Did a search but was unable to find any threads on this exact topic...I'm not quite tech savvy so apologies if I missed one.

I'm trying to decide between buying a Larue 7.62 PredatOBR or assembling a similar rifle using Larue's ultimate upper kits. Doing some quick pricing, it seems like I could assemble one for ~$1800, while the PredatOBR is $3300. I guess the better comparison would be the 7.62 PredatAR, but if I bought the complete rifle I would likely go tOBR.

Anybody assemble a rifle from their kits before? What did you think? Is it worth the money to just buy a complete rifle?

Thanks, y'all.

Is Larue still hot **** ? I remember them being big a couple years ago, but haven't heard anything about them in a while.

Are they still worth the high price tag?

PredatOBR if you want the ability to quickly disassemble and reassemble the rifle, though just separating the upper and lower does the job nicely for transport or covert storage.

Other than that, the adjustable gas block is nice if you ever plan on shooting suppressed. No tools necessary.

But the promised availability of additional barrel options has yet to materialize. You're probably better off with an additional upper for whatever lower you choose.

So they're nice, but you can always pick up a Larue barrel for your own build.

Unless you have a very specific reason for the PredatOBR, I would save money and either get the kit or build your own entirely.

I bought two of their kits.

Pretty damn happy.

Pretty hard to beat this price point if you can build it yourself...

https://www.larue.com/products/larue-ultimate-7-62-260-6-5cm-upper-kit/

My thoughts are pretty much aligned with what's been said above. I've just never assembled one of these before, so I'm a little hesitant to do it without owning one first. On the other hand, I do have professional help nearby and it would be good to learn how they go together anyway.

For those that have ordered the kits, is it the same barrel as the predatOBR (i.e. different than the predatAR barrel)? And did you have to purchase the stripped lower separately, or can the orders be combined?

No reason it should cost you $2400 if you use the LaRue upper kit. Unless you are including an optic in the price.

ag0207 said:

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No reason it should cost you $2400 if you use the LaRue upper kit. Unless you are including an optic in the price.

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Yep. You are correct. I just called Larue and that should be far lower. I did not realize the lower parts came with the kit. So the only thing missing is the $300 stripped lower. I'll edit the OP.

I have a complete Larue rifle that I bought 4-5 years ago & think it is fantastic. I bought one of their upper kits in 6.5 Grendel & have been equally pleased. The only difference is with the AR15 kit you get a plain Jane BCG while the AR10 kit comes with their chrome version. Great deal overall.

I own both.

The PredatOBR is a precision rifle that is very easy to breakdown and clean. Emphasis on the word precision. It is so easy to shoot <1MOA it's surreal. QD mounts to take off my scope for cleaning, put it back on and still just as accurate.

I equally enjoyed the Upper Kit because it was my first build and I learned a lot.

And yes, LaRue is still the best.

You can choose the lightweight barrel of the Stealth barrel. I'd go with the Stealth.

Larue will only sell you a stripped lower if you've ordered an upper kit from them. It's a 1:1 deal. So order the upper kit, then put your order number in when you go to buy the lower. Seems that the color options other than black take a little while longer.

And as long as you pick up a few tools - a couple necessary and some that just make the build easier- there's no reason why someone with a little bit of common sense and access to YouTube can't put a complete rifle together in a matter of hours.

I bought my first AR. Really wish I would have assembled my own. Especially if the Larue kits had been available.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Very helpful. It sounds like several people have both built and purchased. For those that have, does building a heavy barreled 7.62 give up any accuracy over the tOBR?

I just don't think I want to spend double the price just to be able to take it apart easier. Granted that's a great feature, but I'm just not willing to pay double for it (yet). If both the build and the complete rifle are equal accuracy wise, then it's an easy call on my part. Just have to pick the color.

Keep in mind that larue doesn't advertise the actual weight of their "lightweight" option. There's a reason for that, it's about half a lbs heavier than a true lightweight barrel.

Larue was pretty innovative back in the early 2000s time frame but I think their competition has more than caught up to them and they've been slow to change. They still make an okay product but the best? Meh.

