I have come to the conclusion that I probably need in addition to wanting an AR-15 for varmint hunting. Since I probably won't go the route of an AR-10 to get a 22-250 caliber which is really what I want, I will settle for an AR-15 223 caliber. Not being overly familiar with the various manufacturers I have narrowed it down to three for consideration based on my research and input from local friends to date.
The three manufacturers I am considering are:
*Colt
*Rock River Arms
*Olympic Arms

I am now refining my information and hope to obtain some valuable and worthwhile input from responses to this post.

Thanks

Take a look at the Rock River rifles.

For varmints I would want at least a 20" bbl.

If I was going to try and stretch the range I might go for a 24".

Over the years I have heard too many folks complain about feeding with Olympic Arms rifles. Bushmaster used to make a nice rifle. CMT, LMT, CMMG are good as well.

Very possible to spend a lot of money on an AR.

Here is a good chart on what's inside many maker's M4 ARs and what you might look for:

http://spreadsheets.google.com...ue&gid=5&output=html

Were you not looking for a varmint rifle, you might be interested in this shorty: http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com...p?itemid=1402&cat=1&

You can do a .243 upper with a Remington R-25. just thinking out loud. (It's a DPMS and .308 and 338 Federal uppers fit)

just got a rock river with a 20' match grade tube so far i really like it.

I've had many different "AR types" but never a Rock River, so I couldn't say there.

I will say that I once had an Armalite early model "Predator" that would put them all in the same hole at 100 yards. I used it to vaporize Starlings until I wanted something else and sold it.

I've regreted that to this day.

Eric

Stag Arms. They make 'em for lefties, too...

I have been very happy with my Rock River Arms Predator Pursuit. ( 20" SS 1 in 8 twist ) It has printed one hole groups of 5 at 100 yards for me with hand loads. I get good velocity and like the feel of it. I also have a 16" Del-ton kit that is a 1 in 9 twist. It is nice, but not as smooth as the RRA.

Colt Elite Hbar, available, 24" 1 in 9, accurate and has worthy features... free float etc.

An ArmaLite T variant is my choice for quality build parts.
My Les Baer Custom Super Match shoots consistent 3/8 MOA right out of the box.

As many here have built,owned various mfg.'s over the years and as for the lower with a good trigger, not particular to mfg., but as mentioned the Armalite T seris is an excellent, quality, accurate upper.

The best: in order -- Noveske, LMT, Colt.

Rock River, CMMG, Denny's, Bravo Co, STAG, are also very good.

I use a Bushmaster DCM A2. I like the irons for close work and have a 3-9x42mm Compact that drops on the handle for 200+ yard shots. Works very well.

Don't buy an Olympic. I think they are also known as SGW, or Seattle Gun Works. I have one I bought as a matched-pair upper and lower many years ago. Turns out the forward pivot pin hole and rear takedown pin hole are one or two red hairs out of place, which disallows the lower from ever being used with any other upper. I did some research and discovered that SGW ain't one of the better guns for tolerances. Go for something you have ample reason to believe is a quality arm...