Didn’t post this as a SHTF or piss off govt I shot one last week and said man, that was kinda fun. Not searching for 50pc of brass in the grass and only finding 10 but it was ok. I started thinking i could get one and just blast the snot out of gongs 300yards away, shoot some coyotes, etc. Than my reality angel on my shoulder starts talking and says use your bolt gun for coyote hunting or blasting. Get a pistol caliber carbine instead for some of the steel shoots.
Who doesn’t own/like AR’s?
- Thread starter Axis II
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I am going to buy a lower and a few spares for mine. When I bought it I also bought up enough ammo to supply me through a tight spot 
. In the unlikely event that a lawful authority marshals up a bunch of 70 year old men to go ward of alien invaders from Twilight Zone, I will grab for my AR and maybe take a hacksaw to my Mossberg 500. I will leave my lever guns at home because I do not want them getting dirty . Otherwise, I just personally have no interest in ugly aluminum black guns. but, that is me and I support the rest who do find them interesting to own hunt and target shoot. Well, if it is a TRex on the rampage, make mine an 1895 SBL in .45-70 and maybe a .560 Tyrannosaur double barrel stopper for back up 
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. In the unlikely event that a lawful authority marshals up a bunch of 70 year old men to go ward of alien invaders from Twilight Zone, I will grab for my AR and maybe take a hacksaw to my Mossberg 500. I will leave my lever guns at home because I do not want them getting dirty . Otherwise, I just personally have no interest in ugly aluminum black guns. but, that is me and I support the rest who do find them interesting to own hunt and target shoot. Well, if it is a TRex on the rampage, make mine an 1895 SBL in .45-70 and maybe a .560 Tyrannosaur double barrel stopper for back up .
earlthegoat2
Member
I don’t really like them but I have a few and hunted with one two years in a row in MI.
Thats where I landed with 556 ARs.....I just plink and shoot them for fun. 9mms a lot cheaper for me than 556......but I again personally id pick a different platform just due to preference.
Bigger rounds and losing the brass gets old quick. Ive spent longer looking for a single 458SOCOM brass than anything else I own I think....Found it too, but it took a while.
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WisBorn
Contributing Member
Calling in coyotes, hunting pigs in agriculture fields or under feeders. Yes the AR platform shines....
An AR has always been on my list of rifles to get. Besides money, my main problem was, up until 6 years ago, I was still living in Minnesota. In order to purchase an AR or similar rifle in "that" category, I needed to get a permit to purchase or have a CCW permit. Well moved to Nebraska 6 years ago, and this last Memorial weekend, PSA was having sales and bought a PA10 in .308. I do intend to hunt with this rifle and this is pretty much how it will permanently be setup.
Rifle was about $950 with taxes and FFL fee. Vortex 4-12x40 scope was $250. Vortex cantilever mount was $120. Harris m-lok bipod was $150. Also have a PSA ambidextrous charging handle that I need to install still, that was $80 (plus tax and $5 donation to GOA). So I'm in this rifle just under $1600 (excluding magazines and magazine block offs, and the Plano case). May get a different optic at some point and may get a suppressor, but that's down the line.
Why did I choose an AR-10? Well because I already have a bunch of .308 ammo. Otherwise I probably would've gone the AR-15 route and probably gone with a 5.56/.223 Wylde chamber. But I also wanted one that would be great for deer hunting. I know the right 5.56 bullet will drop deer no problem. However there is always a chance my state will ban this caliber for deer hunting, unlikely but never zero. I know what .308 will and can do. And actually, an AR-10 wasn't my first choice, it was going to be a Savage 10/110 .308 and was going to drop it in an Aluminum chassis, but my wife said do this AR instead.
Rifle was about $950 with taxes and FFL fee. Vortex 4-12x40 scope was $250. Vortex cantilever mount was $120. Harris m-lok bipod was $150. Also have a PSA ambidextrous charging handle that I need to install still, that was $80 (plus tax and $5 donation to GOA). So I'm in this rifle just under $1600 (excluding magazines and magazine block offs, and the Plano case). May get a different optic at some point and may get a suppressor, but that's down the line.
