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Armalite AR-30A1 Sniper Rifle Review
Price Range:
$35,00 - $45,00
Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Name | Armalite, Inc. |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Build Date | 2009 |
| Action | Bolt-Action |
| Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 26 inches |
| Overall Length | 49 inches |
| Weight | 6.1 KG |
| Price Range | $35,00 – $4,500 |
Overview
The Armalite AR-30A1 is a precision bolt-action rifle chambered in the powerful .338 Lapua Magnum, known for its long-range accuracy and stopping power. Designed primarily for military, law enforcement, and civilian long-range shooters, the AR-30A1 offers an outstanding balance of accuracy, ergonomics, and power. The rifle was first introduced in 2009 and has become highly regarded for its use in extreme-range engagements, often surpassing 1,000 yards with ease.
The AR-30A1 features a robust, monolithic upper receiver, allowing for a stable platform for mounting optics. The rifle’s custom-designed stock and adjustable features ensure comfort for a wide range of shooters, even during long periods of use. The AR-30A1 is built to perform in harsh conditions, providing consistent performance and accuracy even in extreme weather.
Strength and Quality
The AR-30A1 is built with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The rifle features a monolithic upper receiver, which enhances its rigidity and accuracy. The cold hammer-forged barrel provides long-lasting durability and excellent performance, even after extensive use. The adjustable stock allows for a customized fit, ensuring comfort during long shooting sessions. Overall, the AR-30A1 is constructed with precision and reliability in mind, making it an ideal choice for serious marksmen and military professionals.
Safety Features
The Armalite AR-30A1 is equipped with a manual safety that is located near the trigger guard. The bolt-action mechanism inherently provides an additional layer of safety, as it requires manual operation between shots, ensuring that no accidental discharge can occur. As with any high-powered rifle, it is essential to follow all basic firearm safety practices, such as keeping the rifle pointed in a safe direction, ensuring the safety is engaged when not in use, and keeping the firearm unloaded when not actively shooting.
Test Results
- Accuracy: The AR-30A1 is capable of sub-MOA accuracy, often achieving a 1-inch group at 100 yards when using high-quality ammunition, with consistent results at longer distances.
- Effective Range: With the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, the AR-30A1 excels at long-range shooting, with an effective range of up to 1,500 yards depending on conditions.
- Recoil: The rifle’s weight and design help manage the recoil of the .338 Lapua Magnum round, though it is still considerable. Recoil is manageable for experienced shooters but may be heavy for some users.
- Penetration: The .338 Lapua Magnum provides excellent terminal ballistics, making the AR-30A1 highly effective against long-range targets, including vehicles and other hard targets.
Merits
- Precision: The AR-30A1 is known for its exceptional accuracy, capable of consistently hitting targets at extreme ranges beyond 1,000 yards.
- Effective Range: Chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, it offers one of the best long-range performances in its class, making it ideal for military and tactical operations.
- Durability: The monolithic upper and rugged build make it well-suited for extreme environments, ensuring that it performs well in adverse conditions.
- Comfort: The adjustable stock and ergonomic design make it comfortable to use for extended periods of time, even for shooters with varying body types.
Demerits
- Weight: At 14.2 lbs, the AR-30A1 is quite heavy, making it less ideal for quick mobility and prolonged carry.
- Price: The AR-30A1 is priced at a premium, making it less accessible for hobbyists or budget-conscious shooters.
- Recoil: While the rifle is designed to manage recoil, the power of the .338 Lapua Magnum can still be punishing for some shooters, especially for those who are not accustomed to high-recoil rifles.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential to maintain accuracy. After each use, clean the barrel and action to remove carbon buildup and prevent wear. A bore snake or a cleaning rod can be used to clean the barrel, while the action should be lightly lubricated to keep the bolt functioning smoothly.
- Lubrication: The AR-30A1 requires periodic lubrication of its moving parts to prevent wear and ensure smooth operation, particularly the bolt and trigger mechanism.
- Barrel Inspection: As with any precision rifle, the barrel should be inspected for wear after extensive use, particularly after prolonged shooting sessions. A damaged or worn barrel can significantly affect accuracy.
Comparison with Other Guns
Armalite AR-30A1 vs Other Sniper Rifles
| Feature | Armalite AR-30A1 | Remington 700 PCR | Savage 110 Elite Precision | Bergara B-14 HMR | Howa 1500 HCR | Ruger Precision Rifle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United States | United States | Spain | Japan | United States |
| Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Win Mag | 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win | 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .300 PRC | 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win | 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win | 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, 6mm Creedmoor |
| Effective Range | 1,500 m | 800–1,200 m | 1,200 m | 1,000–1,200 m | 800–1,200 m | 1,200 m |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 6.1 kg | 4.8 kg | 5.9 kg | 4.6 kg | 5.0 kg | 6.1 kg |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 or 10 rounds | 5 or 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 or 10 rounds |
| Action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
| Primary Use | Long-range precision shooting | Precision shooting and hunting | Competitive shooting and precision | Hunting and precision shooting | Precision shooting and hunting | Precision shooting and competition |
| Price Range (USD) | $3,500–$4,500 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,600–$2,000 | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,200–$1,600 | $1,400–$2,200 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The AR-30A1 can shoot effectively at ranges up to 1,500 yards, depending on environmental conditions and ammunition used.
Yes, the AR-30A1 is available for civilian purchase, although it is often used by military and law enforcement professionals for long-range operations.
The .338 Lapua Magnum round has excellent ballistic properties, offering high velocity, flat trajectory, and significant energy at long ranges, making it ideal for precision shooting at distances beyond 1,000 yards.
The AR-30A1 is known for its precision and long-range capabilities, with its .338 Lapua Magnum chambering offering superior power compared to other sniper rifles that use smaller calibers, such as the .308 Winchester.
Yes, the AR-30A1 features a modular design, allowing users to add accessories like scopes, bipods, and different stocks to suit their preferences and shooting needs.