Been looking at the same thing but in 5.56 and 16" barrel. Will use for hogs and home defense. Was looking at Aeros and Bravo uppers but then saw the Larue upper kit. Already have a stripped lower. Wanting to keep builder under $1k without glass.

Is the Larue kit above average? With what is included it seems to be roughly the price of an Aero.

BenderRodriguez said:

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Keep in mind that larue doesn't advertise the actual weight of their "lightweight" option. There's a reason for that, it's about half a lbs heavier than a true lightweight barrel.

Larue was pretty innovative back in the early 2000s time frame but I think their competition has more than caught up to them and they've been slow to change. They still make an okay product but the best? Meh.

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I think this is a lot like the custom rifle thread. A lot of folks make great guns. Larue had to lower his prices.

I have a few LaRue rifles and have a couple of their UU kits. I was fortunate to get a .260 barrel for my tOBR last year. My LaRues (all flavors) shoot great and are very accurate. The UU kits are excellent, and are not hard to assemble. You can't go wrong saving some money and assembling it yourself.

I have an aero that I built & a Larue I built with the upper kit. I like the Larue kit a lot more. In addition the Larue kit comes with a sweet trigger. I do like the aero don't get me wrong, but if it is similar price Larue is the better option IMO.

As Bender said, Larue doesn't list their barrel weights. Is there a big difference between the stealth and predator barrels?

From their website it looks like the stealth is supposed to have tighter groupings but that is about all I could find there.

BenderRodriguez said:

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Keep in mind that larue doesn't advertise the actual weight of their "lightweight" option. There's a reason for that, it's about half a lbs heavier than a true lightweight barrel.

Larue was pretty innovative back in the early 2000s time frame but I think their competition has more than caught up to them and they've been slow to change. They still make an okay product but the best? Meh.

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So who makes the best now, in your opinion? Again, this will be my first AR style rifle so all the information I can get helps. Thanks.

Straight out of the box there is no better rifle than Larue, Daniel Defense or Noveske. There are a few others that are also very high quality. If you want a better rifle you can assemble from individual components but they will run you a lot more when it is all said and done.

I'm not a Larue fanboy, but I do own some of their stuff and find it to be exceptional quality. I don't know how you could build or own a better AR-15 for $1000 than their UU kit plus billet lower receiver deal. Same with the AR-10 (albeit for more $$$).

I'd have jumped on that deal many months ago, but I don't need another AR.

WHHYYYYYYY DID YOU HAVE TO POST THIS????? I've been tempted to get one of their UU's for a while and have finally suppressed the desire. Now, I get to either order one and deal with the wife, or go back to saying "you already have an AR." My buddy texting me a pic of his new DD he recently got hasn't helped this itch.

So you want to get an AR, possibly a custom-ish one? Texian Firearms can likely satisfy your needs. EyeGuy should be at the store by now, store number: 832-770-9358.

Timely post as I received an UU kit in 6.5 creedmoor yesterday. The fit and finish is outstanding and the chrome bolt is sexy. I would post a pic if I knew how. There are some that don't think much of larue or think they are overpriced, but I have purchased several larue rifles and now an upper kit and have been extremely pleased. I'm sure there are other kits or parts that can be purchased for less. Ultimately it is about what you want and if you are comfortable paying for what you want.

Naveronski said:

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Is Larue still hot **** ? I remember them being big a couple years ago

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No the duty grade crowds have moved on to Hodge and sons of liberty both in San Antonio or back to Knights Armament.

gibberish said:

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Naveronski said:

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Is Larue still hot **** ? I remember them being big a couple years ago

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No the duty grade crowds have moved on to Hodge and sons of liberty both in San Antonio or back to Knights Armament.

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I know that there are some SF sniper teams competing with LaRue .260 rifles in some competitions. Some of them have won and several have placed high with them. I also know that LaRue rifles are popular among those guys.

gibberish said:

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Naveronski said:

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Is Larue still hot **** ? I remember them being big a couple years ago

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No the duty grade crowds have moved on to Hodge and sons of liberty both in San Antonio or back to Knights Armament.

