Classic Arms/Rocky Point AR-15 -- $700

[JamesCanby]

Anyone have an opinion on this AR-15 deal from Classic Arms (http://www.classicarms.us) ?

PRESENTING: THE BEST AR-15 VALUE IN THE U.S.A.

THIS NEW AR-15 SEMI-AUTO, .223 CALIBER RIFLE IS MADE RIGHT HERE IN N.C. BY A NEW MANUFACTURER
CALLED ROCKY POINT GUNS. WE HAVE KNOWN THESE GUYS FOR YEARS AND THEY ARE VERY METICULOUS AND DETERMINED TO PUT OUT A GOOD PRODUCT. IN MY OPINION THEY HAVE. THESE RIFLES ARE ASSEMBLED IN A STATE OF THE ART FACILITY AND PRECISION ALIGNED FOR THE TIGHTEST OF TOLERANCES. WE ARE EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THIS RIFLE, AND YOU WILL BE TOO. BEST OF ALL THIS RIFLE INCORPORATES TONS OF HIGH END FEATURES AT A BARGAIN BASEMENT PRICE.
HERE IS WHAT YOU GET.
THE AR-15 RIFLE YOU SEE ABOVE IS KNOWN AS THE LE-15 CARBINE. IT INCORPORATES A 16.5 INCH M-4 BARREL WITH A BIRDCAGE FLASH HIDER. RIFLE COMES STANDARD AS A FLAT-TOP BUT SHIPS COMPLETE WITH THE A-3 REMOVABLE CARRY HANDLE SO YOU HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS FOR EITHER MOUNTING A SCOPE OR OPEN SITES. RIFLE ALSO FEATURES A 6 POSITION COLLAPSIBLE STOCK AND COMES COMPLETE WITH 2 NEW 30 ROUND MAGS, A CLEANING KIT AND A BLACK NYLON SLING. RIFLE INCORPOATES A 1 IN 9 BARREL TWIST. UNIT SHIPS IN A BLACK PLANO BRAND HARDSHELL CASE AND CARRIES A LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY.

[gunderwood]

I've heard decent things about them. The low prices are because they are trying to break into the market (like several others) or so they claim. They claim they are full milspec, but at that price I doubt it. Probably more like full milspec where we think it matters.

Here is a list I've posted before. It shows what a real milspec Colt AR requires and shows how other manufacturers cut corners or don't. Call Rocky Point Guns and ask them each of these questions (matrix at the bottom of my link). Get answers and report back to us.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key= ... utput=html

BOLT
1. Magnetic Particle Inspect each bolt, batches or none
2. High Pressure Test (HPT) each bolt or batches or none
3. Shot Peened Bolt, yes or no
4. Black Extractor Spring Insert, yes or no (note rifles use the blue version)
5. Properly Staked Gas Key, yes or no (note most stake the gas key, but few do it right...they claim otherwise)
6. M16 Bolt Carrier

BARREL
1. Mil-B-11595E+ Barrel Steel, yes or no, but common substitutes are 4150 and 4140 (proper 4150 is practically the same thing, but 4140 is inferior)
2. MPI each barrel, batches or none
3. High Pressure Test (HPT) each barrel, batches or none
4. Chrome Chamber & Bore, yes or no
5. 1:7 Rifling Twist, yes or no (note most civi-ARs are 1:9 and it depends on what bullet you want to shoot as to which is better)
6. 5.56x45mm Chamber or .223Remington
7. M4 Feedramps, yes or no
8. "F" Front Sight Base (FSB), yes or no
9. Taper Pins at FSB, yes or no
10. Finish Under FSB, yes or no (note: if they put the FSB on the barrel before they finish it, then they don't finish under the FSB...the barrel and FSB must be done separately and then assembled)
11. Double Handguard Shields, yes or no (this doesn't apply to ARs with rails, just the carbines with plastic handguards)

LOWER
1. 1.14" Dia. Receiver Ext., yes or no (note: commercial extensions have a different OD)
2. Staked Receiver Endplate/Castlenut, yes or no
3. "H" Buffer, yes or no
4. .154" Diameter FCG Pins, yes or no
5. Rear Sight/Carry Handle, yes or no (note: only applies to non-flattop ARs)


Ask those questions.

[xflip14]

Just sent them a email but they already have the wrong barrel twist according to their website...i have my doubts

[gunderwood]

Just sent them a email but they already have the wrong barrel twist according to their website...i have my doubts

Wrong barrel twist for mil-spec, but that is what most civilian ARs use. The military speced it at 1:7 because of the tracers. They were too long to stabilize in a 1:9 which is idea for 55-62gr (M193/M855).

Some 1:9s work well with the 75-77gr rounds, some don't. You are stretching it at that point. All of the 1:9s I've had work fine under 100 yards/CQB with the 75grs, but only half of them give or take would group well past that. If you are sticking to light rounds or CBQ ranges it doesn't matter. In fact the reduced stability of a 75gr TAP round out of a 1:9 may cause it to have a shorter neck length before fragmenting.

Again, most ARs on the market are not "mil-spec," but it usually doesn't matter. Just depends on what you want. I was only pointing out that finding a milspec AR in that price range is highly unlikely. Finding a good range toy/home defense AR is not.

[xflip14]

Also pointing out the lifetime warranty it seems worth the "gamble"

[kanata67]

I was looking for a good deal myself a while back. I saved up for a m91 dragoon and the romak-3 from classic arms for half a year. When I finally had the money the romak-3 was out of stock.
as such I picked up the RPG HEAVY BARREL OPTIC READY AR-15 RIFLE for $800 instead. While the wife wasn't to pleased that I spent that much on guns for zombie protection she had to admit it was a great price.

the scope took a while to sight in but once sighted I found it pleasingly accurate and consistent. Granted the bi-pod helped my nerve damaged aim immensely.

the only not good things I can say is the included case doesn't hold the gun with a clip in the rifle...no big deal, and the gun came with warrenty card but no instruction manual. Again no big deal if you are familiar with ar's but as it was my first I had to have a friend show me how to break it down.

all in all I would say it is well worth the money and suggest grabbing a $100 m91 while you are at it.

[chasvcampbell]

Hello Folks, new to the forum here, but thought all would be interested in the Rocky Point ...AR-15..
I purchased this from them last week and can say I am well pleased with the product...I have looked at most of all the more popular makes and can say this AR will stand up to all of them in quality....took it to the range and it took 5 rounds to sight it in at 50 yds...and a few minor adjustments at 100 yds...no jams with the several hundred rounds that I put through it....I plan to accessorize with red dot and or scope laser in the future...I saved at least $200, glad I took the time to look around...If you are able to visit their store and hold one in your hands and look it over I think you will be impressed with the product...just one old guys opinion....Thanks