barrel change question-AR-15

I have several questions which you guys might answer in one paragraph. Here goes. A year ago I bought an AR-15 .223 M-4. I know what accuracy is as I have a savage lrpv in a fluted .204 1/2 moa in it . For coyote on the run shootin, I enjoy the AR, but, for p.d.s which is the main fun, the carbine 14 just don't get it for that job. Will I be happy changin out the 14 for a fluted 24 (+-) on the AR-15 frame , or should I just cut my loses and sell the AR and get a bolt ? If I sell the upper and get a bull, is ther enough left of the upper to keep, or just sell upper "complete ?" I'm sure I didn't think of all the questions I should answer, but tell me what ya think. Eastern co. needs more accuracy. Thanks for your help. j.c.

With in the limitations of the caliber The ar-15 can be set up to compete with the best rifles out there. I would think a 20" match barrel, a good trigger and optics of the same would do ya. It seems like you have a tack driving .204 you might just keep the ar-15 for tactical or just plain fun!!!!

Best thing about ARs...modularity

You could, for about $700 or so, buy a quality upper in .223 or .204 Ruger and keep the lower. If you went that route, you would want to improve the trigger in the lower to get the accuracy of a free float and match barrel, so add another $150 to $200.

Not a fan of most fluted barrels as most are not done correctly and offer no real heat dissipation advantage, some due to the difference in heat profiles can errode accuracy. I also prefer a shorter barrel than 24". 20" is plenty. The longer the barrrel the heavier the profile needs to be to damp out the vibration and that added velocity really is not that big of a deal.

If I was in your shoes, and since there is marketing hype with "M4s", I'd sell the M4 upper and get a quality upper with a 18 or 20 inch match barrel. You'll want a free float, a comp and still get a good trigger in the lower. I've seen some decent uppers sell for good prices in the last few months.