. Most of the AR’s I have handled are heavy, have pistol grips of course, and big magazines. All that just seemed to get in the way. One would ONLY need an AR for multiple shot situations. Plus, they don’t sit in the pickup seat as well as a bolt action nor are they as easy to find a quick rest with the magazine in the way. It just seemed kind of odd for hunting. I had always been taught not to shoot up the countryside when an animal runs by; that is what dove season is for.  Now, there is no doubt that the upper end AR’s are tact drives and handle well when multiple shots are needed, but most of the time I prefer to pack light and cover some ground. I may buy another…..someday. They are however very enjoyable to shoot, but right now, I have absolutely no need for any such “hunting” rifle. JMO
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: MarkE]
#125542
12/29/06 04:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 74
RubenZ
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
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Posts: 74 |
Thats why you get a 5 or 10 round mag Problem solved. An AR doesnt weight more than a Bull bbl bolt gun by much anyway.
2coolfishing moderators suck balls
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: katkiller]
#125543
12/29/06 06:06 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,187
OFBHWG
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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KATKILLER I THINK YOU JUST NEED A LITTLE MORE INFO ABOUT ARs THEY ARE NOT ALL LASER SIGHTED GITYEGOMERS. THERE ARE MANY MANY TYPES THAT ARE AS GOOD AS IT GETS FOR VARMINT HUNTING. IT IS JUST BOTH OF OUR OPINIONS BUT AR ARE AWSOME FOR HUNTING. AS FOR THE 24" BARREL IT NOT THAT ITS NOT BETTER ITS JUST NOT BETTER ENOUGH TO OFFSET THE DIFFERENCE IN WEIGHT AND COST. MY 20" HEAVE BARREL WILL SHOOT 1" GROUPS 2 100 yds and 2.5" groups @ 200 yds. all day long. 
When you need a Piano moved there is always someone around to help you with the stool!
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: OFBHWG]
#125544
12/29/06 06:11 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,187
OFBHWG
Extreme Tracker
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rr bush dpms are all great rifles my advice to all is BUILD YOUR OWN. ITS MORE FUN AND YOU CAN PUT TOGETHER ANYTHING ANY OF THE COMPANYS CAN SELL YOU. ITS NOT CHEEPER ITS JUST MORE FUN.   
When you need a Piano moved there is always someone around to help you with the stool!
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: OFBHWG]
#125545
12/29/06 08:49 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 669
Canazes9
OP
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Quote:
KATKILLER I THINK YOU JUST NEED A LITTLE MORE INFO ABOUT ARs THEY ARE NOT ALL LASER SIGHTED GITYEGOMERS. THERE ARE MANY MANY TYPES THAT ARE AS GOOD AS IT GETS FOR VARMINT HUNTING. IT IS JUST BOTH OF OUR OPINIONS BUT AR ARE AWSOME FOR HUNTING.
AS FOR THE 24" BARREL IT NOT THAT ITS NOT BETTER ITS JUST NOT BETTER ENOUGH TO OFFSET THE DIFFERENCE IN WEIGHT AND COST. MY 20" HEAVE BARREL WILL SHOOT 1" GROUPS 2 100 yds and 2.5" groups @ 200 yds. all day long.
I know a longer barrel won't neccessarily group better - I was thinking of maintaining velocity. Can some of the more experienced .223/AR-15 shooters tell me what types of velocity I can expect w/ a 20" Barreled AR Style rifle? (Please specify ammo!)
Thanks!
David
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: Canazes9]
#125546
12/30/06 05:55 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,187
OFBHWG
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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ALOT OF YOUR BULLET BALLISTICS ARE WITH A 20" BARREL. ONE THING YOU ARE LEAVING OUT IS BARREL TWIST. AR STANDARD TWIST IS 1-9 1-10 IF YOU WANT TO SHOOT HEAVIER THAN 55 GRAIN .223 YOU MUST HAVE A 1-8. OF ALL THAT I HAVE READ AND ALL I HAVE SHOT 1-8 TWIST 20" BARREL 68 GRAIN HP MATCH AMMO IS BY FAR THE BEST ALL AROUND. IT IS TO EXPENSIVE TO BE A PLINKER BUT FOR HUNTING ANYTHING FROM WHITETAIL DOWN THIS AMMO IS AWSOME. I PERSONALLY USE BLACKHILLS BOTH NEW AND RECON. LOOK ON AMMO MFG WEB SITES FOR BALLISTICS AND IF YOU LOOK ON MIDWAY USA THEIR AMMO ALWAYS HAS FPS AND LBS IN THER INFO SECTION. JMHO.
When you need a Piano moved there is always someone around to help you with the stool!
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Re: Varmint Hunter AR-15's - Opinions?
[Re: OFBHWG]
#125547
12/30/06 06:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 151
ALLAN
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 151 |
Quote:
rr bush dpms are all great rifles my advice to all is
BUILD YOUR OWN. ITS MORE FUN AND YOU CAN PUT TOGETHER ANYTHING ANY OF THE COMPANYS CAN SELL YOU. ITS NOT CHEEPER ITS JUST MORE FUN.
That being said... www.AR15.com is your friend.
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