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Thread: Looking for a Dual-purpose AR (defense/varmint)

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    Question Looking for a Dual-purpose AR (defense/varmint)

    I've been lurking and learning for a while now, getting ready to join the AR club. With 1000's of configurations possible I need a bit more advice though.

    I was in the market for a home defense AR that I could also use for occasional plinking, but defense was the primary focus. I decided on the Colt LE6920. But then I decided I also wanted a weapon for varmint (coyote, prairie dog) shooting too. My budget isn't going to stretch enough for two rifles so I'm looking for one rifle that will fill both demands. Is there an AR that is good all-around for varmint shooting and home defense?

    I just wasn't sure on what barrel length and twist would be ideal for both purposes and wanted to see if anyone uses their AR the way I want to. Not planning on long range varmint shooting, max 200-250 yards. No plans on shooting 1000s of rounds a year either.

    I've search this forum and the internet and haven't found anything that helped me out, so any help I can get is greatly appreciated.

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    Quote Originally Posted by suterwyo View Post
    I've been lurking and learning for a while now, getting ready to join the AR club. With 1000's of configurations possible I need a bit more advice though.

    I was in the market for a home defense AR that I could also use for occasional plinking, but defense was the primary focus. I decided on the Colt LE6920. But then I decided I also wanted a weapon for varmint (coyote, prairie dog) shooting too. My budget isn't going to stretch enough for two rifles so I'm looking for one rifle that will fill both demands. Is there an AR that is good all-around for varmint shooting and home defense?

    I just wasn't sure on what barrel length and twist would be ideal for both purposes and wanted to see if anyone uses their AR the way I want to. Not planning on long range varmint shooting, max 200-250 yards. No plans on shooting 1000s of rounds a year either.

    I've search this forum and the internet and haven't found anything that helped me out, so any help I can get is greatly appreciated.
    From what I understand, if you go with a 1:7 twist rifle (the Colt) bullets with a grain less than 50 or so will sometimes cause the bullet to spin itself apart. You could plink varmints with 55 gain ball and probably be just fine. 1:7 twist will stabilize everything up to 77 grain for sure reliably.

    If I am wrong about the information above, then someone please feel free to correct me.
    Last edited by Prairie Patriot; 03-23-13 at 19:22. Reason: Forgot to add...
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    I would get a Colt, DD, BCM, etc top tier 16 '' with a 1:7 twist. Top it with an AimPoint T1. If you only plan to shoot varmints out to 250 yards you it will do this all day. Use a quick disconnect mount for your AimPoint T1 and replace with high quality magnified scope for even better results on your varmint shooting days.

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    What is nice about the AR is you can buy different uppers to 'specialize" the rifle. Buy the 'Colt' Colts are great" Then if you need more barrel buy another upper later on.

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    I would go with a DD with one of their V7 rifles. This would probably fit your requirements nicely. I got to fondle one of these except it was the LW model. I feel in love with it.

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    Depends on what kind of varmints. My son uses a BCM 16" barreled upper (BCM standard midlength) and it gets right around 1.5 moa groups out of it with handloads. My Daniel Defense M4V7 can do the same thing. This is more than enough for fox and coyotes out to 250 yards. Both these rifles are setup for home defense with weapon lights and red dots. We remove the lights and go hunting. He can see well enough to use a 2moa red-dot out to 200 yards on small targets. I limit myself to 100 yards. When my Trijicon 1x4 gets back from warranty work, it will go back on my rifle and I will be good to go for out to 300 yards.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Prairie Patriot View Post
    From what I understand, if you go with a 1:7 twist rifle (the Colt) bullets with a grain less than 50 or so will sometimes cause the bullet to spin itself apart. You could plink varmints with 55 gain ball and probably be just fine. 1:7 twist will stabilize everything up to 77 grain for sure reliably.

    If I am wrong about the information above, then someone please feel free to correct me.
    It depends on the structural integrity of the bullet. At 5.56/223 velocities, it isn't much of a problem unless using the more frangible bullet designs

    Quote Originally Posted by suterwyo View Post
    ...I was in the market for a home defense AR that I could also use for occasional plinking, but defense was the primary focus. I decided on the Colt LE6920. But then I decided I also wanted a weapon for varmint (coyote, prairie dog) shooting too...
    You already have the rifle you need. The only real difference between a Colt 6920 for house defense and a Colt 6920 for varmints is ammo and sights.

    For HD, just about any current model Aimpoint will work.

    For varmints, any sights will do as long as you're aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Iron sights work fine out to as far as your eyesight will allow. Using ironsights on running jackrabbits is both educational and humbling. It will make you a better shot. I haven't tried it yet, but I think the Aimpoint would be better. Still, whether using ironsights, an RDS or scope, jackrabbits are a challenge.

    The most versatile sight for varmint hunting with an AR would be a good variable scope, from 3.5x10 up to 5.5x22 according to your budget. The lower end variables will work better with fast moving targets like jackrabbits or close in coyotes and variables with higher end magnification will work better with smaller, more distant targets such as prairie dogs. Ammo selection is important because you want a load that is accurate in your carbine and has fast expansion for humane kills. No FMJ type bullets.

    For now, get an Aimpoint and a good variable scope, both with quick release mounts and go shoot. You'll find out your 6920 works better for varmints than most folks give it credit and you'll gain invaluable shooting experience.

    Do not wait to get an RDS or an optic sight to go shoot. Some of the most fun I've had hunting varmints was while using rifles with ironsights
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    Ok, so I was a little concerned with the 16 inch barrel having long-distance accuracy, pardon my ignorance, so that shouldn't be a concern. I know it depends on the shooter's ability, but the average, accurate range I can expect with that length of barrel would be around 300 yards then? And anything above 55 grain will be fine for the 1/7 twist?

    Thanks guys, this is exactly the help I was looking for.
    Last edited by suterwyo; 03-23-13 at 21:15.

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    [QUOTE=suterwyo;1590082]Ok, so I was a little concerned with the 16 inch barrel having long-distance accuracy, pardon my ignorance, so that shouldn't be a concern. I know it depends on the shooter's ability, but the average, accurate range I can expect with that length of barrel would be around 300 yards then? And anything above 55 grain will be fine for the 1/7 twist?


    You 1/7 twist will handle up to 70 grain bullets and achive 300 yard shots.

    16 in barrel and 1/7 twist is the setup. Stick around and read, soon you will gain a metric ton of AR info...
    Last edited by Airhasz; 03-23-13 at 21:26.
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    You should be able to use any commercial 223 ammo in 16" 1/7 twist. A 16" barrel won't make enough velocity to have problems, guys who have seen bullets come apart are probably shooting a 26"+ 22-250 not a 223.

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