I'm going to order it very soon: 1:8 or 1:9 twist in a 24" bull-barrel upper for my AR-15. What's the advantage, one over the other? If a faster twist is available and assumably better, why are these uppers offered with 1:12 and 1:14 twists at all? Can I get a quick response; I want to order it today before 1700 CDT.

My understanding is that with a 1 in 8 twist you will be able to stabilize the heavier >70gr match bullets. With the 1 in 9, I am fairly certain that the 69gr Matchking is the heaviest you will be able to shoot accurately. With the 12 and 14 twist rates, you will be limited to 55gr and lighter bullets.

Good shooting,
Ian

Good deal. Actually, I just got off the phone a few minutes ago and ordered the 1:8 (fluted, too)based upon the salesman's rec that I wouldn't see much difference between the 8 or 9 until I got into the heavy bullets, like 80 grs or so. I will shoot mostly 55s because I have so many already loaded, so it's a toss-up that's now moot. Thanks for your reply.

rootbeer,

Sorry I didn't make it under the wire, but you made the right choice without my two cents.

The 1-8's shoot anything well. Only the 90 gr JLK bullet needs more spin, and they're somewhat rare even among highpower competitors. The only foreseeable downside with 1-8's is that some frangible bullets can't handle the RPMs and disintegrate in flight. Load accordingly and it's not an issue.

Whose upper did you get? I hear the Rock River flattops are hammers!

Redial

redial,
I went with Model 1 Sales. I cruised their website along with several others. M1S had drop-downs for options that RRA didn't have. RRA seems to think its clinton doesn't stink because their prices are higher than M1S. I paid $475 for a 24" A3 low-rider upper with a 1:8 fluted barrel (add $50), teardrop forward-assist (add $10) and fluted, free-float handguards (n/c) along with a complete A2 stock assembly plus SHI, whatever that might be. I have my own bolt group and charger handle. RRA wanted $520 (per display ad in SGN) for just the upper with bolt and handle-- no fluted barrel and no stock assembly. I have 30 days to approve, so I can return it if it falls short of my expectations. The salestype told me all M1S stuff is mil-spec, so maybe I made out like a Presbyterian in a junkyard. We shall see. I'll post a review if anybody wants to read it. www.model1sales.com

9/11/03; 1824 hrs EDT:
My varmint upper is on the bed, just 8 feet away. I have yet to open the box. I'll fill all of you in on the quality of the piece according to my definition of same after I have thoroughly inspected it. My standards are quite high, indeed.

9/11/03; 2115 hrs EDT:
Looks very good; heavy; has a good feel, a good heft. Unfortunately, the fit between the upper and lower at the front pin is so close that metal was rubbed and removed to get the action halves to close. The pins fit so tightly that I have to pound them in and out with a hammer and punch. I am hoping this interference is just the parkerizing and will wear to a good, close, workable fit over time, but for today-- damn, it's tight. The barrel is shiny and fluted under the handguard, as well. Why it's so tight, I don't understand. I was told that all of M1S' parts are mil-spec and by definition, they should all fit (or am I being naive?).

[ 09-12-2003, 05:37: Message edited by: rootbeer ]