I disagree 100%
Many of us take our rifles or uppers down South to train -- so the staking, the barrel steel etc is a factor.
Secondly as one who has several custom barrels -- unless I am shooting 400m+ or playing some ### how small can I make a hole game - a Colt or LMT barrel will shoot just fine - and more than enough for DCRA Service Rifle - even at the 500m V Bull
After some of the BS RRA has pulled with their make beleive M1993 spec rails of a few years ago - and several other issue s- I would never buy a RRA product -- the DEA got shafter with them due to them being the low bidder to Colt -- even when their guys wanted Colt...
Given Colt's outrageous price (and I collect them), LMT is probable the best choice in a service rifle type carbine.
CMT/Stag's annodizing has been thin in several runs -- but Walt at Arms East looks after customers and will replace stuff if their is an issue.
Armalite has started to look after their QC a lot better these days and other than the 1:9 twist issue, they make a nice product.
Bushmaster's QC has gone to hell and I would not buy one. -- you may get lucky - but based on larger user groups -- your much more likley to get a dog with them...
As for parts guns --- I have several, and if your building with high end parts and know what your doing its fine -- but for the early owner -- one is best off to buy a complete factory rifle -- and go from there...
FYI, the critical components for accuracy are (in order of importance): shooter, trigger, ammo, barrel, sights.
Buy either one of these:
LMT, Stag, Colt, Armalite, Bushmaster, RRA.
Have fun![]()




























