2007-03-14 16:21:56 · 8 answers · asked by Ghost of Fire 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
Ghost,
In my opinion, Oly makes a damn nice AR...having owned a couple of their rifles, I can recommend them without reservation. Olympic Arms is located in Olympia, Washington, and has been around since the mid 70's. Their products carry a lifetime warranty.
I own two models, the Plinker, which is a no-frills 16" AR chambered in 5.56 X 45 NATO (you can also use .223 Remington ammunition, but you should never use the 5.56 NATO ammo in a rifle chambered specifically for .223 Rem), with a fixed handle upper with A1 sights. The Plinker is the lowest priced AR offered by a major manufacturer. It's priced some $200 less than a similarly equipped Bushmaster. I also own their K16 model, again, it's chambered for 5.56 X 45 NATO. This model has a 16" bull barrel, free floated with a knurled aluminum handguard on a A3 flat top upper.
Ive not had a single malfunction with either of these rifles. The fit of the upper to lower receiver is tight with no play. The only upgrade I've performed is to install a Jewel 2-stage adjustable trigger on the K16. The Plinker is box stock...just as the name implies, I use it for fun...plinking cans and whatnot with cheap ammo. The K16 surprised me...with good match grade ammo, the K16 gives me consistant 1/2" groups at 100 yards all day long if I do my part. Granted, that's not going to win you any competitions, but for me, 1/2" groups is more than adequate.
With the AR system, cleanliness is the key to reliable operation. Since the gases are routed directly into the receiver to operate the bolt, all the carbon and fouling makes everything quite dirty. Getting the rifle clean, especially the bolt and carrier group, as well as the chamber is essential to smooth, trouble free operation. Most people do not adequately lubricate their AR, and it leads to a lot of malfunctions. I use CLP to clean and lube.
I use my rifles to punch paper and to plink. For that purpose, the Olys make a fine rifle. I spent way less than acquaintances who bought Bushies or Stags, and I can say that my K16 is more accurate than my buddies 16" flat top Bushie with a stainless steel bull barrel.
Now, if I needed a weapon I depended on to defend life and limb, I would choose a Colt model 6920. Colt MP (magnetic particle) tests their bolt, carrier and barrels to ensure that there are no minute cracks or stresses in the steel. This would make the weapon less suceptible to failures casued by heat due to sustained operation.
2007-03-15 18:45:25 · answer #1 · answered by Wolfsburgh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bound's hubby here:
Olympic Arms (a.k.a.: Quality Hardware) does not make a high quality AR. They actually have a poor reputation among competitive shooters, and I doubt you will find one on the firing line at Camp Perry. If you are looking at a rifle that could be used as a target arm, look to see what the competitors are using.
If you are seeking a .223 AR-type rifle, your best choices would rest with: Bushmaster, DPMS (Panther Arms), Colt, and Armalite. If you think target competition may be in your future, look at arifle with a 1 in 7" or 1 in 8" twist barrel so you can shoot the heavier bullets out to 600 yards (or further) accurately. Otherwise, a common 1 in 9" twist barrel would suffice!
Good luck!
2007-03-15 17:16:38 · answer #2 · answered by gonefornow 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm looking at an AR-15 myself and I personally like panther arms ( www.pantherarms.com ) ive had to marine friends of mine tell me that they make the most reliable, and if they couldn't afford a Colt AR-15 they would get one from panther arms.
2007-03-15 01:15:34 · answer #3 · answered by Ty19 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't heard anything bad from Olympic Arms personally I would get something with a little more punch in maybe a .308 but that's me.
2007-03-14 23:30:58 · answer #4 · answered by Rambo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to my favorite dealer...
S&W is making the best AR-15, but they don't follow through on their warranty.
Bushmaster makes one of the best, and backs it up with a great lifetime warranty.
2007-03-15 00:49:41 · answer #5 · answered by webb1socoolguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked a similar question a while back and the consensus was that it was a piece of crap. You should save $200 more and buy a Bushmaster or AR rifle.
2007-03-15 08:32:37 · answer #6 · answered by The Big Shot 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
anything from olympic arms is a good choice
2007-03-14 23:51:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
They make a decent rifle and they've been around for a few years.
2007-03-15 02:05:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