Predator/varmint AR build

[bowhunter]

Hello all, I am new to the forum. I have been searching around for info but still have some questions so I thought I would join and ask some more experienced AR guys.

I have a Bushmaster AR that I have had for a couple years, I am looking to upgrade it a bit for better hunting. I have the removable carry handle and I want to be able to still use the metal sights so I was looking at the see through rail so I can add a scope and keep me factory sights, just wondering if these are any good? Also looking at the full floating guards, I dont know what they are called exactly just wondering about ideas and how you install those? Any other upgrades that are within budget will be considered also. I was also considering getting it camo'd, is there anywhere locally that does it? Any good products for doing it?

Any help would be great. Thanks.

[Marlin]

Welcome...

Well, You have many options.. Could just buy a dedicated varmint upper,,

Then You could just swap out.. If You change too free float hand guards,,
Change out the gas block and use a flip up front sight..

Or, risers on the scope...

As far as Camo goes, unless You have Your heart set on Mossy oak,, A couple of cans of flat spray paint work.. Even bowflage works,, Way cheaper than commercial applications.. And, You can change with the season..

[StagLefty]

As Marlin said-get a Varmint dedicated upper,then you actually have 2 rifles by switching uppers. The only problem right now might be getting the upper. I ordered my Varmint upper 1/12/09 and was alerted to the fact it may take up to 5 months but I'm not in a rush so that was okay. Plus it's from a dealer I trust and the upper I want.Good Luck [Beer]

[mtechgunman]

As posted twice, get a dedicated upper.

You won't spend a whole lot more than just doing upgrades to your current set up.

I had a model 1 24" bull bbl rifle that shot increadibly well, but if I could do it again I would go with a 20" bbl.

If you go with a dedicated upper, you don't have to worry about a riser (although I had better cheek weld with a small riser from YHM) and you can buy an upper that will be more accurate out of the box. My model 1 would do sub 3/4 MOA with handloads.

I suggest finding something with a 20" bbl, free float hand guards (rail or aluminum free float tube) and go from there.

[Eyespeck]

A...I had a model 1 24" bull bbl rifle that shot increadibly well, but if I could do it again I would go with a 20" bbl...

I'm debating between these two lengths myself. Why would you go 20" vs. 24"?

[Marlin]

If you are walking around, a 24" bull gets real heavy....

Other than that,, Personal preferance..

[mtechgunman]

If you are walking around, a 24" bull gets real heavy....

Other than that,, Personal preferance..


This, and I have yet to see any real accuracy benefits from running a 24" over a 20".

I've shot reloads and Black Hills ammo for groups out of both, and really saw no real difference. The difference in velocity is not that great either.

I can't remember off the top of my head the difference in velocity, but I do remember that going from 24" to 20" the loss was minimal, while going from 20" to 16" was about 200 fps, and from 16 to 14.5 was about 150 FPS.

I'll see if I can't scrounge up the actual data on that, so don't take my word as gospel. I've been wrong before, once i think.[Tooth]