A comp and defense AR Platorm?

[Hmac]

Colt makes a good rifle and supports it well if there are problems but I have a hard time with the notion that anything but a Colt is a "range toy."

I know. We've all been down this road before.

[UnaStamus]

The question is whether a full-blown 3-gun setup is ideal for the user. A dedicated purpose-built 3-Gun upper is a very specific configuration, and it is a relatively limiting configuration at that. Until someone gets serious about the sport, there really shouldn't be a reason to go balls-out on things like a heavy barrel and all sorts of match grade components when there is a strict, and low, budget at play. People who are newer to tactical or competition rifle shooting are no where near as accurate as their rifles are. They will rarely see the maximum potential of a conventional profile barrel, let alone the capabilities of a match grade heavy barrel. The same can be said with other components. There are things that help right off the bat like long tube-style handguards and decent triggers, but there's a line that I think exists for newer shooters. Until the shooter has all the gear, dedicates tons of time and energy to practice, gets training, starts developing custom ammo loads for accuracy, etc, they are probable best off with a GP type rifle with one or two features like a handguard and decent trigger.
It also winds up being more cost effective that way. Instead of looking at what you need, look at what you can do without. Cut costs by eliminating frivolous features and components that are not needed at the novice level.
Just my $0.02 anyway, which is worth exactly that.

[The Lance]

I don't know about you guys but I'm plenty good enough with my m4gery quad railed upper..

I haven't finished last ever and always have been in the upper half. Optics and how good you are with them matters more then how the rifle is set up.

Gun's are so personal anyways get something to start out with and change it slowly to your liking..

I have been through 3-4 different optics when I settled on running a magnified Aimpoint

[shooter115]

If you're talking defense and entry-level 3-gun, you will likely want something better than the consumer-grade rifles you mentioned. You can pay a couple of hundred dollars more and get a substantially better rifle in the Colt 6920.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Colt-LE6920-C ... O/21677322

Actually if I were about to shoot a 3-gun match with one of two rifles and my options were a factory DPMS 3G1 or a factory Colt 6920. I'd take the DPMS 100 times in a row. There is a lot to dislike about the 6920 for any type of competition or just general use. Carbine length gas system, non FF carbine handguard, a horrible trigger and from what I've seen less than stellar accuracy. I guess if reliability means everything go get a 6920, then you can have a gun that will suck forever......or at least until your ready to dump about another $800 into it.

[rugersol]

or at least until your ready to dump about another $800 into it.

Ya ... that's purdy much my read!

But I don't get out much anymore ... on average, how many 6920's ya see in the top 10?!

[shooter115]

or at least until your ready to dump about another $800 into it.

Ya ... that's purdy much my read!

But I don't get out much anymore ... on average, how many 6920's ya see in the top 10?!

Out of the box........I'm still waiting to see one.

[rugersol]

or at least until your ready to dump about another $800 into it.

Ya ... that's purdy much my read!

But I don't get out much anymore ... on average, how many 6920's ya see in the top 10?!

Out of the box........I'm still waiting to see one.

there ya go lizard! ... you can be the first!

[MNGunGuy]

There are handguards by JP Rifles, Daniel Defense, Centurion and Troy that extend a rail beyond the FSP. I think the point HMAC was trying to make was that it's better to get a proven reliable rifle.
They're also pretty accurate rifles. Our LE6921 rifles are punching 1-1.5MOA with Aimpoints using duty-grade JSP. Using match grade SMK and magnification could easily yield better. The Colt 6920 is a solid platform. It's a base rifle that offers a solid platform.

Sure. And while we're at it we can buy the 6920 and replace the trigger, flash hider, butt stock, etc etc etc. Or you can build exactly what you need and get the balance you are looking for. No one is going to argue that Colt doesn't make a fine AR but a good base for 3-Gun the 6920 is not, especially when the OP said he wants to stay under $1,000. This coming from someone who uses a Daniel Defense 14.5 middy for 3-Gun with a "cheese grader" rail.

[Uffdaphil]

I highly recommend going to m4carbine.net to research which brands use better materials and testing procedures. The top trainers, competitors and professionals in the country are regular posters there. Search some of the inexpensive brands touted here as "just as good" and see what the pros have to say.

A quality lower by Mega, PSA, LRB and others is much cheaper than the "prestige" makers and will not affect performance negatively. http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php ... ost1703155
But why settle for a middle or lower tier heart of the rifle? A top quality basic BCM mid or carbine length barreled upper is affordable and will never need changing out to something better. Grind down the FSB if after trying for a while you want a long free-float rail. Agree that PSA is probably the best of the budget lines.

An example:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-M ... d-16lw.htm

Lots of other good components out there of course, but a local general gun forum is not my first choice for reliable AR research. Too small a pool. Arf.com also has some good info, just be prepared to filter out the chaff from the fanboy crowd.

[rugersol]

just be prepared to filter out the chaff from the fanboy crowd.

I'll keep that in mind ... thanks!

[Hmac]

or at least until your ready to dump about another $800 into it.

Ya ... that's purdy much my read!

But I don't get out much anymore ... on average, how many 6920's ya see in the top 10?!

The OP is a contender for Top 10 in 3-gun...? I had the apparently mistaken impression that he was new to the platform.

[rugersol]

or at least until your ready to dump about another $800 into it.

Ya ... that's purdy much my read!

But I don't get out much anymore ... on average, how many 6920's ya see in the top 10?!

The OP is a contender for Top 10 in 3-gun...? I had the apparently mistaken impression that he was new to the platform.

It was sounding like the Colt's the bees knees for 3-gun ... jest curious to hear bout their domination!

[Hmac]

Ya ... that's purdy much my read!

But I don't get out much anymore ... on average, how many 6920's ya see in the top 10?!

The OP is a contender for Top 10 in 3-gun...? I had the apparently mistaken impression that he was new to the platform.

It was sounding like the Colt's the bees knees for 3-gun ... jest curious to hear bout their domination!

See, I thought the guy wanted a good reliable rifle that he could use for defense, and maybe some weekend 3-gun. He said he wanted a rifle for "just plain fun shoots, defense, as well as possibly entry level 3 gun comps".

My suspicion is that, while the 6920 isn't a 3-gun contender at the national level, it is a reliable, cost-effective rifle that will likely be more capable at 3-gun than him (initially), in the event that he actually does shoot some 3-gun and likes it on a level where a 6920 just won't be good enough for him. Then he could sell it and buy a DPMS masterpiece.

[Uffdaphil]

Just for grins, here is what I would get if I had not just blown my wad on 3 BCM uppers for current builds. Style, function, and dependability in one gorgeous package. What's an extra $300 for this?

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/co ... ECCE14-FDE

[rugersol]

the 6920 isn't a 3-gun contender at the national Minnesota level