Why did I choose an AR-10? Well because I already have a bunch of .308 ammo. Otherwise I probably would've gone the AR-15 route and probably gone with a 5.56/.223 Wylde chamber. But I also wanted one that would be great for deer hunting. I know the right 5.56 bullet will drop deer no problem. However there is always a chance my state will ban this caliber for deer hunting, unlikely but never zero. I know what .308 will and can do. And actually, an AR-10 wasn't my first choice, it was going to be a Savage 10/110 .308 and was going to drop it in an Aluminum chassis, but my wife said do this AR instead.
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NIGHTLORD40K
Member
I was a late adopter of the AR and .223 cartridge. Grew up on the mantra that "If it ain't Ought-Six, it ain't ****!"
Well, thats all well and good, but Dad never shot those Ought-Sixes much because the ammo was too expensive for his tastes-and that was in the '70s!
We mostly shot .22s and whatever flavor of WW2 foreign surplus fodder he could find for next to nothing at the gunshow.
Then came the "Dark Times" of ammo shortages with every election cycle and the need to stock enough to last 4-8 years of casual plinking without resupply.
All of a sudden, the .223 popgun round makes a lot more sense. About the same the prices on decent ARs dropped to less than a weeks pay and the gun itself became a no-brainer.
Didn't own a single one until 10 years ago. Now, well....it might be more than a passel but probably less than a bushel.
Well, thats all well and good, but Dad never shot those Ought-Sixes much because the ammo was too expensive for his tastes-and that was in the '70s!
We mostly shot .22s and whatever flavor of WW2 foreign surplus fodder he could find for next to nothing at the gunshow.
Then came the "Dark Times" of ammo shortages with every election cycle and the need to stock enough to last 4-8 years of casual plinking without resupply.
All of a sudden, the .223 popgun round makes a lot more sense. About the same the prices on decent ARs dropped to less than a weeks pay and the gun itself became a no-brainer.
Didn't own a single one until 10 years ago. Now, well....it might be more than a passel but probably less than a bushel.
InTheSwamp
Member
With the added benefit of firewood.
I went through basic with an A2. Was issued an M4. I like them. They are tools and mine worked and work now. I must enjoy my suppressed 300 BO. It’s just fun.
That said, when I buy guns now, they are blued steel and wood. And most likely old. I shoot for fun now. I enjoy shooting shotguns and revolvers more. However, when I want, I shoot an AR. I own them because I can and they are useful. They are part of America’s history and my history. I lived through the AWB and I will not be unprepared again. Interest change, but I’ll still have the option.
That said, when I buy guns now, they are blued steel and wood. And most likely old. I shoot for fun now. I enjoy shooting shotguns and revolvers more. However, when I want, I shoot an AR. I own them because I can and they are useful. They are part of America’s history and my history. I lived through the AWB and I will not be unprepared again. Interest change, but I’ll still have the option.
Dr T
Member
I own one, but I don't particularly like it.
It is a Remington R15 VTR with a collapsible stock. It is reasonable accurate--I recall holding 4" groups off hand at 100 yards and sup MOA from the bench. It also has a nice trigger.
But, the way the action works makes the felt recoil a lot higher than I would expect from a 223. Also, the action cycle is loud. While it is easy to get the LOP set, the comb leaves a lot to be desired. A bolt gun, or even my T/C Contender 30-30 is a lot easier to shoot from the bench.
That said, we have some feral hogs showing up in our neighborhood, so I might have to get it out and dust it off.
It is a Remington R15 VTR with a collapsible stock. It is reasonable accurate--I recall holding 4" groups off hand at 100 yards and sup MOA from the bench. It also has a nice trigger.
But, the way the action works makes the felt recoil a lot higher than I would expect from a 223. Also, the action cycle is loud. While it is easy to get the LOP set, the comb leaves a lot to be desired. A bolt gun, or even my T/C Contender 30-30 is a lot easier to shoot from the bench.
That said, we have some feral hogs showing up in our neighborhood, so I might have to get it out and dust it off.
someguy2800
Member
For reasons I can’t articulate I love AR15’s and single shot rifles above all else. 223/556 has always been the least interesting AR caliber to me but I’ve kind of come back around to it. I would argue an AR is probably the most effective varmint platform that exists. The first time you get a double on coyotes is a real eye opener.
