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

[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..