Cecil Sharps
Member
why an ar15
because they dominate the market. Mall Ninjas are taking over the country.
because they dominate the market. Mall Ninjas are taking over the country.
Why an AR-15?
- Thread starter coondogger
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wrangler708
Member
For me, it's because I have a list. On this list it says I need to own a firearm that will shoot 5.56 & .223 ammunition. The AR platform, to me, makes the most sense.
RNB65
Member
It's reliable. It's accurate. Ammo is relatively cheap. The ergonomics are superb -- every button, switch, and handle are exactly where they should be. What's not to like?
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Why an AR?
Because there's no other commonly available rifle that is as capable as the AR at the same price point.
Because there's no other commonly available rifle that is as capable as the AR at the same price point.
sixgunner455
Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2006
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- 3,052
Why?
Because Uncle trained me how to use and maintain one. I don't have to think when I pick one up, just grab it, check it, and go. I know what it'll do, and it's comfortable, ergonomic, and does what I need it to.
Honestly. Why not?
Because Uncle trained me how to use and maintain one. I don't have to think when I pick one up, just grab it, check it, and go. I know what it'll do, and it's comfortable, ergonomic, and does what I need it to.
Honestly. Why not?
AR is reliable, durable, accurate, easy to work on, easy to repair, the best design going for recoil management, simple, fun, good ergonomics (I disagree every control is where it needs to be- charging handle & mag release being two examples) and lightweight until the Useless Accessory Magnet is turned on.
But one of the single, largest factors is that ex/former/retired/current servicemen have trained & used one for years. After WWI there was a shift from single shot & lever action rifles to bolt actions. WWII saw a shift from the bolt action to the selfloader, although it was a slow one. We saw a surge in popularity in military style rifles, foreign and domestic until laws and executive orders were passed against importing firearms with "no sporting purpose".
Now that we've seen the sunset of the "Assault Rifle Ban" and more and more warfighters served with the M4 overseas, the popularity of the AR has soared
But one of the single, largest factors is that ex/former/retired/current servicemen have trained & used one for years. After WWI there was a shift from single shot & lever action rifles to bolt actions. WWII saw a shift from the bolt action to the selfloader, although it was a slow one. We saw a surge in popularity in military style rifles, foreign and domestic until laws and executive orders were passed against importing firearms with "no sporting purpose".
Now that we've seen the sunset of the "Assault Rifle Ban" and more and more warfighters served with the M4 overseas, the popularity of the AR has soared
20 million citizens have been trained on the weapon going thru Basic. Millions. It's better understood by the average citizen than ANY other weapon out there.
There are three specific things the design has that improve on previous self loading actions. First, the gas piston action is consolidated in the carrier, no extra parts are exposed or remotely located. Second, the use of a barrel extension to lock the bolt into makes it the lightest, simplest architecture. Modern versions based off the original use polymer lowers and extruded uppers, forged is now considered expensive overkill. The third is the modular pattern of design, the various parts disassemble easily - a two year old can do it.
The result, working within some limits that are actually quite liberal, is a gun that's easier to operate, under stress, than any other in the world. The proof is three gun competition, where any gun in the world is allowed, but the AR reigns top dog. Shotguns and pistols are a much more mixed up and inconsistent situation.
There are three specific things the design has that improve on previous self loading actions. First, the gas piston action is consolidated in the carrier, no extra parts are exposed or remotely located. Second, the use of a barrel extension to lock the bolt into makes it the lightest, simplest architecture. Modern versions based off the original use polymer lowers and extruded uppers, forged is now considered expensive overkill. The third is the modular pattern of design, the various parts disassemble easily - a two year old can do it.
The result, working within some limits that are actually quite liberal, is a gun that's easier to operate, under stress, than any other in the world. The proof is three gun competition, where any gun in the world is allowed, but the AR reigns top dog. Shotguns and pistols are a much more mixed up and inconsistent situation.
Waywatcher
Member
AR-15s are excellent shooting machines.
Accurate as an off-the-shelf bolt action, reliable as any gun can be, ergonomic and well placed controls, modular with easily replaced parts, customizable for one's needed role(s).
Accurate as an off-the-shelf bolt action, reliable as any gun can be, ergonomic and well placed controls, modular with easily replaced parts, customizable for one's needed role(s).
The ultimate erector set, if you can watch a video or look at pictures in a book you can assemble, repair or modify one with a literal handfull of tools. The configurations they can be assembled as are countless and limited only by imagination and certain statutes.
Superb ergonomics, incredible accuracy & versitility, unmatched fun factor. If you can't shoot well with an AR you just plain can't shoot. They may not be everyones cup of tea, but there is no denying that they are extordinarily efficient and effective weapons.
Superb ergonomics, incredible accuracy & versitility, unmatched fun factor. If you can't shoot well with an AR you just plain can't shoot. They may not be everyones cup of tea, but there is no denying that they are extordinarily efficient and effective weapons.
230therapy
Member
AR-15's are popular because they are like Legos for adults.
Bobson
Member
I've seen at least three ARs every single time I've ever been to Ben Avery (not counting when I'm hitting the archery ranges lol). A few times specifically, I noticed close to a dozen.
AR's have matured into a dependable gun that can shoot 0 to 500 yards accurately and consistently. They are fun and you can shoot 300 rounds at a range trip without a bruise on your shoulder (AKA Garand). I got on the boat late because I always remembered my A1 from the military but now on I have two in different configurations. WalMart now carries them and I hope they put one in every home in America.
castingdonkey
Member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2011
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- 194
Off topic then back on. Seems the government likes to strip people of their gun right's over domestic violence. I think if your gonna strip someone of their gun right's then give them a felony. An angry phone call can strip a persons right's for life.
I grew up in california and ar's were banned before I was of age to own one. An older friend who had one let me shoot it and it was all over from there. As soon as I heard I could buy a stripped lower and build one it was on. Thank you George W. Bush for that one thing alone, I will always remember what he did for me and my family. Other things not so much.
I grew up in california and ar's were banned before I was of age to own one. An older friend who had one let me shoot it and it was all over from there. As soon as I heard I could buy a stripped lower and build one it was on. Thank you George W. Bush for that one thing alone, I will always remember what he did for me and my family. Other things not so much.
Damon555
Member
Because I miss more than I hit!
Caution: graphic
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y234/edlafond/June 2011/?action=view¤t=Pdogs.mp4
Caution: graphic
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y234/edlafond/June 2011/?action=view¤t=Pdogs.mp4
C-grunt
Member
I was at Ben Avery on Thursday and there was at least 10 ARs on the line.
RatherNotSay
Member
...in cartridges other than a varmint .223.
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Not sure I understand the objection to .223 as a general-use cartridge. Studies show it is plenty effective for defensive uses, and it works just fine for steel and paper targets. On top of that, it's an extremely economical and, depending on the load, accurate round.
About the only places where I would recommend against using it would be if shooting targets beyond about 400-500 yards, hunting big game*, or shooting He-Man/Heavy Metal Class in 3 Gun.
*In which case, using .223 is likely already prohibited.
While there's certainly a visceral attraction to shooting rifles that fire bigger bullets with more powerful cartridges, the tradeoff in higher cost per round just doesn't make it worth it, unless there is a specific reason for shooting the bigger cartridge. At least, that's how I see it.
RatherNotSay
Member
The ar platform is such a useful tool and the .223 is great for plinking and paper but there are more "useful" rounds like the 6.8spc. With the 6.8 you get more penetrating power and more knock down power at longer distance. The .223 is great but with today's engineering it's somewhat outdated. In terms of "all around performance" there are better choices. As far as cost both are around $1/round so why it would be cost effective to go for a varmint round doesn't appeal to me. They are available here just as much as the 223. In fact Academy Sports & Outdoors has a in-house brand that is cheap and effective in 6.8spc.
However, we are talking about an ar15 here so I don't see the issue with having a .223 and 6.8spc upper.
LongTimeGone
Member
- Joined
- May 27, 2011
- Messages
- 152
It may not be the best but wallies has PMC bronze .223 for $0.26/round in 20 round boxes.
RatherNotSay
Member
is that shipped? isn't the tula like 17cents/round?
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
You can find .223 for well under $1 if you shop around and buy in bulk. Further cost savings can be realized by loading your own.
If costs to buy or reload were equal, 6.8 would very likely be a better choice than .223, but from what I've seen, the cartridge costs more pretty much everywhere. On top of that, you have the added expense of having to use 6.8-specific magazines.
If costs to buy or reload were equal, 6.8 would very likely be a better choice than .223, but from what I've seen, the cartridge costs more pretty much everywhere. On top of that, you have the added expense of having to use 6.8-specific magazines.
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