Could use some helpful advice re first AR purchase - ADCOR vs 'Other'
- Thread starter Captain Smoof
- Start date
lineofsight
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lower Mainland, BC
Prebuild not much of a factor as can pickup complete lowers from just about anywhere (have a look at the Stag ones) and takes all of about 2 seconds to line up the upper, lower, push in two pins and function test.
Side charging handle convenient as closer to natural hand position and not obstructed by optic. Also stays out of the way (spring loaded to sit flush and is non-reciprocating).
Free floated barrel with piston has advantages of both DI & piston and drawbacks of neither. The sub MOA average group size during 6,000 round trial (no stoppages) speak to how well it works.
The FN barrel and other components also speak to its quality.
Design & execution very elegant, reason enough to own one (similar to PSP P7, though unique in function, the design & execution merit ownership).
Yes they are more money and whether it is is worth it only you can decide. The ADCOR does not only provide additional quality, it also represents a significant evolution in the design. Rather have the money in an ADCOR upper than in a lower or furniture as those are the modular parts and can be changed at any point in time. Shortly hope to go to the range with four other guys with ARs, figure should be able to swap over a fair number of parts without them noticing (till too late).
As an aside, ARs seem to be a trap more than most other firearms in that a little more money gets a lot more quality: consider a quality base $1,250 ARs + $250 after market trigger and compare to $1,500 from same manufacturer - match trigger, quad rail, better furniture...
Side charging handle convenient as closer to natural hand position and not obstructed by optic. Also stays out of the way (spring loaded to sit flush and is non-reciprocating).
Free floated barrel with piston has advantages of both DI & piston and drawbacks of neither. The sub MOA average group size during 6,000 round trial (no stoppages) speak to how well it works.
The FN barrel and other components also speak to its quality.
Design & execution very elegant, reason enough to own one (similar to PSP P7, though unique in function, the design & execution merit ownership).
Yes they are more money and whether it is is worth it only you can decide. The ADCOR does not only provide additional quality, it also represents a significant evolution in the design. Rather have the money in an ADCOR upper than in a lower or furniture as those are the modular parts and can be changed at any point in time. Shortly hope to go to the range with four other guys with ARs, figure should be able to swap over a fair number of parts without them noticing (till too late).
As an aside, ARs seem to be a trap more than most other firearms in that a little more money gets a lot more quality: consider a quality base $1,250 ARs + $250 after market trigger and compare to $1,500 from same manufacturer - match trigger, quad rail, better furniture...
I agree re your take on the ADCOR - I have the upper already.
As mentioned previously, I'm interested in a true ambi lower and have essentially narrowed it down to the Hera and the KAC. From what I've gathered, the KAC can be purchased complete, but I BELIEVE (and am very possibly wrong) that the Hera would require a build. In any event, I look forward to the upcoming photos of the ADCOR with the Hera.
As mentioned previously, I'm interested in a true ambi lower and have essentially narrowed it down to the Hera and the KAC. From what I've gathered, the KAC can be purchased complete, but I BELIEVE (and am very possibly wrong) that the Hera would require a build. In any event, I look forward to the upcoming photos of the ADCOR with the Hera.
Pending the arrival of lower parts kit @ ATRS in the next couple of weeks, I should be able to post some pictures of my Adcore upper and ATRS lower. I should note that I'm only needing the miscellaneous small springs, pins and bolt release from the kit; there's no way that nothing else but a Geiselle SSA-E trigger is going in that lower.
Captain S - I'd recommend you think about the ATRS lower. Nothing wrong with Here and KAC, but it's a very solid option that is well worth the consideration.
I concur the observations of Epoxy on the PWS enhanced buffer tube, especially the HK416 model. A bit pricier yes, but no castle nut and a QR built in, what's not to like!
Captain S - I'd recommend you think about the ATRS lower. Nothing wrong with Here and KAC, but it's a very solid option that is well worth the consideration.
I concur the observations of Epoxy on the PWS enhanced buffer tube, especially the HK416 model. A bit pricier yes, but no castle nut and a QR built in, what's not to like!
I scratched ATRS off the list, along with Cadex (not ambi) and a few other solutions. For me it was HERA or KAC. I went HERA. But it was a very difficult decision. The only thing is this HERA lower seems to be better suited for the ADCOR in terms of a match. They just look right with that upper. From the round logo to the safety selector. Everything matches the shape/lines of the upper. They are a very tight fit, and the colour matches as well. The serial numbers on the HERA had to be added as they aren't serialized in Germany. The serial numbers are a flat white that matches the ADCOR flat white logo. Again seems like they were made for each other.