People have good success deer hunting with 223 with very careful selection of bullets as well as the typical 300 blackouts snd 6.5 Grendel’s, but beyond that there are some really potent wildcat’s available for AR’s that elevate the power level considerably above the typical stuff availible off the shelf. Stuff like 7mm Valkyrie, 358 yeti, and 45 raptor (yes you can fit a 45 raptor in an AR15, not an AR10). There is a whole world of cartridges possible that most people will never hear of. It makes me laugh when I hear people scoffing at the idea of hunting deer or larger game with an AR “poodle shooter”. I can’t say that it’s really practical to pursue these cartridges but they exist and if you really like the platform they are an option.
People have good success deer hunting with 223 with very careful selection of bullets as well as the typical 300 blackouts snd 6.5 Grendel’s, but beyond that there are some really potent wildcat’s available for AR’s that elevate the power level considerably above the typical stuff availible off the shelf. Stuff like 7mm Valkyrie, 358 yeti, and 45 raptor (yes you can fit a 45 raptor in an AR15, not an AR10). There is a whole world of cartridges possible that most people will never hear of. It makes me laugh when I hear people scoffing at the idea of hunting deer or larger game with an AR “poodle shooter”. I can’t say that it’s really practical to pursue these cartridges but they exist and if you really like the platform they are an option.
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Freudianfloyd
Member
I have 3 right now I think, I have gotten rid of a few over the years. At one point (before they were so popular) I thought they were the holy grail gun. Then after they became popular, my interest changed. I much prefer lever guns to ARs these days.
Full disclosure, I’m an AR-15 fan.
They can be crazy accurate. The AR-15 is the rifle of choice for Service Rifke Competition.
My main Prairie Dog rifle is a 26” heavy barrel AR-15 chambered in 204 Ruger. I use 10 round magazines loaded with 5 rounds. Quick follow up shots but a small limit to help me slow my shooting down.
Larger diameter cartridges can be chambered in the AR-15 such as 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendl, and 300 Blackout. Larger animals can be taken with these rounds but effective range is limited. Suppressed 300 Blackout are frequently used for wild hog hunting in various parts of the country.
But so do are many lever action rifle cartridges have limited effective ranges.
AR-15’s do not have to be just a range plinker.
But, different strokes for different folks.
They can be crazy accurate. The AR-15 is the rifle of choice for Service Rifke Competition.
My main Prairie Dog rifle is a 26” heavy barrel AR-15 chambered in 204 Ruger. I use 10 round magazines loaded with 5 rounds. Quick follow up shots but a small limit to help me slow my shooting down.
Larger diameter cartridges can be chambered in the AR-15 such as 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendl, and 300 Blackout. Larger animals can be taken with these rounds but effective range is limited. Suppressed 300 Blackout are frequently used for wild hog hunting in various parts of the country.
But so do are many lever action rifle cartridges have limited effective ranges.
AR-15’s do not have to be just a range plinker.
But, different strokes for different folks.
.38 Special
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I had one decades ago. It was a very good rifle. Better than I expected, for sure. But I eventually got bored with it and traded it for something else. Pretty unlikely that I'll ever get another one. I don't especially care for their appearance, they don't have any particular historical interest for me, the cartridges for which it is chambered are generally uninteresting to me, and I really hate combing the weeds for brass.
I'm not at all bothered that other people enjoy them, but there you go.
I'm not at all bothered that other people enjoy them, but there you go.
Mauser lover
Member
I hated them until I started shooting them and comparing my performance with other guns to them. I tend to shoot faster, cheaper, better with an AR than anything else yet.
I still think they’re ugly, and I absolutely despise collapsible stocks.
I still think they’re ugly, and I absolutely despise collapsible stocks.
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I own one but they don't intrigue me. I can see how some people find them fun. I was an avid shooter before I joined the military and the M16 seemed like a weird plastic thing to me. However, they are user friendly and accurate. When I go to my range, everyone shooting one seems to have cycling problems and jams.
I have one. An odd beast of an A4 layout. I’m glad I have it and enjoyed piecing it together. The sound of the spring in the stock is a little weird at times. It’s rarely my favorite (right now I’m playing with an old Savage 340 in 222 as my main fling), but always a good option. I sometimes think about building another, maybe in 223, maybe 7.62x39, but it’s always number 2 or 3on the list.
Styx
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I wish you did a poll with age and whether the the member lived in an antigun state or not.
