Rifle for Service Rifle

The only competitor who I have seen using a sling was a US Navy shooter at NSCC. American doctrine is not to use the magazine as a monopod.
 
So I've been looking around quite a bit and there's definitely no shortage of variety as far as AR's go. I've pretty much set my budget as $1500, as this will be my first AR but still want something decent (ie. not Chinese). There seem to be a ton of choices in the 1000-1500 range and most brands I would have no idea if they are good or not. Here's some I've narrowed my focus to:

Windham Weaponry - Read a lot of good reviews on them, seem to be good value for the money, maybe one of the best value?
Stag Arms - Again, good price, reviews etc. The 3G model would be out of budget range, but other models would fit the bill I'm guessing?
Daniel Defense - A couple retail for about 1500, seen some nice used ones for under 1500, maybe this would be a good way to go?
Colt - Some sub-1500 for sale used, also saw some 6920's for right around the $1500 CAD price point. Good rep for quality from what I hear?
Sig M400 - Sig has a good rep for quality, this AR can be had for about 1100 new at several places

Some others I've heard people comment on such as DPMS, CORE15, SW M&P etc etc.

Too many choices!
 
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Daniel Defense has the new V11 PRO. Mostly geared to the 3-Gun market but its a quality 18" barrel.

I also like the DD MK12. But that full length quad rail looks heavy.
 
tiriaq said:
The only competitor who I have seen using a sling was a US Navy shooter at NSCC. American doctrine is not to use the magazine as a monopod.
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The match winner a couple years ago used one in conjunction with a broom handle grip, in addition to monopoding off the mag.
 
Just wanted to say thanks to Ganderite, Longshot, Bolivar, Tiriaq, beltfed,Kombayotch and all the others that contributed to this thread!

Today I ordered the DDM4 V11 18" and a couple thousand 77gr SMK's. Going to take the advice of the smart and not worry much about the setup and spend that time training.

Thanks again!
 
JayCarver said:
Just wanted to say thanks to Ganderite, Longshot, Bolivar, Tiriaq, beltfed,Kombayotch and all the others that contributed to this thread!

Today I ordered the DDM4 V11 18" and a couple thousand 77gr SMK's. Going to take the advice of the smart and not worry much about the setup and spend that time training.

Thanks again!
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Nice!! Hope to see some pics!

And it looks like I've just made a deal myself! Getting a DDM4V5 with some extra mags and stuff, should be great!
 
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way to go, Jay and southpaw :( I can't be entirely happy for you...I haven't bought yet. But let us know what you think. And Jay my front runner is the DDM4 V11 as well. So please let me know what you think. Congrats again, guys.
 
SouthPaw700 said:
Excellent advice guys, I appreciate it! I'm getting pretty pumped to try this out, I'm gonna keep my eyes open for a decently priced new or used rifle that would be suitable without breaking the bank. Now if I can just keep from going stir crazy while I wait for my ranges to become accessible again!

Was thinking about equipment, is a sling a useful item to have? Any other items that would be useful that might not be immediately obvious to a SR n00b?
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Unless you're in the Army a sling is a must have when moving from range to butts with your kit(much easier carry)
 
SouthPaw700 said:
So I've been looking around quite a bit and there's definitely no shortage of variety as far as AR's go. I've pretty much set my budget as $1500, as this will be my first AR but still want something decent (ie. not Chinese). There seem to be a ton of choices in the 1000-1500 range and most brands I would have no idea if they are good or not. Here's some I've narrowed my focus to:

Windham Weaponry - Read a lot of good reviews on them, seem to be good value for the money, maybe one of the best value?
Stag Arms - Again, good price, reviews etc. The 3G model would be out of budget range, but other models would fit the bill I'm guessing?
Daniel Defense - A couple retail for about 1500, seen some nice used ones for under 1500, maybe this would be a good way to go?
Colt - Some sub-1500 for sale used, also saw some 6920's for right around the $1500 CAD price point. Good rep for quality from what I hear?
Sig M400 - Sig has a good rep for quality, this AR can be had for about 1100 new at several places

Some others I've heard people comment on such as DPMS, CORE15, SW M&P etc etc.

Too many choices!
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I'm sure the odd NSCC Champ or QM will possibly chime in but your total system is more important than what type of AR you're shooting.
The two biggest things I've learned is make sure you test your mags, and and check your reloads for sizing.
Make sure that new Gucci mag will seat on a closed bolt.
If your kit works you can concentrate on the match;

I've used a 1/7 twist with good accuracy with 55-77 GR 20" barrel
Also had good results with 1/9 and 55-77GR 16" barrel
Don't get too hung up on the equipment as long as it goes bang every time and can put a bullet into 2-4 MOA

Fun part is the testing
 
Mauser GDog said:
Back to the OP's question and potential rifle... with the 18" barrel and 1:7 twist, is the gun going to demand heavier (and more expensive) bullets to get the most out of the barrel?
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Simple answer...no

52gr will probably give you better accuracy out to 300 with 1/7 to 1/12 twist
69 gr are great in 1/7 to 1/10 twist out to 500
If its windy the 77gr with a 1/7 to 1/9 will make a points difference out to 500
80 gr is for single load US use as far as I know

Complicated answer is yes, if you want good accuracy you have to feed your rifle what it needs.
 
One thing to keep in mind is that no single set of matches is the end all be all of Service Rifle matches. Gear and routine crutches that may help in structured known distance matches like NSCC can (and should) become unworkable in more stressful competitions.

The best/most challenging matches however require good facilities like those found on other nations military ranges.
 
Mauser GDog said:
Back to the OP's question and potential rifle... with the 18" barrel and 1:7 twist, is the gun going to demand heavier (and more expensive) bullets to get the most out of the barrel?
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Not too many folks shoot the cheapest components they can find. 68-69 gn bullets are likely the most common, followed by 77 when it comes to Civies. CF members are using issued ammo at 62gn and IVI seems to shoot real nice since those folks in uniform usually win the events.

But it's not like you man parts are gonna fall off if you want to go with 55s. Just plan on your kit and ammo evolving as you develop skill and increase expectations in your own performance.
 
The key is to use the 55gr bullets to work on positional shooting and weapons handling at 25m then use the good bullets to learn wind and mirage (and shoot the matches)with the quality match bullets.
Going to a mainland match costs like this.
$200 ferry
$120 gas
$200 hotel
$100 fees
$100 ammo
So the $30 I can save on bullets is a non issue.
 
Bolivar said:
I guess I have been doing in in wrong for the last couple of years.
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I'm sorry Bolivar I didn't mean to disparage your personal rifle carrying techniques, you can walk to the butts any way you want to, LOL
To be honest I don't remember having a sling on my FNC1 before I graduated to an AR

Up the Dukes
 
Gunnerlove said:
The key is to use the 55gr bullets to work on positional shooting and weapons handling at 25m then use the good bullets to learn wind and mirage (and shoot the matches)with the quality match bullets.
Going to a mainland match costs like this.
$200 ferry
$120 gas
$200 hotel
$100 fees
$100 ammo
So the $30 I can save on bullets is a non issue.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. Buy cheap stuff for practice and practice a lot. Even if it's just dryfire and positional practice in your living room. Practice getting in and out of those positions to make things smooth. Then when competition time comes it will all be second nature. When all this stuff becomes subconscious, that is when you are going to start posting some awesome scores.
 
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