As for optics, don't waste big money on a high end 1-4 scope unless you plan on shooting big matches and travelling. I ran an Eotech for a couple years and still think for local Indiana matches that it's a great choice.
FWIW (new guy opinion here) I run a Vortex 1-4x Viper and did not feel handicapped at all at the ACC match, where all the rifle targets are 15-30ish yards. $480-$500 depending on where you look, for some really nice glass.As for optics, don't waste big money on a high end 1-4 scope unless you plan on shooting big matches and travelling.
When I got my 3 gun rifle, I had never shot an AR much and just knew I needed one for 3 gun. As a result I paid attention where it wasn't needed. From my still limited experience, it makes almost no difference between a rifle length and carbine length gas system. Everyone told me how rough a short gas system was and now I don't think that matters at all. Also, it's super nice to have a super accurate rifle, but here in IN there are very few clubs where you will get a rifle shot past 100 yards. However, you will have a ton of shots under 20 yards. To do it again I would get the shortest and lightest rifle possible. As for optics, don't waste big money on a high end 1-4 scope unless you plan on shooting big matches and travelling. I ran an Eotech for a couple years and still think for local Indiana matches that it's a great choice. Again for local matches, any rack grade base rifle that runs well will do. If you are going to spend money on something, put it in the trigger. Just my opinion on how I would do mine different.
Jesse, what compensators do you like and why?
I add a few things:
1. Don't go cheap on the BCG. I've had matches where guys have broke extractors. One in particular was on the 1st or 2nd stage of the day. Him and I ended up swapping BCGS back and forth the rest of the day. I use BCM BCGs in all my rifles.
2. Quality optic. I don't mean it has to be Nightforce optics, but don't use something you picked up from the 1500 for $20 either. I use an Aimpoint ML3 that I picked up used. Bushnell has come out with a 1-4 that is a first focal plane scope. You can get it WITH the mount for under $300. I don't know how many people have tested it and how well it's holding up. But that seems like a steal for FFP glass.
3. Quality optic mount. If you buy a nice Vortex scope and throw it on an NC Star mount that you picked up at the 1500 for $10, you're throwing your money away on the scope. It'd be frustrating to be on target on a 50 yard target one stage, throw it in a barrel, and then on the next stage have your zero way off when you shoot at the 300 yard flash target.
4. Proper installation: make sure all of the small things, regardless of brand, are done correctly to the rifle...like staking. Gas key properly staked, receiver extension castle nut staked. I've seen the castle nut come loose before. Not pretty when your buffer retaining pin pops out. If the gas key loosens up, you'll have all kinds of cycling issues.
5. A good trigger. You'll need to try a single stage and a two stage trigger to see which one strikes your fancy. I'm a big fan of Geissle triggers (I use SD-3G & SSA-E), but they are very expensive. If you're on a budget, I'd recommend the Rock River NM 2 stage or the ALT ACT single.
6. Barrel. True, Indiana ranges (except Wildcat and Hillside) don't offer a lot of distance, so you may not need a JP or Noveske barrel. But don't just buy a $100 barrel of e-bay either. I've seen someone do that also and they threw it away after the first range outing. Personally, for a 16", I'd recommend the BCM BFH 16" midlength. If you're going 18", for the money, I doubt you can beat a Wilson Combat match grade barrel for $275.
Budget build AR for 2 gun. Surplus Ammo Upper, lower. Blackhole 18" barrel, BCM BCG. Decent forend. Vortex red dot/scope. Hyperfire 24c. Mission First Tactical minimalist stock. Ergo grip. Miculeck comp. Should come in under $1500 and cover everything you could shoot in 3gun. Key is a reliable shooter. For Indiana 1 MOA accuracy for the meatballs at ACC and 400 yrd shots at Hillside. Just my 2 cents.