JSE Surplus or Radical Firearms?

[BgDnTX]

Hello everyone:
I've decided to get into the Grendel world and would like some advice, opinions, etc.
I have 2 AR15s: Colt 6920 and M&P 15TS.
I want to go with a low priced complete upper as my first purchase and got it narrowed down to either the Radical Firearms or the JSE Surplus. Both in 20" barrel, both about the same price. I did notice the twist is 1:8 (JSE) vs 1:9 (RADICAL).
And I'm sure there may be other things to consider. But for now these two.
My main thought starts with which of these two has the better accuracy? This is important to me. And I understand that if I get 1/2 MOA @ 100 yds we're doing super at this price level. I do expect to see 1 MOA and anticipate sub 1 @ 100 yds off the bench.
Then considering reliability, customer service, and all those things.
Ultimately, once I learn a whole lot more it will be time for AA, Precision, Giselle, and so on.
So again, JSE or RADICAL?
Thanks

[bwaites]

I would not expect 1 inch accuracy from either. You may get it, but at that price level, it would just be luck of the draw. If you really are expecting and looking for that kind of accuracy, why not buy once and be done? Why run the risk of not getting it and still spending money. It isn't like you will shoot out a Grendel barrel in 6 months or a year. It's a low pressure cartridge, so with a quality barrel, you can expect to go 6000+ rounds before you drop off accuracy wise. Why start with something that may not be capable of what you want? Save a few extra months and buy an AA, Precision Firearms, or JP and take the risk part of the accuracy out of the equation.

[rabiddawg]

I agree with bwaites. I will never be a fan of low cost things that go bang.

Besides, isn't the AA within a couple hundred bucks of the two you mentioned?

[VASCAR2]

If I had to choose between JSE and Radical Firearms I'd take the JSE. JSE barrels are 1:8 twist 416R stainless and are 6.5 Grendel SAAMI chamber. I do not like muzzle breaks and JSE gives a few more options if getting a complete upper. The 6.5 Grendel is an inherently accurate cartridge but expecting less than 1 MOA accuracy out of a button rifle barrel depends a lot on the shooter, ammo and barrel quality. I think it is luck of the draw when buying lower budget barrels. I bought a Shilen match profile barrel and it has proven accurate but I can't shoot this barrel good enough to show it's true potential.

If you really need a rifle that will consistently shoot less than 1 MOA I think you really need to buy a higher quality barrel. In AR-15 barrel quality first, good optics with good quality trigger usually will produce the best results.

[BgDnTX]

Thanks for your input

Appreciate these replies.They're all quite valid and cause me to have to rethink this project.
I do buy quality in firearms generally so guess I was not weighing all the possibilities correctly.
You guys have brought me back to reality so to speak.
Since accuracy is a major factor in this deal, we better start looking at the AAs, Precisions, and so on.
Thanks again.
Now, for a complete upper, which should I consider? Or how about buying a low end and upgradng the barrel? Wonder if that would be feasible?

[Bravo Vector Tango]

for a complete upper i would go no less than AA.

if you're looking for savings, and have the tools and experience, my recommendation would be looking into building it yourself, rather than searching for savings in bottom-of-the-barrel components. Too much chances of tolerance stacking, straight up poor/improper machining and to be further compounded by improper assembly techniques, and little to no QC process (think back to the not-so-distant past when Radical had a big problem with barrel assemblies that were nitrided post-assembly.)

it's just not worth the chance of having an end product you're less than satisfied with.

[BgDnTX]

OK It makes sense

I think the consensus is buy quality and skip trying to save a buck which will probably buy nothing but disappointment.
So now the decision is should I buy a complete upper or just a barrel and bcg? I never have built an AR but did send off for Zediker's book to start the learning curve. And a lot of people seem to be able to do it, so I believe it's something I can get into.
Thanks again for the input from all of you.

[Heinz57grendel]

Buy the complete upper from AA as it is a good entry point into the Grendel round. Then as you get the Grendel fever even more learn to build one.

[ii's_open]

JSE 20" barrel @ 100yds. I'm content.

[Drillboss]

I think the consensus is buy quality and skip trying to save a buck which will probably buy nothing but disappointment.
So now the decision is should I buy a complete upper or just a barrel and bcg? I never have built an AR but did send off for Zediker's book to start the learning curve. And a lot of people seem to be able to do it, so I believe it's something I can get into.
Thanks again for the input from all of you.

This is one guy's opinion, for what it's worth. You're not going to save much (if any) by building your own upper. However, you will get exactly what you decide you want as far as barrel, handguard, etc. I don't know you, but I do know you have the ability to put one together and there's a lot of personal satisfaction to be had from building your own.

That said, a PF or AA upper is a really good place to start from.

Thanks for the heads up on Zediker. Those look like pretty good reference material.

[Omen]

I built my first Grendel a couple of weeks ago around a JSE 20" bull barrel and bolt. I'd say it is roughly a MOA plinker. I was getting some nasty groups but also had feeding issues out of my C-products magazine. I started single loading by hand and was back down to about MOA. I am out of my factory ammo and have an AA magazine on order. I am hoping with custom loads and a new magazine I can be consistently MOA or better, but time will tell.

I still agree with the consensus on this thread about spending a little extra cash if you can if you want the accuracy. I am local to JSE and got this barrel during their flood special for $150. It is more of a "what can I squeeze out of my reloading bench test" than a budget build. I think it will be fun. But I plan on a new Saturn barrel and billet recievers when I am ready to get serious.

[hydrotech]

JSE has a store that is close to me and I have one of their 20's. I dont shoot it often because i like my shorter 16" better. but the JSE shoots great!