In all this I never once bashed the AR-15.
You may not have bashed the platform, but your repetition of clearly uninformed myths certainly doesn't help, especially when it's coupled with a belief that you're somehow stating the absolute truth.
I still believe it is way overpriced and too finicky a platform.
Believe all you want. Regardless, if the platform could be replaced with something just as effective at a lower cost point, you'd see people who shoot often flocking to that platform. Likewise, if the AR platform were so finicky, you'd see not only competitive shooters moving away from it, but also law enforcement.
I was bashing the OWNERS of ARs, yep they still are elitist.
Elitism has nothing to do with it.
Tell you what, stchman, if you can prove to me that a Mini-14 can do absolutely everything I need it to do, I will immediately cease competing in 3Gun with an AR-platform rifle.
Find me a Mini-14 that can do the following:
-Hold up under circumstances of sustained heavy fire (for the purposes of this discussion, let's say somewhere around 75+ rounds fired in under four minutes)
-Possesses enough inherent accuracy to allow me to engage Half-size IPSC targets from point blank range to 150 yards, and 10-inch steel targets from 150 yards to 425 yards
-Possess enough inherent accuracy to allow me to make repeatable, accurate hits on a full-size IPSC target out to 500 yards
-Not change zero under circumstances of sustained fire
-Not jam under adverse conditions, to include sand, grit, and dirt
-Not have the point of impact change due to using the rifle in improvised field positions
-Do all of the above at a price point of $600-$700 out the door with no required modification thereafter
You find me that Mini-14, and I will immediately switch from shooting AR-pattern guns to Minis. A link to a Gun Broker auction, phone number for an FFL who has the weapon in his possession, or a willingness to sell the one you have will suffice.
I'll happily drop the cash right now if you can find a Mini-14 that can meet my needs.
This thread just re-enforces what I know to be true of AR owners.
So you came in here with preconceived notions and ill-informed beliefs, and then got all bent out of shape when people disagreed with you? And that makes them elitist?
Wow.
So after this thread I guess the posters GUARANTEE that if I purchase an AR it will shoot ANY make of .223 or 5.56 ammo?
No one here said that, now you're just setting up a straw-man argument in order to puff yourself up.
I can also lube it with 5W-30 Quaker State as well.
I personally know two competitive 3Gun shooters who place extremely well at large national 3Gun and Multigun matches who lube their AR-15's with 5W30.