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I'm familiar with both of those, and met Mike (of SOLGW) during Harvey. Good guy.

Micky80 said:

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gibberish said:

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Naveronski said:

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Is Larue still hot **** ? I remember them being big a couple years ago

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No the duty grade crowds have moved on to Hodge and sons of liberty both in San Antonio or back to Knights Armament.

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I know that there are some SF sniper teams competing with LaRue .260 rifles in some competitions. Some of them have won and several have placed high with them. I also know that LaRue rifles are popular among those guys.

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Not knocking Larue's products, just sharing the trend has greatly moved the needle elsewhere.

I guess I should add that I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle. Able to hunt most North American game, but also doubles as a SHTF. I'll double back and buy a 5.56 when I save up some more $$$.

So I don't necessarily need the best sniper rifle of all time, but I would like something I can carry on a hunt that is accurate enough. I figured for the price a Larue UU fit that bill. Love the Sons of Liberty rifles, but I'm not a competition shooter.

panag said:

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I guess I should add that I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle. Able to hunt most North American game, but also doubles as a SHTF. I'll double back and buy a 5.56 when I save up some more $$$.

So I don't necessarily need the best sniper rifle of all time, but I would like something I can carry on a hunt that is accurate enough. I figured for the price a Larue UU fit that bill. Love the Sons of Liberty rifles, but I'm not a competition shooter.

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If you want alternatives, look at Lone Star Armory. I personally would take one of those over a LaRue, but they cost a little more and I may be biased. I built my first AR on a upper lower combo I bought from LSA. Used a Lothar Walther barrel on it and it literally shoots through the same hole at any distance. It's stupid accurate.

https://www.lonestararmory.us/

I love my larue as much as the next guy but the UU seems higher than an Aero build...no? If so, what are you paying for besides the name?

mts6175 said:

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panag said:

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I guess I should add that I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle. Able to hunt most North American game, but also doubles as a SHTF. I'll double back and buy a 5.56 when I save up some more $$$.

So I don't necessarily need the best sniper rifle of all time, but I would like something I can carry on a hunt that is accurate enough. I figured for the price a Larue UU fit that bill. Love the Sons of Liberty rifles, but I'm not a competition shooter.

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If you want alternatives, look at Lone Star Armory. I personally would take one of those over a LaRue, but they cost a little more and I may be biased. I built my first AR on a upper lower combo I bought from LSA. Used a Lothar Walther barrel on it and it literally shoots through the same hole at any distance. It's stupid accurate.

https://www.lonestararmory.us/

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I checked out their website. Unlike Larue who sells the kits as a package, it seems like they only sell individual components. Did you just buy each individual part you would need and then buy the barrel separately from Lothar Walther?

panag said:

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mts6175 said:

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panag said:

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I guess I should add that I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle. Able to hunt most North American game, but also doubles as a SHTF. I'll double back and buy a 5.56 when I save up some more $$$.

So I don't necessarily need the best sniper rifle of all time, but I would like something I can carry on a hunt that is accurate enough. I figured for the price a Larue UU fit that bill. Love the Sons of Liberty rifles, but I'm not a competition shooter.

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If you want alternatives, look at Lone Star Armory. I personally would take one of those over a LaRue, but they cost a little more and I may be biased. I built my first AR on a upper lower combo I bought from LSA. Used a Lothar Walther barrel on it and it literally shoots through the same hole at any distance. It's stupid accurate.

https://www.lonestararmory.us/

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I checked out their website. Unlike Larue who sells the kits as a package, it seems like they only sell individual components. Did you just buy each individual part you would need and then buy the barrel separately from Lothar Walther?

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I've been to their shop a couple of times; they're right down the road from me. Make a lot of their stuff in house, etc.

Reach out to them if you're considering buying parts; they can probably put something together for you.

I'd love to get a 14.5 -> 16" 6.5CM from them, but those are crazy expensive... worth it, but expensive.

panag said:

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mts6175 said:

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panag said:

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I guess I should add that I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle. Able to hunt most North American game, but also doubles as a SHTF. I'll double back and buy a 5.56 when I save up some more $$$.

