AR-15 gurus, I have a question

[tripledouble]

Without finding an answer to a question after doing a search, I thought I would open another thread and ask a question.

I went to a gun shop the other day looking at various AR-15 makes (Armalite, DPMS, Rock River Arms, Colt, Olympic Arms, Bushmaster). I am not a disgruntled US Postal worker - just kidding. I don't know a lot about them. While the salesman was showing me various AR-15s, he was touting that Rock River Arms AR-15s were better than others because of the fit between the lower and upper receivers. He wiggled the upper and lower receivers of other brand AR-15s and I saw that they weren't tightly fit.
Is this a problem to have the upper and lower receivers not solidly locked together? Or was this salesman just trying to show a difference that doesn't really matter?

[Fedglock]

A tight fit between the recievers will translate to accuracy. The Rock River AR is a good choice, I have a Colt "Match" w/heavy barrel. The DEA issues the Rock River gun. It will cost you a nice chunk of change for that weapon but you get what you pay for. Go for either a RRA or Colt. If on a budgent then maybe the Bushmaster, My Dad and brother each have them and find no issues. Good luck.

[FedRich]

There are also aftermarket parts that tighten up the fit between the upper/lower receivers. Fairly cheap and from what I've heard also effective.

[FPS/SFI]

The tightness of the fit between the upper and lower receivers may effect your accuracy, but the first things you need to determine is how much money you want to spend, and what you plan to do with the rifle.

If you just plan to plink, the Bushmaster may afford some savings. If you are planning to shoot tight groups at longer ranges, you would be better off getting something a little more advanced.

Your mileage may vary.

[Frank_Pembleton]

Its been my experience that loose receivers have very little effect on the accuracy of the weapon; however, as relayed above it depends on your needs and how you plan to use the weapon.

[MikeD]

When I was issued my first M16A2 (and every one subsequent) in the Marines, that wiggle alarmed me. But I could use it to hit an E silhouette reliably at 500 yards with iron sights, so it must be OK...

Still, if I was gonna buy one, I'd like one that didn't rattle, just because rattles suck.

MD

[jts]

I've owned a number of RRA AR's and the quality is very good. My agency issue however is the Colt M4A1 and it too is well made and very reliable but there is slight wiggle between the upper and lower. However, as some have pointed out, the wiggle doesn't seem to affect accuracy. I'd be more concerned with reliability but the RRA should serve you well in that capacity as well. If it really bothers you, buy one of those wedges for a few bucks and stick it in there and the wiggle is gone. Again, if you had a choice between brands, I'd go with Colt and then RRA in that order (I'm sure others may be good but these are the 2 I have experience with). I only say Colt b/c we've shot MANY of them to death and they never seem to stop running, unlike the other brands we've seen at gun schools.

[tripledouble]

Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I'll probably go with the LG 3.7 cu. ft. 7-cycle extra-large front-loader washing machine as my wife would not approve of any of my other options, currently.

[kennethm3]

"Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I'll probably go with the LG 3.7 cu. ft. 7-cycle extra-large front-loader washing machine as my wife would not approve of any of my other options, currently."

Wait! this sounds familiar, I think I might know her............

[tripledouble]

Using my ability to read people's expressions, I didn't get what I would consider a "positive" vibe after letting her know that the AR-15 costs around $900.

[FedRich]

I hear you on that. When I brought my Colt LE6920 home from work, my wife exclaimed "I didn't know you bought an AK-47!" Unfortunately, she shot down my next purchase request of a much cheaper Remington 870.

Front loading washers are kind of cool though. :D

[harrsc01]

Using my ability to read people's expressions, I didn't get what I would consider a "positive" vibe after letting her know that the AR-15 costs around $900.

Yes dear, I understand, but we already have a washing machine. We don't have an AR-15...

Hey an AR-15 will get rid of spots on clothes too. Much quicker than an LG front loader!

[JSavage]

Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I'll probably go with the LG 3.7 cu. ft. 7-cycle extra-large front-loader washing machine as my wife would not approve of any of my other options, currently.

I must have the best wife in the universe. I wanted to replace my Bushmaster with a RRA and she refused to go for it because I hadn't bought her a CETME .308 she had been asking for. So we bought a CETME.