Advice Needed on First Competition AR

FTRRookie

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After getting a fair bit of exposure to Service Rifle through NSCC and CAFSAC I've decided that I want to get in on the fun, but coming from bolt guns I really only know enough about ARs to get me in trouble. I'm hoping to solicit some advice from experienced SR shooters on what would make a good starting point. I should say that I'm from the "buy once cry once" school of thought, but obviously within reason. I am also left handed, which may or may not factor into the final decision. The rifles I am considering at the moment are:

- Stag 3G-L
- Daniel Defense MK12
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V9
- Colt Canada SA20
- Armalite M15 A4 Target

Am I on the right track with these options? I'd like to have something that will be reasonably competitive out of the box, and that will allow me grow into it as a shooter. Are they any others I should be considering?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Scott
 
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/971751-First-AR-for-Service-Rifle-What-do-I-need

Rifle and optics matter.....experience and practice matters more.

To answer you question directly, of your choices listed, DD Mk12 would be what I would choose if I wanted to excel at the NSCC course of fire (as skills develop). For ORA matches and the CAFSAC CofF, I would have to lean to the SA20 but I am biased based on what I chose to purchase myself.

The better option may be to wait out and see if Diemaco releases the IUR. Sounds like a sweet rifle and hey Diemaco (yeah, yeah, fanboy here - no point in denying it)

But don't wait so long you miss out on a season of shooting. You will be way farther ahead to buy something, shoot it for the year and sell it while getting a rifle you like better, than waiting to get the "perfect" rifle and missing out on the match experiences and fun.

I read posts from members in various forums that say "my rifle is almost ready...then I will compete". To me that is an excuse. Get a rifle, get out and shoot. Worry about having the "perfect" rifle later after you have some experience in the sport and can make intelligent and informed opinions on what is right for you. Chat with other shooters at the event. Most of us civis do like to talk about our rifles eh? Heck, borrow a rifle or hot gun with somebody for an event or two even if you really want to do more research before you plunk down cash.
 
Thanks Brian. I had forgotten about the previous thread, and as things turned out I didn't end up getting my RPAL until very recently. Now that I can actually get out and buy what I need it's become a little more real, and I'm eager to get some practice in over the winter.

Scott
 
For the money, Stag 3g is probably the most well equipped competition rifle out of the box. It is out of the box with Giessele match trigger, free floating tube, muzzle brake and a SS barrel.
 
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My advice: get something thats lightweght. Dont overload the fore-end with accessories.
I prefer a small 1-4 optic. Keep it light, check out the Leo mark AR.
 
The order for the Stag 3GL is going in tomorrow, and I've now turned to optics. My thinking based on what I've read here is that a 3.5-10x should be sufficient for the ORA/NSCC course of fire and my budget (and past experience) has me considering yet another Sightron SIII from Hirsch. Good idea, or is there better value out there?

The other thing I'm really unsure about is mounting; do I need a cantilever mount or will rings suffice? I've got some favourites with respect to rings (great luck with TPS so far), but would appreciate some input on high value cantilever mounts (a $500 Spuhr is out of my price range).

Thanks again to all those who have taken the time to provide their input/guidance, it really is appreciated.

Scott
 
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Vortex makes a few good offerings. 2.5-10 and 4-16(what I used). All under $700. As for mounts I would think that rings would possibly work IF you can get the scope far enough forward . For me I used the ADM recon mount with 3" offset. Got it from Darren at oneshot. Works perfect, doesn't break the bank and gets the scope far enough off that I can get a relaxed clear sight picture.
 
Longshot said:
Vortex makes a few good offerings. 2.5-10 and 4-16(what I used). All under $700. As for mounts I would think that rings would possibly work IF you can get the scope far enough forward . For me I used the ADM recon mount with 3" offset. Got it from Darren at oneshot. Works perfect, doesn't break the bank and gets the scope far enough off that I can get a relaxed clear sight picture.
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That is some great advise from LS. I use the Leupold mark AR 3-9x40 on a burris PEPR and it works really good too!
 
I liked the Burris PEPR and think it offers good value but think the ADM mounts are a better product.

I firmly believe that Service Rifle optics stop at 4 power and DMR optics carry on from there. Most militaries and most military competitions agree. NSCC is its own slower paced animal.
 
One concern with the Stag might be the trigger weight. Isn't it set to 3.5lbs or something which might be a concern for SR.?

Not familiar with the platform so can't comment much further. I wouldn't mind one myself...
 
I'm super stoked on the build quality and accuracy I've seen with my Stag Mod 4 using inexpensive factory loads. I haven't had a chance to compete with it yet, but I feel I have good value for the money with that setup. I also have a Vortex Viper PS-T 1-4 in a Burris PEPR QD mount. So far so good. The mount is nicely machined, and locks positively. I'm still waiting for longer range testing on the Vortex, but I am happy with the reticle illumination and glass quality. The turrets are very positive in their adjustments, and the zero stop is a plus. I do find the reticle to be overall on the small side, however.
 
OldGravy said:
One concern with the Stag might be the trigger weight. Isn't it set to 3.5lbs or something which might be a concern for SR.?

Not familiar with the platform so can't comment much further. I wouldn't mind one myself...
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Working to get a heavier (4.5 lb) spring from Geissele for the first stage through Arms East, but worst case I'll pick up their National Match trigger which is compliant. I had the same concern though!

I appreciate the input on the mount. I'd like to get an ADM if possible but nobody seems to have stock! Are the Vortex ones comparable?
 
Get a Nightforce Extended Unimount. Hirsch sells them. They put the scope height at 1.375", which gives you a better cheekweld. The higher ones are meant to co-witness a front sight and accommodate a chin strap... you'll have neither of those.
 
FTRRookie said:
Working to get a heavier (4.5 lb) spring from Geissele for the first stage through Arms East, but worst case I'll pick up their National Match trigger which is compliant. I had the same concern though!

I appreciate the input on the mount. I'd like to get an ADM if possible but nobody seems to have stock! Are the Vortex ones comparable?
Click to expand...
They are the same with the Vortex name on em.
 
Standard AR sights are set at 1.5" above stock. Going with a scope base that sets the center of the scope lower than that could mean some shooters would be straining for a proper sight picture, especially in a prone, mag supported position.
I'd recommend sticking with the 1.5" as a minimum standard, and if you can, try before you buy.
 
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