BMC or LaRue upper?

[MOA]

Ok, sorry for more dumb questions but as soon as I get my tax check I am assembling a lower and ordering a upper. My needs go reliability, accuracy,barrel life. Mostly hand loads and factory ammo, but it will see some 5.56 62grn ammo. I have around $1400 buck to spend. I think I want either a BCM 18"spr with the DD 12" or the LaRue stealth sniper upper with the 18". The thing is I haven't heard much about LaRue complete upper on here. I know the BCM will be good, but the Larue offers more accuracy(as reported). I plan to go irons while I save for a 1x4 leopold or NF. Im still stuck between 16" and 18" to, but both come in both.

[newguy]

go with the larue done lot of reading there barrels are as good as there mounts

[SWATcop556]

Larue makes good gear and I use their mounts exclusively but if you are building a SPR/DM styled rifle I personally would go with something along these lines:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SPR-Mk-12-Mod-Bravo3X-p/bcm-urg-mk12-3x%20dd14.htm

or this one with the Larue rail:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SPR-Mk-12-Mod-Bravo2X-p/bcm-urg-mk12-2x%20lt13.htm

BCM makes nine different Mods of the SPR. Match that with the complete BCM lower and you'll still come out cheaper than the Larue (since it's not a complete lower).

Either company will serve you well and both have great CS.

I would also give Noveske a hard look too.

[USMC03]

I plan to go irons while I save for a 1x4 leopold or NF. Im still stuck between 16" and 18" to, but both come in both.

Lots of information in this link and the links posted in this thread:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=43684

[ColdDeadHands]

I'd go with a 16" Barrel as it is more versatile and I would think just as accurate or close enough.

[MOA]

I've been told that 300yrds is the absolute max for a 16" barrel, tho I don't now why. Something about stability, but I would think that with a 1/7 or 1/8 twist you would get plenty of stabilization. Velocity is still way above the transition to sub sonic out to 500 yrds. I know it doesnt matter, but I like the looks of a 16" better, but I thought the longer gas system, and the longer barrel would be better. Mostly I wanted to know the specs on LaRue. Are there barrels HPT and MPI tested? Are there bolts?Is the 223 wilde chamber safe with Nato loads?

[Stickman]

All out quality = BCM

[MOA]

The BCM is slightly cheaper too. And then the upper and lower will match, unless I stick with my plan to build a lower. I also like the DD lite 12"rail better. I was going on the assumption the LaRue would be more accurate and that the barrel would last longer cause of the steel.
Stick- you have the best collection of AR photos on the net. Amazing.

[ColdDeadHands]

I took this info from a Gun Magazine;

M16A1 20" 1:12RH Twist 460 meter effective range
M16A2 20" 1:7RH Twist 550 meter effective range
M4 16" 1:7RH Twist 500 meter effective range

I assume that's with M855 ammo - the range is probably longer with MK 262 Ammo.
I also don't quite see the benefits of a 18" barrel by looking at their data...effective range for a 18" 1:7 Twist would be in between 16" & 20" about 525 meters?

I think for quite a bit less $$$ you get the same end result if you buy BCM. Of course on the other hand if you'd buy Larue you would be supporting the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!:D

[Belmont31R]

I would go with the LaRue, and Ive owned both.


The Stealth upper (actual upper piece) is very nice, smooth, and just a quality made part.


Keep in mind the $1200 price tag on the LaRue includes the BCG and CH which with the BCM you have to purchase also.


Before I sold my Stealth upper I had approx 7k rounds through it, and never had a single malfunction of any type. Its the only upper Ive had that has not malfunctioned for some reason.

With match ammo it shot routine sub MOA groups. I did not notice any loss of accuracy at 7k rounds. It still shot around .75MOA on average.

The LaRue handguard is top notch, and I personally like the integrated QD sling mount sockets that have limited rotation so the sling doesnt twist around.

If anything happens to be an issue LT has the best CS of any company Ive ever dealt with.

Now BCM makes excellent stuff too. I just give the slight nod to LT in this particular setup. I had a 16"/12" Stealth and think its a very good all around setup.

Plus if you get a Stealth upper you can get LT's billet lower which is awesome.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/DSC_0655.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/DSC_0659.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/scan0012-1-1.jpg