By the way the cost of the ATRS is high at $685 with mil spec LPK. Further break down of cost: Milspec parts kits are bout $100. So that makes the stripped lower from ATRS about $585. It's a nice lower but it's not that nice. By the time you're done you will be over the cost of the KAC if you go equivalent quality on the rest of the parts. This is why it was crossed off my list. The quality looks good, but when I stumbled upon the HERA it became a choice of KAC or HERA only.
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+1 for Adcor.. If only I could get 12" Adcor upper..
I missed that boat too. I overlooked the ADCOR at first thinking it was just another piston upper. It was later when I was bored and started reading over the thread that it became obvious what this really was. By that time they sold out on the first batch. Glad I got one on the second round though. As I actually like 16" AR15 rifles it wasn't so bad. I think my only interest in the shorty is the novelty, the fact you can't get anymore and that typically shorties are where piston uppers really shine. That being said the 16" is surprisingly well balanced. I'm happy.
Well no, not really - I'm not saying what price I'm actually paying for the ATRS lower, but it's not $685 as I'm supplying them with some parts; i'm only missing a few bits and pieces.
I get to choose personalised features on my ATRS lower that aren't available with the HERA and KAC (another very nice lower, goes without saying). Want white lettering? No problem. Want personalized safety selector markings? No problem. Want personalised serial markings? No problem.
I agree that the HERA lowers are very nice and you made a great choice in going with it, but a) I didn't care to wait month(s) to get one in and b) I attempted in communicating with a vendor (non-cgn) who we both know imports them and never heard back after 2 emails and one phone call asking for simple details such as % of deposit required, delivery time, etc. How much did the lower itself and the added serial number addition run you?
Re KAC - as far as I know they are only available as a complete lower receiver, meaning with buttstock, tube, buffer, etc. I have no need for that as I already had the build part ready for it. They sell for about $1,150?
All this said, you really can't be telling me that an ATRS lower is a 3rd runner up or a bad choice. That would be full-on sillyness.
The HERA lower was under $400 before taxes and shipping. Included ambi bolt release pre installed (same as the one on ATR from what Ive seen). The serial numbers on the HERA are white and match the ADCOR upper. As for numbers I was very happy with the ones I received, but yes you can't choose. I'll be leaving the markings on mine "subdued" but I will be colouring in the safe/fire. Not personalized on the HERA but still unique and I think looks really good.
Yes, I know the dealer for HERA can be hard to get ahold off. I do suspect I was just in the right place at the right time. These builds were about a year in the making. One LPK kit took the longest to receive.
Don't get me wrong the ATR is a nice lower. In reality a decent regular lower with good parts would work great. Let's face it we're getting very picky here when trying to decide the best options. As you mentioned the KAC for you doesn't make sense. Plus Id rather see other combinations rather than everyone having the same combo.
Looks great! Thanks for taking the time to post.
I spoke with ATRS. I think the prices are a little steep for me, to be honest. I can get over the fact that the KAC may not match perfectly for colour, etc.
I'm thinking, not too far down the road, it will be the route I go. I'm heading to Jacksonville in early July and hope to make the trip down to Titusville to see if I can't check out their HQ as well. I'll keep everyone in the loop!
I spoke with ATRS. I think the prices are a little steep for me, to be honest. I can get over the fact that the KAC may not match perfectly for colour, etc.
I'm thinking, not too far down the road, it will be the route I go. I'm heading to Jacksonville in early July and hope to make the trip down to Titusville to see if I can't check out their HQ as well. I'll keep everyone in the loop!
Thanks!!
These rifles were about a year in the making for me. I'm going to paint in the fire/safe settings. Eotech 553 on the one and Hi Lux 1-4x on the FDE one. One point slings and that's about it. Maybe eventually add those Magpul metal flip up sights they just announced.
The KAC would be a fantastic option as it comes as a complete lower including the stock assembly. Obviously ATRS offers this as well, but if you're looking to an empty shell, it's (ATRS) a strong candidate IMO.
Great looking builds Epoxy
Lots of love for the Hi-Lux glass on the board. Keep us posted how it works out.
I'm torn between a compact NF NSX 1-4x and a 1.5-6x USO. I feel that 14.5" will be able to show some great results at longer ranges where a 6x would be useful.
Hoping to post mine up in a couple of weeks.
Lots of love for the Hi-Lux glass on the board. Keep us posted how it works out.
I'm torn between a compact NF NSX 1-4x and a 1.5-6x USO. I feel that 14.5" will be able to show some great results at longer ranges where a 6x would be useful.
Hoping to post mine up in a couple of weeks.
