Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ms Data on June 1, 2014 at 9:33

I am more of a traditionalist.  I was never all that interested in owning an AR but I can see the writing on the wall so I decided to purchase my first "beginners" AR.  I studied and read and watched YouTube vidoes and became even more confused than I had ever been.  I ultimately had narrowed my choices down to 3 or 4 models and went to my favorite gun store - the guys who treat me with respect and who I trust.  I came away with a S&W M&P AR15 Sport and a case of .223 ammo for $1000 and change.

I already have a Bushnell Red Dot sight that I will put on it.  My research tells me that with a 0.83" riser it will co-witness with the fixed sights so I have ordered that riser.  I also ordered more Magpul PMags, a Butler Creek LULA mag loader because I already have 2 other models and I love the Butler Creek mag loaders, a bore-snake, a sling, and a tactical rifle case.

I know there are tons of other modifications I could make but I will wait.  A replacement charging handle might be the next part to replace.

So tell me about your AR's . . . I have a lot to learn.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on June 1, 2014 at 12:27

By AR I assume you mean a weapon firing an intermediate or full size rifle type cartridge that has selective fire capabilities (semi and full automatic) and is used by a nation's military forces..  Of such weapons,  I've fired an AKM, the G3, and the M16a1.  I preferred the M16a1 for easy of use and accuracy.  I will take it over any other principle firearm used by a major military power simply because it is the one I'm most familiar with.

I absolutely abhor the term Assault Rifle.

Permalink Reply by Ms Data on June 1, 2014 at 22:09

Well to me the AR platform is that first created by Armalite.  I usually think of the AR-15 platform that shoots .223/5.56 as I think it is the most common.  I am guessing the second most common would probably be the .308 caliber.  In more recent years they even have them shooting .22LR.  But heck, I am even a fan of the old Ruger Mini-14 ranch rifle or Mini-30.  I'd even put the AK-47 in that category, Kalashnikov's design that is still going strong. I also abhor the term Assault Rifle.  I do not own any assault rifles, or any firearms that would assault anyone by themselves.

Also, I am thinking mostly semi-auto as most of us cannot afford to pay the government to permit us to own a fully automatic rifle, although I would love to fire one someday.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on June 2, 2014 at 9:58

I have a low opinion of full auto.  I'm not even a big fan of the 3 round burst.  To me it turns your 30 shot magazine into a 10 shot magazine.  It is hard enough to exercise fire control discipline with the weapon being semi-automatic. Full automatic fire is there when you need maximum suppressive fire.   "Spray and Pray" marksmanship is a poor second to trained fire control.  It should be used when trying to break off an engagement or when lines are being breached and you are truly shooting at fish in a barrel.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on June 2, 2014 at 21:59

I don't have anything in the AR platform.  The closest I have is my SKS.  It is semi auto and shoots the 7.62x39.  Chinese made.