Is there actually something to them? I read the website, but can any explain to me why the VIS uppers are so much better? I would be interested in something flat top and 16 inch.

The only way I am going to get to handle one is to drop the coin and buy one I think. None of my buddies have one and none seem al that interested in getting one (Smitty just got a Commando like yours). They look good, and are talked up on the internet, but that is no substitute for first hand knowledge and feel. I think I am going to order up an Afgan model and bring it to the carbine class in Spray. Then we will be able to comment on the merits (or lack there of) of the Noveske. I expect it will live up to the hype, I have yet to hear anyone bad mouth them on the internet, and even Jesus is maligned on the internet.

quote:

Is there actually something to them?

Yes. Yes there is. It's not specifically the VIS upper which is all the rage, but Noveske's barrels and the overall gun quality. Also, the parts used in uppers and full rifles have all the little touches that you'll find in Colt and LMT rifles. They've got a good turn-around time and they're open to custom orders.

Don't forget Noveske's use M249 Machine gun barrel steel and the heavy chroming which is thicker then normal.

The VIS costs more because it integrates the handguard to the receiver directly. The handguard does not touch the barrel even at the barrel nut. Most other free floating handguards attach at the barrel nut. This gives you a true monolythic rail across the top.

They are also made from billet aluminum which tends to have higher tolerances then forged. Although since billet is weaker, they strengthen the upper by making it thicker.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jeffy,

So the VIS would make an excellent mid range rifle with a quality optic?

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
So the VIS would make an excellent mid range rifle with a quality optic?

I'm not sure if most people be able to tell any difference between two Noveske uppers, one VIS and one not. They have a nice free floating handguard on their non-VIS models.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jeffy,

I *think* that the Noveske magic is in the barrels.

FWIW- Grant Timberlake is building me a custom-spec'd 16" middy around an N4 barrel. It does not have the VIS, but otherwise the parts are as good or "better"* than the offering from Noveske, at a decent savings to boot.

* better to the extent that it has pretty much all name brand major parts- if that really means anything to you

The magic is in the barrels. A friend of mine has a 18" SPR Barelled AR that shoots 1/2 MOA or better with Black Hills 75gr match. We ring 8" steel with it at 500 yards with no problem.

I just wish I could get a 20" barrel from them w/o a 6 month wait Lother Walther is looking like a good alternative.

I have a project to finish!

The VIS is nice, but not necessary. Noveske is not taking orders on rifles with the VIS right now because of supply problems from VLTOR. There's nothing wrong with the regular rail Noveske uses.

quote:

Originally posted by Sparky315:
The VIS is nice, but not necessary. Noveske is not taking orders on rifles with the VIS right now because of supply problems from VLTOR. There's nothing wrong with the regular rail Noveske uses.

The standard free floating rail is a SWS; http://www.superiorweaponssystems.com/ar15carbine.htm. I've heard good thing about them.

depending on what length you are looking for I would get a Daniel Defense Omega rail - only user serviceable FF rail on the market.

Pick up the N4, save a little money using the mil/leo discount and add an Omega Rail to it

I shot a friend's last weekend and it is a very, very nice AR. All quality parts, good finish, ran great, and accuracy better than any of us could wring out of a gun at a 75 meter indoor range. So I think it passes the "worth the money" test. Is it superior to a Colt 6920 or other high-end ARs? I don't think so, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. They do write "Noveske" on it a lot though (upper, lower, rail, sights, etc...)

quote:

Originally posted by dont_tread_on_me:
depending on what length you are looking for I would get a Daniel Defense Omega rail - only user serviceable FF rail on the market.

jones- Grant basically sold me on this rail for my build. Thinner, lighter, cheaper.

Definitely go with the Daniel Defense Omega rail. Light as some M4 plastic handguards, rock solid, free floating, and easily user-installed and removed. Built in QD sling mounts, too.

Ok without the VIS, what is the difference between this.......

Noveske Recon 16.1
http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi...arch=&since=&status=

and this.........
N4 Light Recce low profiles 16"
http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi...arch=&since=&status=

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
Ok without the VIS, what is the difference between this.......

Noveske Recon 16.1
http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi...arch=&since=&status=

and this.........
N4 Light Recce low profiles 16"
http://noveskerifleworks.com/cgi-bin/imcart/display.cgi...arch=&since=&status=

The barrel... One is SS while the other is M249.

Here's my rifle with a complete Noveske upper:



It has the 16" Recce barrel. That's the chromed M249 type with a midlength gas system. It has the VTAC handguard which a I really like. I'm very happy with it.

jak- did you buy that upper from the VTAC section at Noveske? I came really close to getting one. My 20" has that setup. awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by mattjmcd:
jak- did you buy that upper from the VTAC section at Noveske? I came really close to getting one. My 20" has that setup. awesome.

Yup, sure did. Here is the link for anyone interested. They have the 14.5" chorme and the 16" stainless barrels listed on the page, but I asked them for the 16" chrome Recce barrel and they said no problem. Noveske's great.