So I don't necessarily need the best sniper rifle of all time, but I would like something I can carry on a hunt that is accurate enough. I figured for the price a Larue UU fit that bill. Love the Sons of Liberty rifles, but I'm not a competition shooter.

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If you want alternatives, look at Lone Star Armory. I personally would take one of those over a LaRue, but they cost a little more and I may be biased. I built my first AR on a upper lower combo I bought from LSA. Used a Lothar Walther barrel on it and it literally shoots through the same hole at any distance. It's stupid accurate.

https://www.lonestararmory.us/

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I checked out their website. Unlike Larue who sells the kits as a package, it seems like they only sell individual components. Did you just buy each individual part you would need and then buy the barrel separately from Lothar Walther?

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I bought it 5-6 years ago from him when he was working in a small shop just behind his house. They've changed since then, about a year ago they opened up a full shop and he's started making his own barrels. They even have a training center now. Give them a call, he'll put a parts kit together for you most likely. Owner's name is Andrew.

mts6175 said:

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panag said:

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mts6175 said:

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panag said:

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I guess I should add that I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle. Able to hunt most North American game, but also doubles as a SHTF. I'll double back and buy a 5.56 when I save up some more $$$.

So I don't necessarily need the best sniper rifle of all time, but I would like something I can carry on a hunt that is accurate enough. I figured for the price a Larue UU fit that bill. Love the Sons of Liberty rifles, but I'm not a competition shooter.

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If you want alternatives, look at Lone Star Armory. I personally would take one of those over a LaRue, but they cost a little more and I may be biased. I built my first AR on a upper lower combo I bought from LSA. Used a Lothar Walther barrel on it and it literally shoots through the same hole at any distance. It's stupid accurate.

https://www.lonestararmory.us/

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I checked out their website. Unlike Larue who sells the kits as a package, it seems like they only sell individual components. Did you just buy each individual part you would need and then buy the barrel separately from Lothar Walther?

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I bought it 5-6 years ago from him when he was working in a small shop just behind his house. They've changed since then, about a year ago they opened up a full shop and he's started making his own barrels. They even have a training center now. Give them a call, he'll put a parts kit together for you most likely. Owner's name is Andrew.

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Called yesterday and waiting on him to put together a parts package. Very helpful guy. It was a pleasure to speak with him. He tried to sell me on 6.5 CM instead of .308. Not sure which I prefer yet. Thanks for the recommendation, though.

panag said:

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mts6175 said:

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panag said:

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mts6175 said:

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panag said:

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I guess I should add that I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle. Able to hunt most North American game, but also doubles as a SHTF. I'll double back and buy a 5.56 when I save up some more $$$.

So I don't necessarily need the best sniper rifle of all time, but I would like something I can carry on a hunt that is accurate enough. I figured for the price a Larue UU fit that bill. Love the Sons of Liberty rifles, but I'm not a competition shooter.

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If you want alternatives, look at Lone Star Armory. I personally would take one of those over a LaRue, but they cost a little more and I may be biased. I built my first AR on a upper lower combo I bought from LSA. Used a Lothar Walther barrel on it and it literally shoots through the same hole at any distance. It's stupid accurate.

https://www.lonestararmory.us/

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I checked out their website. Unlike Larue who sells the kits as a package, it seems like they only sell individual components. Did you just buy each individual part you would need and then buy the barrel separately from Lothar Walther?

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I bought it 5-6 years ago from him when he was working in a small shop just behind his house. They've changed since then, about a year ago they opened up a full shop and he's started making his own barrels. They even have a training center now. Give them a call, he'll put a parts kit together for you most likely. Owner's name is Andrew.

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Called yesterday and waiting on him to put together a parts package. Very helpful guy. It was a pleasure to speak with him. He tried to sell me on 6.5 CM instead of .308. Not sure which I prefer yet. Thanks for the recommendation, though.

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Listen to him.