Which 20" AR should I look at???

M

Max-4

CGN Regular
Rating - 98.8%
82   1   0
Location
Southern Ontario
I am looking to buy my first AR in the next few months in 5.56mm. I want a non-fancy, bare bones, standard issue, mil-spec, 20" barrel fully stocked rifle. I am buying it to shoot targets and learn how to actually shoot a rifle properly with good military peep sights. I may enter some very amateur non-serious service rifle competitions in the future.

What company makes a good, reliable, well priced M15A2 or C7A1 type rifle? Looking for something that would be easy for a new AR shooter to learn on and grow with. I want it to be very close to what is issued to the standard army soldier in Canada or USA. Thanks

Armalite, Stag, Colt, Bushmaster??? Any Others???
 
Last edited:
Difficult to go wrong with any of the major brands, but from what I've read around here Stag is milspec and I believe has the same barrel twist rate as the C7. I'd recommend going for a flattop, as you'll have more options down the road and the C7s are flat tops, and the detachable carry handle will still give you the iron sights.
 
My recommendation would be a low milage Colt A2 match Hbar. There are lots out there (if you are patient) with next to no rounds through them for around $1000.
Most guys dump them because of the large pin or the fact they don't have a flat top, which lowers their price considerably.
Despite the lack of tacticool, they are quality guns and will outshoot 95% of the ARs out there.

070118090.jpg
 
Last edited:
I guess what im looking for is a copy of the Canadian C7A1 or as close to it as I can get for civilians. I would like a removable handle with a rail to maybe mount an elcan scope down the road, but first I wanna shoot open sights. This rifle will be used for targets, plinking and maybe hunting coyote's, groundhogs and other varmits.

What Company and model should I be looking at???
 
Last edited:
savage-man said:
Please excuse me but what is a C7? Arnt those made by Diemaco and issued to the Canadian military? You cannot buy them as a civilian right?
Click to expand...

Right. You can make a clone however using the same rifling twist, sights, furniture etc. It won't be a real C7 but will look very similar and while shooting semi-auto should provide the same accuracy with the same ammunition. It will not be a C7, but for civvie use it will be close enough. Generally speaking for a range gun the Delta H-Bar, or Match will be slightly more accurate.
 
Last edited:
Ok so please excuse my stupidity but an AR cannot be used for hunting purposes in Canada, Ontario to be exact?? Am I able to purchise an AR such as a Colt or Stag with a PAL??
 
Restricted firearm... you need an RPAL and a valid membership to a club inorder to get the ATT. Cant take the firearm out to hunt, you can only shoot it at an approved range, and its not just an Ontario thing. Its the law across Canada.
 
I think thats why he was asking about a 20 inch, he though that if it was over 18 it was a non restricted. Sorry bro, doesn't matter what length you get for an AR-15, whether a 7 inch barrel or a 20 inch barrel it's still classified the same, Restricted Range Toy only, no farmers fields for you.
 
ajayofcanada said:
I think thats why he was asking about a 20 inch, he though that if it was over 18 it was a non restricted. Sorry bro, doesn't matter what length you get for an AR-15, whether a 7 inch barrel or a 20 inch barrel it's still classified the same, Restricted Range Toy only, no farmers fields for you.
Click to expand...
Which makes so much sense... :onCrack: Lions and tiger and scary black rifles, oh my!
 
No hunting with the AR, I know dude, it blows big time. However if hunting is what you want it for there is alternatives like the sig, tavor, sl8, and more my favorite is the AR180B. Takes AR mags and mine is fairly accurate and totaly reliable, best of all it was the right price for me and once I replace the original mount with a 1913 rail it will make mounting optics easy.
Having said all of that, my 20" bushmaster is my fave with the 16" coming up second. You'll be happy with the 20" especialy for service rifle.
 
Sorry...

Sorry to waste your time then guys, I prolly sound like just another un-educated fool who wants a AR for the sake of having one. Truth is I am 26 years old and got my PAL 4 years ago, since I have bought a few hunting rifles and belong to a local range. I also go hunting for small game and deer yearly.

I wanted to own a Mil-Spec rifle and learn to shoot with good old military sights. I figured what better military rifle to choose than my generations AR. I have a new found interest in military type rifles, and would like to own something in the near future. I dont have my restricted licence and I dont really plan on getting it in the near future, I was under the impression an AR was un-restricted just like most semi-auto hunting rifles (750, BAR). Kinda stupid that it falls into this group, but I guess im preaching to the choir eh!

Oh well I guess I will have to look into a M1 or M1 Garand or Lee Enfield to fill my urges. Unless someone wants to ruin my day and tell me those are restricted too. Thanks
 
Last edited:
M1 and M14 are fun... we had them out this Christmas ringing a 8 inch disk at 200 yards with open sights... I cant wait to do more of that...
 
You can still use the AR platform in Service Rifle competition. Contact your provincial rifle association about joining, equipment, etc... You'd be surprised just how far out you can hit with a good AR and iron sights and the right instruction!:) As was said, however, an RPAL is required!

If you can afford it and are looking for a military style semi-auto rifle that is non-restricted and can be used hunting as well as more "tactical" pursuits, check out the Swiss Arms/SIG Classic Green, Black Special or Blue Star. Superior diopter iron sights, excellent barrels and just about the most accurate bone stock military style rifle on the market. They're built in Switzerland and resemble the SIG 550/PE-90 but are a special export model designed to comply with Canada's gun laws. Only drawback is that they're a $3K rifle. Compared to what you get with respect to competing rifles, they're worth it, definitely the Rolls Royces of the tactical world!:)

If the SIG isn't in your price range, pick up a Norinco M-305/M-14S. They are non-restricted and are pretty much exact, semi-auto copies of the venerable US M-14 rifle. Supplies are drying up, but deals can still be had. Look at paying around $500 to your door. It fires the .308 win round, as opposed to the .223/5.56mm chambered in the SIG and most ARs.

M-1 Garands are still available, but their prices are much inflated these days. Expect to pay in the $750-$1100 range for a good Garand. Feeding it can get expensive if you don't reload as well, as milsurp ammo essentially doesn't exist in Canada. Obviously, the Garand is also non-restricted, so your PAL is fine.

However, if your interests are tending toward the black and green rifle scene, you should definitely look at writing the RPAL test. Hope this helps!:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom