New AR-15

[jake2000_04]

Hello Everyone,

I recently decided to buy an AR-15 (.223) for my next varmit gun. I do a lot of squirrel, rabbit and coyote hunting but have been stumped on barrel length and optics/scope decisions. If I'm shooting coyotes up to 250 yards, would a 20 inch barrel be a better option than a 16 or 18 inch? I've been told it doesn't matter until around 300 yards.

Also, would would you reccomend for a scope?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

[evidens83]

Whats your budget?

[themailman]

16-18", SS 1:8, 2 stage trigger. RRA makes some good varmint rifles, I rarely reccomend them but they do make a good varminter.

One of my favorite yote guns is...my Bolt Action 22-250

[cmace22]

Barrel length has an effect on velocity. For the range you want to shoot a 16" should give plenty of velocity for the light loads you may be using (40-60gr I would imagine) If you want the most accuracy first decide what rounds you want to shoot. Accuracy with the lighter stuff may improve if your in the 1/9 twist barrels. If you want to shoot the heavier (65-77) stuff, which may not even be needed given modern bullet performance, look at the 1/7 . A 1/8 wylde chamber would be almost perfect. Just my opinion though.

Whats your budget on glass?

[kahai808]

Cant wait to hear more on this thread! I'm thinking of building one too!

[jake2000_04]

Thanks for the replies guys!

So you would go with a 16 or 18 inch barrel? Majority of the shooting is going to be somewhat long distance scoped shooting (less than 300 yards) but it would be nice to have some sort of "open" site option just in case a coyote or rabbit runs out of the bushes

My budget is kind of in the air. I looked at midwayusa's website and found some barrels that were in the 400-600 range. I would like to get a SS heavy barrel, but can always work around that.

I'm also looking for optics under $300 if possible.

Any more suggestions on twist and barrel length? What about scopes?

[B Strong]

Hello Everyone,

I recently decided to buy an AR-15 (.223) for my next varmit gun. I do a lot of squirrel, rabbit and coyote hunting but have been stumped on barrel length and optics/scope decisions. If I'm shooting coyotes up to 250 yards, would a 20 inch barrel be a better option than a 16 or 18 inch? I've been told it doesn't matter until around 300 yards.

Also, would would you reccomend for a scope?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

There's a bunch of different options for you, from on the cheap to high dollars.

20" or longer barrel in 1/7 or 1/8 to stabilize longer projectiles.

Go with a 5.56 chamber over the .223.

Flat top upper for optics.

Complete varmint uppers are available everywhere, check Gunbroker for a general idea on price.

Assembling your own lower will save a few dollars, and give you a better understanding of the mechanical features of the design - I'd go with a Timney drop-in trigger:

http://timneytriggers.com/

Great reliable triggers right out of the box.

Optics can make the difference between OK, good and great. Don't cut corners here. Check SWFA and Opticsplanet. You can drop more money on glass than on your build, so know what your budget is before you get all hot and bothered over this or that piece of glass.

A buttstock that will allow you to have the correct check weld for the optics is a must too.

[B Strong]

Thanks for the replies guys!

So you would go with a 16 or 18 inch barrel? Majority of the shooting is going to be somewhat long distance scoped shooting (less than 300 yards) but it would be nice to have some sort of "open" site option just in case a coyote or rabbit runs out of the bushes

My budget is kind of in the air. I looked at midwayusa's website and found some barrels that were in the 400-600 range. I would like to get a SS heavy barrel, but can always work around that.

I'm also looking for optics under $300 if possible.

Any more suggestions on twist and barrel length? What about scopes?

I haven't seen real good new glass at this price point, but checking Ebay and the sites I mentioned above might get you in the ballpark.

[jm13690]

Take a look at Mueller Scopes. I have one on my 10/22 and its great.

[jake2000_04]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=rock+river+arms+20&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10803077747266978771#

How do you feel about this upper?

Optics: I'd like get a good scope but still be able to use an "open" site. Any suggestions for this setup? Maybe a scope and a red dot, or opensite somewhere else on the rifle?

Thanks!

[cmace22]

http://www.google.com/products/catal...7747266978771#

How do you feel about this upper?

Optics: I'd like get a good scope but still be able to use an "open" site. Any suggestions for this setup? Maybe a scope and a red dot, or opensite somewhere else on the rifle?

Thanks!

Its not gonna be light.... your looking at a 9-12lb rifle.

[negolien]

millet makes some ok scopes them and nikon have some deals sometimes.

[FeuerFrei]

I have an AR with a RRA w/20" HB contour barrel w/Wylde chamber, Timney trigger pack and I do what you describe. Squirrels, varmints and such.
With good ammo it will do what you want and still have a rifle you won't have to baby.
BTW, for close encounters with rabbits you want to run a red dot on top of your whatever brand scope. Irons will suck. They don't work for me. (shotgun works best)

[jake2000_04]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=20+ar15+upper&hl=en&show=dd&cid=4785226680723377852&ei=Xt4PTabDNJOswQWZwfytDA&sa=title&ved=0CCgQ8wIwBzha#p

I'm really liking this upper. Any suggestions?

[cmace22]

http://www.google.com/products/catal...CCgQ8wIwBzha#p

I'm really liking this upper. Any suggestions?

All of those vendors are out of stock.

If I were you I'd pick a barrel and build my own upper.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=818