Barrett REC7 Gen II Carbine 5.56 NATO Semi-Auto Rifle - 30 Rounds, 16" Barrel, Collapsible Stock, Synthetic, Blue/Black

First off I want to say that if you are in the market for a top tier AR-15 style rifle, look no further than the REC7 GII from the great folks at Barrett. I was on the hunt for a top notch rifle for months, looked at HK, LWRC, LMT, etc. I've owned several AR's from Colt and BCM and trust me I like those rifles and those companies, they work just fine and aren't a bad deal. From what I have experienced with this REC7 though, I doubt I'll ever be able to look at rifles the same again. The fit and finish is exceptional apart from the Magpul MOE buttstock that comes standard. Perhaps Barrett could offer something else, Magpul makes great stuff but the MOE stock is loose on most MIL-SPEC buffer tubes I've seen. I put a Vltor I-MOD stock on and it's top notch stuff. The weight is exceptional to me considering that this rifle does not have an M4 profile barrel, It's thicker and does not go skinny under the handguard, so from the extended and rapid shooting I did, I saw virtually no loss of accuracy from the barrel heating up. The keymod rail system that Barrett came up with is bar none the most comfortable and well fitted one I've seen to date. It did get slightly warm after ninety rounds shot in rapid succession, but nothing crazy. As far as accuracy goes if the shooter does their part and uses decent ammo this rifle will easily, and most importantly, consistently shoot under one MOA. I used a TA-31 ACOG (4x) for an optic, and tested ammo ranging from 55g PMC X-TAC, to more expensive match ammo like Nosler 75g OTM. I expected to see a good bit of difference considering the rifle has a 1:7 twist typically suited for the heavier rounds, but I saw very minimal difference in accuracy. Bottom line, my example shoots like a match grade rifle that happens to be an AR-15. Best groups I achieved came from HPR's 60g V-max loads... five rounds, same jagged hole at 100yds. Now the main selling point of the REC7 is the gas piston system that Barrett came up with. I have to say I love how the bolt and carrier stay literally cool and clean, I mean the already excellent carrier literally just needs a quick wipe at most, and the coating they use on the carrier makes it so slick you seriously don't need to lubricate it. What I don't love is the carbon that can and will build up on the exterior of the gas plug. Don't be fooled into thinking that the carbon just goes away... it doesn't. But as Barrett will tell you (and I can confirm) just put some anti seize on it and you won't have any problems. Considering the trade off from that compared to the filth that a typical direct inpingement gas system imparts on your bolt and carrier group, I honestly think that the piston system is superior. In my experience it is also very very smooth compared to a carbine length DI gas system. They use an H2 buffer which I find interesting... I think that also helps out quite a bit. In summary if you don't ever want to have to buy another AR-15 again, and you are willing to spend what I think is money well spent on the price, then this is the rifle for you. Not sure how much it matters but these are my thoughts on my example of the Barrett Rec7 GII by a firearms enthusiast and gun smith. Great job by BUD'S as usual... fast and friendly like always.