I highly suspect older members and/or members who live in states that add a bunch of red tape in order to own one will make up the overwhelming bulk of members who aren't found of the platform. Those who live in free states and who grew up owning ARs will prefer them simular to how many of the older members will be more found of, what affectionately would call, Fudd firearms (revolvers, lever and bolt actions rifle, etc).
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luv2safari
Member
I've tried 5-6 along the way and could never warm up to cold plastic and all the feel of a pellet rifle when I fired it. I have one that shoots very tight for what these are, and they are accurate autoloaders. I got it six years ago, shot maybe 100 rounds through it, and re-boxed it. It's here with a couple of magazines should a need arise. I have a lot more fun shooting my vintage plain-Jane Savage 340 in 222Rem.
I can understand the attraction for many to trick them out and optimize them, and I also understand that more and more new shooters shoot them. They're reasonably inexpensive as entry level guns, they are fun to Spray n Pray, they shoot where they're pointed, and they're inexpensive to shoot.
Hmmm...maybe I'll dig mine out someday soon, when the weather is nice.
Styx
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To those who say the AR is not a hunting rifle, I do not believe they realize all the different calibers that the platform can be chambered in. They can be had in about any calibers you can think of. They can be used for hunting with a smaller 5 round mag and a hunting round, they can be setup with a longer stainless barrel and a target round for target or long range shooting, they can be setup for self-defense, or they can be set-up in pistol format with handgun to rifle ammo in order to bypass state and federal laws against the usage or carry of rifles. Heck, you can even get a bolt action AR upper and put it on a standard lower. You can go with a direct impingement versus gas piston gas system. You can put a standard AR upper on a lower that doesn't have a pistol grip. You can have a telescoping stock or a fixed stock. You can have wood, polymer, or aluminum furniture depending on your taste. Basically, any and everything you can do with other platforms can be done with the AR's modular platform, and each different setup and caliber an AR is in will offer a completely different experience. Shooting one or two setups is not the equivalent to shooting them all.
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These things are semi auto Thompson Contenders. Another analogy, bit driver like we all have at least three of with a 1000 bits all over the house.
They’re not for everyone though and I can see why, my pet peeve is the adjustable stocks are made for people who can’t reach the top of the refrigerator. I’m 6’3” and feel wadded up trying to use one extended all the way. Of course, my awning is too big as well, that doesn’t help matters. But, it keeps sunburn away.
And the complaints about brass recovery, I’m disgusted. You can buy a grass catcher for the lawn mower, you can buy a brass catcher for your AR. I have both, haven’t purchased hubcaps for the mower yet, haven’t acquired the white tennis shoes and knee socks to earn those.
If you made it past all of the comical pontificating above, only you know what you do and don’t like.
Someguy2800, shoot me a pm, Im interested about the 45 raptor.
They’re not for everyone though and I can see why, my pet peeve is the adjustable stocks are made for people who can’t reach the top of the refrigerator. I’m 6’3” and feel wadded up trying to use one extended all the way. Of course, my awning is too big as well, that doesn’t help matters. But, it keeps sunburn away.
And the complaints about brass recovery, I’m disgusted. You can buy a grass catcher for the lawn mower, you can buy a brass catcher for your AR. I have both, haven’t purchased hubcaps for the mower yet, haven’t acquired the white tennis shoes and knee socks to earn those.
If you made it past all of the comical pontificating above, only you know what you do and don’t like.
Someguy2800, shoot me a pm, Im interested about the 45 raptor.
Stevenvalleyky
Member
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I felt almost exactly like you. I have a bunch of pistols, bolt guns and shotguns but no semi auto rifles. Finally got my first AR a couple weeks ago for 2 reasons. The first is because some of our dear leaders keep saying we shouldnt have them and keep doing their best to make sure we cant. The second is because I have a bad feeling that the violent crime in general and the rioting we saw in 2020 in particular are likely to happen again this coming summer and I dont want to feel undergunned if it comes to my neighborhood. Ill likely buy or build more of them in the future.
AzShooter1
Member
I had one once, I traded an old ?Silverado for it. Liked it a bunch but had to sell all my guns to be able to go to assisted living and they didn't allow guns. Ended up staying in my house and am starting to rebuy my gun collection.
Yes but they dont play well with the side charging uppers i prefer lol.
I also don't really want to have to explain how I missed a shot because my brass catcher got caught on a lava rock
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