best $800 upper for 3gun starter rifle

[Paradiddle]

Looking for a good upper $800 or less for 3gun. From what I've read 18" makes sense with a rifle gas system, no sights and a smooth forend.

The Rock River Arms Varmint A4 18" seems to fit the bill perfectly.

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=270

Thoughts on other brands I should check out? For reliability's sake I think I'd like to buy a built upper as apposed to having one built/build my own. I want it to run all the time.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Jeff

[Glockcomma]

That's a nice upper but you may find that a bull barrel is a little heavy and that you will want a rifle length hand gaurd.

Tim

[JeffWard]

DPMS makes an 18" barrel, with rifle length gas system, chrome lined, 1 in 9 or 1 in 8, not sure.

Buy a Flat-top upper receiver, a low-profile gas-block/tube, a rifle length free-float hand-guard, and this 18" rifle-gas barrel, toss on a Miculeck comp, and you're good to go. Likely around $700 or less.

Jeff

[Jadeslade]

Probably better to buy a used one from a shooter you know.

[Graham Smith]

You should be able to easily build one for less than that, but from what I've been seeing lately, the biggest limitation is availability of barrels. If you want a good barrel, today, have a look at this Sabre barrel at midway. A bit pricey, but good quality and available.

[RobMoore]

I got the Rock River Standard A4 20". Flat-top w/ hogue forend, front-sight delete, tactical latch. $650ish

I'm going to top it off w/ a millet DMS.

Edited February 16, 2010 by RobMoore

[Paradiddle]

Thanks for the replies. It seems that none of the big manufacturers make a 3 gun ready upper at an "affordable" price. I was learly of building one only because of reliability - is that a non issue if I have a reputable local AR guy put it together? I've assembled the lower parts many times and understand the "lego" approach, but I don't want issues with the gas system.

Jeff

[jasmap]

Thanks for the replies. It seems that none of the big manufacturers make a 3 gun ready upper at an "affordable" price. I was learly of building one only because of reliability - is that a non issue if I have a reputable local AR guy put it together? I've assembled the lower parts many times and understand the "lego" approach, but I don't want issues with the gas system.

Jeff

Contact forum member GentlemanJim. He owns Firebird and knows a thing or two about rifles and 3-gun.

[Paradiddle]

Thanks for the replies. It seems that none of the big manufacturers make a 3 gun ready upper at an "affordable" price. I was learly of building one only because of reliability - is that a non issue if I have a reputable local AR guy put it together? I've assembled the lower parts many times and understand the "lego" approach, but I don't want issues with the gas system.

Jeff

Contact forum member GentlemanJim. He owns Firebird and knows a thing or two about rifles and 3-gun.

Thanks

[jwfuhrman]

I custom built a rifle. 16in Daniel Defense barrel from Brownells, Daniel Defense BCG, DPMS vented standard length float tube and a leupold 1-4x20

works perfect

[elynch2007]

I got a upper from White Oak for $850 shipped. 18 in. SPR stainless barrel, Stainless Cooley comp blended to the barrel, rifle gas system, low profile gas block, their forearm cut to rear of gas block, fitted bolt, standard charge handle, dust cover and forward assist. Shoots better than I can.